Halal Italian
The long-established balti house Al Faisals has expanded to opened what it claims to be the country's first halal Italian restaurant.
Piatto has opened the Ladypool Road in the heart of the so-called Balti Triangle.
I've yet to visit, but the idea intrigues me. I'll let you know what I reckon when I've popped along.



Al Faisal is very highly priced. The food is not of high quality. I could cook better!
Thanks for the input, Uzmia. It's been a couple of years since I ate at AF.
Generally, though, what is your view of e standard of curry houses in Bham?
This is the problem in Birmingham, or actually in the whole UK. There is no standard. I have eaten in so many famous and non famous restaurants. From Mumtaz, Nawab to AF. To be honest with you I have not yet found a restaurant with decent grub. Well, there are a few non famous restaurants, that have good old traditional and authentic indian food.
Actually it depends on what you call "standard" Is it black leather chairs, nice mirrors, beautifull lighting, nice flowers and fountains or is it just food? Well yes you can say that is a high standard. But, you cant say the same about the food!
Let me tell you something funny, the main thing is most people have got no taste. This is why, these restaurants are so full with people eating there. Its not their fault really they haven't had better food.
These restaurants just need to concentrate on the food more than, the look of the restaurant.
My advice to AF is to fortget about the italian restaurant and concentrate on Pakistani cuisine, and up the standard.
Thanks!
Have to agree, Maroof, that there is a wave of curry houses with posh decor as really poor food.
But, as a society, we do tend to value style over substance.
I actually disagree. I think Al Faisal produces truly delicious dishes. I have eaten there on several occasions and have not once left the restaurant unsatisfied. The food tastes fresh and the portions are substantial for the price paid. The pricing isn't bad at all considering the quality of the food and many Asian restaurants in Birmingham charge similar pricing these days. Regardless, I'd rather pay a pound or two extra than save money and consume a badly cooked curry.
The service and surroundings too are a bonus to the food available on offer. There must be a reason why the place is bustling every time I go in and I doubt it's substance over style! I've yet to try the new Italian one but I am looking forward to it as AF have already set high standards to me.
As for standard curry houses in Birmingham, I think that we have a lot to improve on here. Not nearly enough decent Asian cuisine to be found as there should be for a supposedly thriving multicultural community. Fast food places have overtaken homecooked food and currently, I think Manchester's infamous 'Curry Mile' is leading the competition.
Thanks for the punt, Ritha. It's ages since I ate at AF but I remember the food was great value and decent quality.
What I hate are the curry houses that serve poor quality dishes on plates decorated with sauces in pretty patterns.
I've been to Al Faisal's Italian restaurant at least 6 times now in the last 5 months. True it's not the cheapest restaurant in Birmingham but the food is beautiful and really fresh, worth the money. I always recommend it to people when they're looking to have a lovely evening and delicious food. Very hospitable staff too!
Don't be put off by the fact that the restaurants name is Eastern/ Asian and provideds halal food - the cuisine tastes just like authentic Italian food, can't recommend it enough.
Thanks for the info, Nora. Sounds good.
Well there you go. You people clearly don't know what good food IS.
I think that ALFAISALS are simply the BEST its the best in birmingham by a mile! TRY EVERYWHERE ELSE AND COME TO ALFAISALS AT THE END. . . AS THEY SAY LEAVE THE BEST TILL LAST..YOU'LL KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!
If you say so!
I've had good meals there, but I'm not sure it would top my list as the top curry house in Birmingham.
Medcafe - Halal Italian Restaurant Bradford
Come try us at the Medcafe we have just opened and WE ARE doing real halal italian food. We have real italian chefs and waiter making and serving the food but using halal products to do so.
No Fusion. No Imitations just real italian food.
http://www.medcafe.co.uk
Bit out of the Bham Mail's circulation area, I'm afraid!
I have to agree with Paul, people do pay attention to decor and blab on they went an they went there on a monday morning to their colleagues at work. My personal favourite is the the Shabab on ladypool road. It may not be the best looking one but they serve real authentic food which is what everyone seems to misses out these days (Nora and Kazaaaa)and it's reasonably priced.Some of you lot have got more money than taste buds!!!
One to try very soon, I think. Thanks for the recomendation, Zaf.
True say, there are restaurants with authentic food, like Rachyals on coventry road. There food is delicious. Not highly priced either! Even though i didn't try anything on the chinese side of the menu, i would say they have the best chicken karahi i have ever tasted. I think people have just forgotten what authentic food is realy like, its not about posh plates or amazing decor, its about the taste of dishes as though your in india or pakistan!
When I've eaten food cooked by Indian/Pakistani friends,I'm always amaed how different it is from restaurant meals.But I guess Western home-cooking is different to restaurant food,too.