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Birmingham Jewellery Quarter’s Italian Restaurant review: Carbs to Crave and the Plates to Pass

Jewellery Quarter (JQ) 
is more than just engagement rings and diamond merchants. Once the workshop of the world, this historic district now houses a massive concentration of independent restaurants that make the city centre chains look like amateur hour. Since JQ is practically my second home, expect plenty more deep dives into the hidden gems tucked away in these red-brick streets in the coming weeks!

The Pasta Perfectionists: Trentina JQ

Trentina JQ
Homemade focaccia
Trentina is a cosy, intimate spot that doesn't try to do everything—it just tries to do pasta perfectly. The menu is small and seasonal, which is always a green flag. Everything I tasted felt incredibly fresh, with ingredients that clearly haven't spent a week in a plastic tub.
Trentina JQ
Nice seafood pasta but portion is a bit small
The downside? The portions are... "polite." You’ll likely find yourself ordering a second plate or a few sides to actually feel full. It’s the kind of place where the quality is good you forgive the size, but your wallet might feel the pinch if you arrive starving.
Trentina JQ
A very tender pork as one of the few non-pasta main on the menu

The Dough Dealers: Otto Pizza

Otto Pizza
Not a typical combination but taste good
If you like your crust with a bit of "personality," Otto is your spot. Using a proper stone oven, they churn out pizzas that lean towards the Sicilian style—thick, chewy, and substantial. While they respect the classic Margherita, they aren't afraid to get weird with toppings. I found some combinations a bit "out there" for my personal taste, but the bake on the dough was flawless. It’s generous, filling, and honest food.

Otto Pizza
Huge tomato salad

The unremarkable one: Pasta Di Piazza

Pasta Di Piazza
A vey average pasta
Despite a high Google rating, this was a "no" from me. It’s a JQ staple, but it feels trapped in a 1990s time warp—and not the good kind. I ordered a tomato mushroom dish only to find canned mushrooms. Using tinned veg as a main ingredient is the ultimate kitchen sin. The portions are huge, but it’s mostly just cheap pasta or rice to mask the lack of quality. It’s basically a high-street chain masquerading as an independent. It is nothing wrong but just too average.
Pasta Di Piazza
Risotto is probably the better one that night


Pasta Di Piazza
I am surprise they served canned mushroom

The New Kid on the Block: Vieni

Keep your eyes peeled for Vieni, a new Sicilian-focused restaurant that landed in 2026. Unlike the others, they offer a full-blown menu beyond just pizza and pasta. It’s currently at the top of my "To-Eat" checklist—stay tuned for the full verdict!


Trentina JQ
Food: 4/5 - High-quality ingredients and expertly cooked pasta.
Service: 4/5 - Knowledgeable and attentive staff.
Decor: 4/5 - Intimate and chic
Value: 3.5/5 - Tasty but small portions; you’ll need to order multiple dishes.
Overall: 4/5 - Great quality, just don't come here on an empty stomach.
Estimated cost: £25.00 – £35.00
Address: 33 Mary St, Birmingham B3 1UD


Otto Pizza
Food: 4/5 - Great chewy dough and interesting topping combos.
Service: 4/5 - Fast, friendly, and efficient.
Decor: 3/5 - Casual, "industrial-cool" vibe.
Value: 4.5/5 - Very generous portions and fair pricing.
Overall: 4/5 - One of the best pizza spots in the city for a filling meal.
Estimated cost: £15.00 – £22.00
Address: 14 Caroline St, Birmingham B3 1TR


Pasta Di Piazza
Food: 3/5 - Canned ingredients and zero complexity; a total letdown.
Service: 3/5 - Average; neither here nor there.
Decor: 3/5 - Traditional Italian "trattoria" look, if a bit dated.
Value: 3.5/5 - Large portions of cheap ingredients aren't a "bargain."
Overall: 3/5 - A very average high street standard Italian restaurant .
Estimated cost: £25.00 – £40.00
Address: 11 Brook St, Birmingham B3 1SA
Labels:
Location: Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, UK

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