Alam is a multi-cuisine restaurant located at 356 Coventry Road, Small Heath, Birmingham B10 0XE, UK. It offers a diverse menu featuring Indian, Italian, and Asian dishes, including curries, pastas, and burgers. The restaurant is halal-certified and provides vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Alam also features a courtyard with wooden cabins and floating umbrellas, creating a unique outdoor dining experience. The establishment is not part of a large chain.
What each source says
- Google 4.2 3,545
- Tripadvisor 4.0 357
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Beautiful Ambiance and Decor The restaurant boasts a stunning and well-designed interior and exterior, including a glamorous courtyard and garden area, making it a visually appealing dining destination.
- Delicious and Fresh Food Many reviewers praise the high quality and taste of the food, noting that dishes are flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented, with generous portion sizes.
- Excellent Customer Service Numerous reviewers highlight the attentive, friendly, and helpful service provided by the staff, with some mentioning specific staff members by name, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Unique Features The restaurant offers unique features such as heated outdoor pods, a dedicated prayer space, and a shisha area, adding to its appeal and providing a comfortable and accommodating environment.
- Varied Menu Alam offers a wide range of dishes, including Pakistani, Western, and breakfast options, catering to diverse tastes and preferences, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Criticised
- Coffee Quality Concerns Several reviewers have expressed disappointment with the coffee, citing issues such as weakness or lack of flavor, which may deter coffee aficionados.
- Inconsistent Food Quality While many praise the food, some reviewers have noted that certain dishes are average or disappointing, suggesting inconsistency in the quality across the menu.
- Online Ordering System Issues The QR code-based online ordering system can be unstable or inconvenient for some customers, detracting from the dining experience for those who prefer a traditional menu or find the system difficult to use.
- Pricing Can Be High Some reviewers feel that the prices are high compared to other local restaurants, which may make it a less attractive option for budget-conscious diners.
- Service Inconsistencies While many reviewers praise the service, some have experienced disorganized or unfriendly service from certain staff members, leading to a less enjoyable experience.
The longer read
Alam Restaurant receives high praise for its atmosphere, decor, and attentive service, making it a popular choice for both casual outings and special occasions. The restaurant is noted for its beautiful and well-maintained courtyard with heated huts, creating a cozy and visually appealing dining space. Many reviewers describe the interior as stunning and unique, providing a memorable experience beyond just the food. Staff friendliness and attentiveness are consistently highlighted, with several reviewers mentioning specific staff members by name and praising their exceptional service.
The food quality receives generally positive feedback, with several dishes standing out. The lamb chops, biryani, and various curries are frequently mentioned as flavorful and well-prepared. The mixed grill and sharing platters are popular choices for groups, though some reviewers suggest that portion sizes could be larger. Desserts, particularly the lotus cheesecake and French toast, also receive high marks. While the majority of reviews praise the food, some note inconsistencies in certain dishes, such as the chicken steak or lasagne, and suggest focusing on their Pakistani dishes like the Nihari.
Alam offers a diverse menu with Pakistani, Indian and Western options, making it suitable for various preferences. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner services are available, with the Sunday roast being a popular choice. The restaurant also caters to specific needs, such as providing a prayer space and accommodating wheelchair users. The pricing is generally considered reasonable for the quality and experience, although some find certain items to be slightly overpriced.
The ordering system, which relies on a QR code and online menu, receives mixed reviews. While some find it convenient, others find it unstable or prefer a traditional menu for easier browsing. The restaurant's location on the Coventry Road is noted, with some considering it a hidden gem that defies its surroundings with its elegant ambiance. The availability of shisha in the courtyard adds another appealing aspect for some customers. Despite a few isolated negative experiences regarding service or food quality, the overwhelming majority of reviewers express their intention to return, citing the overall positive experience and excellent service as key factors.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 121 242 2543
- Website
- alam-restaurant.com
| Mon | 14:00 - 22:30 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 14:00 - 22:30 |
| Wed | 14:00 - 22:30 |
| Thu | 14:00 - 22:30 |
| Fri | 14:30 - 23:30 |
| Sat | 9:00 - 13:30, 14:00 - 23:30 |
| Sun | 9:00 - 13:30, 14:00 - 22:30 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.2 against a median of 4.6 across the 77 places to eat we hold for Birmingham, where the most-reviewed is The Ivy Temple Row.
Still deciding?
- What are the standout dishes across Indian, Italian, and Asian cuisine at Alam?
- How does the courtyard with wooden cabins and floating umbrellas affect the dining atmosphere at Alam?
- Does Alam provide sufficient halal, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten‑free choices for diverse dietary needs?
- What are the reservation policies and parking facilities like for guests visiting Alam on Coventry Road?
- When is the ideal time of day or season to enjoy Alam’s outdoor courtyard and menu offerings?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.