Alterna

25 Caroline St, Birmingham B3 1UE, United Kingdom
+44 121 314 0910
$$$ Cafe , Store
(35 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Nestled in the heart of Birmingham’s vibrant Jewellery Quarter, Alterna is a delightful café that not only tempts your taste buds but also warms your heart. Emphasizing a fully vegan menu, this hidden gem is a breath of fresh air for plant-based enthusiasts and food lovers alike. The café's quaint and cozy interior invites you to relax and unwind, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon or a quick coffee break amidst your city explorations.

What sets Alterna apart is its commitment to artisanal quality and fresh ingredients. Customers rave about the sticky tofu focaccia, a dish that perfectly balances savory flavors and satisfying textures. Imagine sinking your teeth into its crusty yet soft bread, complemented by the rich seasoning of the tofu – an experience that is both nourishing and delightful. Berry pancakes are another highlight, fluffy and light, drizzled with vibrant berry compote that bursts with natural sweetness. Each dish is beautifully presented, making your dining experience as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Taking care of your coffee cravings, Alterna serves some of the finest brews in Birmingham. Patrons like Ben Powell have discovered that the coffee here holds a special place in their hearts, often describing it as one of the best they've had. Whether you’re slurping down a rich espresso or indulging in one of their unique iced drinks, each sip is crafted with passion by the dedicated staff who pour their heart and soul into every cup.

The café does not just focus on food and drinks; it also serves as a hub for the community. Alex Russell mentions how Alterna accommodates the Jewellery Quarter Book Club, showcasing its commitment to being more than just a café - it's a community space where like-minded individuals gather, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company. However, it comes with a caveat: be prepared for a busy atmosphere as the café attracts a loyal following, and those seats fill up fast!

Alterna’s inviting environment is complemented by the warmth of its staff, who consistently receive praises for their friendly service. Regulars like Mia Forde appreciate not just the food, but also the convenient selection of hard-to-find vegan groceries available upstairs, making it a go-to spot for all your vegan needs.

With its exquisite menu offerings and community-oriented approach, Alterna stands out as a must-visit café in Birmingham. Whether you're seeking quality coffee, innovative vegan dishes, or a cozy nook for catching up with friends, this charming café promises a memorable experience that will leave you longing to return. Don't miss out on this local treasure!

Service options
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Free water refills
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Dessert
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Payments
Credit cards
Parking
Paid street parking
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed inside
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Saturday

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Sunday

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

35 Reviews
Shaily Mishra

16 Sep 2025

Absolutely loved this place! The food was fresh, flavourful, and beautifully presented. The sticky tofu focaccia was a standout—perfectly seasoned and so satisfying. The berry pancakes were delicious, light, and fluffy, and the smoothie was refreshing and full of natural sweetness. The ambience added to the whole experience—cute, cozy, and relaxing. It's the kind of spot where you can unwind and enjoy a peaceful meal. I’d definitely go back again and recommend it to anyone looking for great food in a charming setting.

Ben Powell

08 Sep 2025

We visited this place today, having wanted to go for quite some time, though it’s about an hour’s drive away. Since I had an appointment just across the street, it felt like the perfect opportunity to give it a try. The coffee was truly one of the best I've had. I’ve tried other spots in Birmingham, and the pastries here were delicious, and so we're the cookies. I was a little disappointed by the service, which could have been warmer and more engaging, but that won’t stop me from coming back.

David Clarke

10 Aug 2025

Another gem in the Jewelery Quarter. You will not find an independent coffee shop offering artisanal coffee of this standard anywhere else in Birmingham at 7am on a Sunday. Passionate, hard grafting staff. Unique baked goods options with a South American twist. Open 7am until 7pm, 7 days a week.

Alex Russell

04 Aug 2025

Alterna is a beautiful cafe in the heart of the jewellery Quarter, it boasts homemade pastries and cakes and has an excellent range of iced drinks and coffee. They are also at the centre of the community accommodating the Jewellery Quarter Book club once a month (although they really need to invest in more seats!!!)

Edel Mallon

11 Jul 2025

Can't comment on the food as we only had coffee, but the homemade bakes looked amazing. The coffee is beautifully nutty. The two girls who worked there were very sweet.

Lowri Ollerenshaw

05 Jul 2025

Really cute place in the jewellery quarter. Pastries are really good (especially Lemon blueberry cake). Pancakes were lovely and the tofu focaccia was something I’ve never tried before - super YUM!! Service was lovely also! (Everything is completely vegan)

Mia Forde

05 Jun 2025

Lovely hidden vegan gem in the jewellery quarter. Not many fully plantbased places anymore so was excited to try. Great variety of foods to try and really enjoyed the drinks and cookies :) Staff were really friendly and had a little selection of hard to come by vegan groceries to buy upstairs! Hope to make this a regular

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