Opus

Firstly, let me say my marks are for the Chef's Table, I would probably mark the atmosphere in the main restaurant maybe down by a point from what I saw and I cannot comment on service in the main room but the staff we encountered were terrific - properly trained, efficient and ever smiling and I have no reason to suppose it would be any different elsewhere in the establishment. Also I would expect the food to be of similar standard, and vfm to be perceived the same. However, as we took the Chef's Table, I will review on that basis.

I dropped something off a few hours before our dinner when the restaurant was closed and was warmly greeted by chef/proprietor David who delighted in explaining his obsession with sourcing the very best ingredients and his modus operandi both in the kitchen and with his menus. He instilled confidence in me, here was a man with real passion. I knew then that we were to have a great evening. We did.

Each course was described in detail by David, soup, ballotine of rabbit, John Dory, Willie Ritch's fillet steak, apple tarte, coffee and truffles - not a dud course amongst them.

Opus isn't quite perfect, - the night we went no tomato juice or dark rum in the cocktail bar, and portions were a little large for the ladies - but then neither are its main Birmingham rivals, Turners (Big Issue sellers looking in watching you eat), Purnell's (service not quite on it), Simpsons (prissy) or Edmunds (almost impossible to book and then you'll find Scrappio Ragaboni and Wagissima at every table), every one has a fault. You could take something from each and probably create the near perfect restaurant, but of the five, Opus is the one I'll be re-visiting next.
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Hawko
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Monday, October 05, 2009

I have eaten at Opus many times over the years both on a personal basis and professional and for me it is without doubt one of the top three restaurants in Birmingham.

Not only is the food superb, the staff are too. The wonderful Ann Tonks leads a very professional and friendly team and I never have any hesitation when recommending to anyone because I can rest assured they will be more than pleased with the whole eating experience and leave very happy and satisfied..

In 2002 I became secretary general of Birmingham Press Club and can say that we have held quite a few celebrity dinners here and this venue is alway very popular with members and celebrities alike.

Although no longer working full-time in Birmingham, it's always a very special occasion indeed when I get the chance to dine at Opus, Cornwall Street.

Long may it continue so.
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Tony Bell
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, September 14, 2009

My wife and I went for dinner at Opus on 27th March 2009 and found the whole experience pretty satisfying. The restaurant's atmosphere was good and the decor pleasant.

I had the set menu which was very good value for money. This included a parsnip soup which was delicious followed by a salmon main couse which was okay. The apple bread & butter pudding desert was excellant.

My wife had the crab starter, which was very basic and a pasta main course which was nice.

On the whole a quality restaurant, but there are better places to eat in Birmingham (Simpsons & Edmunds).
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Zahid Ahmed
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Saturday, March 28, 2009

the atmosphere is very welcoming, the staff are attentive, but in an unobtrusive way, and the food is historic! We enjoyed a very pleasant meal, in lovely surroundings and would highly recommend it for a special night out.

The veal from the specials menu was delicious, and although my husband was a little worried at the size of his main course, the portion was just right! All of the food was beautifully presented, and nothing seemed too much trouble for the staff who were happy to bone the Dover Sole.

A fantastic meal - I can't wait to go again!
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Bekki B - View all reviews by this user
Sunday, April 27, 2008

sorry ! but i have to disagree with your review ! i think opus is a lovely restaurant with a great menu and very well executed cooking style ! on top of that the head chef is french (olivier perrard).

you are surly one of them lady who is never satisfied and instead having a good time and talking about a future with your boy F ,you have so little to say so you making conversation about the food to fill the gap! and to be honest you must have placed your order wrong because between "bleu et bien cuit "if you get that !there is a big difference!

anyway poeples opus is good and you 'll love the food and the wine liste
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lucie
Sunday, April 06, 2008

My boyfriend and I went to Opus last Saturday 8th March 2008. We were impressed with the surroundings and also with how friendly the staff were. The restaurant is clean, modern and we thought this was going to be a fantastic evening. However, this was not to be. My starter was goats cheese with beetroot salad and onion jam. I felt the goats cheese should have been warm. Instead it was cold and stuck to the roof of my mouth. Then came the main course which unfortunately was no better. I asked for a BLUE fillet steak. I have previously eaten in restaurants such as Jessica's and Purnells whereby when you request your steak to be a certain temperature you get just that. At £22 for the main course the very least i expected was a rare steak but instead it was medium to well cooked. I was very disappointed and did not enjoy my meal at all. We decided to skip dessert, get the bill and leave. I shall never go to Opus again and i shall definitely not be recommending this place to anybody! To be quite honest I think the food was very poor considering the hype surrounding this restaurant.

I find it incredible that Opus has been given a Michelin guide recommendation. Maybe in a few years things might improve, you never know.
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Joanne Edwards
Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Possibly the worst restaurant ive ever been to.

No atmosphere, stuffy, no music, no fun at all.

Over priced - for cold food, fatty steaks, tiny portions of veg - i counted 4 small carrots in the bottom of the dish, soda water £3.00.

Complete rip off and 100% let down.

Annoying waiters who come over every 5 seconds to fill up your water glass or to re arrange your napkin. Extremely annoying when your trying to have an intimate dinner.
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laura barnbrook
Sunday, March 09, 2008

Possibly the finest restaurant in Brum. The quality of food is on a par with some of the best restaurants in London. Still can't fault it after our 6th visit. If you love a fine red wine go for the Stellenbosch K.
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Matt Walker, Sutton Coldfield. - View all reviews by this user
Friday, November 23, 2007