What and where to eat when you're in Liverpool for Eurovision

It’s the perfect time to explore the city’s fantastic food scene and try out some of the different areas known for their great restaurants, cafes and bars.

There’s going to be so much going on in Liverpool once the Eurovision party starts, everyone will be looking for the best places to eat at the centre of all the action.

Here’s a few tips of what and where to eat when you’re in Liverpool for Eurovision …

Bold Street

Maray:

One of Liverpool’s favourite Middle Eastern-inspired small plates indies is on what’s probably the city’s best-known foodie street. It’s casual, has loads of veggie/vegan dishes and the best bet is to order lots to share then dive in – don’t miss the signature disco cauli, it’s a florety thing of beauty.

For more info click here.

Bakchich:

For delicious Lebanese and Moroccan dishes, it’s got to be Bakchich which consistently gets five-star reviews from fans for its friendly service and atmosphere, and a really extensive menu of authentic dishes. Its charcoal grills and tagines are a speciality and be sure to leave room for baclava.

For more info click here.

Italian Club Fish:

Italian Club Fish and its sister restaurant Italian Club are both go-to Bold Street landmarks for lovers of gorgeous food just like mamma (or nonna) used to make. Head to Italian Club Fish at the top end, near the Bombed Out Church, for all things fish including Catch of the Day specials.

For more info click here.

Castle Street

So Salsa:

Tapas is always a smart option, especially if you’re out in a group and wanting to share, and So Salsa on Liverpool’s restaurant/bar hub of Castle Street is a lovely family-run restaurant which brings together tapas not only from Spain but from other countries too, so it’s perfect for Eurovision!

For more info click here.

Mowgli:

This is Indian street food at its best, created by Nisha Katona to reflect her favourite home-cooked dishes. The restaurant is beautiful, all twinkly lights and bird cages, and the menu deserves repeat visits to try everything, but kick off with Himalayan cheese on toast and Mother Butter Chicken.

For more info click here.

Bacaro:

More small plates, this time in the Venetian tradition. Bacaro makes a really good choice especially for groups because it’s got a great lively atmosphere, typical of European social dining, as well as an imaginative cicchetti menu including charcuterie and pizzettes plus a gin bar and cocktails.

For more info click here.

Hope Street

The Art School:

If you’re looking to treat yourself to a fine dining experience then The Art School lives up to every expectation. Chef patron Paul Askew is passionate about Liverpool’s food scene and delivering excellent quality dishes using carefully sourced producers and suppliers and second-to-none service.

For more info click here.

Pen Factory:

For a relaxed buzzy atmosphere, head downstairs next to the Everyman theatre to find the gem that is Pen Factory. As well as the basement restaurant and bar, with an ever-changing small & larger plates/sharing menu, there’s a lovely outdoor space which regularly has tastings and live music.

For more info click here.

The Quarter:

When it’s sunny, outdoor tables at The Quarter just off Hope Street are as in demand as Eurovision finals tickets. That’s why they call it the Toxteth Riviera, but year-round The Quarter is a popular pick especially for its pasta and pizzas, plus homebaked desserts that are impossible to resist.

For more info click here.

Baltic Triangle

Manifest:

Manifest is a relative newcomer to the Baltic, but in just over a year it’s got two AA rosettes for culinary excellence and been included in the Michelin guide. Chef Paul Durand, who co-owns with his wife Charlotte, focuses on local and the best of British produce for casual fine dining with flair.

For more info click here.

Lu Ban:

Head chef Dave Critchley might be a familiar face from TV, after flying the flag for the city on BBC’s Great British Menu. Lu Ban is a gorgeous restaurant specialising in small and large plates which combines his culinary expertise with traditional Chinese food culture to create something outstanding.

For more info click here.

Baltic Market:

They’re a massively popular concept across Europe but this was Liverpool’s first street food market and it still regularly has queues out the door. There are lots of different local traders to choose from so something for everyone from Thai and Greek to amazing hot cookie dough desserts.

For more info click here.

Ropeworks

Wreckfish:

Chef Gary Usher, the man behind Wreckfish on Seel Street, has combined his own passion and skill into one of Liverpool’s culinary highlights. The restaurant is beautiful, in an old conversion, it’s simple bistro food made using only the best quality seasonal ingredients and the result feels special.

For more info click here.

Duke Street Market:

Another really impressive conversion in the historic Ropewalks area, this time on Duke Street where a 100-year-old warehouse space now houses six kitchens and an upper-level independent restaurant, Barnacle. Super-high ceilings and canteen-style tables give it a nice social feel.

For more info click here.

The Monro:

Here’s a combination you don’t find often but at The Monro it works – a traditional British pub serving contemporary Greek food! As a former beer, wine and spirits merchant, the venue has lots of heritage and the menu gives a taste of summer all-year-round with favourites like souvlaki and meze.

For more info click here.

Waterfront

Madre:

No Mexico in Eurovision but if you want to sample the best of its food, Madre at Anchor Courtyard at the Albert Dock has the flavour of an authentic taqueria, with a speciality lunch to late menu that’s especially big on tacos, quesadillas, churros for dessert and all kinds of margaritas.

For more info click here.

Nova Scotia:

On Mann Island, between the Albert Dock and Three Graces, Nova Scotia is a good looking all-dayer that’s won lots of fans for its Sunday roast experience – meat and veggie – which comes with the usual trimmings plus a side of scouse! There are sharing carafes of cocktails too including Pimms.

For more info click here.

Rudy’s:

Like the UK, Italy is a Eurovision veteran and nothing says Italy quite like pizza. Rudy’s at the Albert Dock is a self-styled neighbourhood pizzeria which does a classic version that owes everything to its Neapolitan roots. Pay homage to the best of Europe with a pizza, a side of olives and an aperitivo.

For more info click here.