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

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

Have you ever thought about dining on water? I’m not just talking about a table by the river. I mean on the river. The Floating Grace at Albert Dock is Liverpool’s unique answer to that dream. It’s the city’s only floating restaurant, and let me tell you, it’s an adventure you’ll want to brag about.

Captain Peter Kenny and his crew are fantastic. They whisk you away on a cruise through Liverpool’s 8 docks, sharing insights that’ll make you see the city in a whole new light. The food is delicious, too, freshly prepared right on board. There are various options from three-course meals to Sunday lunches and afternoon teas.

The cruise takes you past Liverpool’s iconic skyline, the impressive big wheel spinning in the distance, and the historic Three Graces standing tall as you dive into a delicious meal.

I recommend booking a sunset cruise in the summer. It’s a fantastic way to see the city in a different light, with a golden glow cast over the water. Just remember to book in advance. As one of the coolest restaurants in the UK, spots fill up fast.

2. Fritto Italian Street Food

Fritto Italian Street Food is a game-changer for anyone who thinks they know Italian food. It’s a bit off-the-beaten-path, in the Toxteth area, but you’ve got to check it out. It’s one of those local favorites that gets packed, and once you taste the food, you’ll understand why.

I went for the Mortadella Panzerotti, and it was the real deal. It reminded me of the street food I ate in Puglia. The combination of pistachio pesto and mortadella was wonderful, and the panzerotti was cooked to perfection. I also grabbed a bolognese arancini. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back.

You’ve got to save room for dessert here. The Bombolini are out of this world. Light, fluffy, and filled with the most incredible pistachio cream. Plus, the prices here are affordable. It’s the perfect option for anyone looking for cheap eats in Liverpool that don’t skimp on taste.

The last time I swung by Fritto, there wasn’t a spot to sit inside. It’s cozy, and tends to fill up fast. I decided to eat in Sefton Park, just a short distance away. Sitting by the lake, enjoying my Mortadella Panzerotti and that heavenly Bombolini under the trees, turned out to be one of those perfect moments. Honestly, Sefton Park is one of the best places to visit in Liverpool, especially with some fantastic Italian street food in hand.

3. Mowgli

If you’re a fan of Indian food, let me introduce you to Mowgli. They serve their dishes tapas-style, which is perfect for trying a bit of everything. They’ve got two locations in town, one on Bond Street and one on Water Street. I went to the one on Water Street because I heard about the swing tables. Yes, you can sit on swings while you eat, and it’s as cool as it sounds!

We ordered a bunch of dishes to share. The Rose cardamom lassi was a refreshing start, sweet and fragrant. But the star for me was the mother butter chicken – rich, creamy, and it had me scraping the bowl. If you can’t decide what to get, go for the Office Worker’s Tiffin. It’s a selection of curries and rice that gives you a little taste of everything.

As one of the best restaurants in Liverpool, this place fills up fast. I recommend booking ahead, especially if you’re after a swing table. Plus, it’s right near the Tate Liverpool. We checked out the gallery after our meal, and it was the perfect way to wrap up the visit.

4. Salt House Tapas

Salt House Tapas is like a little slice of Spain right in the heart of Liverpool. Walking into this place, the smell alone is enough to tell you you’ve made the right choice. It’s a lovely light and airy space, right in the city center.

When my friends and I visited, we couldn’t resist ordering six dishes to share. The standout for me was the tomato toast with manchego. The ox cheek was another highlight, tender and flavorful. Honestly, you can’t go wrong here.

Their red wine sangria is something I dream about on sunny days. It’s the perfect companion to the tapas, trust me. And for my vegan friends, you’re in for a treat – they’ve got a whole menu just for you. The best part? It’s all amazing. It’s easily one of the coolest places to eat in Liverpool.

After you’ve treated yourself to some seriously good tapas, you’re right next to Liverpool ONE. It’s the perfect spot to continue your evening, whether you’re up for some shopping, catching a movie, or just enjoying the buzzing atmosphere

5. Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill

Looking for fun restaurants in Liverpool? Head straight to Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill for a unique Brazilian BBQ experience.

Here’s the deal: you sit down, and almost immediately, there’s a parade of chefs ready to serve you a variety of meats right at your table. There’s everything from steaks, lamb, pork, and gammon. The chefs carve it right there in front of you.

Upon entering, you’re given a paddle. One side’s green, one side’s red. Green side up, and the chefs keep bringing more. Red side up, and you take a breather to savor what’s already on your plate.

The selection here is impressive. From succulent steaks to mouth-watering lamb, each piece is cooked and seasoned to highlight its natural flavors. That minted lamb they serve is something I still dream about!

Don’t skip the ‘market’ area, either. Here, you can grab cold dishes like fish, cheeses, and salads to complement your feast. Plus, there’s an a la carte menu for sides, desserts, and vegetarians.

Heading to Fazenda is the perfect prelude to a night out or a chilled exploration of Liverpool. It’s one of those unique places in Liverpool to eat that sets the bar high for an unforgettable experience. Trust me, you’ll want to check this place out!

6. Maray

Maray is your go-to for an explosion of Mediterranean flavors, all served up tapas style. This place is a game changer, especially with their famed disco cauliflower. Trust me, even as someone who’s always given cauliflower the cold shoulder, I was won over.

We also tried the crispy fried chicken with aioli. Hands down, the best fried chicken experience I’ve had. It’s like they’ve found the secret recipe to make you crave it days later. The sweet potato chips, falafel, and lamb shawarma were also delicious.

