A Birmingham chef whose much-loved restaurant has only 12 seats has been named Young Chef of the Year for 2025 in the prestigious Michelin Guide.
Ash Valenzuela-Heeger, who runs Riverine Rabbit in Stirchley, was awarded the accolade at a ceremony in Glasgow as the famous tyre brand announced its annual guide to the nation's best places to eat.
The venue in Pershore Road was also handed a Bib Gourmand which Michelin gives to restaurants that serve "high-quality food at a reasonable price".
Inspectors praised the wallet-friendly prices, calling it a welcome bonus after receiving friendly service and dishes that displayed flavour-packed cooking.
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Ms Valenzuela-Heeger moved to Birmingham from her native South Africa to settle in Stirchley with wife Erin who helps to run the restaurant while also working as a research scientist in the University of Birmingham's department of metallurgy and materials.
The couple's restaurant serves dishes inspired by South Africa from as little as £30 for the prix fixe menu.
When collecting the award in Glasgow, the 35 year old said: "I'm not sure how young I am but I'm pleased, thank you very much."
Michelin said: "After generating a fair amount of buzz with their pop-ups, warm and welcoming couple Ash and Erin have found a permanent home in this Birmingham suburb.
"Erin leads the friendly service while Ash proudly delivers her dishes from behind a kitchen counter. If you get the chance, order the honey-cured beef which epitomises the flavour-packed cooking.
"Influences from Ash's native South Africa occasionally make an appearance as do those from Asia, ranging from tom yum to furikake. That this all comes at wallet-friendly prices is a welcome bonus."
Ms Valenzuela-Heeger joins a prestigious line of previous winners which includes Kray Treadwell who runs 670 Grams in Digbeth and who was named Young Chef of the Year in 2021.
Another notable achievement was Harborne Italian Tropea being awarded a Bib Gourmand.
The venue, which expanded in Lordswood Road last year, was celebrated for its uncluttered, straightforwardly delicious cooking, by Michelin's inspectors.
The restaurant is the creation of Kasia Piatkowska and Ben Robinson Young, both of whom trained in Birmingham.
The Guide said: "The Italian ethos of uncluttered, straightforwardly delicious cooking is alive and well at this bright neighbourhood restaurant.
"Let the staff guide you when it comes to ordering the sharing plates but you're sure to be satisfied by any of the terrific homemade pastas plus the beautifully balanced cannoli to finish.
"The Italian wine list is as fabulously well-priced as the food and the buzzing atmosphere and friendly service add to the appeal. It's easy to see why the place is so popular."
It is the first Michelin guide in 15 years not to feature famous Birmingham venue Purnell's
Meanwhile, Birmingham-based Indian restaurant Opheem retained its two stars and city centre venue Adams and Simpsons in Edgbaston both kept their single stars as did Upstairs by Tom Shepherd in Lichfield, Grace & Savour in Hampton in Arden and The Cross in Kenilworth.
