Best Liverpool restaurants

Set in an old converted church, Alma de Cuba mixes Cuban, Hispanic and Latin American cuisines to create exciting and unique dishes. Honey & Thyme Goat's cheese bonbons, mojito lamb rump and passion fruit posset with homemade shortbread are just a few of the things you’ll find on the menu. With live entertainment and a gospel Sunday brunch, you will never get bored dining here.

As part of the Everyman Theatre, the Pen Factory is a relaxed and casual bistro, ideal for a lunch stop while exploring the city of Liverpool. Serving seasonal small plates including the likes of king prawns in paprika, smoked salmon and pea risotto and soy and honey glazed chicken wings everything is made for sharing. Given it is so close to the Theatre it’s the ideal spot to enjoy a craft ale after a show too.  

What was once a derelict building in the city has now been transformed into a 90 cover restaurant, while still keeping some of its charming and authentic features. Owned by famous chef Gary Usher and serving up beautifully presented dishes that include the likes of smoked chicken wings, hot smoked salmon fish cakes and buttermilk pannacotta. Following in the footsteps of Usher's other restaurants, Burnt Truffle, Hispi and Sticky Walnut, you know you’re in for a treat when you visit Wreckfish.

Having recently had a £1million refurbishment, Bem Brasil offers up a unique and authentic Brazilian dining experience.  Unlike most restaurants you don’t choose from a traditional menu, instead pile your plate high with salad from the bar and then choose you meats as they are bought round the tables and carved directly onto your plate. Choose from the likes of cap of rump, chicken wrapped in pancetta and leg of lamb.

Arguably one of the cosiest restaurants in the city, the Italian Club impresses with its crowd-pleasing menu of pastas and pizzas, but keeps up with the times too thanks to dedicated vegan and gluten-free options.

Claiming to be the only Catalonian fusion restaurant in the UK and doubling up as a deli, Lunya is located in the popular and buzzy Liverpool One area. Serving up the likes of Ibérico Pork Ribs, seabass sliders and patatas bravas the tapas style means you can try lots of different dishes in one sitting. Before you leave the restaurant don’t forget to try some of the authentic Spanish cheeses and olive varieties from the deli either.

As one of Liverpool’s most established restaurants, having won copious awards over the years, this is the restaurant to visit for a special occasion. Part of the London Carriage Works hotel which was built in the 1860’s, it has recently been revamped and features a number of different menus going from breakfast all the way through to dinner. Expect to find the likes of smoked haddock with poached eggs on the breakfast menu and lamb rump niçoise, seared sea bass and coconut pannacotta.

Every city needs a reliably old-school Italian restaurant or two and Casa Italia delivers on its promise of comfort food and a convivial atmosphere. Crown your checkered tablecloth with lasagnes, pasta dishes and homemade pizzas.

Part of the Radisson BLU hotel this Italian restaurant looks out over the river making for great views while you tuck into your meal. Décor-wise you feel more like you are stepping into an oriental palace than an Italian restaurant. The menu offers up everything from grilled aubergine to pan-roasted lamb rump and chocolate fondant to finish. There's also the bonus of being able to retreat to your room afterwards if you happen to be staying in the hotel.

Captivating Turkish barbecue flavours are the main draw of Elif. Begin with hot and cold meze, before moving on to juicy lamb ribs or whole fish, all served with an abundance of mixed leaf salad.

Set in the Royal Albert Docks in Liverpool, Gusto has the décor of every cool and contemporary restaurant in the city. With exposed brick and cast iron pillars, it may sound cliché but given its location, the original décor adds an authenticity to the restaurant. Food-wise, bruschetta, sea bream with samphire and a selection of pizzas are just a few of the things you’ll find on the menu.

With stunning 360-degree vistas from the 34th floor of the West Tower, there isn’t a better table view to be had in all of Liverpool. Panoramic 34 can be anything you want it to be – bar bolthole, a venue for afternoon tea or a cash-splashing evening out with fine wines, top Champagne and contemporary cooking –  just the place for big-0 birthdays and proposals. Dishes you can give a try include poached halibut, goosnargh duck breast and a white chocolate almond fondant.

Housed in the former Home for Destitute Children (circa 1888), this beautifully appointed restaurant pays homage to the building’s more recent role as an art school, with commissioned works by former students covering the walls. The cooking from chef-owner Paul Askew is every bit as artful, involving robust and often challenging flavours and including vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian menus. Serving up modern European cuisine, you can expect to find, menai mackerel with summer vegetables, confit leg of duck with roast orange puree and salted caramel and dark chocolate lemon drizzle cake.

With long communal tables, industrial décor and an exciting menu, Maray is located in the centre of Liverpool and is the ideal spot for a casual lunch or dinner. This restaurant is all about sharing plates so you can try a bit of everything. Serving up a mix of cuisines from Middle Eastern to British, expect to find the likes of lamb koftas, falafel and halloumi on the main menu.

Aiming to bring the street food of India to the UK, Mowgli serves all its dishes in metal tiffin boxes, the same  kind that people in India have at lunchtimes. You can enjoy your meal, in the quirky and rustic restaurant. Expect the like of gunpowder chicken, Goan fish curry and Mowgli house keema. It even has extensive gluten free and vegan menus and is the ideal place to visit if you are dining with people who have dietary requirements.    

Acting as a wine bar, cocktail parlour, restaurant and gig space, you can do an entire night out at the Buyers Club from start to finish. Often hosting BBQs and art exhibitions, there is always something going on at this bar/restaurant. On the menu you’ll find the likes of leek & cheddar arancini, harissa fried chicken and beef shin ragu pasta. Dishes are served tapas style so you can try a little bit of everything.

Championing simple and seasonal food and using local produce where possible, Belzan is the sort of cosy neighbourhood restaurant that everyone wants to live near too. There’s a great breakfast menu for early risers, too.

This café/ tea shop is great for casual and affordable all-day dining. Whether you visit for brunch or dinner, you can choose from an extensive menu. Expect all the brunch classics such as eggs benedict and royale. For lunch and dinner a selection of sandwiches, burgers, flatbreads and dishes including seafood linguine, Goan vegetable curry and pan fried chicken are on offer. The quirky décor includes exposed brick walls, chesterfield sofas and rustic wood furnishings which all add to the charm.

This modern British restaurant prides itself on using local and seasonal ingredients; ascend the spiral staircase to the dining room where you can enjoy the likes of duck confit, truffle risotto with vegetables and spinach and poached pear frangipane to finish. With contemporary but rustic finishes not only can you enjoy great food, but a cool setting too.

Adding a contemporary twist to the traditional steak house, Marco Pierre White has opened his famous restaurant in the boutique Hotel Indigo. Décor-wise you’ll find industrial features, deep jewel tones and a modern bar area. Steak features heavily throughout of course but it’s also worth trying the crispy calamari, grilled lobster and smoked haddock kedgeree.

Bringing life to an old converted warehouse, Manifest is a relaxed dining room and bar where great service is key. The open plan kitchen takes centre stage with counter spots for those who want a front row seat. Visit for a best of British menu that changes with the seasons.