Liverpool Restaurant Guide

“Paul Askew is constantly raising the bar” at his ambitious, open-kitchen two-year-old near the Liverpool Philharmonic – a contemporary space with a large glazed roof, “artfully suspended lights, very comfortable seating and sumptuous table linen”. From a variety of tasting menus (including a vegan option) the results are “gorgeous, with very attractive presentation” and “service is attentive but not intrusive”.

Liverpool’s restaurant scene has come a long way in the past 15 years – but this agreeably understated fixture, in a Georgian townhouse near the Anglican cathedral, is still a bit of a beacon for its “consistently high standard of food and service”.

“Breathtaking views over the River Mersey, the Royal Liver building plus many other landmarks” ensure that this 34th-floor operation is “perfect for a special occasion”, and – though prices are not bargain basement – the venue was consistently well-rated this year for its “nothing-is-too-much-trouble” service and dependable cuisine. Afternoon tea here is another option and “always superb”.

“Paddy Byrne and chef Tom Gill have worked magic at this converted factory” – a “casual and pleasant” haunt set within a stage-whisper of Byrne’s legendary former venture, the Everyman, and benefitting from a not dissimilar formula of “cheap, tasty, Mediterranean-style” small plates and full meals. “The wine is drinkable and fairly priced, the ambience is cheerful – what’s not to like?”

“Often-unusual combinations of ingredients in small dishes” (it’s slightly “hard to define the cooking style”, but it’s somewhat Ottolenghi-esque) creates “a yearning to keep on returning” to this “lively”, “truly unique and impressive” city-centre cocktail bar/tapas café. It has a new Allerton Street spin-off now too, “frequented by ladies-who-lunch”.

“Solid bistro fare at amazing prices” encapsulates the appeal of this branch of a fast-growing local chain, whose set deals (at lunch, or on Sunday nights when you ‘Dine with Wine’) win it may “cheap ’n’ cheerful” nominations.

“Great flavourful fare, consistently high standards, and good value for money” enthuse fans of this Wavertree favourite, in an unpromising location off Penny Lane; if there’s a negative, it’s the “cramped tables”.