With some of the very best Indian food you can try in Birmingham city centre, Indian Cafe Racer has a reputation among reviewers – including our own – for being 'impeccable'.
With a curated menu full of brilliant dishes – including pan Asian and Indo Chinese options – choosing what to order isn't the only option you have on Bristol Street.
From Pub Hideaway to Open-Plan Venue
The venue earned its reputation for brilliant food and special service behind a curtain in the Duke of Wellington Hotel and Bar, with celebrities going along before shows at the O2 Academy just over the road to enjoy the laid-back, cosy vibe.
But these days, there's a second version of the restaurant to try, just a few doors further along, where the old Quarter Horse Coffee used to be.
Which should you be racing to? Well, the 'new' iteration of Indian Cafe Racer enjoys a view out to the A38 – not exactly the most scenic view in the city but far more open and light than the secret little pub hideaway. And you won't be looking anyway, you'll probably be sipping cocktails from its own bar – something it doesn't really have at the pub given that's still a standalone boozer of its own.
Consistent Quality Across Both Locations
Both versions of Indian Cafe Racer score over 4.8 out of five from Google Reviewers, with those on the high end of the rating complimenting the attentive service and those on the lower end lambasting that same thing depending on how comfortable they are with staff who can't do enough for you.
Sharing plates are a great way to try their food if it is your first time – the flavourful morsels are ideal for an Indian picky bits tea, the veggie options like the Broccoli GT65 impressive even to a dedicated carnivore.
There are slight deviations on the menu depending on whether you choose 72 Bristol Street or 88-90 Bristol Street. Cosy or open plan? Pint with your papdi or a cocktail with your crabcake? Our advice? Go twice. There's enough on those menus to keep you interested a dozen times after that, though you do run the risk of falling into the habit of ordering the same thing over and over. When a curry is that good, you struggle to imagine you'll find one better.
