19 Unique Restaurants in Liverpool: Italian Street Food to Brazilian BBQ

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Let me tell you about the time I explored Liverpool searching for extraordinary places to eat. This England gem blends old charm with modern creativity, offering dining experiences as diverse as its history. Whether it’s savoring a perfectly cooked scouse at Maggie May’s Café or enjoying Persian kebabs at Shiraz Palace, Liverpool’s food scene is packed with must-try dishes.

What makes Liverpool special is its ability to surprise. You’ll find modern twists on classics at The Art School or wallet-friendly meals at Bakchich, where Middle Eastern flavors shine. And let’s not forget the waterfront dining spots like The Floating Grace, combining stunning views with fresh seafood.

If you’re planning a stay in England, Liverpool’s unique dining spots should be on your list. I’ve got 12 must-visit restaurants to share—ready to dive in?

👉 Pro Tip: For a night out with a twist, try the Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Liverpool. Smuggle in your favorite booze, team up with “inmates” to craft cocktails, and dodge the Warden’s eye. It’s part theater, part speakeasy, and all fun!

Unusual places to eat in Liverpool

Ready to discover what Liverpool has on its menu? From floating restaurants to vegan junk food, we’re set to explore the city’s most extraordinary eateries. Join me as we uncover the quirkiest places to eat in Liverpool, one of the top places to live and visit in England.

Craving authentic Turkish BBQ or perhaps indulging in fine dining with panoramic city views? Liverpool’s dining scene is as eclectic as its music legacy. Let’s dive into Liverpool’s most unique dining experiences!

1. Floating Grace

• 📍 Location: Albert Dock
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $70 per person (Cruise/Meal Dependent)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: British / Chinese / Boat Restaurant
• 🔥 Standout Features: Canal boat dining, Albert Dock/city views, unique/intimate.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Romantic/unique dining, special occasion cruises, and Liverpool by water.

All aboard for a truly unique dining experience on the Floating Grace! This charming restaurant is housed on a canal boat, offering leisurely cruises around Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock and beyond while you enjoy a delicious meal. The gentle lapping of the water creates a serene atmosphere.

The menu varies, but you might find yourself enjoying a traditional Sunday roast with all the trimmings. Flavorful Chinese banquet-style dishes, like sweet and sour chicken or beef in black bean sauce, are also popular choices as you glide past iconic landmarks.

• Read Next: Unique Restaurants in the UK: 12 Quirky Places to Eat in Britain

2. Belzan

Belzan is the ultimate neighborhood bistro in Liverpool’s Smithdown Road corridor. This little spot truly feels like a hidden gem. The kitchen churns out a bold, ever-evolving menu with a real obsession for quality local produce – you might land on wood pigeon with fermented gooseberries or gnocchi with grated aged egg yolk. The sourdough, baked in-house daily, is unmissable. By day, it’s chill vibes and artisan coffee. At night it transforms with glowing filament bulbs and indie music. Try to snag the window seats for a little people-watching. After your meal, take a stroll down Smithdown – it’s packed with independent cafes and record shops. Honestly, their seasonal desserts blew my mind, so don’t skip pudding.

3. Fritto Italian Street Food

• 📍 Location: City Centre
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Italian Street Food / Casual
• 🔥 Standout Features: Italian fried street food, arancini/panzerotti, quick/affordable.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Italian street food fans, quick/budget bites, and authentic casual eats.

Get ready for a taste of authentic Italian street food that’ll transport you straight to the bustling markets of Naples at Fritto Italian Street Food! This city centre gem is all about serving up incredible, traditional fried Italian delights.

You absolutely have to try their amazing arancini (fried risotto balls) with various fillings like ragu or spinach and ricotta. Their delicious panzerotti (fried calzone-like pastries) and the montanara (mini fried pizza) are also popular choices.

4. Bundobust

Bundobust is a love letter to Indian street food and British craft beer, all set inside a converted bank just off Bold Street. The setting is pure fun – think exposed brick, neon, and huge shared tables buzzing with hungry crowds. Come for the okra fries and paneer tikka, but don’t skip the vada pav or the bhel puri (loads of flavor in every bite). Their craft beer wall is legit – they brew their own and always have quirky guest taps (try the Mango Lassi pale ale if you see it). This place is always lively, but seats turn over quick. Pro-tip: order a few small plates to share for the full experience. Afterwards, wander Bold Street for dessert or a post-dinner espresso.

