Best Local Restaurant
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Tropea

West Midlands, Birmingham - Italian - Restaurant - ££

A thrilling taste of Calabria in suburban Birmingham

Overall Rating: Very Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Very Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Very Good

This love letter to Italian regional cooking not only serves its neighbourhood brilliantly, but the fun now extends to an additional bar for counter dining, which provides even more opportunities for socialising. The feel is of a modern refettorio with a sleek navy-blue frontage and a cool, softly lit interior. Brilliant staff go out of their way to make sure everyone has a good time and the food is tailor-made for happy mixing and matching, kicking off with inspired antipasti selections such as Roman-style arancini or burrata with strawberries, pistachio and basil oil. Pasta is a sure-fire hit (pappardelle with rabbit ragù, for example), while main dishes are robust and rustic along the lines of lamb shoulder with braised peas and Tropea onions (of course). Anyone leaving without having bitten into one of the bombolone (filled doughnuts) has missed a textural sensation. Not surprisingly, Italy is the reference point for an approachable wine list with plenty by the glass or cara...

This love letter to Italian regional cooking not only serves its neighbourhood brilliantly, but the fun now extends to an additional bar for counter dining, which provides even more opportunities for socialising. The feel is of a modern refettorio with a sleek navy-blue frontage and a cool, softly lit interior. Brilliant staff go out of their way to make sure everyone has a good time and the food is tailor-made for happy mixing and matching, kicking off with inspired antipasti selections such as Roman-style arancini or burrata with strawberries, pistachio and basil oil. Pasta is a sure-fire hit (pappardelle with rabbit ragù, for example), while main dishes are robust and rustic along the lines of lamb shoulder with braised peas and Tropea onions (of course). Anyone leaving without having bitten into one of the bombolone (filled doughnuts) has missed a textural sensation. Not surprisingly, Italy is the reference point for an approachable wine list with plenty by the glass or carafe; also ask to see the prestigious 'cellar list' of fine vintages.

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S Chand

20 April 2026

Great neighbourhood restaurant with lovely staff and great local atmosphere. Always see and recognise fellow diners and great to chat to some of the team who also live local too. Recently extended so can fit more locals in, and the bar area is perfect to enjoy pre dinner drinks or a snack or two. Outstanding food, and the team always go out their way to make sure you have a great experience.

H Gregory

20 April 2026

The food at Tropea is such high quality. It is fresh, authentic and interesting. There is friendly and personal service from the team there and the combination of these two things gives it a wonderful warm feeling. It’s the perfect place for a casual dinner. Tropea has a spark that the local area would miss if it weren’t there.

L Dolan

19 April 2026

It’s the whole package, incredible food, perfect service and the best tunes, just super chilled vibes. Makes me feel so happy every time I visit.

L Evans

19 April 2026

Beautiful food, amazing atmosphere that feels intimate and cosy, true attention to detail and care paid to each customer such as personalised menus. Best restaurant I’ve been to for gluten free offerings with so much care and attention paid including homemade gluten free pasta and bread. We’ve come back for every celebration time and time again.

A Robinson

9 April 2026

Amazing food and staff. Their chef team work so hard to ensure they have a varied small menu, food is well made and they cater for different dietary needs. The front of house team ensure customers feel special, and they really look after their locals/ regular customers.

A Young

14 August 2025

We were in a group of six friends, and were recommended a variety of dishes covering the whole menu. Every one of the group couldn't stop singing the praises of the food, wine and service. Favourites that day were the fo...
We were in a group of six friends, and were recommended a variety of dishes covering the whole menu. Every one of the group couldn't stop singing the praises of the food, wine and service. Favourites that day were the focaccia, the burrata, the courgette flower and the smoked eel tagliatelle. The focaccia is the best I've ever eaten, and we look forward to it each time we go, along with whatever pasta dishes are on offer. Another regular highlight is the fresh panzanella salad, finishing with th...
We were in a group of six friends, and were recommended a variety of dishes covering the whole menu. Every one of the group couldn't stop singing the praises of the food, wine and service. Favourites that day were the focaccia, the burrata, the courgette flower and the smoked eel tagliatelle. The focaccia is the best I've ever eaten, and we look forward to it each time we go, along with whatever pasta dishes are on offer. Another regular highlight is the fresh panzanella salad, finishing with the best tiramisu I've ever eaten (and I've tried it all over Italy). The service is just right - friendly, helpful, knowledgeable.
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A du Plessis

16 April 2025

Tropea ticks all the boxes - brilliant imaginative cooking, a great menu that never lacks new interest and friendly very well-informed staff who make a great team. Ben and Kasia are wonderful hosts. This is the real deal - lucky Harborne residents to have this outstanding restaurant as their local.

VENUE DETAILS

27 Lordswood Road, Harborne
Birmingham
West Midlands
B17 9RPGB

0121 427 9777

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OTHER INFORMATION

Wheelchair access, Credit card required

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