By Maisie Ainsworth

New to Birmingham, or been here for a while and looking for inspiration? Take a look at our complete A-Z of the best independent cafes and restaurants in the city. Including mostly student-budget friendly spots with a few treats in there too for when you’re feeling fancy! Check out @hellobirmingham on Instagram for more.

Akbar’s – A cult Indian restaurant on the Hagley Road famous for its huge family naan breads. Try the ‘For the Hungry’ challenge if you dare!

Buffalo and Rye – Burgers and Wings with the best Chilli-Cheese fries we’ve ever had!

Chung Ying – You can’t miss Chung Ying for the best Cantonese food -voted in the top 3 for Best Chinese Restaurant in Britain.

Digbeth Dining Club – This weekly street food festival has been a definite highlight of our time in Brum. The rotating food trucks means the menu changes every week but there are always plenty of vegan/veggie options.

Eis Cafe – Head here for the best cheat meal you’ve ever had. The freakshakes are unreal.

Faculty – Vibrant coffee shop in the city centre – busy with fresh coffee and tempting sweet treats on display.

Ghetto Golf – The best bit about a round of golf here is sipping the delicious (and excellently named) cocktails around the course. Our favourite? Golfer’s Paradise!

Highfield – If you’re craving a roast dinner, look no further. Save room for the tasty homemade desserts!

Indian Streatery – The amazing offering includes masala fries, pani puri and lamb pakora burgers. Try the grab and go lunch menu too.

Junction – Situated in Harborne, this cozy bar/pub serves great drinks in a great atmosphere perfect for relaxing on a winter’s evening.

Korean Food – This hidden spot in the Asia Asia foodhall has a great menu that’s impossible to choose from. Why not go with friends and try a bit of everything?

Lewis’ of Moseley – Fancy a Sunday morning stroll? Take a walk through Canon Hill Park to Moseley and stop off at Lewis’ for a delicious brunch along the way. 

Medicine – Cannot recommend this bakery and cafe enough! A beautiful spot to work in as it is also an art gallery with rotating work each month. Must try: cronuts.

Natural Bar and Kitchen – a vegan-friendly option which any non-vegan will love too. With a weigh and pay system it also suits those of us with smaller appetites.

Original Patty Men – Amazing burger restaurant in Digbeth – as Brum’s worst kept secret, try to go ‘’off-peak’’ to avoid queues!

Plough in Harborne – A gastropub with great deals during the week, ideal for us students. Head there Mondays for 2-for-1 pizzas (the goat’s cheese and caramelised onion pizza is epic!)

Quarter Horse Coffee – A fabulous secluded study spot with great quality coffee and a wide range of other hot drinks.

Rico Libre – The best tapas in town? Well matched with a game at Ghetto Golf for a lively evening in Digbeth.

St. Paul’s (40) – Since the food festival last year, it was voted the World’s Best Gin Bar 2019!

Tiger Bites Pig – Brand new menu! Must try’s: bao buns and rice bowls (grab whilst hot at this great grab-and-go spot in the city centre!)

University House burritos @ Go Central in University House – undoubtedly some of the best burritos we’ve had in Brum and right on our doorstep! 

Vietnamese Street Kitchen – for when you fancy some authentic Banh Mi or warming Pho, you’re in for a treat!

Warehouse Cafe – Birmingham’s oldest vegetarian and vegan café complete with vegetarian wine and beer. 

Yakinori – We could never miss our beloved Yakinori from the list! Pop into Selly for a post-lecture katsu curry.

Zindiya – A streatery in Moseley serving excellent Indian cuisine. Go for a light bite at lunch, all out dinner or try the High Chai afternoon tea.