Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon? Great food, no atmosphere! You don't need to go that far to enjoy a good meal anyway. Some people eat to live, others live to eat - and if you're the latter, you've come to the right place. From cheap bites to fine dining, we've got it all covered. We've added their price ranges from cheap (£) to expensive (£££), cuisine and location so you can get all the information you need, all in one place. Here are our top picks for some of the top restaurants in Liverpool.
About Liverpool
Liverpool is a city connected to the sea, and local chefs draw inspiration from that, whether through Indian street food or Middle Eastern small plates. Traditional favourites are still popular too. If you walk down Bold Street on a summer day, you'll see that new restaurants are bustling alongside ones that have been there since the '70s, both doing well. Hungry? Whether you're celebrating an occasion with afternoon tea, looking for a meal after exploring or wanting to try small plates at various bars, our guide covers the best restaurants in Liverpool right now.
1. Mowgli
Cuisine: Indian
Price Range: £15 - £20
Location: 3 Water St, Liverpool L2 0RD, United Kingdom
Timing:
Sunday - Thursday: 11.30 am - 9.30 pm
Friday & Saturday: 11.30 am - 10.30 pm
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Customer Review: "The best food I've ever had. Staff lovely attentive and knowledgeable about the food on the menu."
If you're looking for a nice, hearty Indian meal, Mowgli will give you more than just the bare necessities! Founded in 2014 by Nisha Katona, this restaurant is perfect for anyone who wants authentic Indian street food. Mowgli is also vegan-friendly and is one of the best restaurants in Liverpool for anyone looking for healthy and delicious vegan or vegetarian food.
Must Try: House Chicken Curry and Mother Butter Chicken.
2. Gusto
Cuisine: Italian
Price Range: £35 - £50
Location: Edward Pavilion, Liverpool L3 4AF, United Kingdom
Timing:
Sunday - Thursday: 12 am - 10 pm
Friday & Saturday: 12 am - 11 pm
Tripadvisor Rating: 4/5
Customer Review: "Had a lovely meal with family this evening. Staff were super friendly and service was quick."
Gusto is one of Liverpool's most famous Italian restaurants and has been operational since 2005. Not only are they widely popular in Liverpool, but there are also 13 other branches of this restaurant across the rest of the UK. Gusto's prides itself on being one of the best restaurants in Liverpool for contemporary Italian food to its patrons.
Must try: It’s great selection of Cocktails.
3. Gino D'acampo: 360 Skybar
Cuisine: Italian
Price Range: £15 - £40
Location: Old Hall St, Exchange St E, Liverpool L3 9LQ, United Kingdom
Timing:
Sunday - Thursday: 12 am - 12 pm
Friday & Saturday: 12 am - 2 am
Tripadvisor Rating: 4/5
Customer Review: "Amazing atmosphere, food and staff. The food was of high quality, good portion size and very tasty."
Another famous Italian restaurant in the area, Gino D'acampo, is very well-known across the city. Gino's is one of the best restaurants in Liverpool for authentic Italian food and vegetarian-friendly. A night at Gino's will be unforgettable but also slightly costly and perhaps best suited for a celebratory dinner like a birthday or graduation day dinner.
Must Try: It's Skybar, overlooking the city's waterfront.
4. Etsu
Cuisine: Japanese
Price Range: £10 - £25
Location: 25 The Strand, Liverpool L2 0XJ, United Kingdom
Timing:
Sunday: 4 pm - 9 pm
Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Thursday: 5 am - 9 pm
Friday & Saturday: 5 am - 10 am
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Customer Review: "Best Restaurant in the Country! Bold claim, but I stand by it."
Etsu is one of the best restaurants in Liverpool for Japanese food and is a lively, welcoming place on The Strand that's great for any occasion. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, so if you want something alfresco on a nice sunny day, you can sit on their outdoor patio and enjoy a nice sushi plate.
Must Try: Japanese whiskeys and other local spirits like sake and shōchū.
