Small Birmingham restaurant named among the best as Michelin says city ‘goes from strength to strength’

It doesn’t seem like two minutes since we reported that Michelin named a Stirchley restaurant among the best in the country, taking the total number of Birmingham restaurants featured in the prestigious guide to 15.

Just a few weeks later, that number had risen to 16, with little Harborne local Cuubo joining the likes of Opheem, Adam’s, Purnells and celebrity favorite Asha on the list. Michelin commented that “Birmingham’s restaurant scene continues to go from strength to strength” in its Best Restaurants Tour for May.

The inspectors added: “Particularly the suburb of Harborne – whose residents now have three Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from within a short walk of each other.”

Read more: The city’s top chef says his favorite place to eat is the “honest” restaurant in the small suburb of Birmingham

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The other two restaurants are Tropea on Lordswood Road and Harborne Kitchen on High Street. Cuubo, the latest addition, is also on the High Street.

The project was previously called QBox, serving the takeaway food that earned them such a good reputation, the community provided £40,000 in funding so chef Dan Sweet could turn the space into a full-fledged restaurant.

Cuubo opened its doors in February to rave reviews. London critic Jay Rayner was amazed by his visit to the small restaurant.

Adding Cuubo to the Michelin Guide, inspectors wrote that the modern British restaurant, which has an Italian influence, had no “unnecessary frippery”.

The guide states: “Adding to the growing food scene in the Birmingham suburb of Harborne is this Kickstarter-funded spot from a local chef. The space is small and stylish with a contemporary bistro feel, while contented diners and a lively soundtrack combine to bring a pleasant buzz to the atmosphere.

“The menu is proudly British and fiercely seasonal, featuring in well-prepared dishes such as a wonderful frozen dessert of rhubarb with peanut brittle and vanilla ice cream. The cooking is all the better for its absence of unnecessary frippery.”

Cuubo is at 49 High Street, Harborne, B17 9NT