The Best Cafes in Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom (2025)

Central Kitchen is our absolute favorite go-to brunch spot in Birmingham! The food is simply delicious (I especially love their English Breakfast and House Omelette). The staff is always super friendly and makes you feel welcome. The service is quick and everything is just perfect. I look forward to visiting again!

Awesome place with the friendliest staff. Came by just before 8am and after a warm welcome I ordered a large flat white and an English breakfast (swapped the tomato for hash brown because I’m not a wrongun). Coffee was on my table in 2 minutes and the breakfast arrived shortly after. Everything tasted great and was brilliant value. Will definitely be back.

Brilliant cafe. Fantastic staff, great conversation and service. Couldn't be more accommodating.

This place is a hidden gem. Oh my goodness. If you're in Birmingham, PLEASE try this restaurant! Undoubtedly the BEST Italian restaurant in Birmingham. I cannot stress this enough! PLEASE TRY THIS PLACE!!! Do not be deceived by the location. The dine-in is simply superb. The specials are so good and the wine is delicious. The staff are friendly and very welcoming!

What a hidden Gem! I must have drove past this place a 1000 times, recommended by a friend and was not disappointed, as authentic an Italian restaurant I've been to in the UK. A lovely welcome by owner upon arrival, super casual and laid back atmosphere. Great friendly service, food was absolutely fantastic. Hands down the best Tiramisu I've ever had. Will definitely be returning.

Hidden gem in a very unusual place. Had lunch there out of curiousity but ended up as our fave resto near our place. Food was made fresh, staff were all italian. Price was reasonable too! Had takeaway the week after and food was well packaged. Definitely a must try!

The most stunning meal with the best service! We had calamari for starters, carbonara and spaghetti and meatballs for mains with cheesy garlic bread on the side. It was hard to choose on the menu because everything sounded delicious!

Stumbled upon this place whilst looking for a late breakfast in Harborne. The food was fantastic, homemade, and delightful. The staff were super friendly and passionate about everything. This is the epitome of hospitality. Can’t wait to go back and try some other dishes.

I've been going to Paul's for a while now as the perfect spot to stop on a day browsing up and down Harborne high street. The atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming, and even when it gets busy the team will do their best to let you know when seating will be available and offer to get in touch to let you know so you can continue shopping while you wait. The food is always amazing, there's a range of items on offer, all day brunch, great lunch options, sweet dishes and cakes, all to suit a range of appetites and dietary requirements. There's so many good options I've often had difficulty deciding and the team have been helpful in helping advise and adapting where possible. Would recommend Paul's to anyone visiting the area!

An amazing establishment, highly recommend if you’re looking for a breakfast/brunch spot. High quality food with authentic homemade twists. Tomatoes were seasoned lovely, the homemade beans were so flavourful and not your typical out the can rubbish. Potato rosti perfectly seasoned, best breakfast Ive had in Birmingham! The hot drinks were top quality too!

The perfect neighbourhood place. I don't live locally and was only stopped by for breakfast but it was really lovely. The food was great, the service was so friendly and it was amazing to be in a place run by people who love it. I wish I could come by more often. If you have the chance to stop by, absolutely do it's worth your time and money.

We drove across Birmingham to visit and were not disappointed. The staff were funny and friendly, the vibe is stylish but relaxing. Our food was delicious and we are already planning to combine our next visit with a treatment at the on site salon!

Rising Cafe is an independent coffee shop that stands out for its exceptional quality and inviting atmosphere. The food menu goes beyond typical coffee shop offerings, featuring freshly made breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. The homemade cakes are also a must-try. The atmosphere at Rising Cafe is relaxed and cozy, making it an ideal place to work or unwind for a few hours. The staff are friendly and efficient, ensuring a pleasant experience. However, it’s worth noting that there are currently no power points or WiFi available, so plan accordingly if you need to work online.

Really lovely food, good price. Friendly staff, nice vibe. Had the chicken & waffles & Philly cheese steak. All cooked really nicely and fresh.

