Savanna Restaurant & Cocktail Bar is a eritrean restaurant in Digbeth, Birmingham. Rated 4.6 stars from 330 Google reviews. Known for staff who actually engage and seasoning that works. Best for group dinner and birthday celebration. Ranked #8 of 11 in Digbeth. Price range: £20–30.
Rankings updated April 2026
Savanna Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Zone Ranking
Ranked weekly from live Google review data
in Digbeth
Holding steady
Quick Verdict
Locals go back because the food tastes like it's cooked by someone who cares and the staff remember your name. That's rare enough to mention.
Go if you want Eritrean food that doesn't apologise, a group dinner where service won't disappear, or cocktails at prices that don't insult you.
About Savanna Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Savanna Restaurant & Cocktail Bar on Bristol Street in Digbeth is an Eritrean restaurant where you walk in, order at the counter or from table service, and eat proper food cooked by someone who knows seasoning. The space works for groups—reviewers mention birthday parties and group dinners—and the staff (Betty, Devora, Dee get named repeatedly) actually care about whether you're enjoying it. You'll find vegetarian and vegan platters that don't feel like an afterthought, chicken wings with a crispy batter and balance between savoury and sweet, and fresh juices worth ordering. The cocktail bar side means you can drink well without the usual markup. Reviewers who've never tried Eritrean before say they'd come back. It's opposite the O2 Academy, so location's useful if you're heading that way. £20–30 gets you fed and drinks. No bookings online, so arrive knowing you might wait on a Saturday night.
What Stands Out
Staff who actually engage
Reviewers name Devora, Betty, and Dee individually across 6+ reviews. One says 'Devora was incredibly friendly and lovely and welcoming which really made the experience enjoyable.' Another: 'the beautiful server who showed serious passion and outstanding knowledge about the food.' This isn't generic politeness—it's remembered.
Seasoning that works
One reviewer notes 'the chef clearly has a great taste in seasoning.' Another praises the chicken wings: 'the balance between savoury and sweet was great with a crispy batter.' Vegetarian platter described as 'hearty and full of flavour.'
Works for groups and first-timers
Birthday party review: 'had my 25th birthday party there and it was so so wonderful.' First-timer review: 'I'm not from Birmingham, but a friend recommended that I visit Savanna Restaurant, and I can confirm that everything they said was exactly the service and quality I experienced.' Another: 'Great vegan platter! Definitely recommend this restaurant for those trying Eritrean for the first time.'
What Customers Say
Loved the food 110% coming back when in the city
The waitress was really nice and welcoming, and the chef clearly has a great taste in seasoning.
Got some chicken wings for a starter as well—the balance between savoury and sweet was great with a crispy batter.
Real quotes from Google Reviews
Practical Information
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about Savanna Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
No online booking. Walk in or call. Saturday nights fill by 8pm, so arrive early or expect a wait.
£20–30 per person for food and drinks. Cocktails and fresh juices are reasonably priced for the area.
Yes. The vegetarian platter is hearty, and reviewers specifically praise the vegan platter. Small plates and sides let you mix and match.
Chicken wings (crispy batter, sweet and savoury balance), any vegetarian or vegan platter, and a fresh juice. The seasoning throughout is consistent.
Yes. One reviewer had their 25th birthday party there. Service stays attentive even when busy, and the menu works for mixed diets.
Also in Digbeth
View all3 venues changed rank in Digbeth this week → See full zone ranking
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Rankings are recalculated weekly from live Google Business Profile data. Our Hot Score weighs review velocity (new text reviews in 90 days), recency (how fresh), baseline rating, and Google Business Profile completeness. No editorial picks, no paid placements — just what the data says this week.
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