The best restaurants in Liverpool right now (2024)

What is it?Beautifully crafted small plates (and some of the best veggie foodin Liverpool).

Why go?Maraywas 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?TheArt School Restaurantis 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 itselfin 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.

4.Röski

What is it?British produce transformed into photo-worthy dishes by a MasterChef winner.

Why go? Röskiis theone for diners who’d like to sample the ‘new 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.

5.Madre

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? Afive-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 Madreon 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.

6.NORD

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.

7.Buyer’s Club

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.

8.The Egg Café

What is it? Enter through the bright purple arch on Newington and you’llfind 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 Cafeis 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.

9.KaiBaiBo

What is it? Killer Korean street food in a friendly, laid-back setting.

Why go? Opened in2023by 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.

10.Italian Club

What is it? A true taste of Italy – inone of the city’s homeliest restaurants.

Why go?If you want a restaurant thatcombinescharacter and charmwith 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 avegan menu and great gluten free options too.