Rico Libre — Tapas with a Twist image

Rico Libre — Tapas with a Twist

Restaurant Spanish restaurant Tapas restaurant

👍👍 They have a fantastic outdoor seating area where the old pond used to be. It was gorgeous sitting in the sun and eating. Great range of Tapas, sangria is well recommended. You can also bring your own but they do have a corkage fee of £2.50. Everyone was able to eat something, what ever their dietary... People often mention staff, great, tapas, friendly, service, restaurant, dishes, good, Rico, Libre,


Address

15 Gibb St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4AA, United Kingdom

Website

www.ricolibre.co.uk

Contact

+44 121 296 9994

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (448 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 5 to 10 pm
  • Friday: 5 to 10 pm
  • Saturday: 4 to 10 pm
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: staff (23) great (21) tapas (17) friendly (16) service (15) restaurant (14) dishes (12) good (10) Rico (9) Libre (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Khaleda Q. 2 years ago on Google
    They have a fantastic outdoor seating area where the old pond used to be. It was gorgeous sitting in the sun and eating. Great range of Tapas, sangria is well recommended. You can also bring your own but they do have a corkage fee of £2.50. Everyone was able to eat something, what ever their dietary need. Staff was great.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David C. 5 years ago on Google
    Don’t judge a Birmingham establishment by its humble cover. Rico Libre is a concept restaurant that works. It is easy to see that it was set up with the “try this out and see how it goes” mindset. Scour it’s green exterior, you won’t see any flashing lights of a sign to indicate it is a Restaurant. In fact you won’t find a sign. Walk inside, ask the question “is this Rico Libre?” You’ll be welcomed and your location will be confirmed. As you’re escorted to your humble seat your attentions will be directed to the well lit specials board. Rico Libre’s focus is around tapas and unusual ones at that. Fancy frogs legs, snails perhaps? It’s on the specials along with a plethora in the main menu. Portion sizes are going to be small, so 3 tapas are recommended as a minimum. The quality of each dish is sublime, presented beautifully and complimented appropriately. Service is homely and fast. We need more of this intimate experience in Birmingham. It may be out the way in Digbeth. It’ll be worth your back teeth to go out of your way to check it out.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nguyễn Việt Trung 1. 4 years ago on Google
    The selection of tapas is unbelievable, with the list of daily specials almost equaling the menu itself. As a large group (12 people), we went in more private rooms and had a great time to share what seemed like hundreds of delicious and varied options. It was great value for the food (definitely try the squid and frog feet) and the staff were friendly and attentive. It's a BYOB restaurant, but once again they do everything they can to help you and will put the bottle in the fridge and bring out glasses and drinks whenever you ask. Thank you and I am sure that I will return in the future!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Roger D. 4 years ago on Google
    Located in a unusual surroundings for an eatery, being mainly industrial, and at first glance you may probably wonder what is this place. Do not go on first impressions, step inside and be treated to some fabulous and very tasty food. It is not licenced, so don't forget to take your drinks along with you.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sally H. 2 years ago on Google
    Had the most incredible Tapas at Rico Libre last night. Between three of us we ordered about 11 dishes I think and each of them were absolutely incredible. Even the ones you wouldn't expect to be incredible like the Spanish Omelette or patatas were delicious. The calamari and the aubergine were a standout and that's coming from a meat lover! Amazing atmosphere and the fact you can bring your own drink at a total charge of £2.50pp means the bill is so reasonable. Great service too. Can't wait to go back
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew K. 2 years ago on Google
    What a gem, this Tapas bar is a 15min (ish) walk from New Street Station. Once Kanteen closes, they then transform it to Rico Libre Tapas restaurant, I can only confirm it opens a 16 30 on Saturdays. The food was fantastic, we took our own wine there is a small corkage cost, staff are very friendly and your make you very welcome, you are left to relax and enjoy your evening. This is a must visit for Tapas, table reservations are a must as they do get very busy.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mutahir A. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely Spanish restaurant, staff super friendly. Great atmosphere!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Andres T. 1 year ago on Google
    As a Spaniard living in Birmingham I thought better….. Easy food. Tortilla was absolutely no tasty, that’s a shame for Spanish chef… pulpo was very nice but not a la gallega, croquetas was the best!! Delicious!! But cannot see a Spanish restaurant where everyone don’t know about the food, don’t blame the service.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 E. D. 2 years ago on Google
    Came with my partner for a Thursday evening treat. Booking was easy and quick, via the online platform. Greeting was excellent from the host (who I believe was also the manager - the guy with hair tied up in a bun). He gave us a full run through of how to order as well as seperate menus we could order from - drinks, tapas and the Thursday special paella. As a pescetarian the menu offered loads of veggie & seafood options as well as meaty options for my partner. Service was excellent, especially from Crystal - what a gem! We had some delicious Sangria made fresh in house, bread balsamic and olives as well as an array of seafood - the linguini, Octopus, calamari and prawns. All of them were packed full of flavour and generously dished onto the plates, the chef clearly puts a huge amount of effort into everything that's served. Bop, the chef, was amazing and gave us a taster of the seafood paella too (seeing as we were so stuck for what to chose at the start), and we were obsolete gobsmacked by the flavours and quality. Hands down the best tapas restaurant in Birmingham (maybe even further?), with special thanks to the exceptional front of house & really unique and extraordinary chef. Can't wait to visit again, keep it up folks!

