6 Best Pizza Places in Birmingham For Vegan or Meaty Slices
*PR: Gifted-only meal
Sian Victoria © - Fiorentina pizza & side salad, Strada, Birmingham
Independent Food Guide to Birmingham's Top Pizza Restaurants
Are you a pizza lover looking for the best places to fulfil your cravings for cheesy and saucy deliciousness in Birmingham? As a self-proclaimed foodie living in Birmingham, I’ll take you on a tour to explore the top pizza places in the city.
Birmingham's pizza scene is diverse, offering traditional Italian-style pizzas to unique and creative toppings inspired by the streets of New York. Located in the West Midlands, Birmingham offers many delicious pizza options that satisfy any craving for any budget and occasion.
Whether you’re a student looking for a cheap and quick slice to refuel before lectures or if you're looking for somewhere to dine and drink the evening away with family and friends, there's somewhere for you on this list.
So, come with me as we look at the best pizza places in Birmingham and take our cravings for melty-sliced goodness to a new level.
1. Rudy's Pizza
Rudy's Pizza Napoletana is a popular pizza restaurant on Bennett's Hill that is often visited by Birmingham bloggers thanks to its perfect location when on the go attending events. It is not just another pizzeria but a slice of Naples in our energetic city in the UK. Rudy's honours the tradition of Neapolitan pizza by making its dough on-site every day and using a thorough 24-hour double fermentation process. The result is a deliciously authentic pizza ready in just a minute, bringing an authentic Italian experience to the West Midlands.
My visits to Rudy's have always been more than just dining. The relaxed neighbourhood vibe makes you feel right at home, whether you're there for a quick bite or settling in for a meal with friends and family. If you're looking to celebrate a special occasion, The Store downstairs offers a private space to hire in Birmingham that combines the comfort of Rudy's with the joy of your gathering.
Rudy's caters to all tastes, offering vegan meals, meaty dishes, and an extensive drinks menu. Its commitment to following Neapolitan traditions in Birmingham makes it a must-visit for pizza lovers. It can often be busy during peak times, so make a booking. Whether you're looking for meaty pleasures or veggie wonders, this pizza place appreciates the universal love for a good pizza.
Sian Victoria © - Arancini, Strada, Birmingham
2. Otto Pizza
Otto Pizza is a hidden gem on Caroline Street near St. Paul's Square in the Jewellery Quarter. This independent restaurant in Birmingham provides an attractive spot for those searching the city for superb and distinctive pizza.
This eaterie offers more than just pizza; it also serves fantastic charcuterie boards, flatbreads to share, and an impressive selection of wines and house cocktails, making it perfect for casual get-togethers and special occasions.
My personal favourite is their vegan pizza option. It is a flavoursome combination of ‘double tomato sauce, sundried tomatoes, capers, garlic, and fresh basil, finished with pangrattato and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil’. And, even though it doesn't have vegan cheese, the flavours are so rich and satisfying that you won't miss it.
Additionally, their homemade Tiramisu is perhaps the creamiest dessert in Birmingham; if you're like me, you'll likely want to help yourself to seconds. Whether dining in or for takeaway, Otto Pizza caters to all, including the little ones, with its thoughtful kid's menu.
Sian Victoria © - Mixed leaf & parmesan salad, Strada, Birmingham
3. Peacer
Located on the city's outskirts in Moseley, Peacer brings a slice of New York to Birmingham with its distinctive take on the famous New York-style pizza. This cosy and laid-back spot on Woodbridge Rd, just a stone's throw away from some of the West Midlands' most historic buildings, has quickly become a go-to for top-notch pizza in Birmingham.
Peacer is an independent pizza place committed to simplicity and quality. Their 20" pizzas, sold by the slice at £4.50 each, adhere to the tradition of great New York pizzerias. Each pizza slice is made with dough prepared in-house through a slow fermentation process and sauces crafted with equal care and attention.
Veggie fans in the city like me will be pleased to know they have chosen to exclude meat and fish from its menu in a bold move. This decision highlights their dedication to offering mouth-watering options for vegetarians and vegans. It challenges the traditional perception of pizza, proving it doesn’t have to be meaty to taste amazing.
Their vegan pizza, a lovely blend of tomato marinara, Cajun mushrooms, red onion, spring onion, and rocket leaves, is a testament to how deliciously satisfying plant-based pizza can be. As someone who enjoys finding vegetarian and vegan food spots in Birmingham, Peacer stands out for its pizza and curated selection of beer, wine, and coffee, ensuring a pleasurable dining experience for all.
Sian Victoria © - Salted caramel ice cream, Strada, Birmingham
4. Stable
The Birmingham Stable offers a welcoming West Country experience in the city centre. This prime spot on John Bright Street near Turtle Bay provides ample seating inside and out, so you can enjoy the urban vibe or cosy up while indulging in the live music that frequently graces this venue.
This alfresco dining place in Birmingham boasts sourdough pizzas topped with homemade San Marzano tomato sauce and soft mozzarella that are nothing short of pizza nirvana. Its commitment to using British-sourced ingredients like Somerset beef and Suffolk chorizo, supporting local farms, and promoting sustainability sets it apart.
The extensive drinks menu features cocktails, over 50 types of cider, craft beers, and even low-alcohol options, ensuring something for everyone. Whether you're here for their fab Bottomless Brunch in Birmingham offer or just dropping by for a quick pizza and cider combo.