5. Mowgli

• 📍 Location: Bold Street & Water Street
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Indian Street Food / Homestyle Indian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Acclaimed Indian street food, vibrant decor (swing seats!), tiffin boxes.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Indian street food lovers, sharing flavorful small plates, and lively trendy meal.

Embark on a vibrant culinary journey through the street food stalls of India at Mowgli! This spot is renowned for its incredibly flavorful and authentic Indian street food, served up in a lively, playful setting often featuring their iconic swing seats.

A wise choice involves ordering a selection of their amazing street chaat, the famous Yoghurt Chat Bombs, or a traditional tiffin box for a complete meal experience. Their Gunpowder Chicken and the Temple Dahl are other much-raved-about dishes.

6. Manifest

Manifest brings a slick, open kitchen concept to the city’s Baltic Triangle. It straddles fine-dining flair with a relaxed industrial-chic setting – think exposed beams, leafy plants, and serious vinyl energy on the speakers. I couldn’t get enough of their sourdough crumpets topped with mushrooms, and the house-cured meats are insane. They do small plates meant for sharing, so bring friends and try a bit of everything. If you’re into natural wines, their list is one of the best in town. Book ahead – locals know this is the spot for date night or pre-drinks before hitting the Baltic bars. Afterwards, you can bar-hop at nearby Gin Distillery or 24 Kitchen Street.

7. Salt House Tapas

• 📍 Location: City Centre
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Spanish Tapas / Wine Bar
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Spanish tapas, charcuterie/cheese boards, lively/convivial.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Sharing Spanish small plates, wine/tapas lovers, and sociable group meal.

¡Salud! Get ready for a fiesta of authentic Spanish flavors at Salt House Tapas in Liverpool’s city centre. This bustling spot is all about the joy of sharing, with an extensive menu of delicious, traditional tapas that will transport you straight to Spain.

You’ll certainly want to order a variety of their fantastic tapas – the gambas pil pil (garlic prawns), classic patatas bravas, and savory chorizo in red wine are always crowd-pleasers. The deep-fried Monte Enebro goat’s cheese is another favorite.

8. Duke Street Food & Drink Market

If you’re torn on where or what to eat, this vibrant food hall hits the spot every time. Duke Street Food & Drink Market is a culinary playground, gathering street food vendors under one industrial roof – everything from Asian fusion to Neapolitan pizza. I normally go for Bone & Block’s juicy steaks or Cahita’s Cuban sandwiches, then handpick desserts from the bakery stall. There’s a central bar pumping out frosé and crafted cocktails, long communal tables, and a fun buzz at any hour. It’s casual, stylish, and super kid-friendly. Plus, the Ropewalks district is literally outside with cool bars and indie galleries to stumble into afterwards. I always end up leaving happy (and totally stuffed).

9. Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill

• 📍 Location: Exchange Flags
• 💲 Price range: $50 – $80+ per person (All-you-can-eat Rodizio)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Brazilian Rodizio / Steakhouse / Gaucho Experience
• 🔥 Standout Features: All-you-can-eat grilled meats, extensive salad/sides bar, upscale/lively.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Serious meat lovers, Brazilian steakhouse fans, and an interactive feast.

Prepare for a carnivorous carnival at Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill! This upscale Brazilian steakhouse offers an incredible “rodizio” experience, where passadores (meat chefs) roam the dining room with skewers of succulent, fire-roasted meats, carving them directly onto your plate.

A meal here means sampling an amazing variety of grilled meats, from tender picanha (top sirloin) to flavorful lamb chops and savory sausages. The fillet mignon and garlic cap of rump are particular standouts. Don’t forget their impressive gourmet sides bar.

10. Baltic Market

The Baltic Market is Liverpool’s OG street food hangout, and it never disappoints. Set in the massive old Cains Brewery, it’s got festival vibes year-round with strings of lights, wooden benches, and street art murals everywhere. The food is next level – you’ll find wood-fired pizza by Little Furnace, halloumi fries that nearly broke Instagram, and Thai from Eastern Bloc. Grab a local craft beer and settle in. There’s live music most nights, and big events draw a fun, eclectic crowd. If you’re with a group, you can all order something different and share. It sits smack in the middle of the Baltic Triangle – the best place for a wander post-feed. Trust me, you’ll keep coming back.

