Opheem, situated in Birmingham's city centre, is renowned for its innovative approach to Indian cuisine. Chef-owner Aktar Islam, a Birmingham native, opened the restaurant in 2018, aiming to redefine traditional Indian dishes by incorporating modern European techniques. The menu features progressive Indian cuisine, with dishes like Achaari Pink Fir Potatoes, which are prepared using multiple contemporary methods to achieve unique textures and flavors. In February 2024, Opheem was awarded its second Michelin star, making it the first restaurant in Birmingham to receive this honor. The dining experience is complemented by a spacious bar and sitting room, leading to a dining area with an open kitchen, allowing guests to observe the culinary process firsthand.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Attentive and Knowledgeable Staff The staff are professional, attentive, and knowledgeable, explaining each dish well while maintaining a friendly and approachable demeanor. They offer personalized touches, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Exceptional Tasting Menu The restaurant offers a multi-course tasting menu that is full of gastronomical surprises with delicate infusions of Indian flavors, providing a unique and memorable dining experience.
- High-Quality Food Presentation Each dish is meticulously presented with attention to detail, showcasing the chef's creativity and skill. The visual appeal of the food adds to the overall enjoyment of the meal.
- Relaxing Lounge Setting The restaurant features a stunning lounge area where guests can enjoy drinks and snacks before and after their meal, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
- Unique Halal Fine Dining Experience Opheem offers a rare opportunity to experience halal fine dining, with a menu that features familiar South Asian flavors prepared in a progressive and gastronomical way.
Criticised
- Chef Presentation Interruptions Some chefs may begin speaking about the dish before all diners have been fully served, potentially distracting from the final plating experience.
- Difficult to Get Reservations Due to its popularity, securing a reservation, especially on weekends, can be challenging and may require booking well in advance.
- High Cost Dining at Opheem can be quite costly, making it a significant expense for a meal.
- Inconsistent Mocktail Variety The non-alcoholic mocktail options may lack variety, with some flavors being less impressive than others.
- Uncomfortable Seating Some reviewers have found the seating in the lounge and dining areas to be uncomfortable, detracting from the overall experience.
The longer read
Opheem receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with many diners calling it one of the best meals they've ever had. A significant number of reviewers highlight the exceptional and attentive service, describing the staff as knowledgeable, professional, and friendly. Several reviewers specifically mention the attentiveness without being intrusive, creating a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere. Multiple reviewers also comment on the opportunity to interact with head chef Aktar Islam, who often personally serves dishes and interacts with diners, adding a special touch to the experience. The restaurant's ambiance, including the lounge area, mood lighting, interior design, and cleanliness, also receive praise. Many reviewers enjoyed the option of starting and ending their meal in the lounge. The innovative and complex Indian-inspired tasting menu is a consistent highlight. Reviewers consistently praise the unique flavor combinations, textures, and presentation of each dish. Many mention the snacks and amuse-bouche as being particularly impressive, packing intense flavors into small bites. Several reviewers specifically highlight standout dishes such as the carrots, potato dish, and mint chocolate dessert. The quality of ingredients and perfect seasoning are also frequently mentioned. Several reviewers appreciate Opheem's ability to cater to halal dietary needs without compromising the fine dining experience. They commend the restaurant for offering a fully halal menu with familiar South Asian flavors presented in a refined and innovative way. Several reviewers who are of South Asian descent express a particular sense of pride in the restaurant's representation of their culinary heritage. The tasting menu is described as a journey, with each course offering a new and exciting experience. Reviewers consistently recommend the tasting menu for a comprehensive culinary exploration. While the cost is noted as significant, most reviewers feel the experience is worth the price. Advance booking is essential, with some reviewers booking months in advance to secure a table, especially for weekends. A few reviewers mention minor issues such as uncomfortable seating in the lounge and dining area, or the lack of variety in non-alcoholic mocktails, but these are outweighed by the overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the food, service, and overall experience.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 121 201 3377
- Website
- opheem.com
| Mon | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tue | Closed |
| Wed | 17:30 - 21:30 |
| Thu | 17:30 - 21:30 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 13:00, 17:30 - 21:30 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 13:00, 17:30 - 21:30 |
| Sun | Closed |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.7 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 signature dishes at Opheem and what makes them special?
- Does Opheem have a specific dress code that diners should follow?
- What is the typical price range for a meal at Opheem and is it good value for money?
- How does Opheem’s dining experience differ from other high-end restaurants in Birmingham?
- How far in advance should I book a table at Opheem, and are there peak times?
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.