  • 2/5 Meredith K. 4 years ago on Google
    English version of tapas. Loud noisy party groups. Own alcohol...no licence. Just not my thing. 😏

  • 5/5 Akshay J. 4 years ago on Google
    Hospitable, great food. Definitely worth a few more visits

  • 5/5 Matt J. 4 months ago on Google
    Went here for some food before a gig at the Institute. Fantastic. Came nice and quickly but was really well presented and very tasty. Need to come again then there's no gig to get to and spend some more time

  • 5/5 Tracey S. 4 years ago on Google
    After finding this little gem, we were received a very friendly welcome, food was excellent, service was friendly and good, even thou we knew they were short of staff. Time was made for everyone. If you want to go its advisable to pre book as every table was full. You will be so disappointed to miss out on this great little place.

  • 5/5 christine v. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent food, friendly staff and owner, nice decor. We used to visit the previous location and having been to the new premises. I definitely recommend.

  • 5/5 Nathan H. 4 years ago on Google
    Now moved to the Kanteen in the Custard Factory - went for my dads birthday on a Thursday evening. Food was absolutely beautiful, every dish served was enjoyed by all 4 of us! Staff are really really friendly and make you feel very welcome from the start, overall amazing experience! Quality of food has stayed as great as since the first time we went.

  • 1/5 Mellow M. 4 years ago on Google
    Where oh where do we begin.. Dirty menus. Chewing gum under the table. Garlic bread is one of the easiest dishes to make so I was surprised when it come out burnt and not cut. Left to RIP it apart like savages. NO space for the waiters to manoeuvre let alone the guest. Terrible wouldn't take my dog here.

  • 5/5 Sam B. 3 years ago on Google
    Really enjoyable meal, we ordered 3 dishes each as recommended and everything we ordered was superbly cooked. The mussels were especially good as was the belly pork dish and the scallops. We booked in advance and were really happy with all the safety measures they have in place. Friendly, efficient service. Definitely recommend and definitely will return.

  • 5/5 mark f. 4 years ago on Google
    Love the place excellent food and service

  • 5/5 Katherine A. 5 months ago on Google
    This was not pre planned well researched booking but a spur of the moment booking for 4 people. I am so impressed I had to do a review! The food was fabulous. As a vegetarian tapas often offers more options than most restaurants but they can also be quite similar core ingredients- lots of aubergine and tomatoes. Not this place- fantastic array of veggie and meat based dishes. I have to say the fried aubergine here was outstanding- I could eat that over and over again! Confit mushrooms and Brie was also amazing and we all loved the flat bread. Ratatouille pie was tasty and solid effort on the Patatas bravos. Next time I come to Birmingham I have to come again what a brilliant meal and great venue. Service was a little slow at times but still very friendly. An absolute gem of a place.

  • 5/5 Lukas K. 4 months ago on Google
    Had an 18:00 booking on Friday evening. Straight away got met by a friendly and lovely staff member, took the seats and got introduced to specials. Food arrived quickly, and it was absolutely fantastic. I always rate the Spanish restaurant by its staples, such as croquettes and patatas bravas. Rico Libre had it amazing! Also need brisket and pork cheeks were fantastic as well. Sangria jug was actually massive, and really well done beverage as well. The service throughout was incredible, the ladies were attentive, caring and just overall pleasant. Overall, I'm looking forward to come back.

  • 1/5 Richard D. 8 months ago on Google
    It is with deepest regret that I write this review as I do not enjoy leaving poor reviews however, this is an exception. Me and my friend decided to eat here and it was welcoming and inviting. We were quickly shown to our table and provided with menus. A few minutes passed and we were invited to order drinks, we chose two cocktails, with a can of Coca Cola. And decided to order from the menu. I had the rump steak tapas, my friend had the Spanish omelette, and we shared the cheese and charcuterie mix. After around ten minutes the drinks hadn’t arrived. My friend chased up the drinks and then the Coca Cola was brought over. After another five minutes the cocktails arrived. This was poor services as l, it was not particularly busy, and should not take around ten minutes for a can of Coca Cola to arrive. The mains then arrived and the steak was cold, greasy, and fairly unappetising. The omelette was described by my friend as “soggy” and “bland”. The charcuterie mix arrived and was well presented but not the best. The olives were not pitted and put me off further eating. To bring some light into this grim review, the manager did discount half of the total, which was pleasing. It seems as if it has been a case of overpromised and underdelivered. I do hope this was just a bad day.

