Liverpool boasts an incredible food scene beyond its music and football heritage. The city’s independent restaurants span Bold Street to Albert Dock, offering everything from Middle Eastern small plates to fine dining Japanese cuisine.
This guide covers 7 standout spots where tapas culture, Indian street food, and Spanish-inspired menus thrive.
Each venue delivers trendy dining with friendly atmosphere, local ingredients, and affordable prices, though booking in advance for weekends is essential given Liverpool’s thriving Merseyside food culture. The city’s coffee shop in liverpool options also make perfect pre or post meal stops.
Maray
Best For: Middle Eastern sharing plates experience
Maray at Albert Dock serves Middle Eastern inspired sharing plates that consistently impress.
The unmissable Disco Cauliflower features roasted cauliflower drizzled with mysterious orange sauce, harissa spice, pomegranates, and almonds, it’s absolutely wonderful. Their buttermilk fried chicken with sweet potato and date molasses is equally delicious.
The iPad menu system filters dietary requirements brilliantly, making gluten free options easy to find. Staff recommendations are genuinely helpful, and the manageable menu size means everything’s been perfected.
Fresh ingredients and interesting flavour combinations define this spot.
Atmosphere: Welcoming waterfront setting with relaxed vibe perfect for groups and dietary accommodations with helpful service
Menu Highlights:
- Disco Cauliflower with harissa and pomegranates
- Buttermilk fried chicken with date molasses
- Sweet potato preparations
- Gluten free options available
Bacaro
Best For: Venetian tapas and Italian fusion
Bacaro on Castle Street brings Venetian tapas with Italian Spanish fusion to Liverpool.
This small plates specialist features constantly changing menus using seasonal ingredients, the mozzarella and pizettes are particularly excellent. Creative dishes showcase traditional flavours modernized beautifully, with succulent beef options and remarkable value for money pricing.
The outdoor seating benefits from a huge awning and heaters, making it comfortable year round.
Prompt service and helpful staff suggestions enhance the bustling atmosphere. Book ahead for evenings as this city centre spot fills quickly.
Atmosphere: Bustling city centre venue with comfortable casual vibe and covered outdoor seating options year round
Menu Highlights:
- Fresh mozzarella specialty
- Pizettes with creative toppings
- Seasonal small plates
- Succulent beef dishes
Salt House Tapas
Best For: Authentic Spanish tapas experience
Salt House Tapas occupies a stunning Grade 1 listed building on Hanover Street with big windows and contemporary décor.
Authentic Spanish tapas and charcuterie boards draw all ages to this trendy spot, the tortilla and chorizo in honey are standout signatures.
Special allergy menus with flag systems confidently accommodate nut allergies and gluten intolerant guests, with staff being attentive, friendly, and never pushy.
The lively atmosphere, solid drinks selection, and covered outdoor seating with heaters make it perfect for hours of relaxation in Church House’s beautiful setting.
Atmosphere: Lively and welcoming with contemporary design in historic listed building drawing diverse crowds all ages
Menu Highlights:
- Traditional Spanish tortilla
- Chorizo in honey
- Charcuterie boards selection
- Allergy friendly menu options
Mowgli
Best For: Indian street food and tiffins
Mowgli on Water Street (plus the Bold Street original) revolutionizes Indian street food with powerful flavours and cultural dining experience.
The tiffin container service presents three curries as a lucky dip, mimicking home made lunch traditions of office workers in Indian cities. Chat bombs add excitement while the Street Food Sharer Menu at £25 per person lets you explore extensively.
The atmosphere combines twinkling lights, rope swings seating, trees, and colonial style fittings for comfortable grandeur.
Veggies and allergies are well accommodated, plus they support local children’s charity.
Atmosphere: Unique colonial inspired interior with twinkling lights rope swings and trees creating comfortable grandeur feel
Menu Highlights:
- Tiffin container three curry selection
- Chat bombs
- Street Food Sharer Menu £25pp
- Vegetarian friendly options
The Art School Restaurant
Best For: Fine dining with local produce
The Art School Restaurant on Sugnall Street delivers fine dining without intimidation.
Chef Patron Paul Askew’s hands on, passionate leadership shines through beautifully presented plates emphasizing local produce and seasonal menus that never feel dull. The huge skylight floods the bright interior, while friendly, knowledgeable staff explain each dish, nothing feels stiff.
Wine flights offer different glasses per course with perfect matching.
The incredible taste quality, private dining options, and cellar bar for special nights make this 100% return worthy. Experience clearly shows in every exceptional detail.
Atmosphere: Bright skylight filled space with approachable fine dining atmosphere and knowledgeable friendly service throughout
Menu Highlights:
- Seasonal local produce dishes
- Wine flight pairings
- Beautifully presented plates
- Private dining available
Etsu
Best For: Authentic Japanese sushi and cuisine
Etsu in Beetham Plaza near The Strand serves authentic Japanese food with warm, modern interiors featuring light wood accents and spotlights.
Everything stays spotless in this classy yet chilled atmosphere where busy service runs smoothly, staff remain unfazed professionals who never rush or abandon you.
Sushi is the main event with unbelievably fresh fish, perfect rice texture, and beautiful presentation. Japanese meat and fish dishes are cooked with exceptional care.
The wonderful atmosphere draws dinner crowds, making weekend booking essential, definitely book ahead for this popular spot.
Atmosphere: Warm modern Japanese interior with spotless presentation classy yet chilled vibe and smooth professional service
Menu Highlights:
- Fresh sushi selections
- Japanese fish preparations
- Japanese meat dishes
- Perfectly textured rice
Panoramic 34
Best For: Skyline views and European dining
Panoramic 34 sits 300 feet up on West Tower’s 34th floor with floor to ceiling windows offering unbeatable Liverpool city and river views for miles.
The bar area is perfect for quiet drinks while browsing the genuinely impressive wine list. Modern European dishes like Cornish roasted monkfish shine, though the Afternoon Tea with bubbles and divine platters equally delight.
Each course arrives with minimal wait, and staff offer genuinely helpful, happy suggestions.
Even without advance booking, friendly reception assured seating soon, the memorable view makes every visit worthwhile.
Atmosphere: Stunning 34th floor panoramic windows showcasing city and river views with relaxed sophisticated dining environment
Menu Highlights:
- Cornish roasted monkfish
- Afternoon Tea with bubbles
- Divine platters
- Modern European cuisine
Final Thoughts
Liverpool ranks among Britain’s friendliest cities, where local pride and deep rooted cultures create something different from others.
These seven restaurants reflect that character, cuisine variety, diverse menus, spread locations, and varying design aesthetics all share common excellence in craft mastery, hospitality standards, and incredible food quality.
Support independent venues, especially on Friday Saturday nights when reservations are essential. Check availability early.
Liverpool’s vibrant food scene continues growing, making it worth exploring thoroughly. Return visits are guaranteed as new discoveries await, this city’s culinary landscape never disappoints.
