The brilliant Southport independent restaurants you can experience

There’s so much more to dining in Southport than fish and chips on the seafront. 

The town’s got a massive range of independent restaurants from cosy bistros to fine dining establishments, and British cuisine to flavours from all over the world.

You can even bet there’s something to suit your budget too, however flush – or not – you’re feeling!

Southport Restaurateurs Association’s been established for almost two decades promoting local independent restaurants in and around the town – and eating out in one of the eateries in the association means you’re guaranteed 70% of the food you’re served uses as many locally sourced ingredients as possible and is produced fresh at the venue.

More often than not locally owned, each restaurant takes pride in offering quality at great value – and gives you the chance to travel around the cuisine globe!

Here’s 19 Southport restaurants offering something for everyone….

Best of British

The Bold 

After a fabulous refurbishment, The Bold is looking boss and it’s got a brand new menu – which includes a seven-day a week carvery (and who doesn’t love those?!) with a choice of the finest cuts of meat accompanied by a selection of classic roast dinner favourites like fresh veg, Yorkshire pudding and crisp roast potatoes. It does a belting afternoon tea, everyone’s favourite Bottomless Bruch and we especially love its afternoon cheese and wine. Cheers!

Find out more here.

Lords Café Bar

If you’re looking for a contemporary venue to enjoy a coffee or lunch with a friend, full English before a busy day or somewhere to touch base with a client, Lords Café Bar is the one. You can also add a glass of fizz to your breakfast dish … and we can’t see anything wrong with that.

Find out more here.

The Ra Bar & Grill

A hip and trendy, fun venue with a super-chilled atmosphere, it’s open Thursday to Monday from 12-8pm serving English breakfasts, lunch and dinner (PS. it reckons it does one of the best Sunday lunches in town!).  Monday is always a good night to go because if you buy any drink, you get 50% off the food menu.

Find out more here.

Waterfront Marina Restaurant

From breakfast to dinner – and even afternoon tea in between – the Waterfront Marina Restaurant has got you covered with a delicious menu created by its talented chefs and one of the best views in town. And if the sun’s out – and even if it isn’t – its bar and rooftop terrace is definitely the place to sit back, relax and enjoy the coastal air with a cocktail or a G&T!

Find out more here.

A Taste of Europe

Auberge Brasserie

Auberge Brasserie on Seabank Road offers the chance to relax and enjoy affordable French-style dishes, freshly prepared by its chefs every day with menu delights like Moules Frites, with Sourdough Bread & Butter, and Chicken Suprême with Game Sausage Roll, Crushed Root Vegetables, and Pommes Anna. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, and we’d heartily recommend its Sunday Lunch menu with two courses for just £18.50, and its Wine & Dine Wednesdays with a three-course lunch or dinner for two PLUS a bottle of wine for £45.

Find out more here.

Bistrot Verite

If you like your lunch or dinner with a little French flair, Bistrot Verite needs to be on your go to list.  The family founded and run village restaurant in Birkdale serves fresh meats, fish, seafood and beautiful French classics in an unpretentious and comfortable venue. We’re huge fans of the decadent and generous dishes such as Roquefort cheese, pear, chicory and hazelnut salad, gin cured salmon and parmesan and truffle fries. 

Find out more here.

Chez Moi

Lord Street bar and grill, Chez Moi is another family run French restaurant specialising in traditional cuisine, and its owner and head chef Hakim Lahoussine has worked in some of London’s most prestigious restaurants having learned his trade in Marseilles and Paris. Chez Moi’s extensive menu ranges from traditional French cuisine including frogs’ legs and escargot to a fish and seafood menu, as well as the finest steaks, pizza, pasta, and more. Hakim’s Moules Mariniere, seafood platter, and Mousse au Chocolat are apparently legendary.

Find out more here.

Gusto Trattoria

Celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year, Gusto has reinvented many traditional Italian dishes in a more contemporary style, including salads, mouth-watering appetisers, pasta, pizza, fish and meat. Food is served on its patio and sophisticated dining room from lunch until late, and highlights include Conchiglie del Mare with fresh prawns and mussels, freshly baked pizzas and the all-important homemade tiramisu.

Find out more here.

Pizzeria Mamma Mia

If it’s freshly baked pizza dough, succulent cuts of meat or delicate pasta dishes you covet, head to Pizzeria Mamma Mia on Lord Street. It’s been run by the same family for three decades offering Italian cuisine with a Sardinian twist and wonderful staff, talented chefs and a warm welcome await you. And according to one customer its Pizza Caprichiosa is ‘to die for’.

