Close to the University
Selly Oak
The closest high street to the University is found in Selly Oak, which is the student village.
The main dining options consist of pubs such as the S'Oak (which now offers some tasty and well priced curries), or the Goose (which offers classic cheap pub food, similar to a Wetherspoons).
There are also a couple of small restaurants such as Dilshad, which is a pleasant Indian restaurant, and Kimchi, which is a small restaurant offering Korean food.
One train stop from Selly Oak (or two from University) takes you to Bournville, where you could go for a wood fired pizza at Alicia's, followed by drinks at Attic Brewery (this is a popular outing for Birmingham postgrads).
Harborne
Harborne high street is a 30 minute walk (or 10 minute bus) from the University, but has a good selection of restaurants. The Plough and The Junction are popular gastropubs, for Thai food there's Sabai Sabai, and there's also the Arco Lounge for a variety of food options (and a complementary dessert or glass of wine on Mondays!).
Birmingham City Centre
Around Birmingham City Centre you'll find a number of chain as well as independent restaurants. As with most cities, you can find somewhere like Nando's or Wagamama's for a walk-in, or somewhere like Cosy Club, the Botanist, or Las Iguanas that may prefer (but don't necessarily require) a booking, all within a few minutes walk of New Street station.
Birmingham Christmas Market
The Birmingham Christmas market currently occupies much of the city centre - there are many stalls where you can get food/drink (albeit with prices typical of a Christmas market). You can have your choice of Pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts, and roasted nuts, as well as sweet treats, and various (non-)alcoholic beverages. The 2024 price list was conveniently made available on Birmingham Live.
Birmingham Snow Hill
The Snow Hill area is a 10 minute walk from New Street station, and there are also frequent trains that run between New Street and Snow Hill station.
Indian Brewery
Indian Brewery is situated in a disused railway arch in the snow hill area. It serves indian street food and local beers and ales. The atmosphere is casual and the food and drinks are reasonably priced.
Asha's Indian Fine Dining
Popular with celebrities visiting Birmingham, Asha's offers Indian food but for those with a larger budget. Booking is required.
Brindley Place
At Brindley place you'll find a number of bars and restaurants situated right next to the Birmingham canals, about a 20 minute walk from either New Street of Five Ways train stations.
Mailbox
The mailbox is not far from Brindley place, and is filled with restaurants and bars. For indian cuisine there's Indico Street Kitchen, or you can get italian food at Lucarelli's or Zizzi.
Rudy's Pizza
There are multiple Rudy's pizza restaurants in Birmingham - in addition to the one in Brindley place, there is one in the city centre.
