Maranto’s Lark Lane announces major refurbishment

Maranto’s, the family-run restaurant that has been on Lark Lane for 43 years, is preparing for its biggest refurbishment to date.

The venue will close in January 2026 for a few weeks and reopen in time for Valentine’s Day with a refreshed look. The work will keep everything people love about Maranto’s while introducing new features that make it ready for the years ahead.

Founded by husband-and-wife duo Steve and Ruth Maranto, the restaurant grew from a “labour of love” into one of Liverpool’s best-known family businesses. Salvaged pews, wrought iron from Preston station and a bar from Altrincham town hall gave the Grade II listed Victorian building its unique character, and for years Steve and Ruth lived in a single room above the restaurant while work was completed.

Today, their daughter Anna and her husband Joe run Maranto’s, supported by a loyal team – many of whom have been with the restaurant for decades.

Anna said:

“Maranto’s has always been about family and food, and that will never change. It is still the same family, the same recipes and the same welcome, but we are excited to give the building a new lease of life. 

“The refurb will help us look to the future while keeping hold of everything people love. The menu will stay true to the Italian-American favourites that customers return for, while the interiors will be refreshed with rich greens, mosaic tiling and those little touches like the Tiffany lamps that have been part of Maranto’s since day one.”

Upstairs will see the most noticeable change, with the bar area revived and a completely new games room created. Chesterfield booths, shuffleboard and darts will bring a fresh energy to the space, making it a destination for evenings with friends as well as family dining. The toilets will also be fully modernised, including a new women’s bathroom overlooking the lane, while vintage photographs from founder Steve will feature in the design to keep the family story alive.

Before the doors close for a month of refurbishment, the team is looking forward to a very special festive season. Christmas and New Year bookings are already open, giving customers a final chance to enjoy Maranto’s in its current setting before returning in February to see the new look revealed.

Anna added:

“We cannot wait to welcome everyone over Christmas and New Year. It feels like the perfect way to celebrate before the refurb begins – a last chance to enjoy Maranto’s just as it is now, before returning in style for Valentine’s.

“For more than 40 years Maranto’s has remained family-owned and family-run, welcoming generations of customers through its doors. The refurb marks the start of a new chapter – with the same food, the same family and the same welcome, but in a setting ready for the future.”

Book your Christmas meal at Maranto’s Lark Lane here.

Find all the latest Liverpool news here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.