Indian Cafe Racer- The Wellington — Restaurant in Birmingham

Given the rave reviews I had to see what the fuss was all about for myself. It is located slightly out of town, in the back of the Wellington Pub on the corner of Bromsgrove Street and Bristol Street. Parking can be an issue at times but it's free after 6.00pm around the area. There is a hotel and bar connected with the pub but it has its own dining room and shares the bar. Starting there, they have a large choice of drinks, I really enjoyed my Sharp's Atlantic and the wife her Prosecco Rose. There was a bit of noise possibly coming out from the building works next door but fortunately it stopped just before I was thinking that it was too intrusive. I am really pleased we did, the service couldn't have been better and I do urge all to ask the waiter for a bit more information on the dishes. It's an Indian restaurant and typically the chef will do it his way rather than the more usual and a bit more generic Bangladeshi approach. The dining room is very pleasantly decorated, it's a bit eclectic and comes with an iconic Indian centrepiece. We had a great meal, the chicken in both was superb. Oddly if there was anything that could have been better then I suggest it was the poppadoms and the naan but I am being picky. All was so nice that we also splashed out on kulfi and ras malai desserts which were very good and cheaper than many places. Overall a very enjoyable night and well worth...

I don't really want to write this review because if everyone discovers this place then I might struggle to get in - that's not a risk I really want to take. Everyone in Birmingham is an expert on Indian food, and battles about which restaurant is best rage on through the generations. If dads don't get their favourite choice, they will sulk for up to 6 months, continually pointing out how your restaurant choice caused such a deep, life-threatening disappointment. With that said, I, too, am guilty of taking food extremely seriously. Ridiculously seriously. And the food at Indian Cafe Racer is extremely serious. It's up to you if you take my word or not, but I am suggesting to you that this is something quite special. This is something quite different. Forget the Dishooms or the Moghlis, this food is so crazy good that you will growl at your dining partner to warn them off from eating more than their share. I can't explain how good it is, how fresh it is, how balanced it is, because you need to taste it for yourself. The service is flawless. High-end flawless. Stop yourself from being a know-it-all curry connoisseur and allow the team to advise you on which dishes to choose - they genuinely have your best interests at heart and you will not over order. Before posting this review, I booked the restaurant for the next four weeks, so I am safe - for now. Go. Eat. Cry with joy....

What a fantastic place to dine! It’s no secret that Birmingham does some of the best South Asian cuisine in the UK, so for the Indian Cafe Racer to be one of the best South Asian places i’ve eaten at is saying something. The food isn’t a typical Balti spot and the focus is more on individual ingredients and more nuanced flavours which sets it aside from the competition.

The Gol Gappa (which always arrives first on the table) is the perfect introduction to the menu, bursting with flavour, crunch and a hint of spice to warm you up. Their chilli chicken and chilli paneer is an incredible combination of Indo-Chinese origin and really packs a punch. I’ve had it at a few places but it was spot on here.

Of my 2 visits so far, the stand out dish for me was the South Indian prawn curry. It has the consistency quite similar to dhal but the flavour is something unique in and of itself. I couldn’t stop eating it! It pairs perfectly with a garlic naan.

Service is brilliant, the staff are attentive, friendly and helpful, and are always happy to make recommendations and suggestions. A great combination of fine dining service with a homely touch which in my eyes makes a great duo.

So to sum up, food 10/10, services A1, atmosphere wonderful. What more could you ask for? I think this place is going to do very well and look forward to seeing them grow.

I will be back as many...