As most people will know, Jamie Oliver has been endlessly promoting a campaign to shape the health and wellbeing of current and future generations and contribute to a healthier world, by providing better access to food education for everyone. We knew that if you were to visit and check out one of his restaurant’s kids’ menu, you would not be disappointed with the choices at all.
Yesterday was our first time visiting Jamie’s Italian in Birmingham. The restaurant is set in the heart of the city, in the Bullring shopping centre. The restaurant is all open plan along with its rustic design in a vibrant and sociable environment. They get quite busy so it is best to book a table if you are planning to go during peak times.
We were greeted by their lovely and knowledgeable staff. Our very patient waiter explained the menu in detail and was able to help us to make some great choices of food.
Did you know that Jamie’s Italian kids menu has just topped the Soil Association’s ‘Out to Lunch’ poll for high street restaurants for the second year running?
To celebrate the award, Jamie’s Italian will be offering kids a free meal for every adult meal purchased! From 21st October to 1st November 2015, all children will enjoy a choice of six award-winning dishes: the much-loved ‘shake-me’ salads, a drink of their choice and a dessert for every adult main meal that is ordered.
Mr K is a meat and spaghetti lover and we were very surprised that he chose salmon in a bag for his main meal. Ms C went for the mini spaghetti and meatballs. Mr C and I went for fresh crab spaghetti, prawn linguini for our starters and Venetian fish stew and Gennaro’s famous porchetta for our mains.
Both children were each given an activity pack and crayons to keep them busy while waiting for their food to arrive. They both enjoyed the activities and the food related game. We each had to name a fruit from A-Z. It really got our ‘noodle’ working and we learnt some new things at the same time!
When their food arrived, both of them were really excited and couldn’t wait to tuck in! Ms C went straight in to the meatballs and ate them all before she started on her spaghetti. She just loved the meatballs. They were also served with a fresh shake-me salad with yoghurt dressing. They were both not keen on the yoghurt dressing but did eat their favourite vegetable items without a dressing.
Mr K loved his food so much that he kept himself unusually quiet through the meal. He had the Big Kids portion and managed to finish almost all of it. He left a few new potatoes and green beans. The best part of his meal is the freshly cooked fish and he said would definitely order it again next time. He also agreed that he will try to eat all his vegetables next time!
Mr K loved the presentation, fresh tasty food and vegetable, and best of all, they served ice cream with brownie! The menu is unique and interesting. There is no more boring choices of fish fingers or sausage and mash!
Mr C and I both had fantastic meals. We have one of his cookbooks and enjoyed Jamie’s Super Food on TV recently and this was our first time trying one of his restaurants. We were very impressed. The food is full of flavour and uses lovely fresh ingredients. The drinks are pack with unusual flavour that is so fresh and light.
I loved my Gennaro’s famous porchetta which is slow-cooked pork belly filled with garlic, chilli & herbs, served with roasted root veg, spiced apple sauce and salsa verde. The pork crackling was crispy and the meat was tender.
Mr C had the Venetian fish stew that was packed full of flavour. The seafood was cooked in a rich tomato and Fiano white wine sauce with fregola, crostini and brown crab aioli.
We loved the food and would highly recommend a visit if you’ve never been before. Now I can see why Jamie’s Italian Kids’ menu topped the Soil Association’s ‘Out to Lunch’ poll. Their food choices are interesting, has a great choice of seasonal fresh vegetables and best of all, it promotes eating healthily!
CLOSED IN APRIL 2019.
Disclosure: We have received part payment for the food and drinks. However, they have not paid me for this review, and they do not exercise any editorial control over my review or anything else on this site.
I’ve not been to a Jamie’s Italian before but after reading this I’m tempted to take the family along sometime. I’ve avoided it in the past as looking in my local one it didn’t look too family friendly. However, seeing the great children’s menu and the activity pack they give out has made me reconsider.
Thanks for sharing x
we are reviewing the Guildford branch on Sunday. Can’t wait to try it out! #tastytuesdays
This looks and sounds delicious, off to look where is the closest Jamies to us!
I wanted to see the meatballs! 😀 That’s what I think my 7 year old would have chosen. We had the opportunity to review but unfortunately couldn’t accept it and I am even more disappointed now I’ve seen yours! It looks gorgeous and you never hear a bad review 🙂
The meatballs were gone before I had the chance to take photos! She ate all three on her plate while I was taking my food, mr c and mr k. They just can’t wait to tuck in.