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The Two-Star Titan: Is Opheem Still the King of the West Midlands in 2026?

If the Birmingham food scene had a throne, 
Opheem would be sitting on it. As the only restaurant in the West Midlands to boast two Michelin stars, it’s the crown jewel of city dining. The man behind the magic is Aktar Islam, a local legend who started working in his father’s restaurant at age 13 and famously won Gordon Ramsay’s The F Word.
Opheem
Beautifully baked bread
Aktar’s journey hasn’t been without a few "closed doors," though. While Opheem (opened in 2018) has been a runaway success, his other ventures like the Italian spot Legna and the Argentine steakhouse Pulperia both shuttered between 2020 and 2022 due to development issues and the post-pandemic climate. It seems his focus is now purely on making Opheem a world-class destination—and it shows.
Opheem
Great lamb cutlet
The experience starts in the sleek lounge with a parade of Indian-inspired snacks. They are undeniably pretty and punchy, but I have to agree with the "deja vu" feeling—after the third or fourth one, the flavour profiles start to blend together. Once you’re moved to the main dining room, the open kitchen provides a great "dinner and a show" vibe.

Opheem
Potato cooked in different ways and finish nicely
Aloo Tuk (potato course) was an absolute masterclass in elevating the humble spud; it was a "knickerbocker glory" of textures featuring pink fir potatoes prepared in three different ways. Each bite delivered a perfect balance of tamarind tang and mango sweetness that made it arguably the most memorable dish of the night.

Opheem
Indian inspired snacks

The highlight? The bread course. A laminated, flaky paratha served with pâté-like spreads that’ll make you want to lick the plate. Now, some might call it "bold" to serve bread as a standalone course in a 2-star tasting menu (and yes, it’s a great way to keep food costs down!), but when the bread is this good, you almost don't mind. The service is the definition of professional—attentive without being suffocating.
the presentation are really Michelin level

Verdict: A sophisticated, high-octane journey through progressive Indian cuisine. While the snacks can feel repetitive, the technical skill and service make it a world-class experience.

Rating
Food: 4.25/5 - Exceptional cooking, though I’d love more variety in the initial snacks.
Service: 5/5 - Professional, polished, and exactly what you’d expect at this level.
Decor: 5/5 - Sleek, modern, and the open kitchen adds a fantastic energy.
Value: 3.5/5 - It’s a "special occasion" price point, and the bread course feels a bit cheeky for the cost.
Overall: 4.25/5 - A powerhouse of a restaurant that well and truly earns its two stars.

Estimated cost per person: £115.00 – £165.00 (Tasting menu only)

Restaurant Info:
Address: 65 Summer Row, Birmingham B3 1JJ
Labels:
Location: Birmingham, UK

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