Cuubo: A Modern British Restaurant with an Italian Soul in Birmingham
Nestled in the heart of Harborne, Birmingham, Cuubo stands as a modern British restaurant infused with a pronounced Italian accent. The establishment features a compact dining room with just 22 covers, mirroring its concise menu that offers five choices per course. Originally launched as Qbox during lockdown by chef-proprietor Dan Sweet, it served elevated versions of salads, fried chicken, and mac and cheese. About two years ago, Sweet transformed the takeaway into a full-fledged restaurant, and it has been consistently packed ever since, drawing acclaim from locals and visitors alike.
Chef Dan Sweet's Culinary Expertise and Philosophy
Dan Sweet honed his skills at Simpsons, a renowned temple to haute cuisine, and his training is evident in every dish. His cooking technique is clean and precise, with presentation that is pretty rather than pretentious. At Cuubo, flavour always takes precedence over fancy flourishes, a philosophy that resonates with diners seeking authentic and refined experiences. The restaurant has become a favourite among friends like Simon and Sophie Carlo, who praise its offerings despite its proximity to their home, highlighting Sweet's reputation for delivering exceptional Brummie cuisine.
Standout Dishes and Menu Highlights
The meal begins with a fat raviolo stuffed with spicy sausage and enveloped in a rich ragu, topped with an ethereally light parmesan espuma. This dish balances gutsy heartiness with quiet refinement, earning it a spot among the best culinary experiences of the year. Onion soup captures the sweet essence of allium with creamy elegance and a perfect acidic bite, enhanced by toasted pine nuts and deep-fried onion for crunch. A lozenge of pork belly combines winsomely soft flesh with splendidly brittle skin, served in a swirl of bacon cream that celebrates the beauty of well-raised pork.
Mains continue to impress, such as a beautiful piece of bream exquisitely cooked with a sauce of 'nduja, intensely sweet tomatoes, and parsley oil. Described as a shaft of Mediterranean sunshine on a bleak day, it features shavings of fennel for a gently bitter bite. Other highlights include an exemplary parmesan risotto topped with crisp mushroom slices and a fillet of beef in a peppery reduction that exudes bovine heft. Puddings round out the meal with excellence, showcasing Sweet's adept touch.
Value and Operational Excellence
This clever, polished, and assured cooking comes at exceptional value, with a three-course lunch priced at £45 and dinner at £55. Remarkably, Sweet operates the kitchen with just one fellow chef, making the consistent quality of the food even more astonishing. From £35 for a two-course lunch, Cuubo offers a dining experience that combines affordability with high culinary standards, solidifying its status as a must-visit destination in Birmingham's vibrant food scene.
