Date Night Ideas in Birmingham, Including Posh Restaurants
Are you looking for inspiration for date night or a special occasion meal out in Birmingham? I have enjoyed the following restaurants, bars and activities in a date-like setting. Some are posh and ooze class; others are just plain fun and ideal for getting to know each other.
Birmingham has many top restaurants, from posh spots to more budget-friendly options.
Date Night Ideas & Restaurants in Birmingham
Some options I think are fantastic for a 2-person night out in Birmingham. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed spending time at these with my wife, including for special occasions and Valentine’s Day.
Cucina Rustica
On Ludgate Hill in the Jewellery Quarter is Cucina Rustica, a very nice Italian restaurant. Cucina Rustica has a tasteful, spacious interior. They also have a terrace on Ludgate Hill with views up to St Paul’s Church.
They describe themselves as a “stylish Italian restaurant with chalkboard specials, dark wood tables, a bar and an outdoor terrace”. This restaurant is a great place for date night or a special meal out with friends or family. The eatery also serves food all day and is a great place to eat on its terrace on a sunny weekday.
The menu is authentic Italian and features staples you would expect in this type of restaurant, such as pasta dishes and some authentic pizza. The menu also includes fish and meat dishes, as well as vegan options. I highly recommend their lamb shank, cooked with rosemary, tomato, and red wine sauce and served with mashed potatoes. Another dish I really enjoyed was the penne arrabbiata, pasta with spicy sausage, roasted peppers, and tomato sauce.
Dishoom
Dishoom is a restaurant. I’ve heard lots about them, especially their food and recipe book, so I decided to take the plunge. They are just off Victoria Square and have a nice posh Indian-themed dining area; for hot days, they also have a terrace with views. The staff were engaging and very knowledgeable about the restaurant’s food and drink offerings.
For a drink, I enjoyed a large bottle of Kingfisher, which hit the spot. For food, I opted for their Lamb Rara & Roomali Roti, a special at the Birmingham branch, which was flavourful and delicious. They served it with onions, chillies, and lots of flatbread.
Bank
The posh restaurant Bank is at Brindley Place on Central Square, a stone’s throw from the Ikon Gallery. Bank is a contemporary, stylish, posh eatery that will surely impress on a date, whether you’re eating or just out for a drink. The venue offers indoor or outdoor dining; the outdoor area is very comfortable, with big, comfy leather sofas and heating.
Service is always great, and the options are luxurious. The menu is pretty special, serving delights such as tandoori monkfish, one of the nicest meals I have had out. They have a great selection of meats for their grill with interesting provenance. This includes steaks from the UK, Argentina, and Canada, as well as Scottish venison fillet steak.
Big Birmingham Bake
The Big Birmingham Bake is a brilliant concept for pairs to go out and learn to bake in a competitive environment. Basically, participants get all the ingredients and equipment, along with instructions, to bake the dish of the day. Teams compete to make the best-decorated and tastiest version of the dish.
On my visit, it was doughnuts, with a strong focus on appearance. It delighted us to win on the night, but it was a couple’s activity with a difference. The activity was not all baking. There were also drinks to enjoy, including both hot drinks and alcoholic options, and a comfy seating area to socialise in before the event.
Piccolino
Piccolino is a lovely place to visit for a date night. The restaurant is rather posh and has a pleasant location. It’s in Oozells Square in Brindley Place and has a very nice venue. Piccolino offers both indoor and outdoor seating and is a great place to dine on a warm evening.
Their menu has many Italian options, including delicious pasta, fish, and meat. They also offer shareable dishes, including steaks, fish, or antipasti. I opted to share their Tagliata Di Manzo, which is 800g of prime rib on the bone. This was a delicious cut with great flavours. The sharing platter comes with sides and sauces, which were equally delicious, especially the peppercorn.
Their wine list was interesting, with many great options. They also have Moretti on draught as their premium beer option. Overall, this is a fantastic place to dine out, and the service is very attentive.
Damascena Middle Eastern Restaurant
A popular lunchtime eatery in the Temple Row area is Damascena, a Middle Eastern restaurant and coffee shop. The flavours are absolutely delicious and really interesting. Damascena is a great place to dine out for lunch, breakfast, or an afternoon meal. Their stuffed vine leaves make a great starter to share or a side to a main meal.
Their chicken shawarma Arabiya is an enjoyable meal, as is the lamb version. It’s basically meat in flatbread with a side of salad and spicy potatoes. The menu has many meze options, so you can pick and mix, including many for fuul. You can dine inside the restaurant or enjoy your food on their outdoor tables.
Cosy Club
On Bennetts Hill, near New Street Train Station, is The Cosy Club. Cosy is part of a chain of bars, all nicely adorned and offering plenty of comfy seating. The Bennetts Hill branch has loads of comfy sofas and chairs for enjoying a relaxing beer, a glass of wine, or coffee.
