It's the news we've all been waiting for. All restaurants are now able to open from May 17.
Until June 21, all venues will adhere to social distancing and the rule of six.
Whatever restriction remains in place, we're all really looking forward to a meal out again. The question is, where should we go?
There have been some fantastic new places opening over the past couple of years and some of these may have passed you by.
Here is a selection of newish bars and restaurants that we recommend you book up now!
Pulperia
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This super stylish restaurant from chef owner Aktar Islam officially opened just after the first lockdown.
It had only been able to open for three months of 2020 before closing for Lockdown 2 in November.
You may not have come across it yet, but it's well worth a visit, according to the Michelin inspectors.
Pulperia was a new entry in the Michelin Guide 2021 praised for contemporary, Argentinian-inspired, design-led interior and, of course, the meat.
Choose from prime cuts from Argentina, Finland and Galicia, aged for up to 50 days and skilfully cooked on the parrilla chargrill.
A good choice for a sexy sophisticated South American-style evening.
3 Brindley Place, B1 2JB
Tel 0121 564 0594
Eight restaurant
![Sam Morgan opened plush intimate dining eatery Eight in October 2020, Head chef is Great British Menu star Andrew Sheridan](https://i2-prod.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article19341370.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/2_Eight.jpg)
The bar area at Craft restaurant has been transformed into a separate restaurant - made up solely of a giant Chef's Table.
Diners are seated around an open kitchen - able to see the chefs at work.
It will have one daily seating time in the evening from Wednesday to Saturday- serving up an eight-course tasting menu.
It is a new entry in the Michelin Guide 2021 and was praised for the 'self-assured, original 8-course menu presented by the chef in an engaging, theatrical style'.
ICC, 8 Centenary Square, B1 2EA
Tel 0333 772 9329
670 Grams
![Inside 670 Grams](https://i2-prod.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article19850207.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_2G670Grams_0044.jpg)
Great British Menu star chef Kray Treadwell opened his first permanent restaurant, 670 Grams, in Digbeth's Custard Factory.
The menu offers an exciting mix of European and Asian-influenced flavours. The food is so exciting that the Michelin inspectors named Kray the most promising new chef of the year.
One of the dishes is inspired by the "‘Tesco cheese and onion sandwich" that helped Kray storm into The Great British Menu's finals. Sounds intriguing!
The Custard Factory, Gibb Street, B9 4AU
Madeleine Bar at The Grand
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This majestic Madeleine Bar will open at The Grand from May 17.
Back in October, BirminghamLive had a sneak preview around the Grand and we were knocked out by this bar's sumptuous interior.
Simon Willis, brand director at The Grand for operators Starwood Capital Group, told BirminghamLive: "Madeleine is inspired by Paris. Its primary function is to be a gorgeous cocktail bar as you would find in grand hotels worldwide. No expense has been spared."
The bar will be open from 12 noon to 10pm on Tuesday to Saturday, with afternoon tea served from 1 pm to 5 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
You and your household (or social bubble) can enjoy cocktails, mocktails, wine, and Champagne.
Madeleine will also offer afternoon tea, created by Bake Off The Professionals finalist, award-winning pastry chef Bharat Chandegra.
Tuesday to Saturday, 12 noon to 10 pm
Afternoon Tea will be served Thursday to Saturday, 1 pm to 5 pm.
Tel 0121 827 9600
The Grand Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2BS
Tonight Josephine
![Tonight Josephine opens in Birmingham as soon as lockdown restrictions lift](https://i2-prod.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article19434602.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/3_TNJ_19_11_200039_RGBV1.jpg)
One thing that has been missing from the Brum dining scene - has been Pornstar Martinis with our afternoon teas.
Thankfully Tonight Josephine has rectified this.
The party girl bar brand which has sites in London's Waterloo and Shoreditch is famous for a range of events including Drinks table, Josephine's Social Club, Show Girl Brunch, TJ Hot Gossip Afternoon Tea.
There's also Josephine's Showgirl Bottomless Brunch.
Tickets for the Bottomless Brunch from May 22 are on sale now.