5. Villa Romana
Cuisine: Italian
Price Range: £15 - £30
Location: 6 Wood St, Liverpool L1 4AQ, United Kingdom
Timing:
Sunday: 2 pm - 9 pm
Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Friday: 12 pm - 2.30 pm | 5.30 pm - 10 pm
Saturday: 12 pm - 10 pm
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Customer Review: "Fabulous delicious cuisine. One of the best Italian restaurants in Liverpool!"
Located near the University of Liverpool, Villa Romana is a budget-friendly Italian restaurant that students can frequent whenever they're craving a nice bowl of pasta. This is one of the best restaurants in Liverpool for students and has a friendly atmosphere with very well-designed interiors, making it the perfect place for students looking for a quick photo-op and a good lunch.
Must Try: Pasta, Pizza and Tiramisu.
6. Churrasco Steakhouse
Cuisine: South American
Price Range: £20 - £45
Location: Aigburth Rd, Liverpool L17 8XW, United Kingdom
Timing:
Sunday: 10 am - 8:30 pm
Tuesday - Thursday: 12 am - 12 pm
Friday & Saturday: 10 am - 9.45 pm
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Customer Review: "Cooked to perfection! By far the best restaurant in Liverpool for a medium rare steak!"
Ever wondered what an Englishman's favourite cut of steak is? It's a Tea-bone! From t-bones to fillet mignon and medium rare to well done, you can find some of the best steaks in town at Churrascos. With two branches within the city itself, this is one of the best restaurants in Liverpool to go to if you're craving a delicious, juicy piece of meat done to perfection.
Must Try: Argentinian steak platter.
7. Rudy's Pizza
Cuisine: Italian Quarter
Price Range: £10 - £20
Location: 3-7 Castle St, Liverpool L2 4SW, United Kingdom
Timing:
Sunday - Saturday: 12 am - 12 pm
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Customer Review: "The stringy cheesy and crunchy crust makes for the best pizza in the city."
Are you looking for a cheap and tasty slice of pizza? Rudy's is your go-to! A student favourite, Rudy's is one of the best restaurants in Liverpool for students looking for takeout or a quick meal in a relaxed atmosphere. Frequented by a younger crowd, Rudy's has a friendly vibe and is dog-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
Must Try: Calabrese pizza.
8. Smoke and Dough
Cuisine: American
Price Range: £20 - £30
Location: St George's Quarter
Timing:
Sunday: 12 am - 9.30 pm
Monday - Thursday: 12 pm - 10 pm
Friday & Saturday: 12 am - 10.30 pm
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Customer Review: "One of the best nights of the year! Hands down one of the best restaurants in Liverpool."
If you want an immersive dining experience, Smoke and Dough is the place for you! A classic grill with a twist - this restaurant provides each table with its girl, so you can enjoy the meat as soon as it's cooked. Smoke and Dough offer a mix of meats, greens and sides at this restaurant, and you can enjoy extra BBQ meats and skewers at no extra cost.
Must Try: Bread and dips.
9. Greek Taverna
Cuisine: Greek
Price Range: £ - ££
Location: Ropewalks
Timing:
Sunday - Friday: 12 pm - 10 pm
Saturday: 12 am - 10.30 pm
Tripadvisor Rating: 5/5
Customer Review: "The owner was outstanding! The food was just as amazing and authentic!"
One of the best-rated restaurants in Liverpool, Greek Taverna is one of the best restaurants in Liverpool for Greek food. The restaurant has some of the best services in the city, with a very helpful and kind waitstaff and a welcoming atmosphere. Their contemporary interior design, with exposed brick walls and a blue and white colour scheme, makes you feel like you're enjoying a lovely Greek meal in Santorini.
Must Try: Baklava.
10. Pho
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Price Range: £10 - £25
Location: 79 Bold St, Liverpool L1 4HF, United Kingdom
Timing:
Sunday - Thursday: 12 pm - 9 pm
Friday & Saturday: 12 am - 10 pm
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Customer Review: "Beautiful, authentic Vietnamese food"
One of the best restaurants in Liverpool, Pho not only has delicious & healthy food, generous servings and friendly staff, but the best part is that they offer students a 15% discount! Their discount isn't available for takeout, so if you're craving some Vietnamese food, go down to Pho and don't forget to bring your student ID.
