‘The best place to eat in Birmingham’ is closing its doors for a fantastic reason

One of Birmingham’s top-rated restaurants is set to close briefly while it expands in the premises next door. Harborne’s Tropea, which features in the Good Food Guide and the Michelin Guide, will expand to accommodate a further 15 diners and a small bar that will seat four.

Tropea was named the Good Food Guide’s Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year and frequently receives positive reviews from customers and food critics (read our article about it here). The restaurant has a sunny outdoor terrace that will expand to accommodate six more people.

The restaurant has assured customers that it plans to close for as short a time as possible, although specific dates have yet to be announced. Bosses say the extension will allow the restaurant to accommodate regular diners and locals.

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In addition, Tropea will double the size of the kitchen, meaning not only will lunch be available on Fridays, but there will be space for specialized equipment to allow chefs to create homemade gelato, cure interesting meats and add. several types of pasta on the menu.

Former University College Birmingham students Ben Robinson Young and Kasia Piatkowska opened Tropea in 2021, serving Italian-inspired small plates with antipasti, fresh pasta, seafood and regional specialities, including wild boar and fish of the day.

The Michelin Guide says it’s “easy to see why the place is so popular”, celebrating the “Italian ethos of simply delicious cooking” at the “bright neighborhood restaurant”.

As well as endorsing the food, Michelin says: “The Italian wine list is as good as the food, and the buzzing atmosphere and friendly service add to the appeal.”

Locals also appreciate Tropea. Miriam Zouhou said it was “the best place to eat in Birmingham, probably the Midlands” in their five-star review, adding: “The menu is great every time.” Jasmine Boksh added: “I love it every time! Authentic Italian food with intimate and personal service, can’t fault it.”

In a statement, Ben and Kasia said: “Tropea is a true neighborhood restaurant and we are determined to never change that. The extension will have a bar so we can offer our guests a glass of wine or a casual cocktail alongside the counter style dining. .

“Increased seating in the restaurant will mean we can offer walk-in dining for our lovely, regular locals and anyone looking for a last minute fix in Tropea – all while retaining that cozy and intimate feel that Tropea is synonymous with.”