Itihaas is a contemporary Indian restaurant located in the heart of Birmingham. The restaurant's decor seamlessly blends modern design with traditional Indian elements, featuring plate glass and slate-finished walls complemented by 18th and 19th-century Indian artifacts, including original paintings, carved stone elephants, and 300-year-old doors. The menu offers a delectable choice of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with influences from North India, Mumbai, Chinese fusion, and Kenya, following the traditions of Mogul and Maharaja India. Signature dishes include the Street Food Thali, a platter of five delicious dishes, and the Dehli Butter Chicken. The restaurant has received numerous accolades, including the 2007 Cobra Good Curry Awards for Best UK Restaurant and the British Curry Awards 2012 for Best Restaurant in the Midlands.
What each source says
- Google 4.3 1,097
- Open Table 4.6 512
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
- Excellent and Accommodating Service Many reviewers praise the attentive and friendly staff who go out of their way to accommodate dietary needs and special requests, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Exceptional Food Quality The restaurant consistently delivers delicious and well-prepared dishes with authentic flavors, particularly noted in their Thali dishes, biryani, and tandoori items.
- Generous Portions The restaurant offers ample portion sizes, making it suitable for sharing or ensuring a satisfying meal for individuals with larger appetites.
- Good for Special Occasions Itihaas is a great choice for celebrating milestones, with staff often making an effort to acknowledge birthdays and celebrations, sometimes including complimentary treats.
- Great Ambiance and Decor The restaurant boasts a visually appealing and authentic atmosphere, often described as being like a 'Maharaj Mahal,' providing a memorable dining experience.
Criticised
- Dietary Information Accessibility The absence of readily available dietary information (allergies, halal, vegetarian) on the website or upon entry can be inconvenient for customers with specific dietary requirements.
- High Prices The prices are noticeably higher compared to other restaurants, which may not suit budget-conscious diners, especially considering the curry and biryani dishes.
- Inconsistent Service Speed Some reviewers have experienced slow service, particularly when waiting for orders, drinks, or the bill, which can detract from the overall experience.
- Noise Levels The restaurant can get quite noisy, potentially impacting the dining experience for those seeking a quiet and intimate atmosphere.
- Service Lapses Despite generally positive comments, occasional lapses in service quality were noted, including uncomfortable jokes from staff and delays in attending to tables.
The longer read
Itihaas receives high praise for its food quality, described as delicious, authentic, and well-seasoned, with many reviewers stating it's among the best Indian food they've had in the UK. Several reviewers specifically recommend the butter chicken, biryani, and chaat starters. The Thali dishes and Himalayan Fire Ribs are also frequently highlighted as exceptional. Many appreciate the generous portion sizes. The restaurant is also noted for accommodating dietary preferences and allergies, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free needs. The staff is consistently described as friendly, welcoming, attentive, and going out of their way to ensure a pleasant dining experience, with specific staff members (Jasi, Lavesh, Asma, Saroj) receiving individual praise. Reviewers frequently commend the restaurant's ambience and decor, describing it as authentic, beautiful, and reminiscent of a Maharaja Mahal, creating a special and memorable atmosphere. Many find the restaurant suitable for special occasions like birthdays, with staff often providing complimentary surprises like cheesecake. While some reviewers consider the prices relatively high, many believe the quality of the food, service, and overall experience justifies the cost, deeming it good value for money. Several reviewers highlighted the location as convenient, especially for those near the canal, with parking available nearby. However, parking may require payment until 6 PM. While the majority of experiences are positive, some reviewers have mentioned occasional slow service, inattentive staff (at least initially), and high noise levels. One reviewer expressed disappointment with the food presentation, taste, and customer service, but this appears to be an outlier compared to the overall positive sentiment. A few reviewers mentioned that some dishes were overpriced for the portion size. Some reviewers also mentioned the need for more detailed dietary information readily available.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- 0121 212 3383
- Website
- itihaas.co.uk
| Mon | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tue | 16:00 - 22:30 |
| Wed | 16:00 - 22:30 |
| Thu | 16:00 - 22:30 |
| Fri | 13:00 - 22:30 |
| Sat | 13:00 - 22:30 |
| Sun | 13:00 - 22:30 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.4 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 are the signature dishes at Itihaas that showcase its blend of North Indian, Mumbai, Chinese fusion, and Kenyan influences?
- How does the mix of modern design, slate walls, and 300‑year‑old Indian artifacts contribute to the dining atmosphere at Itihaas?
- Does Itihaas provide a substantial vegetarian menu and are there any standout plant‑based dishes?
- What is the best way to secure a table at Itihaas, and does the restaurant accept walk‑ins or only bookings?
- What is the typical price range for a main course at Itihaas and does it offer good value for the quality and ambiance?
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.