Must Try: Pho.
11. Toby Carvery
Cuisine: British
Price Range: £8 - £40
Location: 502 Queens Dr, Stoneycroft, Liverpool L13 0AS, United Kingdom
Timing:
Sunday - Saturday: 8 am - 10 pm
Tripadvisor Rating: 3.5/5
Customer Review: "Great food, great service, very helpful, pleasant and friendly staff."
Ever heard of a traditional Sunday roast dinner? Tobey Carvery prides itself on serving one of the most authentic versions of this beloved traditional British meal. If you're an international student looking to immerse yourself in British culture, Tobey Carvery is one of the best restaurants in Liverpool for you to visit.
Must Try: Pudding.
12. Sanskruti
Cuisine: Indian
Price Range: £20 - £30
Location: Bixteth St, Liverpool L3 9LP, United Kingdom
Timing:
Tuesday - Friday: 5 pm - 10 pm
Saturday: 1 pm - 10 pm
Sunday: 1 pm - 9 pm
Monday: Closed
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Customer Review: "Really tasty food on really good price, with very kind staff."
Sanskruti is an all-vegetarian restaurant that serves authentic Indian cuisine to its customers. It is one of the best places to eat in Liverpool, with a mission to express India's vibrant culture through food. Most Indian restaurants stick to one particular type of regional Indian cuisine, but Sasnkruti includes dishes from all over the Indian subcontinent.
Must Try: Street Food section.
13. Bakchich
Cuisine: Moroccan & Lebanese
Price Range: £10 - £30
Location: 54 Bold St, Liverpool L1 4EA, United Kingdom
Timing:
Monday - Thursday: 9 am - 10 pm
Friday & Saturday: 9 am - 11 pm
Sunday: 10 am - 10 pm
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Customer Review: "The coolest decor, friendly staff, amazing services and delicious food."
Bakchich is a tiny piece of Lebanon in Liverpool's trendy and eccentric Bold Street. From beginning to end, this exquisitely designed restaurant offers its patrons a taste and experience of the Mediterranean. This restaurant is one of the best places for fine dining in Liverpool, is reasonably priced and is a favourite among students.
Must Try: Humous & Baba Ganoush.
14. Shanghai Palace
Cuisine: Chinese
Price Range: £20 - £50
Location: Waterloo Place 1 Bold Street Food And D Bars & Restaurants, The Lyceum, Liverpool
Timing:
Monday - Sunday: 12 pm - 10 pm
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Customer Review: "One of the best restaurants in Liverpool, cannot fault their food at all!"
One of the best Chinese restaurants in Liverpool, Shanghai Palace, was first opened in 2001. The restaurant is cosy and has beautiful interiors, perfect for a night out with friends. The staff is known for their excellent service and hospitality. If you're looking for a nice, hearty meal and some delicious soups, this is the place to be!
Must Try: Yeung Chow fried rice.
15. Lucy in the Sky
Cuisine: British
Price Range: £20 - £30
Location: Unit 2, Imperial Court, Exchange St E, Liverpool L2 3PQ, United Kingdom
Timing:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 9 am - 3 pm
Wednesday: 9 am - 3.30 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9 am - 2 pm
Tripadvisor Rating: 5/5
Customer Review: "Great coffee, great music!"
The birthplace of the Beatles, it would be impossible to go through the best restaurants in Liverpool without mentioning at least one Beatles-themed restaurant. Named after their popular song "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," this restaurant is perfect for students looking for a good breakfast or brunch. A small and cosy space, Lucy in the Sky, fills up quickly, so if you're looking to grab a bite here, make sure to make a reservation.
Must Try: Eggs Benedict.
