7 Italian Restaurants in Birmingham For A Night Of Amore
Whether you’re on team pasta or pizza, an Italian restaurant is always a good idea.
Imagine the scene: soft lighting, fine wine from Tuscany, an endless selection of antipasti, and, to top it all off, a juicy tiramisu. You just can’t beat a night of exquisite Italian food and a slice of the dolce vita!
If you’re ready to transport yourself to the Amalfi coast without leaving the city, you’re in the right place. We’re counting down the seven best Italian restaurants in Birmingham to help you plan your next dinner date. Bookmark this page so you never have to trawl through Google Maps again.
Keep reading to get the lowdown on the Italian scene in Birmingham.
1. Cafe LoveLife
First up is Cafe LoveLife, a Mediterranean restaurant based in Digbeth. OK, this pick isn’t 100% Italian, but hear us out. This talented team focuses on recreating the true tastes of the Med with authentic ingredients and recipes.
So, you can enjoy a few Italian plates while sampling fare from nearby countries. Perfect for adventurous eaters and everyone in between!
From fresh Genoa-inspired focaccia to buffalo mozzarella caprese salads that rival that of Rome, you’re spoiled for choice at this eatery. Other popular picks include sea bream fillets, focaccia sandwiches, and sirloin steaks. Veggie, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options are available.
2. Lucarelli
Next on the list is Lucarelli, an independent Italian restaurant based in the Mailbox Birmingham centre. This location strives to bring traditional Italian cuisine to local diners.
Forget fusions and modern renditions. Lucarelli is all about respecting the original recipes and traditions. Authenticity is key here!
Here, you can enjoy pasta, risotto, pizza, and old Italian favourites. Don’t forget to indulge in the antipasti sharing board. This includes cured meats, cheese, focaccia, and more, and serves at least two guests.
Want to eat earlier in the day? Lucarelli also provides lunch and bottomless brunch menus.
3. San Carlo
Searching for a sophisticated Italian restaurant in Birmingham? Get suited and booted and book a table at San Carlo. Established in 1992 in the city, San Carlo strives to offer an elevated dining experience and genuine Italian flavours. Today, the brand owns eateries throughout the country. Make sure you book the Birmingham Temple Street location.
San Carlo is known for its extensive antipasti selection, alongside great mains and wines. This includes prosciutto plates, salads, minestrone, seafood, cheese, and more.
If you're in a large group, you can also order meat and fish sharing boards. Other highlights are Neapolitan pizzas, portions of pasta, and carne plates. Gluten-free options are available.
4. Caffe Di Milano
Restaurant, lounge, bistro. Caffe Di Milano does it all — and in a glamorous Italian style. This swanky dining sport provides an opulent backdrop and plenty of Italian and Mediterranean-inspired meals.
From antipasti plates and pizza to seafood and pasta, all of the classic Italian categories are present on this menu.
Caffe Di Milano also stands out for its drinks list. Whether you want to sip a limoncello spritz or enjoy a glass of Italian chardonnay, you can enjoy a tipple in style. Vegan wines, mocktails, and gluten-free beers are also available.
5. Piccolino
Recognise the name Piccolino? Unlike the other spots on this list, Piccolino is part of an upscale Italian chain. However, don’t write it off. Piccolino serves up a genuine Italian experience with well-crafted plates and age-old recipes.
It also boasts a cocktail bar, an open kitchen, and an alfresco terrace for those sultry summer nights.
When it comes to antipasti in Birmingham, Piccolino is an expert. Prepare to indulge in pan-seared scallops, bruschetta, and carpaccio di fassona. Mains include homemade pasta, bistecca, salads, and Neapolitan pizzas. Italian-style Sunday roasts are also available on the weekends.
6. Riva Blu Birmingham
Located on Temple Row, Riva Blu Birmingham offers the charm of Southern Italy without the baggage of booking a plane ticket. Here, you can sip cocktails and dine on the large alfresco terrace or watch expert chefs prepare your food via the impressive open kitchen. No matter your seat, it’s always an immersive experience at Riva Blu.
All of the best-loved Italian dishes are available here. From flavorful antipasti plates to pizza Napoletana. You can also explore gnocchi, secondi piatti options, grass-fed Angus & Hereford steaks, and more.
Guests can also explore the lunch set menu between 12 to 5 pm. This includes antipasti, second piatti, and a dolce. Molto bene.
7. Pizza Express Birmingham
You can’t beat the classics. Love it or hate it, Pizza Express is a chain that provides reliable Italian comfort food every time. The Bullring-based Birmingham branch is a great spot for some laidback pizzas, pastas, and main dishes.
Don’t forget to download the app, as the brand often gives freebies and discounts. Easy!
Italian Restaurants in Birmingham - Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this list has inspired you to book an Italian night for the near future. You’ll be recreating the spaghetti scene from Lady And The Tramp (1955) in no time. Or not. The choice is yours! Just remember to book ahead to secure your table.