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Sian Victoria © - Laghi’s Deli, Edgbaston

Italian food places in Birmingham

Within Birmingham city centre, there’s an eatery around every corner destined to catch your eye and please your taste buds – and Italian cuisine reigns supreme. While you can get your fill at the classic Italian restaurant chains, no one does it better than the independently owned Italian restaurants.

The authenticity of their dishes makes the dining experience all that more special.

So, whether it’s a traditional pasta dish you seek or some homemade pizza, listed below are a selection of what I believe are the best Italian restaurants in Birmingham for you to go and explore authentic taste for yourself, of which most are independently owned.

1. San Carlo - Temple Street

Right in the heart of Birmingham on Temple Street, San Carlo draws you in with its vibrant interior and seals the deal as one of the best authentic Italians in the city with its award-winning dishes.

With a menu of over 140 authentic and expertly perfected Italian plates, you can indulge in a selection of Fritti, Insalata and pasta, or try something new with the restaurants own twist on Italian cuisine.

This family-owned restaurant serves every meal with a smile and is never below perfection which is why it’s a dining destination for many A-lister’s visiting the city. As you’ll see upon the walls when entering this fine establishment.

Using only the freshest and finest ingredients, San Carlo’s dishes are elegant, luxurious, and delectable - and certainly worth the price with main dishes being priced around £12. With the ability to choose from a range of carefully crafted menus, you’ll be spoilt for choice upon arrival.

Whether visiting for a special occasion or satisfying a craving for pizza, this authentic restaurant is assured to meet expectations, letting you choose from a full three-course meal set or a small lunch dish. To see more dishes and the overall dining experience, read my three-course meal at San Carlo Birmingham review.

2. Laghi’s Deli - Edgbaston

Sian Victoria © - Laghi's Deli, Birmingham

Located near Five ways, this Edgbaston Village eatery takes authentic Italian dining to the next level, with award-winning dishes of a delectable standard served every day. Ingredients directly from Italy are crafted to perfection in traditional Italian recipes for you to enjoy a meal of your choice with a glass of fine wine.

The comfortable atmosphere of Laghi Deli’s reflects the friendly service you’ll receive the minute you walk in the door. Enjoy an Italian lunch with the family starting from just under £20 for a two-course delight served throughout the week with a choice of pizza or homemade pasta dishes and a moderately priced children’s menu to settle the kids.

There’s something for everyone at Laghi Deli’s, and with the ability to enjoy truly flavoursome Italian cuisine at a reasonable price, it’s a gem in the city that can’t be missed. To see more read my three-course meal at Laghi’s Deli Birmingham.

It was awarded best restaurant of the year in 2019 and has a deliciously tempting deli counter to grab food on the go, making it one of the perfect places for brunch in Birmingham. Serving fresh takeaway sandwiches, deli boards and desserts.

3. Cucina Rustica - Jewellery Quarter

Cucina Rustica is an independent restaurant that brings the flavours of Italy to Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, with fine quality blended into every dish on the extensive menu. There is truly something to please everyone from the traditional pizza and pasta, and enticing specials, with all ingredients being locally sourced and of only the finest standards to ensure their exceptional quality is met.

As it is truly a fine dining experience, prices are a little higher priced to accommodate for the outstanding standard of their traditional cuisine. For those with only a light appetite, antipasti’s can be enjoyed from £6.50, while main dishes are priced around £15 for a meal that will transport you into the heart of Italy.

With dishes set to please all, vegans and vegetarians are spoilt for choice with plant-based dishes continuing to serve up mouth-watering Italian authenticity.

My 29th Birthday was spent sipping on fizz and indulging in mouth-watering coconut cream and jam scones when I visited for a vegan high tea experience. For this reason, Cucina Rustica is undoubtedly one of the best places for afternoon tea in Birmingham especially if you’re looking for an Italian culinary twist and fancy being transported to Italy for a few hours.

4. Gusto Italian – Colmore Row

Sian Victoria © - Gusto Italian, Birmingham

Found upon Colmore Row, home of Birmingham’s business community, Gusto Italian allows you to enjoy the tastes of Italy when visiting either for an indulgent lunch experience or a special occasion dinner. Each of their 12 restaurants across the country offers a night of dining like no other.

You’ll immediately feel at ease within its inviting interior, with warm lights intertwined in exquisite olive tree decorations creating a comforting atmosphere that’s made all the more wonderful by the sensational food and drink you will receive.

An extensive and reasonably priced A La Carte menu allows you to select from a variety of classic Italian dishes to satisfy any craving you may have from authentic Bruschetta to expertly prepared Foccacia.

Main dishes can be experienced from just over £10 bringing you traditional flavours made by those with a passion for authenticity and flavour with every recipe carefully crafted so that you can enjoy a classic pizza dish made on a sourdough base or a delectable creamy carbonara to name a few.

With the ability to experience dishes bursting with flavour and authenticity, Gusto Italian is the perfect choice for those seeking value for money and mouth-watering dining.

5. Bella Italia – New Street

Sian Victoria © - Bella Italia, Birmingham

A name you’ll likely be familiar with, this chain restaurant provides Italian cuisine comparable to restaurants found in the country itself, serving up authentic flavours with every order. With more and more recipes now catering for vegans and vegetarians alike, Bella Italia’s menu has something for everyone while staying true to its Italian-inspired cuisine.

If you’re dining with the family, go all out with a two-course meal from just £13.99 with a choice of traditional tasty pasta dishes and classic Italian recipes followed by several authentic Italian desserts – with the ability to make most meals suitable for your dietary requirement at just a simple request.

Or, if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a night out with friends, pay £15 and explore more wonderful flavours inspired by those who do it best with 2 starter dishes and 2 cocktails to be enjoyed in the laid-back cosy chain restaurant.

This popular child-friendly high-street eatery is not one to be ignored if you’re looking for classic Italian dishes at an affordable price to enjoy with all the family.

6. Pizza Express - Bullring & Brindleyplace

Sian Victoria © - Pizza Express, Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Snow ball dough balls, Pizza Express, Birmingham

When it comes to Italian food. If pizza is what your heart and belly is longing for most, then one of the best pizza places in Birmingham is undoubtedly Pizza Express. You’ll find Pizza Express conveniently located at the Bullring and Brindlyplace. So, you’ll never be too far away from those irresistible cheesy slices of happiness.

Alongside an impressive menu of 46 cheesetastic pizzas to choose from, you’ll also find traditional Italian dishes such as lasagne, calzone Bolognese and pesto pasta as well as contemporary dishes of nourishing superfood bowls.

Don’t worry if you are gluten intolerant because they have a wide variety of gluten-free friendly pizzas. Plus, a dedicated Piccolo menu for children. If you are visiting around Christmas time, you must try the Snowball dough balls they are addictive.

To conclude

There we have it – some of the best Italian cuisine the bustling city of Birmingham can offer based upon my recommendations.

Be sure to give these fantastic local independents and chains support as two favourite places of mine that should be on this list are Osteria Rodizio and Strada which are sadly no longer open. So, the next time you crave pizza and pasta, ensure you visit one of these places or the many other authentic Italian restaurants in Birmingham.

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