Food at the Cosy Club is of a good standard and served in their dining area behind the comprehensive bar. Their sea bass was delicious on the last visit, and I have enjoyed sharing tapas here a few times.
Locanta
Another Jewellery Quarter Italian restaurant that is great for couples, including sitting on their small terrace for lunchtime dates. Locanta is rustic inside, and the staff are friendly.
The food here is great; they offer typical Italian cuisine, tapas options, and a daily special board. Their tapas include delightful meatballs, calamari, and much more. They are always enjoyable, especially when you share a selection. One of the daily specials I thoroughly enjoyed here was the scallop ravioli, a very impressive dish.
On my most recent visit for a special occasion, the owner suggested a fantastic Chardonnay after I informed him of my preferences. We started with a platter of antipasti. They served this with bruschetta.
The meats were chunky, and the olives were delicious. For the main course, the sizzling steaks appealed to me because I love mixed grills. This included beef steak, pork, and chicken breasts on a hot, sizzling plate, served with a red wine gravy. The scallops and king prawns in a creamy sauce, served with rice, were delicious and enhanced the seafood’s delicate flavours.
Hen & Chickens
For lovers of Indian food, look no further than The Hen & Chickens on Constitution Hill. A vibrant place which serves such delicious food and some great IPA beer. They split the restaurant into two parts: an informal bar area at the front and a nicely decorated dining room in the back. My favourite menu item is the sizzling mixed grill served on a hot plate. For those who enjoy a bit of a kick, their Madras is pretty lively.
Tapas Date at Rico Libre
In Digbeth, near the Custard Factory, Rico Libre is a Spanish-style tapas restaurant that serves great food and booze. It is a lovely place for a date night with great drinks and tasty food.
They offer both Spanish wines and beer on their drinks menu. Beer options included the delightful Estrella Galicia, which I enjoyed a few of. Their wine menu was interesting, with some great Spanish options. I highly recommend their Sauvignon Blanc, which has some great flavours. For food, you can choose a variety of tapas options to share. They served these in batches to enhance the dining experience.
They also have a specials board, where I found some delicious pig’s cheeks, apparently the chef’s signature dish. They served these with potatoes and a delicious red wine sauce. Overall, this is a great place to visit for a meal and a great option for a date night in Birmingham. To book or browse the Rico Libre menu, visit their website.
The Old Crown
The oldest pub in Birmingham is a great place to meet up for a meal or drinks. They have a cosy indoor area for a meal out and a pretty garden at the rear of the pub. The Old Crown has a good selection of drinks, including beers and wines.
They also serve good food, including a delicious chicken Milanese. They also have some vegan and vegetarian options on their menu. You can book tables in advance on their website to ensure your date night goes smoothly.
Pitcher & Piano
The Pitcher & Piano in Brindley Place, Birmingham, is also a great date spot, especially the seating area overlooking the canal. The interior is comfortable and contemporary, making it a great place for a cosy drink or a meal out. They have a lovely, extensive drinks menu, including beers and wines. This included the delightful Aspall cider, which I have also enjoyed on a visit to The Pig & Tail.
For starters, we opted for the salt & vinegar fish goujons with a pea and mint dip and a feta cheese bruschetta. Both were tasty and whetted the appetite for the imminent main course. For mains, I had a barbecue pulled pork beef burger with fries. My date opted for the salmon fillet with a warm new potato, basil pesto, and semi-dried tomato salad. Both were tasty and good value IMO.
Fun Date Night in The Chinese Quarter
The Chinese Quarter in Birmingham is an excellent place for a date night. It’s a vibrant, colourful area with lots of great restaurants to choose from. You’ll find an array of Asian cuisine options.
There are also some lovely bars to pop into after dining out, and it’s a fun place to hang out. You can also arrange to watch a show at the Hippodrome in the area.
Albert’s Schloss
Between Victoria Square and Centenary Square is Albert’s Schloss, a lovely place for food or drink. They are a Bavarian-themed bar with lots of options for German beer. They also have a delightful menu, featuring dishes from the Bavarian region. This includes delicious pork knuckles, schnitzel and wurst sausages.
Albert’s Schloss is a very well-presented venue with some great seating options for a quiet meal out. They also have on-theme entertainment in the evenings. We enjoyed our visits here, especially on quieter evenings or afternoons.
Roebuck
The Roebuck is a fun place to visit for a night out on Church Street in the Colmore Business District. It’s a lovely bar with a friendly vibe and comfy seating. They have great drink options, including cocktails, wine, and beer. The Roebuck also has a lovely food menu, including some pub classics. For an evening meal, Friday or Saturday is the better option, as the kitchen closes earlier during the week.