Summer is the perfect excuse to get out and discover somewhere new, and Liverpool’s food scene has plenty to tempt you. Whether you’re planning a leisurely lunch with friends, celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for your next memorable meal, the city is serving up everything from limited-edition dining experiences to skyline views and much-loved local institutions. We’ve rounded up the food moments you won’t want to miss.
Try Barnacle’s seasonal summer menu
Few restaurants celebrate local produce quite like Barnacle. Nestled on Duke Street, the independent restaurant is known for championing ingredients from across the North West, with a menu that changes alongside the seasons. Expect inventive small plates packed with fresh summer flavours, making every visit a little different from the last. It’s a must for anyone looking to experience Liverpool’s thriving independent food scene.
Sip cocktails while vinyl spins at Kiku HiFi
One of Liverpool’s most exciting new arrivals, Kiku HiFi is giving the city’s nightlife a fresh soundtrack. Hidden away in the Ropewalks, the Japanese-inspired listening bar serves speciality coffee during the day before transforming into an intimate evening destination, where natural wines, inventive cocktails and carefully curated vinyl sets take centre stage. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger long after sunset.
Get stuck into seafood at Shrimp & Co
If you’re after something a little different this summer, make a beeline for Shrimp & Co. One of Liverpool’s newest restaurants, it’s already making waves with its seafood boils, juicy king prawns and messy sharing platters. Roll up your sleeves and dive into bags bursting with prawns, corn and potatoes, all coated in rich, buttery sauces – it’s hands-on dining at its best.
Enjoy an al fresco meal at PizzaExpress with amazing ExpressFest offers
Long summer days are best spent by the waterfront, and PizzaExpress at the Royal Albert Dock is the perfect place to soak it all in. Grab a table on the outdoor terrace overlooking the docks and enjoy ExpressFest – PizzaExpress’s feel-good celebration of great food, live music and the joy of getting together. Expect fresh seasonal flavours, ice-cold drinks, epic giveaways and exclusive summer offers, including 2-for-£14 cocktails, 2-for-£10 large Peroni, a £10 Power Lunch and a £20 starter and main. Tuck into iconic pizzas, fresh salads or comforting pasta dishes, alongside limited-time summer specials like the Chipotle Corn Palooza and Peach & Parma Hot pizza, whether you’re refuelling after exploring Liverpool’s waterfront or simply making the most of the warmer weather.
Graze your way around Baltic Market
Warm evenings were made for the Baltic Market. The city’s favourite street food destination brings together a rotating line-up of independent traders, so you can sample everything from loaded burgers and tacos to sweet treats all under one roof. Add live music, outdoor seating and plenty of seasonal cocktails into the mix, and you’ve got one of Liverpool’s best places to spend a summer evening.
Share seasonal small plates at Maray
No Liverpool food guide would be complete without Maray. The much-loved Bold Street restaurant continues to impress with vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired small plates that showcase seasonal ingredients. Head there to try the famous disco cauliflower or tuck into the latest additions to the menu, it’s the perfect spot for sharing a long lunch or leisurely dinner with friends this summer.
