Liverpool Restaurant Guide

Former barrister Nisha Katona established the template for what is now an 18-strong (and counting) Indian street food chain with the 2014 launch of this “amazing conversion of an old bank”, serving “fabulous dishes” in a “vibrant atmosphere, full of hustle and bustle”. The “excellent value tiffin boxes” and “delicious yoghurt chaat bombs” are singled out for particular praise. Top Tip – “avoid sitting on one of the gimmicky swings, which prevent you from raising your elbows to eat!”.

“This Liverpool tapas institution continues to go from strength to strength”, with a “menu heavy on Spanish classics but with a Scouse twist” – “you do feel you’re getting a genuine taste of Spain, with the fabulous paella and a great Spanish vermouth to kick things off”. It was launched in 2010 by Peter & Elaine Kinsella, who followed up with Lunyalita in the Albert Dock. Top Tip – “don’t miss the excellent Catalonian deli as well”.

“Such amazing value for a six-course, themed, tasting menu” that changes every six weeks – that’s the USP of Nico Simeone’s national chain, which, over five years, has grown from its Glasgow base to number nine in total (with London having two: in Fitzrovia and Canary Wharf). Of course it’s “slightly gimmicky”, but on the whole it’s “a good effort at a budget experience”: “you get what you pay for, and while not all dishes hit the mark, and service can be a bit hit ’n’ miss (particularly at busy times), it is innovative, has a great buzz and is a lot of fun”.

“Good quality cooking and ingredients” and “wonderful helpful staff who never intrude” keep everything ticking over nicely at the Liverpool outpost of chef-entrepreneur Gary Usher’s Elite Bistros operation, which opened five years ago on the strength of a £200,000 crowdfunding drive. It has a “limited menu, but done well”, which helps keep costs from spiralling.

“Amazing food and good value compared to equivalent standards elsewhere” help inspire ongoing high ratings for MasterChef: The Professionals winner, Anton Piotrowski’s stylishly sparse venue. Its 8-course tasting menu for £85 wins it very high ratings from fans. The only gripe? – “wish they had smaller menus in the evening: by the final courses I am just too full!”

Paul Askew’s “high-class” venue (“next door to the Philharmonic”) is the most commented-on in ‘The Pool’ in our annual national diners’ poll and wins extremely high scores for all aspects of the operation. “Brilliant” cooking is the main talking point, providing “very subtle flavours and textures from a varied and ambitious menu”. But service too “is like a well-oiled machine” (“so slick!”, but with a touch of “Liverpool friendliness and good humour”) and the venue itself is a “bright and airy space, complete with white linen and shining cutlery and tableware”. Celebrating its eighth year: “this is a place to savour and it is a mystery as to why Paul does not get recognition from the Michelin guide”.

“Magnificent distant views of Snowdonia are the highlight of this establishment” on the 34th floor of the West Tower – although the “great modern food and service make for a lovely dining experience” that is “definitely one for romantics watching the city views at night”. Chef Elliot Hill left in June 2022 (after our annual diners’ poll concluded) to head up the kitchens of the Chester Grosvenor, but we’ve held the ratings as the food here historically has always been surprisingly good for a ‘room with a view’.

Outdoor tables near the water are an option during good weather at Lunya’s little sister – a two floor operation, with terrace and upstairs bar in a fabulous setting by Albert Dock. It serves an impressive range of tapas and sharing deli platters.

“Fantastic and friendly service”, “amazing food” and a “lovely wine list” is the winning combination at this modest but high-achieving local bistro launched five years ago in a row of shops by owners Chris Edwards & Owain Williams with chef Sam Grainger.

“The Locke boys are still ‘smashing it’ in south Liverpool with fresh seasonal dishes...” say fans of Adam and Matt’s “top-notch local”, a short stroll from Penny Lane. “It’s a little crushed when it’s full, but worth accepting that for what you get”: “the food is always excellent and served by friendly staff”.

“Described as a ‘small, local bistro’… what an example of British understatement!” – Gary Usher’s Wirral outpost (his initial follow-up to Sticky Walnut) continues to win a thumbs-up in feedback. “The friendly, cheerful and very knowledgeable staff make you feel at home instantly, and the food? Novel, inventive, well prepared and VERY tasty!”

The “modern and well-designed” alternative to the hall’s main dining room is much more casual, and makes a top choice to enjoy the environs of the venue and its “professional” standards, but in a more relaxed vein. The “assured” cooking has won it a Michelin star, but that’s something of a distraction really. Though interesting and impeccably sourced, the menu is quite straightforward, not particularly ‘haute’, and much more affordable than the main hall (especially with the early-in-the-week deals at lunch and dinner). Kids’ menus and good outside tables in summer complete a likeable but conventional picture.

“Opened in late 2021, we visited on only their second night open, but the cooking was faultless and we're looking forward to going back at the earliest opportunity” – Tim Allen’s year-old operation may not yet attract quite the same volume of feedback as Moor Hall, just down the road, but his 40-seater is highly rated by its small fanclub. In the evening, the format is a 6-course tasting menu for £75 – lunch is a more conventional (and cheaper) £35 for three courses.