13 of the best restaurants in Liverpool that you need to try in 2024

Liverpool has one of the best culinary scenes in the UK, teeming with renowned chefs, diverse eateries, and top-notch dining experiences.

The city offers something for every palate from tantalising street food to exquisite tapas and comforting pizza and pasta. Whether craving a curry or seeking culinary excellence, Liverpool delivers.

Here's a roundup of the must-visit restaurants in the city for 2024.

READ MORE: 10 best places for breakfast and brunch in and around Liverpool

READ MORE: New city centre venue that 'offers something completely different' opens

Dan Haygarth - Queens, Queen Avenue, city centre

Found on Queen Avenue - away from the hustle and bustle of Castle Street - Queens brings a slice of Parisian style to Liverpool. The bistro and wine bar has just turned five years old and serves an ever-changing menu, made up of dishes crafted with quality and well-matched seasonal ingredients. Chefs work in a partly exposed kitchen, adding atmosphere to a relaxed and very attractive setting that transports you to the French capital. In the summer, sitting outside on Queen Avenue is as good as it gets.

Personal favourites among the rotating menu include Queens’ steak frites, which is phenomenal, and a starter of pigeon breast, celeriac puree, hispi cabbage and blackberries. The friendly staff are knowledgeable and will happily pair your meal with a glass from an extensive wine list - supplied by neighbours R&H Fine Wines (now also found on Allerton Road) - or a crisp European lager. If you’re willing to part with a little more cash, you will struggle to beat this classy but unassuming hidden gem.

Steve Graves - Light of Bengal, Aigburth Road, Aigburth

Indian food has had quite a makeover in the public imagination in recent years. Street food, small plates, fusion - all concepts which are in truth probably closer to the authentic cuisine of India and Bangladesh, but also a long way from the flock wallpaper and poppadums piled high of the curry houses of the 1970s and 80s.

There’s lots to like about the newcomers, but there’s something you really can’t beat about huge naan breads, silver Balti dishes and Kingfisher on draught. The Light of Bengal is the epitome of the classic neighbourhood Indian restaurant of the kind they simply don’t make any more.

A menu longer than a Penguin Modern Classic, a chutney tray which goes way beyond mango and a friendly welcome every time make the Light an absolute must-visit.

Ryan Paton - KaiBaiBo, Slater Street, city centre

Kai Bai Bo is the Korean game for rock, paper, scissors and this exciting restaurant has brought the amazing flavours from this region to Liverpool city centre.

The venue, located on Slater Street, is the brainchild of brothers, Robin and Chris, who have used their experience living in South Korea and travelling around Japan to create a unique menu that can be enjoyed in casual, relaxed surroundings.

The owners grew up in Liverpool and are on a mission to bring incredible flavours and combinations to the region that Merseyside diners may not be familiar with. The ramen is a contender for the best you can get in the city with diners being able to enjoy an exciting twist on the classic dish with curry and shin beef versions.

The small plates are equally delicious with the meat donut and Korean fried chicken among the tasty options available.

Christopher Megrath - Etsu, The Strand, city centre

It’s a hunt to find this restaurant, but it's well worth your time. If you think you don't like sushi it's because you haven't been to Etsu.

The 16-piece sushi selection, which includes nigiri and maki, is my favourite from the menu. For fussy eaters, there are katsu curry, udon and donburi bowls to choose from. It is always difficult to choose just one favourite dish while in Etsu since everything is consistently delicious.

Fresh, tasty and served up just as visually appealing as it tastes, I found Etsu five years ago and I've never gone anywhere else for sushi since.

Kate Lally - Fattoush, Hatton Garden, city centre

Tucked away off Dale Street, Fattoush is a hidden gem. I've never been disappointed with the food or service. The only problem I've had is deciding what to order.

The menu is full of a variety of fresh and tasty Lebanese dishes, the portions are generous, and the prices are beyond reasonable. This is a no-alcohol venue, but that has never bothered me because the food is so good, and the range of Mediterranean-style teas really compliment your meal.

There's also plenty for vegans and vegetarians, though I must add the meat is always cooked to perfection. While everything I've ever eaten there has been great, special mentions include the hummus shawarma (hummus topped with a slice of grilled lamb and parsley, served with pita bread) and the Kabseh chicken (chicken cooked with rice and "special" spices, topped with nuts, and served with special sauce).

I've never seen Fattoush particularly busy, an observation that always baffles me, and while there are always lots of takeaway and delivery orders, those diners are missing out on the venue's laidback vibe and 'holiday' feel.

Jamie Greer - Il Forno, Duke Street, city centre

It's no wonder that former Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti was such a fan of Il Forno. The Italian enjoyed Il Forno so much during his time in Merseyside that he used to come in regularly via a separate entrance to avoid being spotted by the public.

Delicious Italian food isn’t hard to come by in Liverpool, but Il Forno knocks it out the park with its spectacular lasagne, carbonara and bruschetta. It was revamped in 2020 and hasn’t looked back since. This week, it added a new private dining area for special occasions, complete with a private bar, wine wall and projector.

All of the restaurants are nice to dine in, but if you’re visiting, try to get one of the tables at the back, which all contain a warm fire pit in the middle of them. These are ideal in the colder months, and overlook Madison Square, a quiet space of other restaurants and apartments that contrasts with the bustling Duke Street.

Cheryl Mullin - Sanskruti, Bixteth Street, city centre

I like to think of this restaurant as a bit of a hidden gem, as it’s tucked away in the city's business district not far from the ECHO's office.

Sanskruti has won multiple awards for its amazing Indian cuisine and what's more, it serves nothing but vegetarian and vegan dishes - each as delicious as the next.

