Birmingham has a new pop-up dining experience based in Jewellery Quarters. Ocho is neighbours with Rebel Chicken, both having the same owner.
Serving tapas inspired by family Portuguese and Spanish recipes this is Chef Tomek’s first encounter as a Head Chef. Formally a Sous Chef at Purnells, Tomek’s knows his stuff and delivers creative, homemade tapas that will leave you licking your lips.
The environment is relaxed and casual with low lighting around the restaurant. The setting is shabby chic. Our server Sian was friendly and knowledgeable.
Drinks:They have a bar which serves Asahi and Meantime Yakima Red on tap as well as the standard range of drinks you would expect. For a wider selection, the staff can pop into the bar at Rebel. Food:
The menu has a selection of mains,2 sides and 2 desserts. A perfect sized menu.
Kev & I had 4 mains, 2 sides and a dessert to share and this was plenty between two. We could have done with just ordering one side.
To start with we received complimentary homemade foccacia. The rosemary and salt focaccia with served with some dipping oil and balsamic vinegar. The bread was soft and fresh tasting. A perfect appetiser.
Mains:Merguez Sausages: The homemade lamb sausage was bursting with flavours and went well with the Mango & Pink Pepper salsa.
Beer Braised Pork Cheeks: This was braised in beer and stock and the meat just melted away in my mouth. The reduction it came with was flavoursome. Prawns, Fennel & Spinach Salad: The juicy garlic prawns worked so well with the delicate salad. The prawns were perfectly cooked and the flavour worked well with the lightly dressed salad. Grilled Lemon Sardines: The dish had 3 perfectly grilled sardines that had light lemon juice & thyme seasoning. Sides:Spicy Arrabiata Potatas Bravas: Everyone loves potatas bravas especially when they are perfectly made. Served with homemade Arrabbiata Sauce and a sprinkling of cheese they were so delicious.
Chilli & Coriander New Potatoes: These chopped potatoes were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They had a lovely garlic and coriander flavour to them complimented by chopped red chillies.Dessert:
To end the evening we had the Orange & Lime Cheesecake. This was no ordinary cheesecake. It tasted like a combination of cheesecake and creme caramel and had a nice texture to it. It was almost cake like. The orange and lime zest were evident throughout the dessert.
The portion sizes at Ocho were ideal. The food was reasonably priced with main tapas ranging from £6- £9 per dish, sides £3.50 and desserts £5.The chef delivered on every single dish. Each dish was packed with flavour and there was something for everyone on the menu.
I would recommend Ocho. Tapas are hard to get right but they seem to have done a perfect job.
Until next time..Cheerio
Neha x
My meal was complimentary however all opinions are my own.
bejalgosai says
I love Tapas so this is just music to me ears! So reasonably prices and some great options! Love the sounds of those sardines and that dessert! Delicious!
Mellissa Williams says
The food looks tasty. I would definitely have the prawns and the patas bravas and wow that cheesecake is my perfect dessert
Fashion On A Shoestring says
The food looks lovely and tasty. Your photos are making me hungry 🙂 The cheesecakes looks like just the thing I would order too.
The Money Shed (@themoneyshed) says
Wow this food looks amazing! I love popup places like this that really go to town in terms of the quality of the food they are offering!
Emily Leary says
Ooh, that cheesecake looks so delicious! We love tapas so I’m sure we’d find something great from the menu!
rowenajb says
This place looks amazing. I LOVE tapas! Will have to check it out next time I’m in Birmingham!
Jenni says
This looks amazing, I love tapas but there aren’t many places near me
Laura says
I love tapas and would order all the dishes you did!
Zena's Suitcase says
I love tapas and I’m a huge fan of Spanish food so this restaurant sounds perfect for me. everything you had looks and sounds delicious