The Manic Organic Cafe is nestled in the suburban side streets of Kings Heath, Birmingham, echoing a feel of London’s Notting Hill or Clapham, and only a minute from the main High Street. If you’re looking for vegetarian restaurants in Birmingham, Manic Organic Cafe is a calm retreat with a vegetarian, organic offering.<br br/>Atmosphere<br br/>Although it’s quite a small venue, my first impression was how busy it was – its popularity is such that people were being turned away or asked to wait for a table. Praise indeed and a fabulous endorsement! The atmosphere itself was lively; buzzing yet relaxed and in addition, it seemed child-friendly with books available to keep little ones amused.<br br/>The décor is bohemian-inspired with a lot of arts and crafts on display, and some pieces available to buy. There is a small garden at the rear of the café which people use as a waiting area (weather permitting).<br br/>food<br br/>The menu is a veggie’s dream as everything on offer is suitable for vegetarians, which certainly isn’t the case at all restaurants. Plus, the menu states that the food is fresh, organic and sourced locally where possible (typically from farms within a mile radius). The table condiments were mostly organic as well.<br br/>Menu choices include: nibbles (such as olive pots), soups, grilled sandwiches (including avocado, brie cranberry, feta olive) burgers, omelettes (using local eggs), large salads and internationally-inspired dishes like samosas, falafel and halloumi.<br br/>I opted for the homemade veggie burger, which was made up of grains, herbs, garlic and seasoning. It was served on a ciabatta bun with a portion of Kettle crisps, a pot of homemade tomato chutney and could come with either salad or coleslaw. When ordering, I was offered the choice to have half-salad, half-coleslaw which was a welcome suggestion as it meant I could sample everything. The burger also came with some add-on toppings such as somerset brie or farmhouse cheese. I chose the cheese and mushroom option. The burger and its accompaniments arrived beautifully presented and tasted extremely fresh and delicious. The portion size was generous and very filling.<br br/>My husband, who was my dining partner, opted for the omelette which came with fried potatoes and salad. Omelette topping choices included herb de provence, cheese and tomato and olive oil and mushrooms, but he chose the cheese and mushroom option. Even though he is usually of a carnivorous nature, he was extremely impressed and didn’t miss the meat element in his meal. He commented on how the omelette tasted fresh and very light.<br br/>drink<br br/>There was a large choice of organic beverages ranging from coffees, speciality teas to bottled soft drinks and milkshakes. Cold drinks come in the form of a can, bottle or carton and this was emphasised by the waitress who went through the options with me. We both chose an organic sparkling drink, elderflower and ginger respectively, which were both very refreshing.<br br/>pricing<br br/>Homemade Veggie Burger (with chips) br/>Cheese and Mushroom Omelette br/>Elderflower/Ginger sparkling each<br br/>things to note<br br/>Opening times vary daily, so it is worth checking their opening hours ahead of arriving to avoid disappointment. On-street parking is available by the café, but during busy times, it is worth parking on one of the neighbouring side-streets to avoid traffic congestion.<br br/>overall<br br/>This is an excellent venue with a wide choice of food and drinks whether for a quick coffee or for a hearty lunch. Pricing for food is excellent value considering it is organic and made on site. Manic Organic is a definite new haunt for me and a recommendation to all those seeking somewhere new to try. It’s a place where vegetarians and meat-eaters alike can enjoy a delicious dining experience in a relaxed environment.<br br