From some of the best onion bhajis you've ever tasted, to rich paneer and tofu mains bursting with rich, spicy flavours, even my meat-loving friends love eating here.

The menu is packed with dishes you're not likely to find anywhere else in Liverpool, from street food like kacchi dabeli and bateta vada to main courses inspired by Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan recipes. And don't forget to order a family naan, a huge chunk of delicious flatbread that's so large it has to be hung up to be eaten.

Wesley Holmes - The Vibe Cafe, Paradise Street, city centre

The Vibe's website ambitiously pledges to "serve an experience for the mind, body and soul", but all hungry customers know what matters is what's on the plate, and in this regard, this lively cafe's plant-based menu speaks for itself.

Its vibrant dishes - from pancakes smothered in bananas, Biscoff, and maple ice cream, to gyros piled high with grilled mushrooms, spicy hummus and crisp salad - are works of modern art and never lacking for taste.

Deep, rustic flavours and hearty portions are bound to satisfy all manner of customers, from dedicated vegans to the most sceptical meat lovers. Less adventurous eaters might try the humbly-named Spud Bowl, for a jacket potato unlike any other. It's drenched in zesty tahini, with chunky beans, fresh greens, red cabbage, and salty roasted chickpeas.

Alice Walker - Yum Cha, Lark Lane, Aigburth

It’s hard not to think of Lark Lane in Aigburth without thinking of all the delicious restaurants on offer there. While many spring to mind, the Cantonese restaurant Yum Cha takes the trophy.

While it has other branches across the North West, including a new pop-up in Box Park, the Lark Lane edition is the best. There is so much on offer. I often fall into the trap of ordering the same thing every time, that being the crispy belly pork, char siu bao and dumplings, but it's hard not to when it is a tried and tested guarantee for a good meal.

However, it’s worth asking staff if you're unsure what to order, as they are incredibly helpful, and there is bound to be plenty on the menu for you to enjoy.

With a beautiful interior and friendly staff, few restaurants can match the food quality and vibe of Lark Lane’s Yum Cha.

Jess Molyneux - Buyers Club, Hardman Street, city centre

Tucked away behind the Old Blind School, follow the painted wall to Hardman Yard and walk past orange benches to discover Buyers Club. This Hardman Street restaurant, in my opinion, is one of the best restaurants in the city. Boasting delicious handmade pasta dishes, pizzas, desserts, craft ales and cocktails, Buyers Club is more than your average neighbourhood bar and kitchen.

Inside, chefs prepare dishes by hand in a partly-exposed pasta kitchen and while menu items and the wine list change frequently, there is always something new to discover and love.

Must-try staples include the pepperoni pizza with chilli honey, ragu and their tiramisu. If you’re interested in trying something different, I’d recommend a glass of orange wine with your meal.

Whether you sit inside admiring the brick walls decorated with art or soak up the sun in the yard outside, the vibes and food are always boss.

Andrew Nuttall - So Salsa, Castle Street, city centre

Castle Street is a foodie's dream, packed with a variety of restaurants catering to every taste imaginable. My favourite spot is So Salsa, which is a stone's throw away from the town hall.

The intimate and lively venue offers tapas-style bites to eat, meaning you can build your ideal plate if more than one thing catches your eye on the menu. The portion sizes are quite reasonable so you don't need to go overboard.

After opening its first restaurant in Crosby, this city centre venue has made their delicious food available to a much wider audience. You'd be mistaken to think the tapas concept is limited to Spanish food, but So Salsa does its best to mix a range of cuisines.

My personal favourites include the duck spring rolls and salt and pepper chicken pancakes. I can always make room for the warm stuffed churros for dessert.

Charlotte Hadfield - Hafla Hafla, Lark Lane, Aigburth

Hafla Hafla is a restaurant I would recommend to anyone visiting the city.

Based on Lark Lane in Aigburth, the Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant serves a wide selection of different small plates, from harissa roast potatoes to chicken thighs marinated in hot honey. The corn ribs and za'atar naan bread dipped into whipped feta are my favourites.

The menu also includes a selection of open kebabs and plenty of interesting options for vegans and vegetarians. Hafla Hafla, meaning "party party" in Arabic, started back in 2015 as a street food vendor travelling around food festivals across the country.

Two years after launching, Hafla Hafla expanded its operations by opening a stall at Baltic Market. It quickly gained fame for its delicious halloumi fries, which were so popular that the business used up to half a tonne of halloumi in a week.

In 2018, the Lark Lane restaurant was established, and it has since become a favourite spot for many. The restaurant is often fully booked throughout the week due to its popularity.

And for those willing to travel further afield...

Rebecca Koncienzcy - Thornton Hall, Wirral

It is often easy to overlook a restaurant when it is attached to a hotel, and I will admit, I have only been to The Lawns Grill when I have been staying overnight, but it is a must if you are looking for a sophisticated evening. If you are a MasterChef fan like me, you can live your fine dining fantasy in the wonderful luxury surroundings, with dark wood, chandeliers and leather chairs.

It feels like the type of space Frasier Crane would love to dine at and it has a menu to match. The food changes seasonally and is filled with delicious options from local suppliers for meat eaters and vegetarians from head chef Connor O’Hagan. Offering mouth-watering classic dishes and fine dining twists on everything from Indian to French cookery, each time you go there will be something new to taste.

It is on the more expensive side, which is why my husband and I love to go to The Lawns for our anniversary or a romantic birthday meal because it is perfect for marking special occasions with a touch of class. Last time, I had their lobster bisque that I still think about. Highly recommended.

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