From cult street-food vendors to contemporary small plates, here are the best restaurants in Liverpool to book right now
We’re just going to come right out and say it: Liverpool is the most exciting city for food in the UK right now. Blink and you’ll miss another newcomer on the restaurant scene (we welcomed Nord and KaiBaiBo last year, which immediately climbed to our top ten).
But alongside the exciting newbies, old faves are as popular and delicious as ever; find Indian street food and old-school Italian joints, and on a sunny day in Liverpool, you’ll see the small plates spots overflowing with as many customers as the restaurants that have been around since the ’70s. Whatever your flavour, the best restaurants in Liverpool won’t disappoint.
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This guide was recently updated by Alice Porter, 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? 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? 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? Relaxed fine dining on the Michelin guide with a great wine list
Why go? Still fairly new to the city, Manifest opened in The Baltic Triangle in 2022 and has quickly made a name for itself in Liverpool’s budding food scene. Tucked away down a side road in an old factory building, the idea is simple: seasonal plates, both small and large, local ingredients, expertly paired with a variety of wines. All of the good food, none of the pretentiousness.
Time Out tip: Try the sweet onion tart, which includes every member of the allium vegetable family.
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 margs 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? A neighbourhood bar serving delicious fresh pasta and natural wines.
Why go? If your idea of a good time is a big bowl of pasta and a really good glass of wine, then you can’t do much better than Buyer’s Club. Hidden down a side road off Hardman Street, you’ll be delighted if you turn up to this spot on a sunny day – the beer garden is the perfect place to soak up the evening sun.
Time Out tip: Order a couple of the portions of the cacio e pepe butter beans for your table to share – even your most carnivorous of friends will thank you.
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 (between-10pm) – 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? 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: Discover a vegan menu and great gluten free options too.
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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