16. Tapas Revolution
Cuisine: Spanish
Price Range: £15 - £40
Location: 4 Queen Square, Liverpool L1 1RH, United Kingdom
Timing:
Monday - Friday: 12 pm - 9 pm
Saturday: 11.30 am - 11 pm
Sunday: 12 pm - 6 pm
Tripadvisor Rating: 4/5
Customer Review: "Great quality and service, truly Spanish style!"
Tapas Revolution serves up some of the best Spanish food in the city and is one of the best places to eat in Liverpool. A student favourite, Tapas Revolution is a popular chain nationwide with very reasonably priced and tasty food. From large sharing plates to traditional tapas - meaning "snacks" or "small plates" in Spanish - this restaurant has a variety of dishes to choose from.
Must Try: Paella, Sangria cocktail.
17. Yo! At Liverpool One
Cuisine: Japanese
Price Range: £10 - £30
Location: Liverpool One, 14 Paradise St, Liverpool L1 8JF, United Kingdom
Timing:
Monday - Sunday: 11 am - 9 pm
Tripadvisor Rating: 3.5/5
Customer Review: "Good place for sushi, staff good and food tasty."
At Yo! Liverpool ONE, sushi lovers will be in their element. One of the best restaurants in Liverpool for Japanese food, Yo! Has a selection of rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and other types of sushi, for students to choose from. Yo! also has a very interesting billing system - when you're done with your meal, the staff will come to your table and bill you according to the colour of your plates, with each item getting a price corresponding to the colour of its plate.
Must Try: Katsu Curry.
18. O'Neill's
Cuisine: Irish
Price Range: £10 - £25
Location: 68 Hanover St, Liverpool L1 4AG, United Kingdom
Timing:
Monday - Thursday: 10 am - 12 am
Friday: 10 am - 2 am
Saturday: 9 am - 2 am
Sunday: 9 am - 12 am
Tripadvisor Rating: 4/5
Customer Review: "Great place night atmosphere great prices and the staff were very helpful"
A traditional Irish pub and restaurant, O'Neills in Liverpool is one of the best restaurants in Liverpool. You can have fun there whether you want to play a few games, get lunch while watching a game, or have a hearty meal. With its live music, O'Neills is sure to provide you with a fun, lively environment - perfect for university students looking for a fun night out.
Must Try: Burgers with a pint of beer.
19. Down the Hatch
Cuisine: American
Price Range: £15 - £30
Location: Basement, 62 Duke St, Liverpool L1 5AA, United Kingdom
Timing:
Monday - Thursday: 3 pm - 9 pm
Friday: 3 pm - 12 am
Saturday: 12 pm - 12 am
Sunday: 12 pm - 9 pm
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Customer Review: "Massive vegan selection of meals, desserts and drinks."
Famous for its vegetarian options, Down the Hatch is an underground restaurant with a unique atmosphere. Popular among a younger crowd, the restaurant has a cosy interior with warm lighting, traditional brick walls, and hardwood furnishings. The staff is known for being very friendly and welcoming, and the food is one of the best restaurants in Liverpool for anyone looking to indulge in vegan or vegetarian junk food.
Must Try: Loaded fries.
20. BrewDog
Cuisine: American
Price Range: £10 - £35
Location: Manolis Yard, 8 Colquitt St, Liverpool L1 4DE, United Kingdom
Timing:
Monday - Thursday: 12 pm - 11 pm
Friday: 10 am - 12 am
Saturday: 10 am - 12 am
Sunday: 10 am - 11 pm
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Customer Review: "Great selection of beer, friendly staff, good place to eat too."
The BrewDog bar has some of the best brunch options in town every weekend and an extensive menu of burgers, wings, and salads. BrewDog is one of the best restaurants in Liverpool and is extremely popular among students, with a co-working space where you can bring your laptop and grab a bite to eat.
Must Try: BrewDog’s beers, guided beer-tasting.
Those were our top picks for some of the best Liverpool restaurants! Whenever you enter the city, stop at each of these restaurants and try some of their signature dishes. We hope you've found this helpful and wish you all the best with your student life in Liverpool!