From cult street-food vendors to contemporary small plates, here are the best restaurants in Liverpool to book right now
Liverpool is a maritime city, and local chefs have certainly drawn inspiration from that, whether it’s in the form of Indian street food or Middle Eastern small plates. Bold new flavours have hit the city in 2023, with newcomers NORD and KaiBaiBo taking the foodie scene by storm and climbing into our top ten.
But old favourites remain popular too – and if you’re wandering down Bold Street on a summer’s day, you’ll notice that most of the new kids on the block are seating customers back-to-back with people dining at restaurants that have been there since the ’70s, both with equal success. Whatever you're looking for, here are the best restaurants in Liverpool.
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This guide was recently updated by Rachel Kevern, a writer based in Liverpool. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
What is it? British produce transformed into photo-worthy dishes by a MasterChef winner.
Why go? Röski is the one for diners who’d like to sample the ‘next big thing’ in the food world. It’s headed up by Anton Piotrowski, a former winner of MasterChef: The Professionals, and the menu makes inventive use of homegrown British ingredients. Everything’s immaculately presented – so bring your camera.
What is it? Beautifully crafted small plates (and some of the best veggie food in Liverpool).
Why go? Maray was born when a group of friends decided to bring the atmosphere of the fashionable Marais neighbourhood in Paris to Liverpool. Serving small plates inspired by Middle Eastern flavours, this trendy and intimate restaurant takes plant-based cooking to a whole new level. Maray also offers a tantalising selection of meat and fish dishes.
What is it? A Mexican bar and restaurant on the Albert Dock serving street food and the best margaritas this side of the River Mersey.
Why go? A five-minute walk from most of the city’s central museums, this is the perfect place to kick back and relax with a tequila or two after a day of culture. Plan your trip to Madre on a summer evening and soak up the sun in the large outdoor seating area. Expect infinite variations of tacos, mezcal margaritas and live music.
Time Out tip: The slow-cooked beef shin and Oaxaca cheese tacos are seriously messy but well worth the salsa stains.
What is it? A celebration of Northern hospitality and heritage, paired with a Scandi-inspired food and drink offering built on relationships with local suppliers.
Why go? Born and bred in Liverpool, Executive Chef Daniel Heffy went on to work in Michelin-starred venues in Stockholm, Sweden, before returning to his hometown to start his own venture in 2023. The NORD menu highlights locally sourced ingredients prepared in a contemporary way and always champions seasonal produce. Think fresh fazzoletti pasta and cod kievs.
What is it? Enter through the bright purple arch on Newington and you’ll find this lively, lovely vegan café.
Why go? Split over two levels in an old Victorian warehouse, this award-winning vegetarian and vegan joint offers a colourful menu of pasta, pitta sandwiches, fry-ups and stir-fries to suit all plant-lovers out there. The vast, open-plan café also doubles as a gallery.
Time Out tip: The Egg Cafe is open in the evenings – if you plan to make a night of it you can bring your own bottle of wine at £2 per person corkage.
What is it? Food, marvellous food in a historic Victorian building.
Why go? The Art School Restaurant is housed in what used to be a ‘home for destitute children’ in Victorian times. But these days you’re more likely to be chomping on a cheeseboard than writing on a chalkboard. With a focus on exquisite, beautifully-prepared British cooking, we liked the twice-baked cheese soufflé with baby leaf spinach, Ormskirk leek and Wirral watercress, and the sumptuous roast breast of salt-aged miso duck paired with turmeric potatoes.
What is it? Killer Korean street food in a friendly, laid-back setting.
Why go? A new opening for 2023 from brothers Robin and Chris, KaiBaiBo combines Robin’s years spent living in Busan, South Korea, with Chris’ passion as a chef for creating fast and high-quality food. KaiBaiBo brings the authentic flavours of the Korean peninsula to Liverpool while drawing inspiration from the casual atmosphere of Japanese izakaya.
Time Out tip: Grab yourself a steaming bowl of Tantanmen Ramen or the legendary Meat Donut and top it off with a chocolate praline Hotteok and ice-cream. Great times guaranteed.
What is it? A true taste of Italy – in one of the city’s homeliest restaurants.
Why go? If you want a restaurant that combines character and charm with brilliant pizza and pasta, then hotfoot it to the Italian Club. With its high ceilings and walls adorned with vintage maps, this much-loved Bold Street institution feels at once understated and lived in. It also offers some of the best Italian food in the North West.
Time Out tip: Check out the vegan menu and gluten-free options to ensure no one misses out on a great meal.
What is it? Beloved Middle Eastern-inspired street-food restaurant, a few minutes’ walk from Sefton Park.
Why go? Translating to ‘party party’ in Arabic, Hafla Hafla started out touring Liverpool’s street-food markets before founder Tim Haggis opened his own restaurant on one of the city’s most bustling streets, Lark Lane. They have spent years perfecting their kebab recipe, bursting with flavours you’ll think about for weeks afterwards.
Time Out tip: Hafla Hafla’s salt and pepper halloumi fries are famous throughout the city – we’d recommend ordering them with a side of Shipka jam.
What is it? A neighbourhood bistro serving seasonal plates on lesser-known foodie favourite, Smithdown Road.
Why go? Recently added to the Michelin Guide, Belzan’s constantly changing menu is a sensory delight. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly and it’s worth trusting them as they guide you through the menu. Ask them for a natural wine recommendation and opt for a bottle as you’ll want to spend the entire evening here.
Time Out tip: Don’t miss the Guinness rarebit potato, which is somehow both flaky and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
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