Locally born and bred chef-owner Aktar Islam has fashioned a wonderful dining experience at this ever-developing restaurant. A spacious bar and sitting room are cleverly used as a space in which to enjoy snacks and a drink before heading to the dining room and its open kitchen. The series of flavoursome, excellently spiced and carefully balanced dishes are creative, modern takes on Indian recipes. Well-chosen wines from the excellent sommelier are on-hand to accompany.

Adam Stokes’ elegant restaurant feels like it’s been part of the Birmingham dining scene forever. It’s a luxurious place with an art-deco-cum-retro style that includes a smart cocktail bar and a plush dining room. The cooking seamlessly mixes tradition and modernity, offering tried-and-tested combinations in dishes you will recognise in name, but served in ways you’ve probably never encountered. The primary flavours are left uncrowded, with nothing extraneous on the plate.

Housed in a suburban Georgian mansion, Simpsons is a long-standing jewel of the local culinary scene. The knowledge and experience of Chef Luke Tipping shows through in the assured, confident nature of the cooking – and he has the skill to know when to hold back. Dishes are balanced and pure, with subtle modern touches and a pleasing clarity of flavour; be sure to try the signature tapenade bread rolls and delicious soufflés. Service is enthusiastic and brims with personality.

Its idyllic setting is one of Grace & Savour's many draws. Housed in a relatively new building within the Hampton Manor estate, it's a simply beautiful restaurant where the historic meets the contemporary and diners can look out onto the restored Victorian kitchen garden. Some dishes are eye-catching and elaborate in their make-up, while others are defined by their simplicity, and a modern Nordic touch means plenty of preserved elements complementing the outstanding produce.

Located above his father's jewellery shop, this clever conversion provides a warm, relaxing space to show off Tom Shepherd’s talents. It’s a deservedly popular place, offering impressive dishes where flavour is to the fore and every ingredient has a purpose. Desserts are a highlight and could include the likes of 72% Araguani chocolate with crème fraîche, pecan, caramel and sherry. The attentive, enthusiastic team genuinely love their restaurant – and you will too.

The front bar of this charming 19th-century inn makes a cosy place for a beer, while the pretty, foliage-enclosed rear terrace is great for lunch and drinks on a warm day. For dinner, sit in the back room to watch the kitchen team in action, or in the bright, airy former classroom with its eye-catching wall lamps shaped like hand bells. Chef Adam Bennett creates bold, classically based dishes which champion local produce and deliver refined, well-judged combinations.

With its moody colour scheme, informal vibe and rocking soundtrack, this excellently run restaurant offers something a little different. Chef Alex Claridge is known for the originality of his cooking, which is always underpinned by superb ingredients (often aged in-house) and clever balancing of both flavours and textures. Stand-out dishes could include a take on brioche bread and butter pudding with barbecued brassicas. Accompany your menu with a wine flight or creative non-alcoholic pairing.