An insider's guides to the best venues in Liverpool 2024

INNSiDE Liverpool boasts a stunning sky bar with panoramic views of the city
-Credit:LUCHFORD / INNSiDE Liverpool


Liverpool's food and drink scene is excruciatingly underrated in terms of a national gaze, in my humble opinion. You can visit London, Manchester and elsewhere as much as you like but you'll be hard pressed to find the same atmosphere and community our city boasts in even the smallest venues.

A few big names dominated the industry this year and their arrival filled nearby competitors with dread. Meanwhile, tucked away in cold, dark alleys are tiny spaces thriving as the truly authentic hidden gems they are.

Tossing aside questionable Tripadvisor reviews and targeted advertising, I've wrangled a list of some of the top spots you have to visit. This list does not comprise solely of new arrivals, but the few that filled my 2024 with delicious food, drink and thrilling atmosphere. Below is my personal tried and tested guide to some of my favourite food and drink spots in Liverpool.

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Belzan

Belzan restaurant, Smithdown Road
Belzan restaurant, Smithdown Road -Credit:Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo

Belzan is effortlessly cool. A tiny venue means nothing when the menu is as varied and ever-changing as Belzan's. There are few menus that do a little bit of everything and manage to keep the standards high but Belzan is a home run.

You should never judge a book by its cover because what's hiding behind small doors is a packed menu of global influences that will have you coming back for more. If you want a great place to splurge on once a month, Belzan should be high up on your list.

  • Address: 371 Smithdown Rd, Liverpool L15 3JJ

8

8 by Andy Sheridan Restaurant
8 by Andy Sheridan Restaurant -Credit:Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo

8 by Andrew Sheridan is an award-winning venue with a handful of accolades, including 'Best restaurant in Liverpool'. Diners are served a meticulously conceptualised and crafted tasting menu with wine pairings available to elevate the experience.

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Unlike most restaurants, you'll dine with other guests in this fully immersive experience like no other. If you're a newcomer to the scene, I'd recommend 8 as you're first outing into the world of fine dinning.

  • Address: 16 Cook St, Liverpool L2 9RF

Etsu

Sushi at Etsu
Sushi at Etsu -Credit:Not Trinity Mirror

If you say you don't like sushi you've never eaten at Etsu. The authenticity is felt through every bite of handcrafted sushi made right in front of you if you opt to sit at the bar. For anyone who'd like to stick to the classics, ramen bowls and katsu curry is on the menu but the sushi is where Etsu really shines.

The chef special sees a personal and ever-changing selection presented to you which may include salmon and tuna or egg and octopus. Anytime I've been here I've felt full and satisfied though I wish I could sit for hours trying out everything on the menu. There's a reason Etsu has withstood the industry for so long and it's all down to its phenomenal array on offer.

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  • Address: 25 The Strand, Liverpool L2 0XJ

Pendergast's Steakhouse

Pendergast's is a must-visit for any red meat lover
Pendergast's is a must-visit for any red meat lover

A new arrival for 2023 Pendergast's has already found itself a lifelong customer with me. The relatively humble venue has heavyweights to compete with all over the region but manages to hold its own against them, arguably coming out on top. After weeks of consideration up to the point of writing, I can hand on heart say it's the best steak place around - which is no easy feat.

An artisan cocktail list like no other you've seen will wash every chew down beautifully. Where else can you grab a drink served up in a zen garden complete with edible sand? Pendergast's doesn't reinvent the wheel with its food menu but it knocks the classics and what you'd expect from a steakhouse out of the park. Yes, I know it's not in Liverpool, but I don't care.

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360 Sky Bar

INNSiDE Liverpool boasts a stunning sky bar with panoramic views of the city
INNSiDE Liverpool boasts a stunning sky bar with panoramic views of the city -Credit:LUCHFORD / INNSiDE Liverpool

Admittedly, Gino's sky-high views are doing a lot of heavy lifting for its appearance on this list. We won't discuss the lack of oysters every time I visit.

