The Mela Restaurant Birmingham is a indian restaurant in Harborne, Birmingham. Rated 4.2 stars from 150 Google reviews. Known for consistent, well-executed curries and friendly, attentive staff. Best for family dinners and groups. Price range: £20–30.
Rankings updated May 2026
The Mela Restaurant Birmingham
Across 150 Google reviews, 81% gave four or five stars.
Quick Verdict
A neighbourhood Indian favourite that delivers consistent, well-cooked curries and warm service in a casual setting—ideal for families, groups, and solo diners seeking good value.
You want reliable, well-executed Indian food in a casual, welcoming setting without fuss or pretension.
About The Mela Restaurant Birmingham
The Mela Restaurant is a neighbourhood Indian stalwart in Harborne, tucked discreetly behind a single door but delivering consistently praised curries and attentive service to regulars and first-timers alike. The 4.2-star rating across 149 reviews reflects a kitchen that excels at traditional Indian cooking—reviewers highlight tender lamb balti, distinct spice profiles in dishes like Naga Chutney and Jungli laal maans, and thoughtful dietary accommodation. Staff are frequently described as friendly, chatty, and accommodating; one regular notes they've returned for birthday meals year after year without disappointment. The casual atmosphere welcomes families, groups, and solo diners equally. Pricing sits comfortably in the £20–30 range, and the wine list, while modest, pairs well with the food. Late-night walk-ins are welcomed with the same care as reservations, making it a reliable choice for impromptu curry cravings.
What Stands Out
Consistent, well-executed curries
Multiple 5★ reviews praise 'top-notch' food, 'beautifully cooked' dishes, and 'some of the best curry I've tasted'; one Indian diner specifically commends their authentic approach to the cuisine.
Friendly, attentive staff
Reviewers repeatedly highlight staff who are 'so friendly and happy to sit down and have a chat', 'accommodating', and 'great customer service all round'; late-night walk-ins receive the same warmth as seated reservations.
Value for money
Multiple reviews cite 'excellent price', 'great value for money', 'decent prices', and affordability as standout factors, with one Indian diner noting the pricing is 'quite affordable'.
In Their Own Words
Review highlights surfaced by Google, in the language they were written
“Food was reasonable quality, service let this place down.”
“Starter was some dried out chicken Tika leg.”
“Good curry, decent beer... good prices.”Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
Common Questions
How consistently good is The Mela Restaurant Birmingham?
Across 150 Google reviews, 81% of visitors gave four or five stars — placing The Mela Restaurant Birmingham among Harborne's most reliably rated indian restaurants.
Do you need to book The Mela Restaurant Birmingham in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended for dinner — The Mela Restaurant Birmingham is a popular choice in Harborne and tends to fill quickly, particularly at weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Mela Restaurant Birmingham
Yes. The restaurant is family-friendly and caters for all diets, with staff going out of their way to accommodate dietary needs. It's casual and welcoming, making it suitable for groups and families.
Yes. The Mela welcomes late-night walk-ins and serves late-night food. Reservations are recommended during busy periods, but walk-ins are treated with the same care.
Reviewers highlight the lamb balti (with generous chunks of tender meat), Naga Chutney, mango lassi, and Jungli laal maans. Ask staff to adjust coriander garnish if preferred.
Yes. Multiple reviews cite excellent pricing in the £20–30 range, with one diner calling it 'exceptional value for money' across both eat-in and takeaway options.
Casual and welcoming. The restaurant has a modest entrance but warm interior. It's popular with regulars who return for birthdays and special occasions.
Yes. The Mela has a bar onsite with beer, wine, and hard liquor available. The wine list is modest but pairs well with the food.
Also in Harborne
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Rankings are recalculated monthly from live Google Business Profile data. Our Hot Score weighs review velocity (new text reviews in 90 days), recency (how fresh), baseline rating, and Google Business Profile completeness. No editorial picks, no paid placements — just what the data says this month.
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