Dining out is more popular than ever. Up and down the country, restaurant scenes have blossomed, with everything from quirky vegan street food to revolutionary imports filling up our city streets. And nowhere is this truer than in Liverpool.
A place famous for its music, we think this North West city deserves just as many accolades for its culinary achievements. To help you get straight to the best when you’re in town, here are a few of our favourites.
Mowgli Street Food
Image source
63 Bold Street, L1 4EZ
Like Indian food? Then we can say with some confidence that you’ll love Mowgli. This restaurant prides itself on being a step away from the curry stereotype; offering healthy and mostly vegetarian dishes that are bursting to the brim with flavour. Served in small and shareable portions, sample up to six curries between your group and experience tastes from every corner of the subcontinent. The rustic interior is the perfect place to natter away an hour or two with friends, before heading on to some of the city’s big attractions.
Caribou Poutine
Image source
5-11 Slater Street, L1 4BW
Unless you’ve visited Canada – chances are you’ve never tried poutine. But the Canuck delicacy is remarkably similar to a Northern English favourite. Primarily consisting of chips topped with cheese curds and gravy, this quirky eatery offers a few extra toppings; including bacon, steak and fried egg. Since starting on the food market circuit two years ago, owners Michael and Lizzie have launched their first permanent restaurant right here in Liverpool – and it’s a very welcome arrival.
Etsu
Image source
25 The Strand, L2 0PJ
Japanese food is more popular than ever on the British high street, but for a truly standout dining experience, you’ll want to swing by one of the independents – and Etsu is Liverpool’s finest. When you take your seat, you’ll be invited to pick from the main restaurant menu or the carefully crafted sushi menu; but you’re more than welcome to experiment with dishes from both. Expect to find all the favourites -gyoza, kara-age and katsu curry - along with some specials rarely seen this far west of Tokyo. Grilled eel donburi or the sashimi selection are excellent choices for those looking to experiment.
Barley and Beans
Image source
17 Hatton Garden, L3 2FE
Liverpool’s certainly not lacking in great cafes and coffee shops, but Barley and Beans like to do things a little differently. If you’re calling in for brunch or lunch, their stacked sandwiches are an absolute treat; the smoked salmon, avocado and cream cheese option being the highlight. But for something truly Instagram-worthy, ask about their freakshakes. Widely described as ‘a milkshake on steroids’, these show-stopping drinks erupt from their rim in a towering explosion of sweets, cake, cream and confectionary. It’s a jaw-dropping, mouth-watering extravaganza.
60 Hope Street
Image source
60 Hope Street, L1 9BZ
Hidden away in a beautiful Georgian townhouse, 60 Hope Street is the very definition of classic and refined. Oozing rustic charm, it serves up delicious takes on all your homely favourites, from fish & chips through to lamb shoulder and duck breast. But there are two areas where Hope Street really excels. Their Sunday roast looks the part (and tastes it too), easily rivalling the best in central Liverpool, while their afternoon tea is a real experience.
Down the Hatch
Image source
62 Duke Street, L1 5AA
Dirty junk food – that’s veggie? No, it’s not too good to be true, thanks to Down the Hatch. Friends Jay and Conrad started the venture when they became vegetarians, and realised there was nowhere in town for them to indulge in some deep-friend goodness that’s free from meat. Think bean patties topped with hash browns and gravy, fried cauliflowers dripping in cheese sauce, and veggie frankfurters dressed with curry ketchup and pickles. The food here tastes so good that, even if you’re not a veggie, you won’t miss the meat one bit.
HUS
Image source
Tithebarn Street, L2 2DT
Looking for some Scandi chic next time you’re in the city? Go no further than HUS. Hosting a bar, restaurant, conference facilities and even a spectacular rooftop terrace, this hangout is up there with the city’s most stylish. It’s the perfect quick-brunch spot, with everything from full English to vegan pancakes up for grabs – and they promise that if it’s not served within 15 minutes you’ll get your money back.
Get sampling at all these delectable eateries, and many more, on your next city break at Leonardo Hotel Liverpool.
When you are looking for some unique locations to visit in 2018, consider taking...
MORE +The North West gets plenty of rain throughout the year and when autumn comes aro...
MORE +There’s no denying that spending time in the great outdoors is good for yo...
MORE +