  • 5/5 Joanna C. 8 months ago on Google
    We had so much fun at Rico Libre celebrating our friend before her wedding! Michael and the team were incredible - attentive, fun, and so helpful with our menu options. All of the food was so delicious, with some traditional style tapas and some modern twists too. In fact, we had such a great time that we forgot to take photos of the food! It was such a highlight of the weekend. The smokey margarita was delicious too!

  • 5/5 Jody L. 2 years ago on Google
    Always a pleasure, its my favourite restaurant in brum. The food is amazing and fizz is always welcoming and friendly he remembers us every time 👌

  • 5/5 Tracy S. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful food, really reasonably priced, staff were lovely. Highly recommend. My fav dish of the night... crispy aubergines with honey.

  • 5/5 Simon J. 9 months ago on Google
    Amazing Tapas restaurant in the heart of the custard factory. Thanks to the great weather, we were able to eat outside on the terrace. All the food was so tasty and whilst the menu may seem small, there was plenty of choice that satisfied us all. Staff were great and we will definitely return.

  • 5/5 niallg96 8 months ago on Google
    Amazing birthday celebrations with great food and an attentive team! BYOB was a plus. On a few occasions the servers dropped the dishes for other customers which was not reassuring but otherwise a fab experience!

  • 5/5 Rickie 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely vibe here, restaurant is tucked away. Portions are a good size, food hot and fresh. Our server was Muminah, and her service was fantastic, professional and polite. Overall a pleasant meal out, thank you! Will be back, do love Tapas!

  • 5/5 Ash H. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing. Every dish was a little plate of heaven. All very different and delightful. Just sad we are on holiday and can't make it a regular visit! Muminah was very quick and pleasant. Really cannot recommend enough.

  • 4/5 Paul C. 1 year ago on Google
    The food was excellent. However, we were rushed to finish due to the table being booked. The waitress misled us about the time we had been allocated until her colleague corrected her. They did offer recompense with a drink in the bar and we really did enjoy it overall and would go back again

  • 1/5 James W. 1 year ago on Google
    FOOD POISONING A group of 4 of us went to this restaurant in December 2022. 3 of the 4 of us got food poisoning. I was very sick for several days. The one who didn’t get sick was 8 months pregnant so this was a very near miss in that it could have caused a stillbirth. I provided information to the management and they said they would look into it with it 24 hours. They did not do anything and have stopped responding to my messages. Avoid this cesspit at all costs.

  • 5/5 Haobin 11 months ago on Google
    Excellent hospitality!!!!! The food is very nice as well. Just a little bit noisy, but everything is good so far. One of favorite restaurants in Birmingham.

  • 5/5 Lee B. 10 months ago on Google
    Lovely Food, the specials were amazing. We were in a rush, so the staff had us in and out in 45 minutes with 7 dishes between 2 of us. Larger than normal tapas portions, so maybe 5 or 6 dishes would have been better.

  • 3/5 Ryan L. 10 months ago on Google
    Pretty tasty food, but perhaps at a price not befitting its quality. Brisk, impersonal service (which I suppose is fine if you're into that sort of thing). Probably quite well suited to couples rather than groups, but goes to lengths to fit both into this cosy venue anyway, probably to couples' chagrin.

  • 5/5 mervin roy c. 3 years ago on Google
    Food and ambiance are great. Very accommodating and polite staff. Will definitely recommend.

  • 5/5 K F. 3 years ago on Google
    Absolutely lovely evening at Rico Libre. Very welcoming staff and a great menu. The food was absolutely delicious, I really can't wait to go back. Great selection of drinks too!

  • 5/5 Nyesha H. 3 years ago on Google
    Very flavoursome food & Tommy’s service was too tier!

  • 5/5 Laura L. 3 years ago on Google
    Was staying in Birmingham for the weekend and read good reviews about this place and an added bonus is that it is BYOB! The excellent reviews I read were spot on, we enjoyed a range of tapas dishes from patatas bravas to the pork belly as well as some from the specials, the chimichurri beef was my favourite. Service was excellent, very attentive staff who even popped our beers in the fridge! If we're back in Birmingham in the near future, we'll be back!

