Birmingham's restaurant scene has experienced a turbulent start to 2026, with at least 11 significant restaurant closures reported so far this year, according to BirminghamLive. Among the latest casualties are Riva Blu and Restaurant In The Woods. However, a distinct culinary trend is emerging: sushi. Six new sushi spots are either already open or set to open in the city, with five of them located within walking distance of each other in the city centre.
Closures and New Openings
The closures represent a rate of roughly one restaurant shutting every two-and-a-half weeks. Despite this, the city has also seen a wave of new openings, with sushi dominating the newcomers. In January, Sushidog launched in the Bullring. In February, Maki and Ramen announced it would take over a unit at King Edward House on New Street, with renovations underway. June brought a triple announcement: Sticks 'n' Sushi confirmed for Chamberlain Square on June 2, KIBOU revealed plans to open on Temple Row in the autumn, and Sushi Tachi, a Hong Kong-based sushi chain, will open its first Midlands location in Grand Central. Additionally, Flavour Lounge opened in Selly Oak, replacing Deli 17.
Sushi Dominance in Birmingham
These additions join an already robust sushi scene in the city centre, including Kyoto and Takumi on Hurst Street, Sushi Passion in Great Western Arcade, Yakinori on New Street, Mt Fuji at the Bullring, and Yo! Sushi and Wasabi in Grand Central and the train station. According to BirminghamLive features writer Kirsty Bosley, "Sushi is the dish of the year in Birmingham, there's no doubt in my mind."
Impact and Trends
Sushi requires high-quality, fresh ingredients, making it a pricey option. Bosley expressed surprise at the number of new sushi venues, noting that the previous trend in Birmingham was for steakhouses, with establishments like En Steak, Pasture, and Cow and Sow opening, and Flat Iron arriving later this year. She commented, "I really do hope Brummies show up to support the new additions, lest more empty units haunt our city."
The concentration of sushi spots raises questions about market saturation, but Bosley sees it as a positive sign of Birmingham's evolving food culture. She added, "The hard bit will be choosing which one to try first."
