5 ‘’Mamma mia’’ places to experience the taste of Italy

Parla con mangi. What originally means ‘Speak the way you eat’.

It is not unknown that Italians are outstanding chefs. There are so many different dishes, tastes, and aromas from the top to the end of the boot. For quite a small nation, its food has spread around the world and is one of many people’s favourites. If you ask a British person what his favourite food is, pizza and pasta are certainly among the top five. But you don’t have to buy a plane ticket and move to Sicily to enjoy them. I’ll show you three exceptional Italian restaurants in Birmingham that will give you an authentic flavour of Italy.

First on the list is the one and only Lucarelli

The restaurant, which combines the flavours of the north and the south, feels the diversity of regions and aromas.  A beautiful setting for a peaceful evening, catching up with old friends or planning a romantic night. You won’t spend much money, but you’ll get a lot in return. It’s ideal to start with a bottle of wine and a slice of exquisite garlic bread that melts in your mouth. Main courses include classics such as risotto and ravioli, as well as specialities such as Monkfish Agli Agrumi in rich citrus sauce and caramelised zest sauce and Spaghetti Astice with fresh lobster in a garlic and tomato sauce. Although monkfish is my particular favourite, there is no better in town. Finish the evening with limoncello and Lemon Amalfi to give your palette a full flavour of Sicily. You will not be disappointed if you visit here.

Emporio Artari

Let's get coffee! Or if you want to feel like Italian 'Prendiamo un caffe!' Soon you will be able to enjoy your perfect Italian coffee at Emporio Artari in the Touchwood atrium. Touchwood will be the first venue in the UK to house this original Italian brand. They will serve Lucarelli-style Cicchetti meals such as sharing platters, arancini, oven-baked lasagna and panini, as well as a sumptuous Italian-style Afternoon Tea. Diners may also choose a glass of Prosecco or a variety of unique cocktails, which will be presented with great service from highly regarded personnel and bartenders. After a long day of shopping, guests may relax the Italian way (Dolce far niente) with a range of genuine delights.

The Neapolitan king, Rudy’s

Whoever says he doesn’t love pizza is lying! When it comes to delicious pizza, Rudy’s is an inevitable stop. You won’t go wrong with either the most basic margarita or the one with a thousand toppings. The Neapolitan style rules supreme here, with a carefully chosen selection of toppings that let both the base and the accompaniments shine. The puffed-up dough and burnt crust are calling cards for Rudy’s.  A fennel sausage choice, as well as the Carni, a savoury pizza topped with wild boar salami, basil, and extra virgin olive oil, are standouts. This is a terrific spot for a weeknight date or a quick lunch after a long day at work.

The famous San Carlo

An award-winning, family-owned contemporary restaurant known for its delicious food. From perfectly cooked stakes, pasta, pizza, seafood and other Italian dishes. The one thing we like there is exceptional service. When you dip the fresh, warm bread into the exquisite mussel sauce, with the laughing of the real Italian servers, you get a sense of the warmth of Italy. For one minute, you forget that you are in cloudy Birmingham. Their menu really is an explosion of flavours, and most importantly, they use only the freshest ingredients available. San Carlo has become the top spot in Birmingham, so if you are craving some Italian, what are you waiting for?

Gusto Italian

Gusto offers a contemporary Italian menu, with fresh ingredients and simple recipes that let the flavours of your food shine through. Their timeless, classic restaurant and bar make any occasion special – whether it’s date night, a family lunch or a catch-up over cocktails – you’ll have an experience you’ll never forget under olive trees. A great choice to start your dinner is getting Gusto Dough Petals with classic Italian Buratta. Continue with Honey-Glazed Duck & Balsamic or if you want to play safe, you can't go wrong Truffle Bianco or Pepperoni Salsiccia Pizza. To finish with something sweet we absolutely recommed Tiramisu but If you're a coffee addict like every Italian, Classic Affogato will be perfect match for you.

Riva Blu

Experience the true essence of Italian cuisine at Riva Blu, located in Birmingham's heart Temple Street. Sample a host of dishes from their open kitchen - including delicious pizzas, salads and pasta - with their weekly Bottomless Pinza & Spritz lunch deal. Fresh and modern Italian dining, Riba blu serves up the best of Italy’s regional cuisine, or you can choose from one of our classic dishes like Linguine with Seafood or Veal Milanese. Their wine list is always evolving – be sure to ask about all the great options available by the glass or bottle.