  • 5/5 Shelley W. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful little restaurant, the owner was brilliant with my kids, kept them happy during our visit. The food was amazing, will definitely be back

  • 5/5 Kieran J. 5 years ago on Google
    Incredible tapas place, you really cannot go wrong going for a meal here. There are plenty of dishes to choose from. They have an extensive menu to choose plus at least 8 more dishes on their specials board that you should definitely try! Prices are good for the food you get and it's bring your own alcohol which helps to keep the price down of the whole meal. The staff are always friendly! Definitely need to book a table as it is always busy. It can sometimes be on the loud side due to the size of the venue and how busy it is.

  • 5/5 David R. 3 years ago on Google
    The food here is amazing. The staff are very friendly and great to have a laugh with, which makes the experience all the more enjoyable. We will be back again for definite

  • 5/5 Avery M. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent food, lovely atmosphere and really great staff. The staff provide friendly service and make everyone feel welcome. The vegetarian options were good and meant everyone in our party enjoyed it. Also loved the playlist! Luke deserves a special mention. Highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Jo G. 3 years ago on Google
    Fab food, staff friendly. BYOB works well, not a ridiculous corkage charge. Enjoyed an evening here

  • 2/5 Kelly H. 3 years ago on Google
    Portions are tiny whilst prices are big. Flavours okay but not great, service also questionable. Not as good as in previous location in barn st, very disappointing. Won't be back

  • 5/5 Adam B. 3 years ago on Google
    Delicious food!

  • 5/5 Steve K. 3 years ago on Google
    Fantastic food & service

  • 5/5 chris s. 3 years ago on Google
    Informal, good food, reasonable prices and friendly staff

  • 5/5 Jason H. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing food /atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Margaux F. 3 years ago on Google
    Thank you to Rico Libre for great food, relaxed atmosphere, lovely and super welcoming staff. BYOB much fair and appreciated! No fuss, cosy, super tasty dishes. Local food more than worth supporting !

  • 4/5 Otis C. 3 years ago on Google
    Food was brilliant and so was the service, there was no rush or pressure to get the bill either which is always nice. The only thing that may put a few people off could be the price costing a minimum of around £20 per head, but at the end of the day it is tapas, you expect to pay a little more 👌🏽

  • 5/5 Krystyna M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great food and nice, relaxed atmosphere

  • 3/5 Nizo S. 3 years ago on Google
    Everything was pretty average overall.

  • 4/5 Daniel Jones - Marketing & M. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice tapas but probably bring your own drinks as it got quite expensive buying the drinks available.

  • 5/5 Ian C. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent!

  • 5/5 P M. 3 years ago on Google
    Exceptional food, nice staff members, constantly good atmosphere. They charge affordable pricing and the food quality is awesome. I recommend this place.

  • 5/5 Jordan S. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing food decent price happy days something different for sure

  • 5/5 Paul H. 4 years ago on Google
    Fabulous food backed up by great service. And now at the new and improved location.

  • 5/5 Harry G. 4 years ago on Google
    Unbelievable food. Great prices. Attentive staff and byob

  • 5/5 Charlotte D. 4 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous tapas!

  • 5/5 Darren T. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent restaurant, well worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Jessica P. 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic food, great service and friendly staff

  • 5/5 Ghie B. 4 years ago on Google
    The best tapas restaurant in birmingham

  • 5/5 Robin M. 4 years ago on Google
    What a great tapas restaurant- excellent selection, all dishes full of flavour, and nice & relaxed.

  • 5/5 Jason H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great food great staff highly recommend

  • 4/5 steve w. 4 years ago on Google
    Great food atmosphere and staff. A hidden gem.


Call +44 121 296 9994 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
    • ✓️ Private dining room
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tapas restaurants nearby

Turtle Bay Birmingham image
1
Turtle Bay Birmingham
Caribbean restaurant
Lively restaurant inspired by Caribbean beach shacks and street hawkers, with a jerk pit barbecue.
$$ $$
4.60 (9.6K reviews)
The Square Peg - JD Wetherspoon image
2
The Square Peg - JD Wetherspoon
Pub
👍 Nice and polite staff. Lovely food however I’ve noticed a price difference in different Wetherspoons, should always be the same price.
$ $$$
3.90 (7.2K reviews)
Ziryab Executive Buffet image
3
Ziryab Executive Buffet
Buffet restaurant
International specialties are dished up in this understated all-you-can-eat restaurant.
$$ $$
4.10 (7K reviews)
MyLahore Birmingham image
4
MyLahore Birmingham
Asian fusion restaurant
Deli/cafe for Indian food to take away or eat in, plus burgers, wraps, milkshakes and desserts.
$$ $$
4.40 (5.3K reviews)
The Briar Rose - J D Wetherspoon image
5
The Briar Rose - J D Wetherspoon
Hotel
Lively hotel with casual rooms & free Wi-Fi, plus a pub offering real ales & a steak menu.
$62/night
4.00 (5.3K reviews)
Last updated:
()