The Stable isn’t just a place for pizza lovers. On the menu, you’ll also find tater tots, mac and cheese, and nachos to enjoy in a laid-back atmosphere, making it a standout choice for anyone looking for an American food diner in Birmingham.
Sian Victoria © - Coffee, Strada, Brindleyplace, Birmingham
5. Franco Manca
Franco Manca is a must-visit destination for those who love sourdough pizza. It is located on Bennett's Hill, just a short distance from the busy New Street Station and Birmingham’s main shopping destinations.
At this top pizza restaurant, you can observe the magic of their open kitchen, where skilled chefs passionately prepare your meal. They roll out handmade, slow-rising sourdough to create a crispy and chewy base in all the right places.
If you’re a veggie like me, I’m sure you’ll love their wild mushroom pizza. It is topped with a truffle pesto base, mozzarella, smoked burrata, truffle oil, and fresh basil, resulting in an explosion of rich, earthy flavours on the palate.
Franco Manca offers an unbeatable lunch deal in Birmingham for those who want to enjoy quality food without breaking the bank. A pizza and a soft drink can be bought for just £10, showing you can spend less without sacrificing flavour. Additionally, discounts are available for Blue Light Card holders and students via Unidays, making it even more appealing to dine out in Birmingham on a budget.
Whether you're looking for a quick lunch break during your shopping trip or a cosy dinner spot that caters to vegan and family needs, this authentic Italian pizza place promises an affordable and deliciously satisfying experience.
Sian Victoria © - Coffee, Strada, Brindleyplace, Birmingham
6. Strada (Now Closed)
If you follow my Instagram feed, you might have noticed I'm a huge pizza lover. A few weeks ago, I posted about celebrating National Pizza Day, and it looks like Strada took notice. As a Birmingham food blogger, I was invited to their Italian restaurant in Birmingham to indulge in delicious pizza, and I couldn't say no.
After a tiring day at university, I headed to the Strada restaurant near the International Conference Centre. The staff gave me a window seat with a perfect view of the water's edge at Brindley Place. They welcomed me with a glass of Spumante Brut Prosecco, which was crisp and refreshing and the ideal start to the evening. The restaurant has a modern interior with low-hanging lights, creating a cosy and relaxed atmosphere. So, I was excited to try out the three-course meal they kindly gifted me.
I ordered the 'Arancini' - crispy rice balls with melting mozzarella, served with a spicy tomato passata and aged parmesan. Although I expected the rice balls to be crunchier, the dish did not disappoint. The combination of the rice balls dipped in the sauce with melted parmesan on top was delicious. I'm now craving more parmesan, a cheese I haven't tried much, but the way it was melted in the tomato sauce was mouth-watering. If you had followed me on Twitter, you would have seen how tempted I was to lick the bowl clean!
For my main course, I went for the Fiorentina pizza - a bianca base topped with mozzarella, grilled tender-stem broccoli, baby spinach, and a free-range egg. The stone-baked base was thin with a slightly crunchy crust, which I loved. The mozzarella and parmesan added a nice flavour to the pizza. Although I wasn't sure if I would like broccoli on my pizza, it was surprisingly delicious, especially when dipped in the egg. It was also my first time trying a pizza with an egg in the middle, so I'll have it again, as it's a nice change from my usual Margherita.
I ordered the mixed leaf and parmesan salad with watercress, rocket, baby spinach, parmesan, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar to accompany my pizza. The salad was presented beautifully and had all my favourite greens. However, as I was so focused on the pizza, I kept forgetting about the salad, so next time, I'll go for a smaller pizza with a house salad - perfect for those with smaller appetites.
For dessert, I chose Strada's popular sweet dish - the chocolate fondant - a warm and gooey chocolate pudding with salted caramel ice cream. When I dug my spoon in, warm melted chocolate oozed out, and the salted caramel ice cream was the perfect accompaniment. It was heavenly!
To finish off my lovely afternoon, I enjoyed some of the strongest coffee in Birmingham, which gave me an additional boost to prepare myself for studying for exams for the rest of the day. If you're looking for authentic and delicious pizza, I highly recommend visiting Strada for Italian-style pizza.
To conclude
Along with these mostly independent pizza places in Birmingham, you’ll find well-known chains like Pizza Express that are certainly worth visiting and that further add to the greatly diverse pizza scene in the city.
However, for a slice of something a little more unique, Rudy's serves authentic Neapolitan pizza, Otto creates a twist on traditional pizza recipes, and Peacer offers plant-based pizza options that you’ll certainly want to tuck into. Each visit to these spots is more than just a meal; it's an opportunity to enjoy the love and craft that go into every slice.
So, the next time you're visiting Birmingham and craving pizza, remember these names. Your taste buds, and perhaps your heart, will find a piece of pizza perfection.
*SHOP THE POST
Craft your Brum-inspired pizza night at home with these pizza-themed gifts! Grab a pizza pan cooking dish and a rolling pin to get that perfect crust thickness to start baking. Then, display your finished result on a trendy pizza board paired with a cutter. Or channel your inner pizzaiolo with a countertop pizza oven for restaurant-style results. If you don’t fancy a homemade food adventure, refuel with picking a meal and drink for two offers in Birmingham—the perfect way to end your pizza exploration!