I had the pleasure of dining at Rising Café yesterday, and it was a fantastic experience. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with friendly staff providing excellent customer service. My wife ordered the club chicken sandwich, while I had sourdough bread topped with avocado and a fried egg. Both dishes were absolutely delicious fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Overall, we were thoroughly impressed with the quality of the food and the ambiance of the café. I’m already looking forward to returning and exploring more of their menu. Highly recommend!

went for the Sunday roast and food was amazing. managed to try the lamb and beef which were tender and very flavourful. roast came with sides like roast potatoes, mash, broccoli and carrots which were all prepared very well. the place is also decorated nicely. would recommend and would revisit to try their other menu!

Absolutely wonderful place. From the ambience to the staff to the food. Me and my partner could not fault a thing! We ordered 6 dishes and were stuffed by the end of it. Highly recommend, we will be back for more food in the future for sure! Special shout out to Julian our server, that’s what you call service!

Tasty, healthy food. Great choice of fresh healthy juices and smoothies. Also great cocktail menu. Good service although there was a miscommunication between our server and the kitchen meaning we were missing a meal unfortunately, but it was sorted and we were kindly offered a free drink. Highly recommended.

Absolutely lovely fries. Muffins are huge and delicious. My friends enjoyed their coffees. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Very clean inside and beautiful aesthetics.

For those looking for Middle Eastern cuisine, this coffee shop has various options for brunch, English breakfast and fresh juices. Staff are friendly and professional. Just there is a step which the wheelchairs need assistance to go inside, however, the staff give hand and so helpful.

Oh my goodness! I just had the most incredible meal. The spicy potatoes was simply divine. And the hummas was sooo good! The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the presentation was stunning. I can't wait to go back and try something else! And the service was wonderful bassim was such a sweet and friendly person Highley recommend!

Lovely place! Love the decor and interior design as well as the feel! Came in while waiting for my bus and had to revisit again today. The food is also very nice and presentation was beautiful, very satisfying experience

I recently visited Cafe Elio, and I must say it was an excellent experience. The cakes, especially the cheesecake, are absolutely delicious. The creamy texture and perfect sweetness make it a must-try. Their coffee is also top-notch, with a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the desserts. The prices are very reasonable, which makes it even more appealing. The ambience of the cafe is charming and cozy, with soft pink tones that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. It's a lovely space to relax and enjoy your treats. Overall, I highly recommend visiting Cafe Elio—it's definitely worth the trip!

Elio is a cozy coffee shop across from the BBC in the Mailbox, I always pass on my way to the canalside. A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I finally stopped in for a tea and a flat white, and the barista was super friendly and made us feel right at home. I had the lemon and ginger tea, and I loved how the bits of fruit and roots floated around in the infuser - it was such a hearty drink! Next time we’re back, I’m definitely going to try the carrot cake, a granola bowl or the avo from the menu

Despite being quite busy, the staff were really friendly and accommodating. There was a great selection of cakes, a variety of drinks and the menu was very fresh. I had the Mediterranean salad (I think that’s what it was called) and it was sooo good. Can’t wait to return.

A Haven of Elegance and Excellent Coffee: My First Delight at Elio Cafe My first venture into Elio Cafe, nestled in the heart of the Mailbox, proved to be a truly delightful experience. Stepping inside, I was immediately struck by the sophisticated atmosphere. The interior design is undeniably beautiful, with a clear emphasis on creating a refined space. The high ceilings are a masterstroke, instantly lending an air of grandeur and elegance that elevates the cafe beyond your typical coffee stop. While the artwork adorning the walls and ceilings might be described as simple, its execution and placement are anything but. It's clear a thoughtful hand has curated the decor, achieving a sense of visual harmony that is both calming and aesthetically pleasing. The lighting further enhances this carefully crafted ambiance, creating a warm and inviting glow throughout the cafe. The attention to detail extends to the furniture. The variety of seating options is a testament to the owner's understanding of different customer needs and preferences. Crucially, all the furniture I observed appeared to be of high quality, adding to the overall impression of a well-considered and upscale establishment. It's evident that the owner has invested significant effort in creating a unique and appealing environment, setting Elio Cafe apart from the competition. Although I didn't sample the array of snacks and desserts on offer during this visit, a quick glance at the neighbouring tables was enough to impress. The cakes and pastries looked tempting and clearly well-received, suggesting a high standard of quality in their culinary offerings. My focus on this occasion was the coffee, and I opted for an Americano with milk. I was not disappointed. The coffee was genuinely excellent, possessing a distinct and memorable flavour profile. It had a unique character that hinted at a blend I hadn't encountered before, leaving a lasting positive impression. Beyond the impressive aesthetics and quality coffee, the staff at Elio Cafe truly contribute to the positive experience. Their friendly and courteous demeanour made my visit even more enjoyable. Their attentiveness and welcoming attitude added a layer of warmth to the already pleasant atmosphere. In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Elio Cafe to anyone venturing into the Mailbox or even the wider Birmingham City Centre area. It's more than just a place to grab a coffee; it's an experience. The combination of elegant design, a thoughtfully curated ambiance, excellent coffee, and friendly service makes it well worth a visit. Elio Cafe has certainly earned a spot on my list of go-to cafes in Birmingham.

