With a proud history, a diverse populace and a reputation as one of the UK's cultural hubs, it was always a given that this city would hold some of the finest eateries. Whether you're after a family steakhouse dinner or a romantic evening with beau at a sultry hideaway, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Liverpool.
Among Liverpool's thriving food scene, So Salsa Bold Street stands out for its lively take on tapas dining.
The Bold Street restaurant is the city-centre evolution of the beloved Crosby original, opened in 2010, bringing the same family-run energy and passion for flavour to a bigger stage. With globally inspired small plates, upbeat music and a welcoming atmosphere, it's a reliable pick for a fun night out in Liverpool.
Whatever time of day it is, you can count on Eden Cafe & Bistro Aintree for a fantastic meal out. This welcoming neighbourhood restaurant is open from 10am until late throughout the week, promising lots of pretty plants, cool neon signs and plenty of comfy seating.
Kick off your day with hearty breakfast plates, or swing by a little later for sirloin steak frites, crispy chilli beef noodles or a stuffed mushroom burger - alongside a wide range of sandwiches and toasties.
Offering a fresh take on Spanish and fusion tapas, La Finca Eivissa is one of Liverpool's top restaurants for authentic flavour and vibrant ambience. Enjoy traditional paella, fresh seafood, and mouthwatering tapas with fantastic deals throughout the week - including three for £22 tapas and 50% off food on Thursdays - perfect for everything from casual lunches to special dinners.
Down The Hatch is one of the most popular restaurants in Ropewalks, and for good reason. Not only is the mouthwatering menu of comfort food 100% vegan and veggie, but this joint also flaunts stylish decor and an upbeat ska soundtrack.
When you're in need of a gorgeous Italian restaurant, Riva Blu is coming in hot with its combo of blue and neutral interiors on Castle Street. Not only will you get an open kitchen, cocktail bar and terrace, but also a stunning menu of classics, from seafood linguine to veal Milanese.
Chin-Zano is a beautiful modern Italian restaurant offering a fresh take on traditional flavours. The menu is jam-packed with everything from hand-crafted pizzettes and pizzas to authentic fresh pastas and sensational sharers and smaller plates.
If you've got room for more, the indulgent dessert list is just as dreamy. To wash it all down, there's Italian beers, premium spirits and stunning signature cocktails.
Whether you're heading in for a boozy brunch, afternoon tea or a tasty dinner, Browns Brasserie & Bar Liverpool is bound to hit the spot. Boasting a range of fantastic eats from burrata to lobster risotto, served with a fabulous selection of Champagne and wine.
If you're looking for a no-nonsense, flavour-packed meal in Liverpool, Honest Burgers on Bold Street should be at the top of your list.
Known for their juicy British beef burgers and crispy homemade chips, they elevate the burger game with unique creations like the Spring Fried Chicken burger, featuring wild garlic pesto and smoked bacon.
For a dining experience that blends fun, flavour, and a great atmosphere, Schiller's Hall is one of the best restaurants in Liverpool. Inspired by the traditional bier taverns of Bavaria and Bohemia, this modern gem offers everything from locally brewed ales to expertly crafted cocktails.
And the food? A menu packed with hearty Alpine dishes like schnitzels and bratwurst, ideal for pairing with your drink of choice. Whether you're with friends or family, it's a vibrant, flavour-packed spot that stands out in the Liverpool restaurant scene.
A fabled tapas restaurant from chef Simon Shaw, El Gato Negro is popular for its Spanish plates. The Chapel Street eatery has earned Michelin acclaim for its dishes, including salt cod fritters, jamon croquetas or chargrilled sweet potato with a mango, chilli and yoghurt sauce.
For one of the best places to eat in Liverpool, Gino D'Acampo is a great haunt for dinner and a view. Enjoy tucking into pizzas with ham parma and lush lobster linguines while watching the sunset and sipping on a cocktail.
Voyagers Liverpool offers a cool, contemporary dining space complete with glossy white tiles, dangling foliage and an open kitchen where you can take a peek at chefs hard at work, preparing globally inspired cuisine. At its core, this spot is a neighbourhood restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for chilling with friends or even bringing a first date. Look forward to tucking into the likes of charred king prawn sandos, small plates like caramelised cauliflower croquettes and much more.
Located within an 18th-century merchant house in Wolstenholme Square, Clockworks Steakhouse is one of the coolest restaurants in the city. It has recently been reopened, thanks to new owners Rhys Keeley, Jack Ruttledge and Ethan Cowling.
Expect a bend between modern and traditional interiors - think marble bathrooms, exposed brickwork and iron pipes. As for the menu, they offer premium steaks, smash burgers, Sunday roasts and so much more.
Located on the Royal Albert Dock, Daffodil is a floating venue that's situated on the iconic former MV Royal Daffodil. This sophisticated spot is a luxury restaurant and cocktail bar in one, featuring elegant, modern interiors and a touch of maritime charm.
Chef Darren James-Campbell runs the kitchen, cooking up sumptuous British dishes using produce from all over the country. We're talking charcuterie boards, mushroom risotto or a seafood creme brulee.
If you're in need of an Indian eatery, then Mowgli on Bold Street is a haunt worth visiting. Touting gorgeous interiors made from industrial materials, alongside rustic lighting and wooden tables, this is an ideal eatery for street food. Not closeby? Opt for the Water Street location.
One of the most lovely of Liverpool Dock's restaurants, Maray is serving up Middle Eastern small plates at its fabulous venue and spots on Bold Street and Allerton Road. Grab your beau for an evening of whole roasted cauliflower, mouthwatering flatbreads and refreshing cocktails.