11. Maray

• 📍 Location: Bold Street, Albert Dock & Allerton
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Middle Eastern Inspired / Small Plates / Eclectic
• 🔥 Standout Features: Parisian-Marais inspired, Middle Eastern small plates, “Disco Cauliflower.”
• 🎯 Perfect For: Sharing unique/flavorful dishes, adventurous palates, and trendy vibrant dining.

Get ready for a flavor explosion inspired by the vibrant Marais district of Paris, with a delicious Middle Eastern twist, at Maray! This spot is renowned for its incredibly creative and flavorful small plates that are perfect for sharing.

You absolutely, positively must try their legendary “Disco Cauliflower” – a whole roasted cauliflower with tahini, yogurt, and pomegranate. Other popular dishes include their flavorful falafel, unique lamb kofta, and the whipped goat’s cheese with honey.

12. Big Lola’s Taqueria

Big Lola’s Taqueria is my go-to for bold, proper Mexican tacos. Tucked inside Baltic Market, these legends bring color and flavor in equal measure – the birria tacos are juicy, cheesy perfection, and the jackfruit carnitas are a vegan win. Their homemade salsas mean business, and you’ll want to double up on the guac. The vibe is super chill – mismatched stools, papel picado banners, friendly staff. Grab a margarita or horchata from the adjoining bar. Pro tip: visit on Taco Tuesday for deals, stay late when the DJs start, and you might just end up at Peaky Blinders bar next door (it’s pure Liverpool kitsch).

13. Shiraz Palace

• 📍 Location: City Centre
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Persian / Iranian / Middle Eastern Grill
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Persian grilled kebabs, flavorful rice, traditional decor.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Persian/Middle Eastern lovers, flavorful grilled meats, and cultural dining.

Embark on a culinary journey to ancient Persia at Shiraz Palace in Liverpool’s city centre! This spot serves up authentic and incredibly flavorful Persian cuisine, with a focus on succulent grilled kebabs and aromatic rice dishes. The decor features traditional Persian elements.

A wise choice involves trying their amazing mixed grill platter, featuring a variety of tender kebabs like lamb shish and chicken shish. Their classic chelo kebab koobideh (seasoned minced lamb kebab with saffron rice) and the Shiraz Special Kebab are also fantastic.

14. Bacaro

Bacaro is Liverpool’s taste of Venetian bacaro culture, tucked just off bustling Castle Street. Walk inside and you’re met with terrazzo floors, glowing golden lights, and an endless display of cicchetti (Venetian-style tapas). Their pizzette—crispy, bubbly Neapolitan base with quirky toppings like nduja and taleggio—are a must. On the drinks side, expect Aperol spritzes and northern Italian wines. There’s a wraparound marble bar perfect for solo sips, and window tables for people watching. Bacaro nails the romantic-meets-buzzy energy, and it’s seconds from Castle Street’s nightlife. I came for the spritz and stayed for the vibe. Bonus: incredible for small groups or impromptu date nights.

15. Down the Hatch

• 📍 Location: Duke Street
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Vegan Junk Food / American Diner Inspired
• 🔥 Standout Features: 100% vegan “junk food,” plant-based comfort, cool/casual vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Vegans craving comfort, adventurous plant-based, and satisfying guilt-free.

Get ready to dive headfirst into a world of gloriously “dirty” vegan deliciousness at Down the Hatch on Duke Street! This place is a haven for plant-based comfort food, serving up incredible vegan versions of all your favorite “junk food” classics.

You absolutely have to try one of their amazing vegan burgers, piled high with toppings, like the “Big Mac’s Brother”. Their loaded vegan hot dogs, creative loaded fries (like the salt & pepper hash browns), and the “Deep Fried Oreos” are legendary.