The Hot Gossip Afternoon Tea is available from May 17. Read more here.
Tel 0121 663 6711
Unit 12 The Burlington, Stephenson Street, B2 4BL
Ikigai
![Black Honey garnished with grapefruit peal at Ikigai](https://i2-prod.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article19082634.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_IMG_1281.jpg)
Ikigai opened a couple of weeks before the November lockdown.
Ikigai, translated in Japanese, means a 'reason for being" - making life worthwhile - which is something we'll all be keen on doing as soon as we can!
Housed above 1000 Trades pub, Ikiigai offers a selection of Japanese spirits, flavourful cocktails, and specialty sake.
It is run by Luke Bensley, who previously worked at Legna, Opheem, and Nocturnal Animals.
One of Luke's favourite cocktails on the menu is the Black Honey - Lang’s banana rum, honey, molasses, Giffard banane de Brazil garnished with grapefruit peel.
16 Frederick Street, B1 3HE
Dishoom
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If you've never experienced a brunch here, then you need to sort this out as soon as lockdown restrictions lift.
Although popular for its all-day menu of Bombay comfort food, including some delicious street food and curries, we adore Dishoom for its brekkie dishes.
Dishoom’s signature brunch dishes bacon naan roll – consists of smoked streaky bacon, with cream cheese, chilli tomato jam and fresh herbs in freshly naan bread.
There's also the ‘Wrestler’s naan roll' – bacon, peppery pork sausages, and runny-yolked egg in naan.
Enjoy with delicious bottomless house chai for £3.20!
If you're celebrating a special occasion, then it's the perfect opportunity to enjoy Dishoom's vast selection of mocktails and cocktails. Read more here
Tel: 0121 809 5986
One Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3AX
Gaucho
We were sad to see all-you-can-eat steak house Fazenda close due to lockdown, so we're looking forward to showing our support for another stylish steak chain post-Covid.
Fazenda's neighbour Gaucho confirmed it would be reopening from May 17.
This upmarket eatery offers up five-star service in dramatic decadent surroundings - and with great steak.
There are meat-free options too such as their fantastic wild mushroom tagliatelle. Gaucho also does a Balearic bottomless brunch - at weekends - complete with DJ!
If you fancy a catch-up with your crew where you can pretend to be chilling in Ibiza - and sipping on gorgeous cocktails, this brunch is for you. Read our review here
0121 439 9236
55 Colmore Row, B3 2AA
Tattu
![This is how Birmingham basement level of Tattu will look](https://i2-prod.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article15313411.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Tattu-Birmingham_YIN_Basement-levelJPG.jpg)
This modern Chinese is another sexy chain restaurant we will be showing some love to, this summer.
After almost of year of ordering takeaways in our trackie bottoms. we can't think of anything better than indulging in the luxurious decor, service, food, and cocktails, this basement restaurant is known for.
Tattu is seriously blingy so put your glad rags to enjoy dinner here.
Its signature dishes include beef fillet and caramel soy and saffron black cod. There are also an array of sexy cocktails.
We adore the Tattu Twinkle - Champagne delicately balanced with vanilla, elderflower, and lemon.
Tel 0121 236 5556
18 Barwick Street, B3 2NT
The Oyster Club
![The Oyster Club](https://i2-prod.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article16047986.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_DQP_BEM_290319FOOD_21JPG.jpg)
Over lockdown, our delivery options have been wide-ranging - but sadly takeaway oysters have been off the menu.
This seafood restaurant run by super talented Michelin starred chef Adam Stokes has been closed since the first lockdown.
So we cannot wait to visit when they finally reopen. If ever there was a time to truly spoil yourself on oysters and caviar, it's now, darlings!
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There are other dishes on the menu too. Choose from small plates including white crab on toast - with apple, chives, and chicken skin. And for mains, there's Oyster Club’s take on posh fish and chips - tempura halibut with crushed mint peas and tartare sauce.
We hope their well priced Sunday lunch menu makes a return too.
Tel 0121 643 6070
43 Temple Street, B2 5DP