Are you wondering which the best Chinese in Birmingham is? Then look no further. Whilst most definitely not your typical Chinese restaurant, Tattu Birmingham has all your favourite oriental dishes but elevated beyond imagination.
We recently visited this decadent restaurant for a Sunday evening treat. It was bustling, slightly frantic and most definitely a one off dining experience! We were a party of five adults and two kids. Tattu doesn’t specifically have a kids menu but you’re sure to find something to please most ages on the extensive menu. Tattu does not have a minimum age for visiting with kids although I probably wouldn’t take anyone below six. It would just be too stressful although I did notice a few tables with extremely well behaved babies. Our youngest guest was ten and she absolutely loved the experience.
Design of The Restaurant
You come to Tattu for the design. It’s oh so very insta worthy blooms hanging from the ceilings above the intimate tables and hidden seating nooks. It’s very dark which makes it cosy is absolutely terrible for photos so apologies for the quality of these pics!
You enter the restaurant into the slightly brighter bar area where you can look over the balcony across the plentiful blossoms down to the dining area. Then it’s down the slightly gaudy staircase to the inky restaurant below. There are booth areas for smaller parties and an open restaurant for larger groups. The whole ceiling is covered with a floral display, with low level lighting, high backed chairs and freshly polished glassware.
Tattu Birmingham Menu
Tattu describes itself as a modern Chinese restaurant and this is definitely captured on the menu. Whilst you’ll find many of your favourites on there, most come with a thoroughly modern, indulgent twist.
We started with prawn toasts, but now just any prawn toast, these were coated in sesame with large chunks of prawn and lobster and were utterly delectable. Then some sesame roasted scallops with Chinese sausage and edamame.
Next up it was Aromatic duck pancakes with amazing seasoning, hoisin sauce and crispy shallots. This was just enough for two, at a push maybe three for just a taste. And some slow roasted sticky short beef ribs which just fell apart they were that tender.
You could easily opt for several of these starter/sharing plates and try all the different flavours available but we wanted to also check out some of the larger plates. The red pepper lamb cutlets were amazing and the Wok fired angry bird (spicy chicken) was as tasty as you would expect. A bowl of Singapore noodles was ample for another main and was overflowing with chicken, prawns and pieces of pork.
We ended our meal with a couple of super sweet desserts. Trying the Banana fritters with caramel shortcake and the Asian Pear Sticky Toffee Pudding. Both presented beautifully although very sweet in flavour.
They also offer some amazing sharing and tasting menus. I’ll definitely be giving them a try next time we visit.
Tattu Vegan options
We were mainly a party of meat eaters but did try some of the lovely vegan options. The Kale seaweed to start is a must try, deliciously crispy with a fresh dipping sauce on the side. The Tattu candy rice which is flavoured with orange, ginger and beetroot is a wonderful accompaniment.
Cocktails at Tattu
Tattu is ALL about the fancy cocktails. The drinks menu is absolutely fabulous and all are beautifully presented. We opted for the Geisha’s secret, a mix of Metaxa, hibiscus and lemon which tasted like a bag of haribo and looked as pretty as it sounds. And a Yin Yang Espresso Martini which came in an ingenious pot meaning I could add exactly the right amount of milk for my taste. Yum! For another theatrical drink you could try a Skull Candy which is presented smoking in a very cool skull shaped glass.
They also have an excellent range of non alcoholic cocktails if you don’t feel like a drink but still want something special.
Is Tattu good value for money?
Hmmmm this is a tough one. It really is very expensive. Our dinner for 7 (which included one child) came to around £480. This is definitely a special occasion Chinese rather than an everyday night out. The quality of the food is well worth the money, it was all delicious and the design of the restaurant is absolutely stunning. The only thing that let it down slightly was the service. It was pretty quick but not as friendly or knowledgeable for such a high end restaurant. The toilets were clean, although one cubicle was out of service and there was no toilet roll. This wasn’t what I would expect.
Good to know
Tattu Birmingham Address
Tattu Chinese Restaurant, 18 Barwick St, Birmingham, B3 2NT
Tattu Birmingham Parking
Tattu Birmingham does not have a car park but there is plenty of on road parking in the surrounding side streets. Make sure you pay at the machines, this can be with cash or you can download an app. £10 covered us for the evening. If you don’t fancy leaving your car on the street then it’s a short walk to Snow Hill car park.
Tattu Birmingham dress code
The dress code at Tattu is smart casual. That means no shorts, sportswear or fancy dress! I say take it as an opportunity to dig out your glad rags. I’m sure they haven’t had enough wear over the last couple of years.
No cakes or decorations are allowed in the restaurant so get them to organise all the added extras if you’re planning a special celebration.
So is Tattu the best Chinese in Birmingham? That’s a tricky one and really depends on your mood. Tattu is not just a meal out, it’s an experience. And you do pay for that. I really loved our visit but then I’m normally more than happy with a takeout from our local Chinese.I will absolutely return for a special occasion.
If you fancy something spicy instead then make sure you read my review of Dishoom, Birmingham. Which is possibly the best curry in Brum!
Read Next: The Best Weekend Breaks in Birmingham
