Top 5 Liverpool Food Spots: A Local’s Honest Take

Liverpool, that city that sings, it’s got a lot more to offer than just the Beatles, you know? Actually, when you get a little hungry after taking a look at museums or, possibly, catching a footy match, you’re going to want some good grub. And seriously, I’ve made it my mission to uncover the true food gems that Liverpool has to offer, from cozy pubs to some fairly elegant restaurants, alright?

1. The Art School Restaurant: Where Fine Dining Feels Down-to-Earth

The Art School Restaurant, it’s the brainchild of Chef Paul Askew, right? It’s kinda a splurge, sure, but it’s perfect for that anniversary or if you’re looking to properly impress someone. Anyway, it’s tucked away just a bit from the city center, which kind of gives it this exclusive vibe, is that right? But seriously, don’t let that scare you off!

The building, it’s proper elegant. Think high ceilings and those grand windows that sort of let in all the natural light. They’ve even got local artwork hanging up, right? It all creates this atmosphere that feels special yet actually rather welcoming. The tasting menu, too, it’s where they seriously show off their skills. Each course is really a little work of art. Presentation? Bang on. Flavors? They might be surprisingly complex. Locally sourced ingredients, though, tend to be at the heart of the dishes, anyway. They apparently do a cracking job with seafood, and if they have the lamb on, seriously, get it.

The service, though, that’s something else altogether. The staff know their stuff, basically. Very attentive but never intrusive. They walk that tightrope perfectly, isn’t that right? It can get a bit busy, you know, so reservations are, usually, a must, right? I’d say it’s quite an experience, very worth opening your wallet for. Read our full review: Art School Restaurant Liverpool Full Review and Details

2. Mowgli Street Food: Indian Flavors with a Scouse Twist

So, you’re after something with a bit more zing, and not so… formal? Try Mowgli Street Food, then! They have a bunch of branches across the city, anyway, which is saying something, isn’t that so? The Bold Street spot’s a fave of mine. You go there, and, actually, the first thing you see is that it’s lively, very bustling, yet really informal. They’ve even got these swing seats at some of the tables, right? And they basically do this clever, tasty Indian street food. You just get this kind of relaxed, sharing atmosphere which I always tend to enjoy quite a bit.

The menu, then, it’s not like your usual big Indian restaurant. They’re not like doing your standard curries, too, they’re concentrating, you know, on smaller plates, like, little snacks and bites, stuff that you would actually find being sold on the streets in India, is that right? The Yoghurt Chat Bombs, anyway, are kinda legendary, just little crispy shells filled with yogurt and spices. So, too, the Himalayan Cheese Toast – that’s this crazy combo of cheese and chili, a bit like you have never experienced, actually. Portion sizes tend to be quite reasonable, so, honestly, it’s dead easy to try loads of things. Seriously, grab a few dishes per person and then just share, alright?

This place, too, it gets really rammed, you know, especially at peak times. You might just have to wait for a bit. Still, that vibe is pretty spot on, and the prices really aren’t bad, right? It’s like this brilliant little, very unique addition to the Liverpool food scene. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Mowgli Street Food Liverpool)

3. Maray: Middle Eastern Flavors That’ll Rock Your Taste Buds

Maray’s just opened a couple of locations now, anyway, but the original, very small spot on Bold Street still remains my fave, really. It’s proper intimate, a bit cozy, very warm and welcoming, too, with kinda dark wood and kinda a relaxed, almost hip vibe to it, don’t you know? It’s the sort of place you’d almost just want to hunker down for the evening, like your right in your element.

The food they have, too, it’s Middle Eastern inspired, right, with sort of some modern twists chucked in. The mezze plates are, very, perfect for sharing. I could personally neck a bucketload of their disco cauliflower and those salty padron peppers, anyway. Then their lamb kofta has got that nice little subtle spicy edge, but those chickpea stews can be a big bit special as well, yeah? You have that interesting little twist going on, really makes Maray very much worth your visit!

The cocktails tend to be fairly decent too. They really make all sorts of combinations of concoctions you will find a little appealing. Maray really comes into its own. Seriously, it’s one of my recommendations when a group is looking for a relaxed, interesting place to eat. Very book early, if you wanna guarantee a table. They could easily be booked out for weeks in advance, alright? Read our full review: Maray Restaurant Liverpool Full Review and Details

4. The Tavern Co.: Breakfast of Champions (and Everything Else!)

Now, The Tavern Co., right? It’s on Smithdown Road, anyway, it’s actually more a proper institution than just a place that does breakfast. I am so meaning the whole, entire neighborhood tends to flock there all day, and some of my family goes there on special days or times of events, actually!

First of all, the atmosphere is really nice, you know, it’s comfy, relaxed, the type of place that would just let you sit in there for a few hours. Then there’s the breakfast itself, which some feel is legendary, yeah. Everything on the menu tends to be bang on. Pancakes stacked really high, full English with properly browned sausages, or some scrambled eggs you really enjoy that morning. That place makes the lot. They even do those American style breakfasts with, like, the eggs Benedict. So you won’t actually get something that you just can’t possibly get somewhere else too!

The fact they’ve done that since forever seems to show the quality. Actually, what it tastes like to get their coffee and a little pancake or muffin tends to be unreal. Though they tend to do a banging dinner as well, don’t you know? If you actually fancy some breakfast after noon, there might actually be few better options, really. Get over and start early, alright? It gets very, really quite packed! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (The Tavern Co Liverpool)

5. Buyers Club: A Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers (and Foodies!)

Buyers Club is actually a real hidden gem down on Hardman Street, right? A lot of Scousers tend to look around, trying to see where things are but basically missing it when right there, next door, and inside. The thing tends to be that the location it is now? Downstairs. This actually creates quite a cool, very atmospheric vibe, you know. Buyers club almost feels quite cozy yet a bit secretive.

They apparently tend to specialize in wine, for sure, you know, with like some serious interesting bottles from different producers to choose from. The staff actually are very passionate, right, so they’re actually more than happy to tend to make some suggestions. Do be sure you listen!

The menu tends to be smallish, mind you, that place generally feels to be something people overlook because it’s wine oriented more so than breakfast food, but everything really comes really well prepared, yeah. Think modern dishes, basically focusing on, like, fresh, kinda seasonal ingredients, and a bit a bit experimental or more creative for most that walk around here, you know? The vibe at Buyers Club I also seem to find tends to be relaxed, alright? You could happily bring, oh, and someone for a little special date!

Very popular and it’s pretty small place in there. Book ahead before attending! You might want to guarantee to even be let in with everyone enjoying it lately! Read our full review: Buyers Club Liverpool Full Review and Details