RESTAURANTS

Restaurants

Opus	$$$$$ | British

Renowned for its organic seasonal cuisine, Opus Restaurant is ideal for a sophisticated lunch or refined dinner. Boasting a mouth-watering British menu, patrons at Opus Restaurant can expect to see a changing daily menu dictated by the whims of the fresh produce market. Serving contemporary dishes oozing with gourmet excellence, the restaurant is renowned for its free-range meat, homemade bread, freshly caught wild fish and impressive wine menu. The décor at Opus exudes a contemporary elegance, the soft grey and white fabrics adorning the tables, complimented by blush walls and modern lighting. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner and dinner only on Saturday.

Address: 54 Cormwall Street; Telephone: (0)121 200 2323

Al Frash Balti Restaurant

$$$$$ | Indian

Birmingham Balti specialist, Al Frash has earned its reputation largely by word of mouth. A modern, slick and simply decorated restaurant, the aromatic Kashmiri dishes take centre stage here. Serving up the best Balti in town, Chef Azam has been carefully preparing his renowned Balti dishes and curries for over six years. Be prepared for huge Nan breads and delicately infused flavours, not to mention attentive service. The restaurant is unlicensed so guests are advised to bring their own alcoholic refreshments. Open for dinner daily.

Address: 186 Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook; Telephone: (0)121 753 3120

Caf� Ikon

$$$$$ | Spanish

Housed in the trendy Ikon Gallery complex, overlooking the canal areas, Café Ikon is the ideal venue for a relaxed lunch and pre theatre snack. Specialising in tapas and Spanish cuisine sourced directly from local suppliers, guests get to select from an authentic and exhaustive tapas menu. A chic urban café ambiance resonates and is complimented by an international wine list and carefully presented food. Choose from the five different types of Paella or get adventurous with the selection of meat, seafood and vegetarian tapas dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Closes at 6pm on Sunday.

Address: 1 Oozells Square, Brindley Place; Telephone: (0)121 248 3226

Itihaas Indian Restaurant

$$$$$ | Indian

Awarded the Best Indian Restaurant in the UK at the 2007/8 Cobra Good Curry Guide, Itihaas is where contemporary dining meets traditional cuisine. Impeccable service, sophisticated décor and gourmet Indian food combine to create a memorable dining experience. Young entrepreneur Raj Rana says the restaurant is the materialisation of his mantra, an old Indian custom, which translates into 'the guest is God'. Recommended meals include the lamb meatballs starter, delicately spiced with cardamom and cloves and for mains the khari maha jhinga, king prawns, pan fried and marinated in a thick masala gravy. Itihaas is open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday and dinner only on Saturday and Sunday.

Address: 18 Fleet Street; Telephone: (0)121 212 3383

Simpsons

$$$$$ | French

This Michelin Star restaurant is renowned for both its fresh ingredients and inventive menu. Set in a picturesque garden setting, the restaurant overlooks rolling lawns and resonates a warm café atmosphere, ideal for a summer lunch or heart-warming evening meal in the death of winter. Offering both set menus and ordering a la carte, guests will be impressed by the seasonal variety. The summer menu boasts a tarte fine of Cornish mackerel, fennel salad, parmesan cheese, marinated tomato, black olives and basil. Any fish is a good idea for a mains, the Carpaccio of organic salmon, with chilli ginger dressing, spring onions and mustard cress taking the cake. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Address: 20 Highfield Road, Edgbaston; Telephone: (0)121 454 3434