The ARK Birmingham

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Reviews

1. Randeep ★★★★☆

   The Ark in Birmingham offers a delightful culinary experience with delicious dishes like kebabs, lamb chops, naan, and fish pakora. Each dish showcases excellent preparation and flavors, making for a memorable meal. The service is commendable, with attentive and friendly staff enhancing the dining experience. The decor adds to the ambiance, creating a stylish and comfortable setting. However, the portion sizes are somewhat disappointing given the price, which is the only downside to an otherwise fantastic meal. Despite this, the quality of the food and the overall experience make The Ark a worthwhile visit. Adjusting portion sizes to better match the prices could elevate it to one of Birmingham's top dining destinations.

   1 year ago
2. Antepli ★★★★☆

   We were group of 10 people starter was okay bit I felt it was warm. The main course was nice. Lamb shank sauce was nice, but the meat was dry. It was a moist. overall it was good definitely will try again to see if there’s any different.

   1 year ago
3. The Curryholic ★★★☆☆

   I am not sure how I haven't discovered this fine Indian restaurant sooner. To be fair the ARK doesn't exactly shout Indian food does it. Tucked away in John Bright Street, the entrance could be easily missed and looking in, the staircase is a bit imposing. Pity if you pass as it is easily up there with the likes of Asha's, Pushkar etc. It's all down to personal preference of course but for me, and the wife, it doesn't get any better than The ARK. Prices for some dishes do look a little high, conversely some of the main courses including two cocktails for £12 are very reasonable. In a nutshell we couldn't find fault with anything, the slightly Chinese looking decor, service by Arun, or the food and ambience, all were as good as it gets. 12.5% discretionary service charge. We went again some 12 months after the above review. Internally I couldn't see that there had been changes. Unfortunately it looks as though they had a problem with their heating as they were several industrial heaters dotted around. The service wasn't bad but our waitress wasn't that clued up on the drinks or the menu. To be fair to her the menu isn't very informative and I didn't notice any allergy information. However I did notice that the sheekh kebab starter was an eye watering £13.95. Alternatively you could have an Ark Special Curry for £11.95. I therefore suggest you read the menu carefully. Likewise the drinks menu, I noticed a 'Two for one all day everyday' offer on the cocktails as we walked in but when I tried to order it I was told quite abruptly told that 'we don't do it anymore'. I would also suggest that adding the strengths of the beers would be helpful. The poppadums basket was a bit miserly but apart from that I enjoyed my food. The wife was less impressed as her meal turned out to be creamy after she specifically requested that she doesn't like cream added to her curries. When queried with someone in authority I was informed that they need to do it when you request a dish to be on the milder side but beware that there medium heat here is hotter than most places. Not a problem for me but may be for some. The room was very noisy due to a couple of largish parties so I couldn't recommend it for a romantic night out. Indeed given the temperature in the room you will be hard pressed to take your coats off. The lights were much brighter than before which did show up a few rough edges.

   almost 2 years ago

1. Mrs A ★★★☆☆

   It has all the flare. Looks pretty and has all the showy bits. The taster platter could have been a little better for the price. Could have had enough for two to share. The mocktails were decent. Flavoursome. We didn’t enjoy the lamb shank. It wasn’t falling off the bone the way it should have been. The curry that came with it, did not go with it well. Overall experience: would not visit again as was costly with not much memorable flavours.

   almost 2 years ago
2. Amandeep Singh ★★★★★

   I have tried various Indian restaurants in the UK, but this place definitely stands apart from the rest. I am a vegetarian and was looking for a good soya dish and my search is complete. Their main course as well as snacks are impeccable. I will 100% recommend this place for Indian delicacies. Special shout out to Arun who served us well.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Kit Webb ★★★★★

   We went to Birmingham for the weekend and thought it only right to have a curry whilst there. I'm very glad we picked this place in particular. The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated with a tranquil and calming ambience and the staff are all very warm and welcoming. The food was some of the best Indian cuisine I've ever tasted. The time taken into knowing a balance of spice never goes unnoticed. Altogether a fantastic experience at a reasonable price, well worth a visit.

   almost 3 years ago

1. David Clarke ★★★★★

   Curry and Cocktails? ARK is a contender for Birmingham’s BEST Contemporary Indian Restaurant. You could easily dismiss The ARK Birmingham if you are looking for a place to eat. It looks like a night club. Walk inside, it still feels like a night club. Walk up a flight of stairs. A sign indicates the restaurant is located to the left. The night club is on the top floor. A smily, welcoming member of staff is there to meet and greet. What a cool looking place. The ARK shares many of its interior cues with modern Birmingham restaurants/cocktail lounges. There is loads of seating, including a VIP area if you want something a bit more exclusive. It does feel classy. I visited to try the Indian food. Why? Take a look at the beautiful photographs of dishes on its social media sites. The menu is heavily influenced by British Indian cuisine. I ordered a veg platter, Nan bread and vegetarian curry. My goodness, the presentation, flavour and texture surpassed all expectations. What beautiful dishes. Arguably some of Birmingham’s, therefore the world’s, best. The staff member was kind enough to offer me a mocktail, on the house. Again, blown away by presentation and taste. You will pay a premium for the experience, but… for British Indian food of this quality It is well worth it. To really appreciate The ARK’s fine cuisine, visit the restaurant first then party upstairs afterwards. To do the reverse would do ARK a disservice.

   almost 3 years ago
2. Ash ★★★★★

   Best cocktails in town. Perfectly measured alcohol to get you drunk! what else could you ask for? Wide range of drinks which can be altered as the bar tenders are amazing at their job and make drinks of your wish and likings. Absolutely amazing food with great potentials, which is more likely to get better in time. I would 200% recommend this place.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Arun Gandral ★★★★★

   Birmingham gem , Excellent food and service & totally surprised at the quality of food it has to be best i ever had! The restaurant itself is very nice, the music was great & atmosphere was very calming. Staff were very nice and friendly.

   almost 4 years ago

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