Came across this coffee place by accident. I had looked it up before but not visited. The staff were excellent, friendly and helpful. I had a fantastic pour-over coffee and the best cinnamon bun ever. Nice comfortable seats with plenty of room. There were quite a few people there and the atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed. Highly recommended.

Genuinely my favorite cafe. Have to come here everytime I visit Birmingham. The coffee is superb, they have a really great selection of beans on sale. All of the desserts they have are something special. They're unique and so so tasty especially the Basque Cheesecake. Love this cafe and would recommend to anyone 🖤

A 'proper' coffee shop - the staff can and do talk about the different coffees they make. Coffee itself is really good, including a decent decaf option. Cakes and cookies were all brilliant too.

The texture of these cakes was pretty good. I can have tasted all of foods and ingredients from cakes no else lost and stayed in the balance. Iced Latte also was a nice choice to order because it tasted smoothy. In general, I prefer a latte with lots of milk but this one was half half (i think so) that it made me satisfied. Then the key point was ice ball to avoiding changing the flavor of latte. All of details showed that the café is pro.

It's a cozy place in the middle of the city with a good atmosphere and vibe. Even though it's always full of people, the staff are super kind. The coffee and the pancakes are really good. They are warm enough to heat you up on a cold day.

They pour the beer without sparklers here and the Pale Brummie turns out to be the best pint of the day. Great service and a worthy entry in the Good Beer Guide. The food offer looks irresistible and I’ll have to return soon to sample it.

Stayed for 3 nights in Birmingham and this is quite possibly the best cafe I've been too. Food is out of this world and the staff have been amazing.

Had a very nice breakfast catching up with some friends. Good food, generous portions, friendly staff, affordable and a nice cozy atmosphere. I'll definitely return!!

Their loaded eggs Benedict is absolutely brilliant. The long walk in the cold to get here was fully worth it. The crew are really nice as well and all of them made me feel very welcome.

This place makes one of the best if not the best chai lattes (with oat milk) that I’ve had. I love that it is an independent store and they have some nice meals on the menu. I had lamb bagel and hash brown fries (see photos and I had takeaway). I didn’t love the sauce that come with it and maybe it’s best to have on a pot in the side. But it was nice nonetheless. Staff are friendly and the venue is a nice place to sit and do work or have a little catch up with a friend but the space isn’t the largest. Only thing I’d warn is that the price, (I paid around £17 for the 3 items but I was able to get the hash browns half price with Independent Birmingham App, so it would have been more ) so it is a bit more on the pricier side but worth a visit still. Card only as a payment too.

I have been coming to Saint Kitchen for over 3 years and this is my space space. My partner and I come here on a Sunday morning, I bring my friends when they come to stay, and I come on my own whenever I have the time. It sounds cheesy but this place is honestly like a warm hug to me. The staff are lovely, the food is absolutely delicious, and the coffee is the best in Birmingham. It’s right next to Saint Paul’s Square which is one of the prettiest spots in Birmingham. You can never get bored of the food because they are always changing up the menu. You know it’s fresh as well because you can see the chefs making it in front of you. I rarely write reviews but am writing this one because this place is just amazing. I love Saint Kitchen so so much ♥️

The local coffee shop, it does a nice smooth flat white, which is the best I have had in Birmingham so far. The service is very quick and friendly. Come in here for a coffee and breakfast on the weekend!