They’ve got two locations in Liverpool. If you ask me, the Albert Dock location is where it’s at. Pairing that great waterfront view with some of the best Mediterranean tapas in town? It’s a no-brainer. The vibe, the view, and the vivid flavors make Maray one of Liverpool’s best restaurants. Perfect for a catch-up with friends or a casual date night.

7. Shiraz Palace

Shiraz Palace is a hidden gem in the heart of Liverpool. This place serves up an interesting blend of Iranian, Turkish, and British cuisine, and it’s as amazing as it sounds.

Inside, you’re greeted by an atmosphere that feels like a cozy garden party. A tree stretches its branches across the room, adding a touch of nature to the dining experience. The sight of food sizzling on hot coals near your table is enough to make your mouth water. They’re generous with their portions here, so come hungry.

I recommend ordering the chargrilled lamb. It was seasoned perfectly and incredibly tender. Don’t pass up on their traditional dishes either. The kebabs and hummus platter are standout choices.

Shiraz Palace blends great food with a unique setting that makes you want to linger longer. It’s somewhere I always recommend when friends ask me where to eat in Liverpool.

8. Down the Hatch

Down the Hatch is where it’s at if you’re craving that cozy pub vibe but want all the options to be vegan. Let me tell you, they’ve got the comfort food game down to an art. Think wraps, burgers, and all that good stuff, but made entirely plant-based. One of the most fun places to eat in Liverpool, it’s a vegan “junk food” paradise.

Even as someone who isn’t vegan, I was blown away by how good everything tasted. I dove into a zinger burger that had seitan chicken so convincing, it had me doing a double-take. Then there were the extra spicy cauliflower wings and poutine loaded fries, which were just out of this world. Everything got a perfect lift with a fruity IPA that was just the cherry on top.

The place itself has this really chilled vibe, packed with quirky artwork that makes you want to look around as much as you want to eat. It’s the kind of spot you hit up when you’re in the mood for great food, good laughs, and a laid-back time with friends. Trust me, Down the Hatch delivers big on flavor and fun. It’s a must-visit for vegans and curious foodies.

9. Panoramic 34

Panoramic 34 takes the cake for the best views in Liverpool, hands down. Imagine being up on the 34th floor, with the whole city laid out beneath you, from the bustling Albert Docks to the horizon beyond. It’s an incredible experience.

The food is just as impressive as the views. The duck is a showstopper, and those chocolate puddings are a sweet finale that you’ll be telling everyone about. Honestly, it’s some of the best food in Liverpool.

This place is a slice of fine dining heaven, but what you’re paying for—the view, the food, the atmosphere—is worth it. The restaurant has this cool, dimly lit vibe that makes everything feel extra special. I recommend Panoramic 34 for special occasions or date nights.

For an added wow factor, aim to dine at sunset. The changing colors of the sky add a magical touch to an already fantastic experience. If you’re looking for fine dining restaurants in Liverpool, Panoramic 34 is your spot.

10. Etsu

Etsu is like finding a piece of Japan right in the heart of Liverpool. This place is easily one of the best Japanese restaurants in the North West, with staff that make you feel like family the second you walk through the door.

The vibe is cozy, inviting, and just dripping with authentic Japanese touches. There’s even a tiny shop at the back filled with Japanese goodies that’s totally worth checking out. We decided to dive into the sushi rolls, sampling four different kinds alongside some super creamy avocado maki.

My absolute favorite? The ebi sushi rolls. Close second? The grilled eel sushi roll. Both were standout dishes that had us planning our next visit before we even left.

A little heads-up: we went during the busy hours, and it was packed, leading to a bit of a wait for our food, around 35-40 minutes. But we managed to get a table without a reservation, which felt pretty lucky. If you’re thinking of heading over, a little planning might not hurt, but honestly, it’s worth the spontaneity.

11. Sanskruti Restaurant

Sanskruti Restaurant is this incredible Indian spot that’s all about vegetarian and vegan dining. The variety and quality of vegan options here are mind-blowing, easily some of the best I’ve come across. The entire menu is vegetarian, with the vast majority also vegan-friendly. Every dish is a burst of authentic flavors.

Their Punjabi samosa kicks things off right, and finding out all their breads are vegan was a game changer. Then there’s the dessert – yes, vegan desserts that actually make you excited! The brownie arrives sizzling, with hot chocolate sauce and cold ice cream. And the mango lassi? Absolute perfection.

It’s a place that proves skipping meat doesn’t mean skimping on taste or variety. Even if you’re not vegan or vegetarian, the dishes here are so good, they won’t leave you missing a thing. Giving Sanskruti a try is a must for anyone who loves great food with a side of adventure.

12. Elif Turkish BBQ Restaurant

Last on our list of unique Liverpool restaurants is Elif Turkish BBQ Restaurant, tucked away on Bold Street. This place serves up authentic Turkish flavors that’ll transport your taste buds straight to Turkey.

Right from the get-go, you’re greeted with a complimentary starter of Turkish Grilled Bread. It’s grilled right over the meats, soaking up all that smoky goodness – a simple touch that sets the stage for the feast to come.

The chicken here is something else – so tender, it practically falls apart the moment it hits your tongue. Each main dish arrives well-accompanied with rice and veggies. You won’t leave hungry!

Yes, there might be a queue, but trust me, the wait just builds up the anticipation. Every minute spent waiting is paid back tenfold in flavor and satisfaction. We’re already planning our next visit back to Elif. If you find yourself in Liverpool with a craving for something hearty, flavorful, and genuinely Turkish, this is the place to go, a true gem in the North of England.

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.