Liverpool, Italian Restaurant Guide

A “really vibrant and buzzing” venture – this branch of Carlo Distefano’s stylish Italian group has a business-district location well-suited to entertaining. But it also makes an “ideal spot for a relaxed meal out”: “Saturday night and the place is full of life, music, and all types of people – just lovely”.

“Seafood heaven!” – part of an Italian-Scottish family-run group, this “casual” venue “changes from café at lunchtime to packed restaurant at night time” – when “it’s worth the crush for the brilliant fish and shellfish”. Top Tip: “go early evening for oysters and prosecco”.

“Italian small plates (this time)” “from the Salt House tapas stable” – win solid ratings for this “friendly, buzzy restaurant” from the Red & Blue team. It’s “great for a larger party”, with “seats at the bar good for dates”; “it’s crowded so you do get to hear your neighbours’ conversations – although in Liverpool that can be theatre”.

2018 Review: Tucked down a narrow city-centre driveway, this hip, exposed-brick two-year-old bar, kitchen and music venue was launched by the team behind local foodie icon Bold Street Coffee in 2015; “the bar does excellently cooked and imaginative small plates”, and while “the restaurant isn’t open all the time, they also serve excellent food”.