Dining at Filini

I tried the Filini on a whim; it looked good and I was celebrating.

The decor and general ambience was excellent – really different to any restaurant in Birmingham that I have been to. It reminded me of the stylish 60s tv drama – Madmen, with retro furniture, subtle mood lighting and elegant sculpture.

The food started surprisingly well with a huge bowl of complementary italians breads for dipping. The dipping oil and balsamic were excellent quality – small details but a great start! Our starters varied in size, my beef carpaccio was tasty any small – how I like a starter, while Jennie’s vegetable anti pasti selection was huge (and also very tasty)

For main I had the monkfish with walnut pesto with a side of roasted rosemary potatoes. The artistically piled dish was impressive but the dribble of pesto dissapointed me until I tasted it and realised how little you required due to it’s powerful and delicious taste. Overall excellent main for me. My wine was also excellent (recommended by our waiter) and suited this dish, i think it was Masi Venezie Modello.

When we explained that Jennie is vegetarian with a dairy intolerance – the chef came to our table to discuss what she could have, in the end choosing a tasty if a little basic tomato and roast vegetable risotto.

Our waiter was friendly and helpful if a little disorganised. I told him I was celebrating getting a new job and soon after he brought complementary champagne to our table. The fruit sorbets were also excellent, tasting strikingly similar to blackcurrant and mango, rather than being over sweet.

The price wasnt cheap, but not much more than strada or pasta di piazza, whereas the food and experience was easily better.

Overall this was an excellent evening – I’ve no idea why this place isn’t more popular.