Head to the lively suburb of Kings Heath and you’ll find what’s probably Birmingham’s best tapas restaurant.
Byzantium is in York’s Road, a little enclave of wine bars, cosy cafés and, of course, the famous Hare & Hounds pub and music venue. Small and elegantly decorated, it harks back to the exotic Eastern Mediterranean empire with its ornate lamps, religious art and chapel-like seating. The theme carries through to the food, which branches out from the usual Spanish tapas classics such as patatas bravas (although they are all present).
Expect more exotic treats such as zaalouk (£2.95), a delicious aubergine and tomato dip flavoured with cumin and coriander, or chicken souvlaki (£5.95), skewers of grilled chicken with Mediterranean vegetables and tzatziki. The varied wine list is also worth a mention, romping as it does across Europe, with Portuguese and Romanian options to try. You can also get a sparkling spumante (£4.50) hailing from the owner’s own Italian vineyards. Deliciously decadent.