Pushkar Cocktail Bar & Dining is a distinguished Indian restaurant situated in Birmingham's vibrant Broad Street. Renowned for its fusion of traditional Indian flavors with contemporary dining, the restaurant offers an elegant and chic ambiance. The interior boasts plush furnishings, ambient lighting, and a sophisticated color palette, creating a warm and luxurious atmosphere. Guests are welcomed by a stylish cocktail bar, serving a diverse range of classic and innovative cocktails. The menu features a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, alongside gluten-free choices, catering to diverse dietary preferences. Pushkar has received multiple accolades, including the Best Fine Dining award at the Broad Street Awards in 2022 and 2023, and the Best Indian Restaurant in the West Midlands at the English Curry Awards in 2024. The restaurant also offers private dining facilities, making it suitable for special occasions and events.
What each source says
- Google 4.1 1,079
- Open Table 4.4 526
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
- Delicious, Flavorful Food Pushkar offers high-quality Indian cuisine with perfectly balanced spices and unique flavors. Dishes are well-presented, and the menu offers a diverse range of options, including vegetarian, meat, and fish.
- Elegant and Inviting Atmosphere The restaurant features a glamorous and clean decor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Many find the ambiance suitable for both special occasions and casual dining.
- Excellent and Attentive Service The service is frequently described as top-notch, with staff being attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. Servers go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant dining experience, accommodating special requests and providing helpful recommendations.
- High-Quality Cocktails The cocktail bar is a highlight, with a wide selection of well-crafted drinks. Fresh ingredients are used, and the cocktails are frequently praised for their taste and presentation.
- Memorable Special Occasions Pushkar is a great choice for birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations. The restaurant offers personal touches like cards and cakes, making the event feel extra special.
Criticised
- Inconsistent Food Quality Although generally praised, some diners have found the food to be average or too salty. Some dishes have been described as lacking flavor or not meeting expectations for the price.
- Inconsistent Service While many praise the service, some reviewers have experienced slow or inattentive service. Delays in ordering, receiving drinks, or clearing tables have been reported.
- Pricey Menu Dining at Pushkar can be expensive, with some reviewers feeling that the prices are not always justified by the food quality. Starters and certain dishes may be considered overpriced.
- Service Charge Issues A 12.5% service charge is automatically added to the bill, which some customers find excessive, especially if the service is not up to par. There are also concerns about whether the service charge goes to the staff.
- Sound Levels Can Be High The ambient sound level can be quite high, making it difficult to have conversations, especially when the restaurant is busy. This can be a drawback for those seeking a quiet dining experience.
The longer read
Pushkar Cocktail Bar & Dining receives consistently high praise for its food, service, and ambiance, making it a popular choice for special occasions and fine dining experiences. Many reviewers describe the Indian cuisine as exceptional, flavorful, and among the best they've ever had. Diners frequently commend the quality of dishes like butter chicken, lamb chops and various kebabs and curries, with several noting the freshness and unique flavors that distinguish Pushkar from typical Indian restaurants. The option to customize spice levels is also appreciated. The presentation of the food is frequently described as high quality.
The service at Pushkar is a major highlight, with numerous reviewers praising the staff's attentiveness, friendliness, and knowledge. Many reviewers specifically mention staff members by name, highlighting their exceptional service and personalized care. The restaurant is noted for going the extra mile to accommodate requests and make special occasions memorable, often providing unexpected touches like birthday cards and cakes. However, some reviewers have reported inconsistent service, with occasional delays or a lack of attentiveness, particularly when the restaurant is not busy. A few reviewers mentioned the automatic service charge, with one noting it goes to the owners and not the staff.
The ambiance of Pushkar is generally described as opulent, glamorous, and stylish, with a lively bar area. The recent refurbishment has been well-received by many, who find the decor impressive. However, some reviewers find the lighting too dim, making it difficult to read the menu. A few have mentioned that the noise level can be high when the restaurant is crowded. A small number of reviewers have described the restaurant as a little dated. The location on Broad Street is convenient for many, though the restrooms are located outside the restaurant, shared with the neighboring hotel.
While Pushkar is considered more expensive than average Indian restaurants, most reviewers feel the quality of the food and service justifies the price. However, a few reviewers found the prices too high for what they received, citing average food or small portions. The cocktail bar receives positive feedback, with many praising the quality and variety of drinks. Overall, Pushkar is highly recommended for those seeking a special and high-quality Indian dining experience, with a few caveats regarding potential inconsistencies in service and ambiance.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- 0121 643 7978
- Website
- pushkardining.com
| Mon | 17:00 - 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 17:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 17:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 17:00 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 17:00 - 23:00 |
| Sat | 17:00 - 23:00 |
| Sun | 17:00 - 23:00 |
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.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What is the signature Indian dish that showcases the restaurant’s fusion approach at Pushkar Cocktail Bar & Dining?
- Which innovative cocktails are most recommended at Pushkar’s bar and how do they reflect the venue’s style?
- What is the dress code for dining at Pushkar Cocktail Bar & Dining and does it differ for the bar area?
- Can large parties be accommodated at Pushkar Cocktail Bar & Dining and what are the reservation policies for groups?
- What is the typical price range for main courses and cocktails at Pushkar, and how does the quality compare to other Broad Street restaurants?
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.