The Mela Restaurant Birmingham is a indian restaurant in Harborne, Birmingham. Rated 4.2 stars from 149 Google reviews. Known for food with proper layering and technique and staff who actually engage. Best for group dinner and date night. Price range: £20–30.
Rankings updated April 2026
The Mela Restaurant Birmingham
Quick Verdict
A neighbourhood Indian restaurant that delivers on food quality and service without pretence. Locals return repeatedly because it doesn't disappoint.
You want solid Indian cooking, attentive service, and fair pricing in a relaxed room—and you're willing to book ahead on weekends.
About The Mela Restaurant Birmingham
The Mela sits above street level on Harborne High Street—easy to miss if you're not looking, which explains why one regular didn't realise they'd been before. It's a proper Indian restaurant with table service, a bar, and enough staff to keep things moving even when it's busy. The room has a pleasant, relaxed feel. What keeps people coming back isn't novelty—it's consistency. Reviewers praise the layered spicing (more Indian than Bangladeshi style), generous portions of tender meat, and sides that don't cut corners. The king prawn vindaloo gets specific praise for size and juiciness. The lamb balti comes with big chunks. The naan is excellent. One customer who's been 4 times calls it "exceptional every time." Another, who identifies as Indian, says they "love the way they cook the food that belongs to my culture." Staff are described repeatedly as friendly, engaging, and willing to accommodate dietary requirements without fuss. Prices sit around £20 upwards, which reviewers consistently flag as good value given the food quality. They don't take online bookings, but reservations are recommended, especially weekends. They're closed Mondays.
What Stands Out
Food with proper layering and technique
One reviewer noted the chicken Chetinad had "layered spicing more typical of Indian style cooking than Bangladeshi." Another praised the king prawn vindaloo for having "very tasty and big n juicy" prawns. A third, identifying as Indian, commended how "they know how to cook Indian food" and specifically recommended the Naga Chutney, Jungli laal maans, and mango lassi for their "distinct taste."
Staff who actually engage
"Staff so friendly and happy to sit down and have a chat with you." Another review: "Great service as a late walk in." A third notes they "cater for all diets and go out of their way for this." Reviewers use words like "pleasant," "friendly," and "attentive" consistently.
Value that holds up against the food
One detailed reviewer called the bill "surprisingly good taking everything into consideration." Another simply states "excellent price." A third says "decently priced" and "quite affordable." The venue offers dinner from £20 upwards.
What Customers Say
First time at the Mela on valentines and have to say what a lovely meal.
Staff so friendly and happyvto sit diwn and have a chat with you.
Real quotes from Google Reviews
Practical Information
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about The Mela Restaurant Birmingham
Reservations are recommended, especially weekends. They don't accept online bookings—ring ahead. Walk-ins work on quieter nights, but you'll wait on Saturdays (one reviewer arrived late on a Saturday and was still served well).
The king prawn vindaloo gets specific praise for "very tasty and big n juicy" prawns. The lamb balti comes with "plenty of nice big chunks of tender lamb." The Jungli laal maans has a "distinct taste" worth trying. Ask them to go easy on the fresh coriander garnish if it's not your thing—they garnish liberally.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm. Friday and Saturday they're open until midnight. Closed Mondays. It gets quite busy by 8pm on weekends, so arrive early or book a table.
Yes. They charge a £1 corkage fee per person. The bar is well stocked if you'd rather order from them.
It's on the first floor up a long flight of stairs with no provision for mobility issues noted by reviewers. The unisex toilet cubicles also drew comment from one visitor.
Also in Harborne
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