7 Tapas Restaurants in Birmingham For A Culinary Getaway
What to do when you can’t choose? Go for tapas, of course!
Tapas, literally translating to ‘small dish,’ is all about trying different dishes and enjoying the vibrant flavours of Spain and the Mediterranean. From pan con tomate and padron peppers to jamon Iberico, tapas has something for every foodie.
If you’re searching for a taste of Spain, we’re here to help. We’ve rounded up the best tapas restaurants in Birmingham so you can graze on classics, sip fresh wine, and recreate the feeling of a holiday without leaving the UK. Grab your sunnies, and let’s start exploring.
7 Tapas Restaurants in Birmingham You Need To Try
Fancy a routine tapas experience? Or are you curious about tapas with a twist? No matter your style, Birmingham’s food scene is ready to rock your taste buds.
1. Tapas Revolution Birmingham
Tucked inside the Grand Central shopping centre, Tapas Revolution creates a small slice of Spain in the middle of the Midlands. This restaurant is dedicated to classic Spanish tapas dishes from Madrid and stocks plenty of mouth-watering cervezas and wines. Perfect for a few drinks and a catch-up with mates!
Popular tapas picks at Tapas Revolution include croquetas de jamon, albondigas en salsa, calamares fritos, tortilla de patatas, ensalada de tomates, and gambas al ajillo. Alongside small plates, you can also go big with mainds and paella plates. The choice is yours!
2. Bar Estilo
If you’re keen to try tapas at an independent restaurant, Bar Estilo on Wharfside Street could be your match. This restaurant is inspired by a love of Spain’s relaxed dining culture, and the owners wanted to bring this attitude to Birmingham. There’s no stress in this space! Just good food and plenty of cocktails.
With 21 years of experience, Bar Estilo has perfected its menu. Key tapas dishes here include pork belly, beef meatballs, halloumi fritters, Spanish tortillas, calamari, and paella. You can also opt for a tapas-inspired burger or a fusion dish. Dining in the day? Bar Estilo also provides weekday lunchtime specials and set tapas menus. Easy.
3. Cafe LoveLife
Cafe LoveLife is a Digbeth-based social dining restaurant committed to providing an authentic Mediterranean experience. From fresh ingredients to traditional recipes, this team is on a mission to help you feel the sea breeze while you snack. So, if you fancy tapas with a modern feel, this is the place for you.
The Meze tapas menu at Cafe LoveLife has classics like patatas bravas and gambas pil pil. But you’ll also spot influences from Italy and Greece. For example, you can opt for buffalo mozzarella caprese or labneh with confit garlic and wildflower honey. Mains include lamb koftes, chicken pintxo skewers, and spinach and pea falafel.
4. La Plancha
Located a little further out of the city centre, Moseley-based La Plancha is worth the extra 15-minute journey. This locally-owned tapas restaurant boasts a packed tapas menu with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Ideal for groups with different dietary requirements.
Hot and cold tapas are served here. Hot options include chicken pan-fried in chilli, homemade meatballs, and sauteed garlic mushrooms. Cold favourites are piquillo peppers and feta, cheese and quince jelly, and Serrano cured ham. Fancy a tipple? La Plancha also has a wine list with plenty of authentic Spanish bottles. Bottoms up.
5. Plates By Purnell’s
Back into the city centre now, Plates By Purnell’s is another must-visit for lovers of tapas and Spanish culture. Owned and operated by Gynn Purnell, this is a cosy restaurant dedicated to curating a genuine Spanish vibe with high-quality recipes, excellent drinks, and a laid back atmosphere.
The menu at this joint includes pintxos (finger food), meats, vegetarian dishes, seafood plates, and desserts. Vegan options are available, so don’t worry if you’re looking for plant-powered tapas. This place has it all.
6. Arco Lounge
Another spot that’s technically outside Birmingham but worth a visit is Harborn-based Arco Lounge, which provides plenty of tapas dishes and the chance to try a tapas board deal. It has three popular plates for £13.25. If you’re ready to try something new in a low-key environment, Arco Lounge is the place for you.
Tapas dishes here include traditional options like patatas bravas and black bean quesadillas. However, you can also order international-inspired fare, such as maple BBQ fried chicken wings, edamame guacamole, and Korean king prawns.
7. Rico Libre
Lastly on our tapas-tour of Birmingham, we arrive at Rico Libre. This funky tapas restaurant provides all of the popular tapas dishes in a vibrant environment. You can also pair your meal with unique cocktails, wines, beers. Delish!
Alongside house wines and drinks, Rico Libre lets you bring your own bottle. The team will chill it and serve it with the restaurant's glassware, but you’ll have to pay a £4 corkage fee. This one’s for all amateur wine enthusiasts!
Tapas in Birmingham - Fiesta Time!
Desperate for a holiday? Escape to Spain with these seven tapas restaurants. Each provides an individual experience, so you can line up plenty of dinner dates while sampling them all. It’s a tapas lover's dream.