The celebrated fine-dining Indian restaurant Itihaas in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter has been sold, bringing an end to founder Raj Rana’s 21 years at the helm. The business, which was listed for sale at £1,250,000, has been acquired by restaurant group My Delhi, and it will continue to trade under the Itihaas name on Fleet Street.
Rana opened the restaurant in January 2005 with no previous experience as a restaurateur. Within two years, Itihaas was crowned Best UK Restaurant at the Cobra Good Curry Awards, a milestone that helped establish its reputation as one of the city’s finest Indian dining venues. The recognition put the Jewellery Quarter venue on the national map and drew customers from across the West Midlands. Located on Fleet Street, the restaurant has been a longstanding presence in an area known for its mix of independent venues and high-profile eateries.
An emotional farewell
Confirming the sale, Rana described the decision as an “emotional journey” and expressed gratitude for the support he had received over the past two decades. “After 21 years of being at Itihaas, the time has finally come,” he said. “It’s not completely goodbye, we’re handing over to some wonderful people.”
He continued: “They’re going to carry on Itihaas with the same mindset, with the same focus, with the same level of five-star service, and same delectable cuisine that Birmingham has come to enjoy and come to expect.”
Rana added: “I’ve really enjoyed the warmth and support Birmingham has given me over the last 21 years, but it’s time for somebody else to carry this forward.”
New owners promise continuity
My Delhi, the group that bought the restaurant, has pledged to uphold the standards Rana built. In a social media post, a spokesperson said: “It’s an honour to continue the legacy Raj has built over the last 20-plus years. We can’t wait to welcome you all.”
The new owners intend to keep the Itihaas name and maintain the restaurant’s existing style of operation. That will come as welcome news to regulars who have made the Fleet Street venue a fixture of Birmingham’s dining scene since 2005. The sale price of £1,250,000 reflected the strength of the brand and its prime position in the Jewellery Quarter, a district known for its vibrant restaurant culture.
Raj Rana’s next move
Rana is now leaving Birmingham to devote his time to a new hotel venture in Worcestershire. He said the move will allow him to channel his two decades of hospitality experience into an ambitious project, though he has not revealed further details. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter for the city’s Indian restaurant community.
Speaking about the handover, Rana urged diners to continue supporting the restaurant. “It’s business as usual,” he said. “Please book your table. Please support the new owners, the way you’ve supported me.”
A legacy that lives on
Itihaas was founded at a time when fine-dining Indian cuisine was still emerging in Birmingham. Its early award success helped change perceptions and paved the way for a generation of high-end curry houses in the city. The restaurant has remained popular over the years, earning praise for its intricate dishes and attentive service.
The sale to My Delhi ensures the Itihaas brand will remain a presence on Fleet Street, even as Rana moves on. With the new owners committed to the same menu and service standards, the restaurant is expected to continue operating much as it always has. For Birmingham diners, it means the name above the door — and the experience inside it — will stay familiar, even as a new chapter begins behind the scenes.
