Diwan

One of the best balti experiences I’ve ever had, the food was simply outstanding. Each dish arrived piping hot, generously portioned, and bursting with authentic, well-balanced flavours that truly captured the essence of classic Birmingham balti cuisine. The spice profile in every curry felt carefully considered, delivering robust taste without overwhelming the palate. Portions were extremely generous, making it superb value for money; we left thoroughly satisfied, with enough to share around the table and still take some home. The supporting sides, especially the soft freshly baked naan were perfect for scooping up the rich, aromatic sauces. Service was equally superb: the wait staff were attentive, friendly, and always ready with helpful recommendations, contributing to a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere throughout the meal. Overall, this was a standout experience that set a benchmark for what a great balti should be authentic, generously served, and executed with great care for flavour and hospitality.

We ate here yesterday as a biggish group after being at the test match. Had to make a quick visit to the nearby supermarket for some beverages as it's unlicensed. They were incredibly busy but the service was excellent. We thought the food was fantastically flavoursome with generous portion sizes and the prices beyond reasonable. One of our party, an expert in jalfrezis remarked that it was the best he'd had in years. I loved that I could have a combo dish. This restaurant has justifiably great reviews and we recommend it highly. I'm sure we'll be back on many more occasions.

Diwan is my favourite curry house in Birmingham & has been for the last 15 years. The quality & flavour of there food is unmatched. Abdul the owner is a true gentleman, he always makes you feel welcome.

It's been over 25 years since we last dined here, we used to be regulars back then. Unsurprisingly the dining room has changed and for the better, smart toilets now too. I enjoyed my meal here, and the wife would have done except she found all to be on the hot side. It started well, the poppadoms and chutneys were very enjoyable. We then had a few issues with the menu or rather the ordering. When I asked what the Pathia Diwan Style was like, our waiter told me to read the menu, I wasn't impressed and told him he should ask someone who would know. If you're interested it's the same as most pathias. I opted for a sheekh kebab to share, a balti chicken tikka jalfrezi, and the wife a "safeish" chicken and mushroom balti. The sheekh kebab was quite hot, this I find typical of most Pakistani starters. It was also very firm in texture and I am fairly confident that it had been microwaved. Despite this, I thought it OK but the wife gave me hers after a few bites. It was a similar experience with the baltis, mine was very good and the wife struggled through hers. I think every one of the staff must have asked if the meal was OK, I was going to mention the wife's was a bit too hot for her but she didn't want to make a fuss. No complaints with the sides and the portions were generous. I thought it was reasonably priced, the bill being all the better as you can take your own alcohol. That said, I noticed quite a few taking in their own soft drinks, it's not just here either.

This is a truly outstanding curry house. Bring your own beer if required. Tremendously efficient service, the prices are supreme and the grub is ace. Ok, our taxi from The Grand Hotel at about 20.15 on a Friday hit heavy traffic so incurred extra expenditure, but still. Do not be put off by the surroundings, give this joint a try!

Birmingham, home of the best Baltis in the UK, Diwan does the best Balti in Birmingham! My son travels here from Bristol for this place’s Jalfrezi - too hot for me. However their Saag is a beautiful balance of spice, warmth and flavour. And I can take my own wine. Perfection.

I recently visited Diwan Restaurant in Birmingham and was genuinely impressed. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss place that focuses on delivering bold, authentic flavours, especially if you're into grilled meats and traditional South Asian dishes. I ordered the mixed grill, and it was easily one of the best I’ve had in the city. The lamb chops were perfectly cooked, the seekh kebabs were juicy, and the chicken tikka had a rich smoky flavour that really stood out. Everything was well-seasoned and clearly cooked with care. The naan was fresh and soft, perfect for scooping up the rich, spicy curry sauces that came with the meal. Portions were big — definitely come hungry or plan to share. The vibe in the restaurant was lively but relaxed, with a mix of families, students, and groups of friends. It had a comfortable, down-to-earth feel that made it easy to settle in and enjoy the food without feeling rushed or out of place. Service was friendly and efficient. The staff were approachable and helpful, checking in just enough without hovering. Even when it got busy, they kept things running smoothly. Price-wise, I thought it was great value. You get generous portions and high-quality food without having to spend a fortune. All in all, Diwan is a fantastic spot for anyone craving proper desi-style grills and hearty meals in Birmingham. No pretence — just good food done well. I’ll definitely be returning.