My friends and I find ourselves there any chance we fancy a wine without the pub backdrop. The stylish bar is perfect for watching the sunset miles away or simply hazing out over the city's lights with a bottle of white. To me, it's the best seat in Liverpool.

  • Address: Old Hall St, Liverpool L3 9LQ

Sister Ray

Inside Sister Ray
Inside Sister Ray

Sister Ray has a distinct NYC art deco feel from the simplistic features and back bar that sets it aside from visually noisy competitors. There's a lot to be said when you strip a venue right down to the basics and Sister Ray manages to do a lot with very little.

The menu is interesting and different, featuring a range of ingredients I've never even heard of. Timeless classics have been reimagined while a range of unique serves account for the majority of options.

The atmosphere was laid back but with life, the drinks were fairly cheap given their bespoke nature, but most appealingly of all there's not really anywhere else in the city with the same vibe.

  • Address: Unit 2, Block D, Wolstenholme Square, Liverpool L1 4JJ

San Carlo

San Carlo
San Carlo -Credit:Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo

I rarely eat out for pasta but San Carlo has opened my eyes. I was taken aback by the sheer volume and variations of dishes available, quite frankly. The gorgeous interiors are a wonderful amalgamation of Venice's Harry's Bar, coastline colours and quaint modern touches through finishes and lighting.

If you want a delicious Italian experience with the setting to boot then choose San Carlo. It's my go to for out of town friends or family to visit.

  • Address: 41 Castle St, Liverpool L2 9SH

The Oriel Bar

The Oriel Bar on Oriel Close, Water Street
The Oriel Bar on Oriel Close, Water Street -Credit:christopher megrath

The Oriel Bar left a brilliant first impression. The "hidden gem" moniker is now clichéd but one this venue deserves. Where else are you going to get a skin fade and a pint?

I find The Oriel Bar masculine and lively without the gross, toxic attitudes a lot of male venues contain. It's one of the few places - ever - I've been comfortable with all ages of men simply because the conversation is light, welcoming, friendly and fun. The warm hanging lights make it a cosy spot for winter while the alley comes alive during the summer for outdoor drinking. A bar does it all.

  • Address: Unit 2, Oriel Close, Water St, Liverpool L2 8TD

Madre

Papa con crema from Madre
Papa con crema from Madre -Credit:Madre

My mouth is watering before I even type the review. Any time I'm at the Albert Dock my body sways automatically to Madre no matter the season.

The tacos are some of the best you'll find anywhere in Merseyside but a real contender for best dish falls to the elote. It blows my mind just how stacked a corn on the cob can be. Madre serves food as it's ready in what feels like a conveyor belt of sheer bliss. No notes any time I visit.

  • Address: 6, Atlantic Pavilion Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AE

LOST

LOST restaurant on Claremont Farm in Wirral
LOST restaurant on Claremont Farm in Wirral

LOST is Wirral's best kept secret. Tucked along a dirt back road is a tiny barn offering around-the-world menus in one night only experiences. Every month there is a new theme or guest chef whipping up a multi-level menu that will set your taste buds alight.

LOST is a gorgeous, cosy little restaurant that sells out every month. I'd describe it as an entry drug into fine-dining because best of all, it's relatively affordable!

  • Address: Unit 1, Claremont Buildings, Old Clatterbridge Rd, Birkenhead, Wirral CH63 4JB

Boojum

Boojum on Bold Street
Boojum on Bold Street -Credit:Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo

Boojum's burritos have addictive qualities and I've been desperate for another ever since I left. It's hard to relay just how delicious Boojum is without sounding ridiculously hyperbolic but I'm yet to experience a better burrito on the market.

An Irish cult-favourite has finally arrived in Liverpool no earlier than last month and I could almost cry with joy.

  • Address: 31 Bold St, Liverpool L1 4DN