Buonissimo Restaurant offers fresh, modern Italian cuisine with a strong Mediterranean flair, utilizing organic and free-range produce whenever possible. The menu changes seasonally to showcase the best of local produce. The restaurant provides a relaxed ambiance at moderate prices, with many dishes available in children's portions. Buonissimo is open for lunch Tuesday to Saturday and dinner Monday to Saturday, offering special lunchtime and early dining menus as well as the main à la carte. The upstairs Mediterranean Room can be reserved for private parties from Monday to Thursday.
What each source says
- Open Table 4.8 1,152
- Google 4.6 587
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
- Convenient Location Located in Harborne, Buonissimo is easily accessible and offers local paid parking, making it a convenient choice for diners. It is a neighborhood gem.
- Delicious Authentic Italian Food The restaurant offers a menu of fresh, well-prepared Italian dishes, with many reviewers praising the quality and taste. The menu includes family specialties and is frequently updated with seasonal choices.
- Excellent Service The staff are consistently described as friendly, welcoming, and attentive, contributing to a positive dining experience. They are also helpful with menu options and accommodating to dietary needs.
- Good Value for Money Many reviewers highlight the reasonable prices relative to the high quality of the food and service. The availability of smaller portion sizes is also appreciated by those with smaller appetites.
- Lovely Atmosphere Buonissimo provides a cozy and vibrant ambiance, making it suitable for both special occasions and casual dining. The decor is well-maintained, contributing to the overall pleasant environment.
Criticised
- Bottle Disposal Noise One reviewer mentioned the noise of empty glass bottles being disposed of at the bar which detracts from the atmosphere. The reviewer recommended a quieter method.
- Can Get Noisy The restaurant can get quite busy, especially on weekend evenings, leading to a high noise level. This might not be ideal for those seeking a quiet, intimate dining experience.
- Inconsistent Pace of Service While generally attentive, some diners have experienced the service as being too fast at times, with courses arriving quickly one after another. This can make the meal feel rushed.
- Limited Menu Options for Some The menu may not cater well to vegetarians or those with very specific tastes, as the choices can be limited. There is also no dedicated children's menu.
- Menu Descriptions Lack Detail One reviewer noted that the menu did not adequately describe the spice level of a dish, leading to an unpleasant surprise. This suggests that menu descriptions could be more detailed.
The longer read
Buonissimo Restaurant in Harborne is highly praised for its authentic Italian cuisine, attentive service, and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular choice for both special occasions and regular dining. Many reviewers consistently highlight the quality and freshness of the food, with specific dishes like the pork belly, risotto, and seafood receiving repeated mentions. The menu is considered imaginative and features a good balance of meat, fish, and vegetarian options, with pasta available in starter or main course portions. While some reviewers note the absence of classic Italian-American dishes like pizza, lasagna, and spaghetti bolognese, others appreciate the restaurant's focus on more traditional and high-end Italian fare. Several reviewers mention the restaurant's willingness to accommodate dietary needs and preferences, including offering modifications to dishes. The wine selection is also frequently commended for complementing the food well. Service is a standout feature, with many reviewers describing the staff as friendly, attentive, and professional. The atmosphere is generally described as cozy, warm, and vibrant, although some reviewers note that it can get busy and noisy, especially on Saturday evenings. The restaurant's ambiance is enhanced by its tasteful decor and cleanliness. Buonissimo is also considered to offer good value for money, with reasonable prices for the quality of food and service provided. While some reviewers experienced slightly rushed service during earlier sittings, the overwhelming consensus is that the pace of service is generally well-managed. The restaurant is conveniently located with local paid parking available. Several reviewers express their intention to return, with many being repeat customers who have consistently had positive experiences over the years. A few reviewers have noted slight inconsistencies in specific dishes, such as a change in the sauce accompanying the arancini, but these are isolated incidents and do not detract from the overall positive feedback. The availability of smaller portion sizes is appreciated by some diners. Overall, Buonissimo is highly recommended for those seeking an authentic Italian dining experience with excellent food and service in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- 0121 426 2444
- Website
- buonissimouk.com
| Mon | 17:00 - 22:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 15:00, 17:00 - 22:00 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 15:00, 17:00 - 22:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 15:00, 17:00 - 22:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| 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.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What seasonal dishes are currently highlighted on Buonissimo’s menu?
- What children’s portion options are available on the menu at Buonissimo?
- How do the prices of the lunchtime menu compare to the dinner à la carte options at Buonissimo?
- What is the optimal time of day or week to book a table at Buonissimo for a relaxed experience?
- In what ways does Buonissimo incorporate Mediterranean flavors into its modern Italian cuisine?
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.