Where to eat in Liverpool

The food scene in Liverpool is more exciting with each passing day. From unassuming pop-ups to refined dining establishments, the city’s culinary landscape continues to flourish in this the Beatles city. The ones below are my favourites and places I tend to visit more often than the newly opened ones …see, I don’t like disappointments!

Coffee shops:

• Ropes&Twines: Beyond your morning caffeine fix, this cosy spot doubles as a wine haven. Originally a wine shop, they’ve expanded to offer specialty coffee. The knowledgeable team will unravel the nuances of their coffee menu, from origins to brewing methods. No matter how much you think you know about coffee, there’s always something new these guys will tell you!
• 92 degrees: A local roaster with an exquisite coffee selection. Recently, they’ve opened new outlets and sell beans as well allowing you to savor their brews at home.
• Bold Street Coffee: coffee and perfectly prepared, it’s that simple. Their superb brews are perfect for work or casual meetings at their Plaza space.

Food:

• Buyers Club is like that cozy spot where you kick off your shoes and feel right at home. Picture this: easy Italian vibes, plates of mouthwatering homemade pasta, and a terrace where you can soak up the sun or enjoy a breezy evening. But here’s the real magic—they’re all about niche and natural wines. No fuss, just good stuff. And you know what? They’ve been rock-solid consistent with their food quality over the years. So, whenever hunger strikes in Liverpool, Buyers Club is my go-to. Casual, comforting, and downright delicious. 
• Bunch Wine Bar does what says on the tin. You walk in, and it’s all about wine. But wait, there’s more! They surprise you with these delightful food pop-ups (and trust me, when Charlie is around you don’t want to miss it!).
• Ropes&Twines has to be in this category as well; yes, you can have coffee as I mentioned above but these guys are exceptionally good with wines; food is cold plates mostly and they also organise pop-ups, tastings and many other events. It’s the kind of place where wine struts its stuff, and the food waltzes alongside it which I absolutely love.
• Salt House Tapas: With Laszlo as the new Head Chef, this place is back on my radar. If you don’t know him, you should and most of all, you should eat his food. Beautiful small plates with Spanish influence which you’ll absolutely adore.
• Hawksmoor: A renowned chain that consistently delivers. Their commitment to local produce, impeccable service, and impressive wine list make them a standout. Also, I do like the easy American interior vibe and the fact you can find some important wine names on their list (yes, their cocktails look great too but in fairness, I’m a wine girl through and through)
• Sanskruti is a bit different than the others in terms of vibe and menu but this vegetarian Indian restaurant will satisfy any flavour cravings.
• Manifest is the only restaurant with more accolades in the city centre and rightfully so. Expect beautifully presented dishes and a meticulously curated wine selection.

I know this should be mainly about where to eat in Liverpool city centre but just a a 30-minute drive away lies Aughton, a charming village boasting three restaurants with a combined total of four Michelin stars. Each establishment has its allure, and I cherish them for different reasons.

• sō-lō appears as a cosy pub at first glance — a deceptive façade. As the dishes arrive, you realize you’ve stepped into a parallel universe. While maintaining a “no fuss” ethos, Solo’s recipes have travelled countless miles to achieve perfection. 
• The Barn is often dubbed as Moor Hall’s little sibling, but it stands tall with its distinct personality and culinary style. Besides the ever changing season menu, their Sunday roast is nothing short of spectacular. And if it’s not on the menu, insist on their heavenly sausage rolls—they’re a dream.
• Moor Hall, or working the crescendo for last, is a realm of fairies and wonder. I’ve been countless times, and each visit has surpassed the last. The food is cooked and served with such finesse that you’ll want to write love letters to your plate. If Mark Birchall has already worked wonders at The Barn, well, at Moor Hall, the bar is set even higher. No detail is left to chance—it’s like they’ve sprinkled extra stardust on everything. And here’s the cherry on top: you can also stay overnight (those new garden rooms are like something out of a dream), and breakfast is in itself a story to be told.

Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur, a tapas enthusiast, or an adventurous diner, these venues promise unforgettable gastronomic journeys. Bon appétit!