Tropea, the Italian neighbourhood restaurant in Harborne, has expanded its premises to accommodate an additional 25 covers and double its kitchen size. The move enhances the dining experience for regulars and new visitors alike, offering increased availability for walk-ins and introducing a new bar for guests to enjoy drinks.
The extended kitchen allows Tropea’s chefs to bring innovation to the menu, which continues to reflect the restaurant’s deep Italian roots. New dishes include Beef Carpaccio, Sicilian Arancino with butternut squash, Sardines ‘in soar’ on crostini, and Sardinian Fregola pasta with chilli and native mussels, highlighting authentic flavours and traditional techniques.
Tropea was founded by Ben Robinson Young and Kasia Piatkowska, who met while studying Culinary Arts at University College Birmingham in 2010. The restaurant takes its name from Tropea, a coastal town in Calabria, and sources much of its produce directly from Italy.
Ben and Kasia expressed their excitement about the expansion, stating:
“As a true neighbourhood restaurant, we could not be more excited to reopen our doors for friends of Tropea and introduce new faces to the refreshed space.
“As always, Tropea will remain an intimate and cosy restaurant with the extension allowing us to offer more variety in sitting options. Now that we’re able to offer walk-ins, there will always be a spot for regular locals to visit for their favourite dish or to try something new.”
The restaurant has received significant recognition in 2024, being recommended in the Michelin Guide and listed in The Good Food Guide’s Best 100 Local Restaurants. It was also named the regional winner and Best Local Restaurant in Central and East of England by The Good Food Guide in 2023, underlining its growing reputation.
With the expanded space and updated menu, Tropea continues to build on its mission to offer authentic Italian dining in a welcoming and intimate environment.
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