Swing on over to Hanover Street where this Liverpool restaurant is whipping up some of the finest Spanish eats in the city. Offering traditional, yet, contemporary takes on tapas, you'll find everything from classic croquetas to grilled leek crostini with taramasalata and brown butter.
Toro's Steakhouse on Bold Street is a great choice for those seeking halal restaurants in Liverpool. Home to cosy interiors and a fabulous selection of cuts, this prime eatery won't disappoint hungry folk. Need something to wash it all down with? Sip on a cocktail.
When only fancy restaurants in Liverpool will do, NORD has your next meal covered. Inspired by local chef Daniel Heffy's time in Michelin star restaurants in Scandinavia, this place serves twists on British fare alongside cocktails and wine.
A guide to the best restaurants in Liverpool city centre wouldn't be complete without this beauty. Panoramic 34 does exactly what it says on the tin, offering stunning views from the 34th floor of West Tower. Pair seasonal menus with fine wine here.
Headed up by Million Pound Menu winners Jamie Duffield, Dave Bone and Anthony Power, Pilgrim is the Duke Street restaurant cooking up a taste of Spain's northern coastline. Head down to see what earned this dinky haunt a mention in the Michelin guide.
Out of the Michelin star restaurants in Liverpool, Moor Hall is our top choice. Not only has it got two to its name for incredible cooking, but also a green star for sustainability. Tuck into British produce at this restored 16th century house.
Steak on the brain? Then household name Hawksmoor is a winner. Pair the finest cuts of British, grass-fed beef with mac 'n' cheese, dripping fries, creamed spinach and roasted scallops. Dessert is also on the cards, with the sticky toffee pud as a highlight.
Tucked away just off Castle Street, Queens Bistro And Wine Bar is an award-winning restaurant that offers a relaxed but elegant dining experience. Boasting an AA Rosette to its name, this stylish spot features comfortable leather booth seating, dark green walls and colourful artwork.
They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, with standout dishes including Gressingham duck breast with blood orange and roquito pepper cauliflower steak. Expect a focus on simplicity and quality, with fine wines to wash it all down.
8 by Andrew Sheridan is Liverpool's most immersive dining secret - a dark, dramatic space where food meets theatre. With just eight seats, eight courses, and a soundtrack that scores the night, this is dining as you've never experienced it.
Chef Andrew Sheridan's ever-evolving tasting menu showcases his signature flair for precision and storytelling, with standout dishes like coal-roasted scallop with seaweed butter and burnt apple with miso caramel. The open kitchen draws guests into the action, making every bite part of a larger narrative. It's bold, intimate, and unforgettable.
When it comes to top-notch steak restaurants in Liverpool, Gaucho is a firm choice. Venture inside this Grade II listed eatery for a range of Argentinian plates, including sirloin or ribeye cuts, alongside a crackin' selection of seafood. Thirsty? Head to the bar for bespoke serves.
Need romantic restaurants in Liverpool for that oh-so-special date night or a private space to celebrate an anniversary? Make your way to The Art School. Delve into a fantastic menu from Paul Askew, spanning risotto with beetroot and caramelised onion puree to succulent pork loin.
Halfa Halfa is where to mosey over to when Middle Eastern food is what you're craving. Mezze covers everything from corn ribs in harissa-garlic sauce to their famous halloumi fries and whipped goat cheese, while the halal meat and fish mains are just as tasty.
If you're after Chinese restaurants, then head on over to Chy. Located on Renshaw Street, this fabulous eatery is whipping up a plethora of mouthwatering plates, from noodles to succulent meats. Vegan? No problem. It has a dedicated to plant-based bites. Yes, please.
A popular bistro on Smithdown Road, Belzan is an easy choice for amazing grub. With a forward-thinking menu and unique industrial interiors, this definitely is a top eatery for those craving low-key date night vibes or are in the mood for something different.
A first-class Japanese restaurant, you'll find Etsu sitting pretty on The Strand. This eatery fronts spacious dining areas, both indoors and on its alfresco terrace, all while the menu promises fresh sushi and umami-rich noodles. Yum.
Madre has made an impact on the city's dining scene with its take on Mexican street food. Tuck into tacos, queso fundido and Highland steak and chips, which can be washed down with one of its signature margaritas. You don't need to ask us twice.
Our list wouldn't be complete without relaxed bistro and bar, The Pen Factory. This drinking and dining den is a firm favourite for wine, craft beer and cask ale, while the food menu promises beef cheek and whole fish of the day.
In need of a Meditteranean food fix? Koukash has got you covered. Whether you're carving into its exquisite roast dinners, slicing through the catch of the day or warming yourself up with one of its spiced soups, you won't be disappointed by this Sir Thomas Street spot.
After cool restaurants in Liverpool? Sapporo Teppanyaki fits the bill, as you'll be able to watch the theatre of cooking while you dine. Expect Japanese delights spanning everything from tasting menus to tempura, teriyaki salmon, swordfish steak, yakisoba and more.
Almost Famous' patties slapped between two buns are some of the best across the UK, and our Liverpool location is no exception. Check it out for gut-busting burgers galore, alongside a choice of cocktails and shakes.
If you're on the hunt for top-notch Bold Street restaurants, then LEAF is one to visit. Boasting a diverse menu of international plates and an ever-changing cocktail list, this is a great location for after-work drinks or a fabulous date night with beau.
