Ella shares her favourite hidden gem restaurants near the uni. From desserts to curries, sushi, and more, discover those delicious spots you don’t want to miss!
The University of Birmingham offers not just academic excellence but also a plethora of culinary experiences waiting to be explored. Whether you're a student, faculty member, or visitor, here's a curated list of my personal favourite dining spots around the University of Birmingham:
A charming dessert restaurant, Ciao Bella, exudes an inviting atmosphere with its gorgeous interior and options of desserts including cakes, milkshakes, waffles, cookie dough, sundaes and gelato. This dessert place is a must; the booths are perfect for eating and chatting with friends and the inspiring quotes on the wall help to clear your mind from the stresses of academia. My personal favourites are the waffles. I'm a simple girl so 'the Bella Bella' does me right every time and I have no need to change my order. The cookie dough (my friend's go-to order) also comes nice and warm with ice cream on the side to balance out the temperatures.
For those craving Middle Eastern flavours, Sphinx Kitchen stands as a beacon of Lebanese and Mediterranean delights. Renowned for its shawarma, falafel, and mezze platters, this establishment offers a flavourful journey through the region's culinary traditions. I had the falafel wrap when I went and I would do it again! The interior also stands as top tier alongside Ciao Bella and the best part is, they're right next to each other! (Maybe not best for your bank account)
Japanese cuisine enthusiasts will find solace in Yakinori, a haven for sushi lovers and admirers of traditional Japanese dishes. I first visited here at the beginning of first year summer and it lingered on my mind all summer while away from university. I ordered chicken & prawn chilli noodles and got to try my friends dishes too as we all ordered something different. My fellow indecisive peers, it's a struggle to only choose one thing here so I'd definitely recommend visiting with a group so that you can all share dishes. They also have a student discounts and there was a lunch time deal last time I checked (which I didn't get because I wanted to order something different aka be picky).
Arguably, better than KFC... Seriously, whatever they put into this chicken is good. Whether indulging in crispy chicken tenders or savoury wraps, Chicking satisfies cravings with its diverse menu. I cannot lie, I stick to the same order of wings and chips and split the bills among friends. Every. Single. Time.
This South Asian restaurant delights with its aromatic curries, tandoori specialties, and an assortment of naan bread that complements the flavourful dishes perfectly. Again with the deals, Dilshads has a 'bring your own drink' offer so you can go to Aldi for a cheap drink and enjoy a hot meal across the road. I had a sports social here and it was a cute vibe to get together for a meal with friends.
Catering to those with a liking for Chinese cuisine, Mr Yummy stands out as a go-to spot for delectable Chinese takeout. From classic stir-fries to steaming bowls of noodles and flavourful rice dishes, this eatery ensures a fulfilling dining experience. The vegetable springs rolls: beautiful. It's the little things sometimes.
Feel free to message me if anything in my blog sparked your interest and you want to talk about it more. I'm always happy to chat :)
I’m a second year Computer Science student and aim to continue my career being a woman in STEM.
