#63 Liverpool Megalist
Where's for dinner, this week?
Liverpool has become a big part of my life in recent years. I used to joke that the Midlands was “North”, but with a partner from just outside the city, I got put in my place.
Whenever we’re back - this weekend being one of those occasions - I do a sweeping search of where we might want to eat. It’s essential ground work.
Liverpool has a brilliant food and drinks scene, with new spots popping up all the time. It’s hard to keep up.
So naturally I’ve started to collect a seriously long list. Of places I’ve been and loved (and continue to return to), and others that gradually chipping away at.
Splitting this list into two. Three places I’ve been and loved. Three places on my list.
First up, my must-eat favourites.
1. Buyer’s Club, Knowledge Quarter
Found behind the Bombed Out Church - I think Buyers is one of the restaurants I have been to the most - maybe ever.
Nothing beats a good bowl of pasta and a nice glass of wine, and these guys do it so well. Also on the menu you’ll find their mega cacio e Pepe butter beans (below right), homemade pizzas, and other Italian faves.
Every time I always try to order something different, but I always go back to the Ox Cheek Ragu (below left). Gluten free pasta ofc.
Book a table here.
2. Maray, Royal Albert Dock
I was blown away by a meal we had here last summer. The menu, filled with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean small plates, and enjoyed overlooking the Albert Dock, was a real restaurant highlight.
We went for the Disco Cauliflower - aka a tower of cauli smothered in harissa, tahini, pomegranate and more (left). Hummus, Hot Dips and Pickles with Labneh - a delicious beetroot dish. Perfect to pick at between two (right).
Next up was Fried Chicken with pickles. Yes. It’s gluten free. A little on the pricey side for three small pieces but like any fried chicken that’s safe to eat - heaven. Cucumbers were perfectly pickled.
And finally Steak and Chips - aka some of the best seasoned steak in existence. Probs the highlight for me flavour wise (other than the disco cauli). Chips come topped with hummus and zhug.
Worth noting they are also excellent with gluten free. Will be returning.
Book a table here.
3. Claremont Farm, Bebbington
So technically more of a breakfast/lunch spot, but a trip to Claremont Farm is an essential visit of every single trip to Liverpool for me.
Found the other side of river, on the Wirral, I love this farm shop. The café, which is attached, provides seriously good brekkie, with local ingredients from the farm and surrounding areas.
You can pick your own strawberries, have a drink from the outside bar cart, or pick up farm essentials from their butchers and greengrocer.
Keep an eye out for local events, like the Good Market (with over 35 independent traders) and Mowgli’s Dog Show. Mowgli being another place for your list too.
Book a table here.
Now onto the wish list…
4. Wreck Bistro, Ropewalks
I love the flex of this menu. We’re talking excellent looking brekkies, slap up lunch and dinner, epic Sunday lunch, in a smart clean high ceilings building.
Multi-courses are encouraged, with three courses for lunch at £40, or £55 for dinner - choosing between bistro classic like Steak Frites and Charred Sea Bass.
And even better, a whole section on their website dedicated to allergen menus - gluten free, dairy free and vegan menus.
Book a table here.
5. Nord, Central Liverpool
Proudly securing a spot in the Michelin Guide and landing 2 AA Rosettes, Nord in central Liverpool, gives the impression of a very elevated dining experience.
This spot celebrates Northern hospitality and heritage. Take their fish and seafood for example. All are will be supplied by Birkenhead-based fishmonger. And their fresh meat - from Caterite in Cockermouth, which has one of the largest salt chambers in the UK. Similarly Claremont Farm, who I mentioned earlier, also provides produce to the restaurant.
Their Sunday lunch (below right) comes in at a very reasonable two courses for £38 and three courses for £45.
Book a table here.
6. Madre, Dockside
I’m always on the look out for taco spots, and Madre looks like one of those authentic taqueria for the list.
Dockside, with its own sunny courtyard, yes you’ll feasts on tacos (literally every flavour under the sun), but there’s also 11 snacks to choose from too - Crab Tostada, Wings Madre, and Papas Con cream (crispy potatoes).
If you’re feeling spontaneous, go for the “Madre Menu”. For £30 per person, she’ll (Madre that is) pick her favourite dishes for you, to make sure you don’t miss out of any of the best bits.
Book a table here.
Have I missed any of your favourites from Liverpool? Let me know if the comments so I can add them to my list.
What’s “Where’s For Dinner?”
Every week I’ll be tempting you with where your next meal out could be - one in London, one in the UK, and one beyond. All places I want to try, but haven’t yet.I would love for you to subscribe (button below), so we can enjoy these places together. And if you have got any tips of your own, I’d love to hear them.