Find out more here.

Roberto’s Italian

Ice cold pints of Peroni and pasta dishes that look like works of art! Lunch, light bites or dinner at Roberto’s Italian in Ocean Plaza’s Marine Parade is sure to impress. The award winning contemporary-modern restaurant is owned by local couple Roberto and Lesley Cinti who ensure fresh, flavoursome ingredients and a fabulous view are all on offer.

Find out more here.

Sapori Italian Restaurant

With scenes of Rome looming large on the walls, you can’t help but be transported to the city in this the newest Italian restaurant in Southport – and the food completes the magic! Sapori in Lord Street serves home-cooked Italian food in a stylish but welcoming and relaxed atmosphere to bring you an authentic experience, with freshly made pasta and pizzas, pan fried meat and fish dishes, antipasti, specialty breads and salads made with quality ingredients from expert Italian vendors.  

Find out more here.

Sirocco at The Grand

Art deco elegance meets coastal ease at Sirocco, the newest addition to the landmark Grand in Lord Street.  With menus inspired by the sun-kissed coastlines of Italy, Spain, Greece, Morocco and France, they include traditional and creative dishes made to share and savour (think small plates and mezze like whipped feta, patatas bravas, flambeed halloumi, chicken gyros bowls and more) along with classic pizza and pasta and hearty mains like Moroccan lamb stew, steak frites, burgers and chicken souvlaki.

Find out more here.

Volare

If you want your dining experience to transport you to rural Italy, dinner at Volare is a must-try.  Volare was established in 2007 by Onofrio Maimone and his wife Cinzia Lopalco as a small family run restaurant, offering rustic and authentic Italian cuisine. Mixing locally sourced and specially imported ingredients, this Lord Street restaurant offers a relaxing, friendly venue to enjoy classic dishes in comfort.

Find out more here.

Around the World

JT Akshaya Sri Lankan, South Indian Restaurant and Bar

From the freshly-ground spices to the slow-cooked curries, JT Akshaya uses traditional recipes passed down through generations while offering a modern dining experience. Its signature dishes include Yoghurt chat bombs, Lamb Chops, Tandoori Broccoli, Chicken Chettinaadu, and Kerala Spicy Fish Curry, as well as specials of burger, mac and cheese, and steak from the Butcher’s Block. It’s fab afternoon lunch deal includes a two-course and three-course meal plus a house drink for £22.99 and £27.99; and every Monday night is Steak Night with two steaks and a bottle of wine for £38.90.

Find out more here.

Kalash Divine Indian

The Lord Street restaurant has a simple mission to serve the highest quality authentic Indian food, with ‘divine’ flavours cooked with passion and served with affection. It succeeds, using the freshest and best ingredients and spices for its starters, right through to its choices of vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries and main courses, and its mouthwatering desserts.

Find out more here.

Kasturi 

Who doesn’t love an Indian meal? Getting friends or family together to tuck into a range of different curries with freshly baked breads, sweet bhaji’s and an ice cold beer. We’re drooling just writing this and we recommend a trip to Kasturi Indian on Eastbank Street to satisfy your cravings. Top tip would be the Kasturi Special Massala which is a mix of chicken tikka, lamb tikka, sheekh kebab, and mushroom with an omelette on the top!

Find out more here.

Lings on Kings

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Billed as Southport’s number 1 Beijing cuisine restaurant, Lings of Kings offers a huge menu of traditional dishes we all know and love. Famous for its sumptuous banquets and its Barbequed Spare Ribs and Crispy Duck smothered with Ling’s Secret Recipe Sauce, you’ve got to check this one out for yourself.

Find out more here.

The Taj Mahal

Southport’s Taj Mahal holds on to traditional values by delivering generous portions, while never compromising on taste. The Bath Street restaurant and take away offers a warm welcome, hearty authentic dishes and a funky soundtrack with pop, jazz and R&B blended with Indian sounds, and it promises ‘fabulous flavours and textures, with everything cooked to perfection’.

Find out more here.

V Café & Restaurant (The Vincent Hotel)

Voted one of The Times’ top 10 coolest restaurants in the UK, V Café & Restaurant at The Vincent Hotel is a sophisticated venue that never fails to impress. Whether it be for the cool décor or eclectic British and European inspired menu or handmade sushi, this is the place to impress over dinner in Southport.

Find out more here.

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