16. Panoramic 34

• 📍 Location: West Tower, 34th Floor
• 💲 Price range: $70 – $150+ per person (Fine Dining/Afternoon Tea)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern British / European / Fine Dining / Afternoon Tea
• 🔥 Standout Features: UK’s highest restaurant outside London, 360-degree city/river views, upscale.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Ultimate special occasions, romantic sunset views, and luxurious sky-high.

Elevate your dining experience to new heights at Panoramic 34, one of the UK’s highest restaurants, perched on the 34th floor of West Tower in Liverpool. This spot offers absolutely jaw-dropping, 360-degree panoramic views of the city and the River Mersey.

A meal here means savoring exquisite modern British and European cuisine. Perfectly prepared scallops, delicate local fish dishes like sea bass, and their renowned afternoon tea service are highlights. The beef fillet is another frequently praised main course.

17. Etsu

• 📍 Location: City Centre
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Japanese / Sushi & Sashimi / Traditional
• 🔥 Standout Features: High-quality traditional Japanese, fresh sushi/sashimi, serene/authentic.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Japanese food purists, sushi/sashimi connoisseurs, and refined authentic meal.

Experience the true art of Japanese cuisine at Etsu in Liverpool’s city centre. This acclaimed spot is dedicated to serving authentic, high-quality traditional Japanese dishes, with a special focus on incredibly fresh sushi and sashimi. The atmosphere is serene and minimalist.

You’ll certainly want to try their exquisite sashimi platter, showcasing the pristine quality of the fish. Delicate nigiri, their tempura (especially the soft shell crab tempura), and cooked Japanese dishes like chicken katsu curry are also fantastic.

18. Sanskruti Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Bixteth Street
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Vegetarian & Vegan Indian / Regional Indian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Entirely vegetarian/vegan Indian, diverse regional specialties, authentic/flavorful.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Vegetarians/vegans seeking Indian, adventurous Indian fans, and plant-based meals.

Embark on a vibrant culinary tour of India’s diverse vegetarian traditions at Sanskruti Restaurant! This wonderful Liverpool spot offers an entirely vegetarian and vegan menu packed with authentic and incredibly flavorful dishes from various regions of India.

A wise choice involves exploring their extensive menu. Perhaps some crispy dosa from South India, a rich paneer butter masala, or flavorful street food chaat like pani puri. The vegetable thali offers a fantastic variety.

19. Elif Turkish BBQ Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Bold Street & other locations
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Turkish BBQ / Mediterranean Grill
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic charcoal-grilled kebabs, vibrant meze, lively/bustling.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Turkish BBQ lovers, sharing grilled meats, and lively casual group.

Get ready for a fiery feast of authentic Turkish barbecue at Elif Turkish BBQ Restaurant! This spot is renowned for its incredible, charcoal-grilled kebabs and vibrant Mediterranean flavors, all served in a lively, bustling atmosphere. The aroma of grilling meats is irresistible.

You absolutely have to try their amazing mixed grill platter, piled high with succulent lamb shish, chicken shish, and adana kebab. Their fresh meze like hummus and ezme salatasi (spicy tomato dip), and the lamb ribs are also fantastic.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the quirkiest restaurants in Liverpool

Are you searching for more information about where to eat in Liverpool? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Liverpool’s most unique restaurants.

What foods are Liverpool famous for?

Liverpool’s food scene is buzzing, but you’ve got to try the local favorite, Scouse! It’s a delicious blend of meat, vegetables, and potatoes. It’s perfect for getting a real taste of the city, which makes it a beautiful place in the UK.

What’s the nicest part of Liverpool?

The nicest part of Liverpool, in my view, is the Albert Dock. It’s a beautiful waterfront filled with museums, art galleries, and eateries, all with an unbeatable view. It’s definitely worth flying to England to experience the charm of Albert Dock firsthand.

Is Liverpool better than Manchester?

Choosing between Liverpool and Manchester really depends on what you’re looking for. Both are great, but Liverpool has this unbeatable vibe, from its historic streets to the friendly faces everywhere, making it one of the UK’s Instagram-worthy places.

What is one fun fact about Liverpool?

Here’s a fun fact that’ll make you smile: Liverpool is the pop music capital of the world. Thanks to The Beatles and loads of other bands from here, the city’s topped the charts more times than anywhere else. How cool is that? It’s definitely one of the top places to live and visit in the UK.