9 Spanish Restaurants and Markets in Birmingham (Plus Great Alternatives)
Searching for a Spanish restaurant or market in Birmingham?
Although there aren’t any dedicated Spanish markets in Birmingham yet, there are plenty of international food markets, Latin shops, and Spanish restaurants to bring the taste of Spain to your plate.
Fresh manchego cheese, manzanilla green olives, and Iberico ham are all in your future…
1. BrasilPortu
BrasilPortu is a Brazilian, Portuguese, and Latin butcher and restaurant in Smethwick, 20 minutes west of central Birmingham.
I know what you’re thinking, this isn’t exactly Spanish. But stay with us. The shop offers plenty of flavours that cross over into the Spanish realm, and is often recommended on forums to those seeking Spanish ingredients.
Highlights include fresh sangria, tapas-style dishes, and delicious fresh fish.
2. A La Mexicana
Next up is another popular restaurant 15 minutes west of Birmingham centre: A La Mexicana.
A La Mexicana brings the authentic flavours of Mexico to Brummies. Again, this isn’t a direct match to Spanish cuisine, but it's a great option if you’re looking for a genuine taste of Latin cuisine.
3. Bullring Open Market
If you’d rather hit a market than dine at a Spanish-inspired restaurant, the Bullring Open Market is your best bet for Spanish ingredients in the city.
This market sits right in the heart of the city and hosts 130 different stalls six-days a week. From 9:00am to 5:00pm Tuesday to Saturday you’ll always be able to pop in and shop for fresh produce.
The majority of stalls here are fruit and veg-based. However, international food vendors pop up now and then, so it’s always worth a look.
4. Bar Estilo
Now to one of the most well-known tapas restaurants in Birmingham - Bar Estilo.
This independent Spanish restaurant sits right on Wharfside Street, making it a popular spot for city lunches, evening get togethers, and romantic date nights.
The restaurant has 21 years of history and a sublime Spanish menu. Expect Spanish tortillas, beef meatballs, juicy pork belly, and, of course, paella.
5. Moseley Farmers’ Market
The Moseley Farmers’ Market happens every month in Moseley (a 10-minute drive or a 30-minute train journey from the city centre).
Like most typical farmers’ markets, the Moseley event is usually packed with sourdough stalls, earth-to-shop veggies, and artisan products. But every now and then, international food shops appear, sometimes including authentic Spanish eats.
So, it’s not quite a Spanish market in Birmingham, but it makes for a sweet day trip, and you could stumble upon some Spanish-inspired groceries.
6. Cafe LoveLife
If you’d rather skip shopping and go straight to the mind-blowing flavours, Cafe LoveLife is an awesome pick!
This independent Digbeth-based cafe and restaurant serves up a fusion of Mediterranean foods in a tapas-style dining experience. From patatas bravas with creamy garlic aioli and padron peppers with flaky salt to gambas pil pil and chicken pinchos skewers, you can take a tasting tour around Spain without leaving the city.
Want something a little different? LoveLife also serves up Mediterranean-inspired Sunday Roasts. Impress your foodie friends with something different this weekend.
7. Tapas Revolution Birmingham
Back to Birmingham centre now, with Tapas Revolution Birmingham. This restaurant is an ode to iconic Spanish flavours, and you can find them all within the Grand Central shopping centre.
Tapas Revolution specifically focuses on recipes from Madrid, but you’ll find plenty of the usual suspects on the menu, such as meatballs, ham croquetas, paella, and tortillas.
Worked up an appetite? Alongside tapas sharing dishes, Tapas Revolution Birmingham serves-up big mains and set-menu options. Delish!
8. Plates By Purnell’s
Enjoy classic tapas vibes in Birmingham with Plates By Purnell’s, an independent culinary experience headed by Glynn Purnell.
The menu here includes pintxos (also known as finger food), including mozzarella croquetas, cured meats, spiced beef meatballs, crispy squid, king prawns, patatas braves, and, well, the list just goes on and on!
9. La Plancha
La Plancha sits closer to the Mosely area, but is a must-visit for those seeking Spanish markets in Birmingham.
The menu here offers all of the tapas classics, including vegan and gluten-free alternatives. It’s ideal if you want to sup on fresh ingredients and timeless combinations, no matter your dietary needs.
Just note that lunchtime meals need pre-bookings!
Last Thoughts
While there aren’t any Spanish markets in Birmingham, these Spanish restaurants and international markets make up for the gap in the market.
And who knows? Maybe we’ll see some dedicated markets soon! And I’ll definitely update this article if any appear!
For now, satisfy your craving with Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired tapas at Cafe LoveLife.