Liverpool is a city full of vibrancy and culture, famed for its football history and the hometown of the Beatles. Aside from this, it’s a food haven, with an unbelievable selection of restaurants spread across the city, from Smithdown Road to the Georgian Quarter and Albert Dock.
We’ve spent a lot of time here over the years, so we know the place better than most. If you didn’t already need a reason to visit, here’s our guide to the best places to eat in Liverpool in 2026 – you won’t be disappointed.
Cowshed
Tucked away in a quaint Grade II-listed building on Seel Street, Cowshed is the ultimate place for steak in Liverpool. Each cut of meat is perfectly cooked according to your taste (although medium-rare should always be the go-to), including choices like Ribeye, Flat Iron, and Rump – which you can all get as part of their Greedy Cow platter.
There is only one menu, but that’s all you need. Pair your beef with one of their sides, particularly the fries and savoy cabbage & green beans in chorizo cream. And don’t forget your sauce. In our opinion, the pepper sauce is the only option for steak.
Aside from steak, they also serve dishes such as spiced roasted cauliflower and black tiger prawns. Or you can order a few starters, including their croquettes of the day and halloumi bites.
It’s one of Liverpool’s most sought-after food spots, so booking is essential. Do also let them know if it’s a special occasion, as staff are highly accommodating and will provide a dessert for you. Those with allergies can rest assured, too, as they will prepare things carefully as per your request.
Opening Times
Monday-Friday: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Salt House Tapas
Tapas is always a solid choice for dinner, allowing you to share food with friends and try as much as possible on the menu. Salt House Tapas, located on the corner of Church House opposite John Lewis in Liverpool One, is among the best independent tapas places in Liverpool.
For the table, as a general rule of thumb, they recommend three dishes per person. This will depend on how hungry you are, but you can always order more as you begin to clear plates. Signature dishes you need to try include their chargrilled fillet steak with jalapeno chimichurri, chorizo sausage with fried egg, Padron peppers, and pea & mint risotto.
Tapas can sometimes be a worry for those with allergies due to so much variety. However, you can relax knowing that they take things seriously and use a flag system to let you know what has been prepared separately.
It’s the perfect spot for people watching, if that’s your thing. The large windows overlook the busy Hanover Street. And if you choose to visit during a special celebration, you may find yourself with a complementary glass of their house cava.
Opening Times
Monday-Thursday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday: 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Saturday: 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cafe Oro
An independent and family-run cafe located on Smithdown Road, Liverpool’s thriving student hub, Cafe Oro is one of those places that only the locals know. You won’t find it on many of the top lists, which is highly surprising given the quality of the food, but what this does mean is you’re sure to find a table with top-notch service.
This Mediterranean coffee house serves classic breakfast items, eggs royale, smashed avocado, and flavorful dishes like shakshuka or chicken arrabiata.
The 15-minute trip is more than worth it by bus. You can also visit other local indie stores nearby, such as Dead Ink Books and Defend Vinyl. Plus, iconic spots like Penny Lane and Sefton Park are nearby for exploring green spaces.
Opening Times
Monday-Wednesday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm (but occasionally stay open later)
Thursday-Sunday: – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (extended evening hours may apply)
Duke Street Market
Why restrict yourself to one cuisine when you can choose from a range spanning Cuba to Southeast Asia? Duke Street Market is a trendy Liverpool food hall known for its award-winning food and drinks.
Inside, you have the choice of six restaurants: Club Fish, Bone & Block, Cahita, Ginger, Big Lola’s Taquiera, and Barbina Pasta Amore X Pizza Dealers. Our favorites include the Cahita Cubano, Korean Chicken Bibimbap, N’duja and Beef Brisket, and Ancho Beef Brisket Quesadillas.
Staff will seat you, then you can order via smartphone for direct table delivery. The bar offers drinks like their DSM lager or the popular Papaya Zombie Killer cocktail.
Opening Times
Monday: Closed (usually open on Bank Holidays, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm)
Tuesday-Thursday: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Brunch starts at 10 am)
Sunday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Pattersons
Another hidden gem found along Gradwell Street, a short walk from the city centre. Pattersons is arguably the top stop for fried chicken in Liverpool. They brine the meat for 24 hours in a secret recipe of herbs and spices (which is over 40 years old). This is what creates the signature flavour that the residents know and love.
Choose between their fried chicken, ranging from 250 g to 1 kg. Sides include hash browns and buttered corn, or your choice of chicken wings coated in flavours like salt and pepper and sriracha.
However, the stars of the show are the burgers. In particular, the flying pig (fried chicken with pulled pork, pickles, and garlic aioli) and the firecracker (a spicy chicken burger with jalapenos, chilli cheese, and Reaper hot sauce. The chip shop curry sauce loaded fries are a winner too.
Opening Times
Monday–Thursday: 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday–Sunday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Villa Romana
An authentic Italian diner located on Wood Street, Villa Romana offers visitors a slice of paradise. Their pasta dishes and pizzas are made from fresh. And with their exposed brick arches and white tablecloths, it’s like being transported to Napoli.
The menu here is unlike other Italian chains in the area. There’s a range of unique dishes like their Tagliatelle Villa Romana, a homemade pasta with wild mushrooms, a creamy truffle sauce, and sliced fillet steak. Additionally, the Frittura Mista is a great sharing starter, consisting of prawns, calamari, sea bass, and mussels.
You can’t beat their selection of pizzas either. It includes classics like Prosciutto e Funghi, Calzone, Salame Picante, and our favourite, the Villa Romana (topped with Parma ham, salami, mortadella, olives, and pepperoni sausage).
While the restaurant is perfect for an evening meal, they do offer a lunch special. The deal includes two courses for £15 Tuesday-Friday from 12 pm to 2 pm. This is one of the best deals you can find in Liverpool. Plus, you can add a dessert on for an additional £5, what’s not to love?
Opening Times
Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Friday: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm, 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sunday: 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lunyalita
Lunyalita is a staff-owned, independent Catalan restaurant located on the beautiful Albert Dock. A ‘little sister’ to the main Lunya venue on Hanover Street, it has a more relaxed atmosphere. You also get views of the water and lights of the docks.
Set over two floors with stunning brick arches, you can expect Spanish classics. The menu includes Patatas Bravas, Tortilla, Albondigas, and, of course, Paella to share. They offer a £16 lunch meal Sunday-Friday from 12 pm to 5 pm. There’s also a £25 early evening deal Monday-Thursday from 5 pm – 7 pm.
On the ground floor, you can purchase some products to take home with you. Prepare yourself, as it’s one of the largest Spanish delis in the country, with huge cheese wheels and thinly sliced cured meats.
Opening Times
Monday–Thursday: 11:00 am – 8:30 pm
Friday: 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am – 9:30 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 8:30 pm
Spitroast
Spitroast is a cosy bistro located at the top end of Smithdown Road, specialising in rotisserie chicken and other healthy dishes. Their Sunday Roast is raved about. Simply choose your meat, which is served with roast potatoes, sweet potato mash, glazed carrots. This is then covered with enough gravy to satisfy any northerner.
And, of course, the menu is saturated with salt and pepper dishes, almost a Liverpool staple these days. In particular, their halloumi and fries are the ultimate choices for a treat night. If you have any vegetarians or vegans in your party, they offer a delicious vegetable stir fry with chilli and soy glaze, and a superfood salad.
Service is quick, and you can usually bag yourself a table fairly easily. It’s the ideal place if you find yourself struggling for time.
Opening Times
Monday-Saturday: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm