Many of the best Middle Eastern food spots in Birmingham that locals swear by serve dishes inspired by kitchens stretching from Israel and Syria to Lebanon and Turkey. Across the city—whether in Edgbaston, Small Heath, the Jewellery Quarter, or the bustling city centre—you’ll find creamy hummus, tender shawarma, warm flatbreads and comforting mezze-style plates.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a long evening meal, Birmingham offers a rich collection of authentic Middle Eastern restaurants, from family-run institutions to casual cafés. This guide highlights some of the best places to enjoy hummus and shawarma in Birmingham, featuring local staples and hidden gems alike.
1. Central Deli at Birmingham Central Synagogue (Jewish Deli with Israeli Items, Edgbaston)
Central Deli is part of Birmingham’s Central Synagogue and serves as the city’s main Jewish deli and kosher supplier. While it is not a sit-down restaurant, it is a brilliant place to buy Israeli products, including hummus, tahini, pickled vegetables, bread, and other ingredients commonly used in Israeli home cooking. Many local families rely on Central Deli for kosher meals, groceries, and traditional snacks.
The deli stocks fresh hummus that is smooth, mild, and ideal for spreading on pita or adding to homemade bowls. While you will not find shawarma carved from a rotisserie here, you can buy ingredients for your own version at home, including Middle Eastern spices, sauces, and breads. Central Deli is also a friendly and welcoming place, supporting the local Jewish community while giving Birmingham a taste of Israeli-style flavours you will not find anywhere else in the city.
2. Syrian House (Syrian and Middle Eastern, Small Heath)
Syrian House has become one of Birmingham’s most loved Middle Eastern restaurants thanks to its generous portions, warm hospitality, and properly authentic cooking. The hummus here is silky, rich, and topped with olive oil, parsley, and occasionally pine nuts. It is the kind of hummus that tastes homemade – simple, balanced, and full of flavour.
Their shawarma is equally popular. The chicken version is juicy, mildly spiced, and served with fresh salads and warm flatbread straight from the oven. The lamb shawarma has a deeper, smokier taste that pairs well with rice or fries. Whether you are craving a full mixed grill, meze platter, or a quick wrap, Syrian House delivers reliable quality that keeps regulars coming back.
3. Al-Bader Restaurant (Lebanese, City Centre)
Al-Bader is one of Birmingham’s best-known Lebanese restaurants, serving traditional Middle Eastern dishes with a strong focus on freshness and flavour. Their hummus is thick, smooth, and topped with whole chickpeas and olive oil. If you want something richer, the hummus with spiced minced lamb is a crowd favourite.
The shawarma here is tender and well-seasoned, wrapped in soft Lebanese bread with garlic sauce, salad, and crunchy pickles. It is filling, fragrant, and consistently rated among the best in the city. Al-Bader also offers a wide range of meze, kebabs, and grills, making it a great place for long dinners with friends or family. Its city-centre location means it is busy most evenings, with a lively but relaxed atmosphere.
4. Damascena (Middle Eastern Café, Multiple Birmingham Locations)
Damascena has become a Birmingham institution, with several cafés across the city including in the Jewellery Quarter, Harborne, Moseley, and the city centre. The café specialises in Middle Eastern dishes, pastries, and coffee, and it is well known for its high-quality hummus. The dip is smooth, slightly tangy, and served with warm, fluffy khobez bread.
Damascena’s shawarma plates are generous, with tender slices of chicken seasoned with a classic blend of spices. The wraps are also excellent – crisp, warm, and packed with flavour. Damascena is a great choice if you want something casual but delicious, and its cafés are ideal for relaxed lunches, coffee meet-ups, or quick bites between errands.
5. Antalya Turkish Restaurant (Turkish, Jewellery Quarter)
Antalya is a long-standing favourite among locals who love traditional Turkish cooking. While the restaurant is known for its grilled meats and meze, its hummus is a standout – creamy, mild, and served with freshly baked bread. The simplicity and freshness make it the perfect side dish or starter.
Though Turkish döner differs slightly from Levantine shawarma, Antalya’s version still delivers that same comforting mix of tender meat, warm spices, and soft bread. The chicken döner is especially popular, served with rice, salad, or wraps. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it one of the best places in the Jewellery Quarter for Mediterranean comfort food.
6. Syriana (Syrian and Lebanese, Jewellery Quarter)
Syriana blends Syrian and Lebanese dishes, offering a colourful, relaxed dining space and a menu built around sharing. Their hummus is consistently praised for its smooth texture and balanced flavour. The “Hummus Beiruti,” seasoned with garlic, lemon, and herbs, is a bolder variation worth trying.
Their shawarma platters are tender, juicy, and served with rice, salad, and homemade garlic sauce. You can also order shawarma wraps, which are tightly packed, flavourful, and very satisfying. Syriana is ideal for slow meals, mixed platters, and group dining.
7. Damascus Mashawi (Syrian & Middle Eastern, Small Heath)
Damascus Mashawi is a popular Syrian and Middle Eastern restaurant known for its generous portions, fresh bread, and proper homestyle cooking. Their hummus is smooth, creamy, and served with warm khobez that comes straight from the oven. The dip is simple but full of flavour, making it the perfect start to any meal.
The shawarma here is one of the highlights. Both the chicken and lamb versions are tender, juicy, and seasoned with a classic Syrian spice blend that gives them a deep, aromatic flavour. You can order it in a wrap, on a platter with rice, or alongside meze dishes like baba ghanoush, fattoush, and tabbouleh. Damascus Mashawi is especially popular with families and locals who want honest, comforting Middle Eastern food at good prices. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, making it a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy authentic shawarma in Birmingham.