There are plenty of Italian restaurants in Liverpool, but very few have the history, personality and sense of nostalgia that Maranto's has built over more than four decades. Family-run since 1983, this much-loved Lark Lane institution celebrates the meeting point between Italian and American dining, serving generous plates of comfort food in a restaurant that feels every bit as memorable as the menu itself.
Housed inside a Grade II listed building that has lived many lives, from a Wesleyan Mission Chapel to a skating academy, Maranto's is packed with character. Much of that comes from the family themselves. Steve and Ruth Maranto spent over 40 years turning the restaurant into a neighbourhood landmark, creating the backdrop for countless birthdays, anniversaries, New Year's celebrations and family gatherings. Today, daughter Anna and her husband Joe are carrying that legacy forward, giving the restaurant a thoughtful refurbishment while preserving everything people have always loved about it.
The interiors capture that old-school Italian-American spirit. Deep green leather banquettes, polished white tables, vintage Tiffany-style lamps that cast a warm glow overhead, while striking Art Deco-inspired wallpaper, patterned flooring and softly lit mirrors give the dining room a glamorous 1970s feel.
And, as for the menu, to start, there's delicious options like crisp popcorn cauliflower glazed with chilli, ginger and maple, classic bruschetta piled high with tomatoes and basil, sticky baby back ribs or chicken wings tossed in everything from buffalo sauce to hot habanero.
Pasta remains a cornerstone, whether that's a fiery arrabbiata with 'nduja, creamy pollo e broccoli, spinach and ricotta tortellini or chicken tagliatelle with courgettes, mushrooms and chilli. Stone-baked pizzas include a spicy Diavolo, salty Pescatore and a proudly unapologetic Hawaiian complete with the cheeky disclaimer: "don't tell nonno". Steak lovers are equally well looked after with ribeye, sirloin and an impressive 16oz T-bone.
Finish with an espresso-soaked tiramisu or an affogato, and it's easy to understand why generations of Liverpool families have made Maranto's part of their own traditions. Buon appetito!