7 of the Best Small Plate Restaurants In Birmingham
Once a hipster obsession, small plate restaurants are now a mainstream dining trend. They are all about sharing and dipping in and out of tasty dishes.
Whether you only fancy a light bite or want to sample plenty of flavours, these restaurants are ideal for a bite with your best friends. But don’t confuse them with tapas restaurants! Tapas are Spanish dishes, whereas small plates can be any cuisine.
Grab your nearest and dearest and prepare for a feast. We’ve hand-picked the best small-plate restaurants in Birmingham you’ll love.
1. Cafe LoveLife
Cafe Lovelife is a Digbeth-based restaurant that offers modern Mediterranean cuisine. Cue authentic recipes, holiday favourites, and plenty of diet options.
Lovelife’s main menu is the evening tapas menu — but don’t be fooled. While this menu has some Spanish influences, it offers a mix of mouth-watering cuisines. From Italian polenta fries and truffle oil to sea bream fillets and chicken chorizo, there’s plenty to explore on this culinary journey.
It gets even better. On Fridays and Sundays, guests can order three plates for £20.
Prefer surprises? Let the expert chefs decide. The Chef’s Selection includes eight dishes chosen by the professionals. Veggie selections are available, alongside meat and fish packages.
2. Plate’s by Purnell’s
Created by Glynn Purnell and his talented team, Plate’s by Purnell’s is a cosy restaurant that serves hearty sharing plates and classic tapas dishes.
If you're looking for something influenced by traditional Spanish cuisine, this restaurant is for you. The dishes include pinxtos (finger foods) such as tomato bread, mozzarella croquettes, and Spanish cheese selections.
Other staples include Spanish meatballs, octopus, aubergine chips, crispy squid, and garlic-infused prawns. Don’t forget a glass of Spanish wine to complement the food!
3. Las Iguanas Temple Street
Las Iguanas is known for its iconic Mexican and South American menu and adventurous 2-for-1 cocktails. But did you know this eatery also serves small plates?
That’s right! In addition to mains, Las Iguanas offers bar snacks and sharing options. Highlights include cheesy Peru fondue, taco-sharing boards, and smoky BBQ chicken wings.
If you can handle the heat, try the hot honey habanero chicken wings or the jalapeno poppers. Both will warm you up no doubt!
4. The Gin Vault
The Gin Vault is one of the trendiest places to sample premium gin in the city, and now you can also enjoy small plates while you sip. A match made in heaven!
The small plates tapas menu at The Gin Vault includes some traditional Spanish flavours and plates from other cuisines. For example, you can opt for classic padron peppers while enjoying Asian bao buns and Cypriot halloumi pieces.
Divine if you want to get creative with your tastebuds or travel around the world via food.
5. All Bar One Brindleyplace
All Bar One Brindleyplace should be in your weekend plans if you fancy some of the best small plates in Birmingham in a buzzing atmosphere.
All Bar One is a go-to spot for cocktails and fun, and the Brindleyplace location even serves up extra canal-side views. Whether celebrating or catching up with friends, a few small plates here is always a good idea.
Popular plates from the All Bar One Menu include duck gyoza, salt-and-pepper calamari, chorizo and halloumi skewers, Argentinian prawns, and beef brisket tacos. Yum.
6. Trentina
Have you ever tried British and Italian fusion food? Well, with Trentina, now you can.
This Jewellery Quarter-based restaurant prides itself on its Italian-inspired menu with British influences. The ingredients are fresh, local, and unforgettably good. Plus, you can read about the farms Trentina works with on its website. Transparency is key here.
From a beetroot and British stracciatella salad to nduja tagliolini, Trentina’s menu oozes innovation. Other popular picks include whipped ricotta, garlic sa;ami, spaghetti and clams, and pappardelle with chestnut mushrooms and gorgonzola.
7. Vagabond Wines
Last, but not at all least, Vagabond Wines is another of the best small plate restaurants in Birmingham locals and tourists should know.
Located in the city centre, this is the first Vagabond restaurant outside of London. It’s a place to taste unique wines, self-pour beers, and enjoy some small plates while relaxing.
Alongside the 100+ wine options, Vagabond Wines has an extensive small plates menu. This features innovative recipes, such as Peruvian octopus, Sicilian sardines, chorizo in Vagabond red wine reduction, port wine-poached pears, and croquetas ibérico.
Focaccia sandwiches, sharing plates, and sides are also available.
The takeaway
Whether you’re looking for classic tapas or hipster-approved small plates, Birmingham’s food scene has options for all palates. Just remember to book before you arrive to secure your spot!
Don’t miss out on the latest Birmingham food news! Read the latest on the Cafe Lovelife blog.