Liverpool is one of Britain’s most iconic and energetic cities. Renowned worldwide for its rich maritime heritage, legendary music scene, and passionate culture, it has also quietly built one of the most dynamic food and drink landscapes in the country. From bustling independent bistros and landmark Victorian pubs to grand steak houses in historic commercial buildings, the city offers something for every occasion.
For anyone travelling to the North West of England to play championship golf, Liverpool makes an ideal base. Sitting right on the doorstep of world class links like Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool, and Formby, it allows you to combine exceptional golf with an unforgettable city experience off the course.
Here is our curated guide to Liverpool’s food and drink scene, featuring our top picks for group dinners, post match pints, and great nights out in the city.
Housed inside the restored India Buildings in the heart of the city centre, Hawksmoor is widely regarded as one of Liverpool’s leading steak spots. The grand Art Deco interior creates an impressive setting for a group dinner, backed up by exceptional service and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. The menu revolves around dry aged British beef cooked over charcoal, sustainable seafood, and classic cocktails. It is a benchmark option for a proper, celebratory meal after a day on the links.
Located in the historic former home of the Liverpool Institute for Boys, once attended by Paul McCartney, The Art School is an acclaimed fine dining establishment. Led by Chef Paul Askew, it offers an elegant, sophisticated atmosphere that feels genuinely special. The kitchen focuses on contemporary British cooking that showcases the finest seasonal produce from the North West. It is the ideal choice for a high end culinary experience or a special occasion with your group.
Situated in a converted Victorian warehouse in the creative Baltic Triangle, Manifest brings sharp modern cooking and a serious wine focus to a small, intimate room. With just six tables and counter dining arranged right around the open kitchen, the setup feels exclusive yet unpretentious. The menu shifts frequently with seasonal ingredients, available as à la carte or a Chef’s Choice tasting format. It is a fantastic choice for golfers seeking high technical skill in a relaxed, contemporary setting.
Positioned on Cook Street in the city centre, 8 is an intimate chef’s counter restaurant where guests sit directly around the kitchen. The format keeps the evening interactive without feeling overdone, with chefs finishing and presenting individual courses across the counter throughout service. It delivers one of the sharpest and most engaging modern tasting menu experiences in Liverpool today.
Positioned on Hope Street between the city’s two grand cathedrals, The London Carriage Works has been a benchmark dining room inside the Hope Street Hotel since opening in 2003. The cooking is refined modern British, built around seasonal produce sourced from across the North West. Combined with a stylish, light filled space and an extensive wine list, it remains a reliable, high quality option for a quiet, polished evening.
Located at the top of Liverpool’s bustling and bohemian Bold Street, Maray serves seasonal, Middle Eastern inspired small plates alongside signature house cocktails and craft drinks. The focus is strictly on carefully sourced ingredients with casual, attentive service in a social room that works brilliantly for relaxed group dining.
A standout independent restaurant on vibrant Bold Street, The Italian Club brings an authentic taste of traditional Italy to the city. It trades formality for a warm, family style approach to cooking and hospitality. The menu covers classic regional staples, including handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and traditional antipasti. Unpretentious and consistently well regarded by locals, it offers the relaxed charm of a neighbourhood trattoria.
Situated on the 34th floor of the West Tower, Panoramic 34 offers unmatched views across the city skyline and the River Mersey. Known for its sophisticated atmosphere and contemporary British cuisine, the kitchen focuses on locally sourced produce prepared with precision. It is a memorable destination for drinks or dinner with sweeping panoramic vistas of Merseyside.
Just off Castle Street on Cook Street, Piccolino brings polished Italian dining into the centre of Liverpool’s commercial district. The open kitchen keeps the room lively, while the outdoor terrace provides a great spot on warmer evenings before or after dinner. The menu covers classic northern Italian staples, from fresh pasta and risotto to seafood and thin crust pizza.
Located on Old Hall Street, Puffin Rooms combines a chic dining setup with an extensive whisky and cocktail bar. The menu features a range of versatile small plates and contemporary mains, served in a stylish, dark wood environment that transitions effortlessly into a lively evening spot.
Liverpool’s pub and bar culture is legendary. From historic Victorian drinking houses with centuries of character to iconic music venues, the city is packed with memorable stops for a post round drink.
Located on Mathew Street, The Cavern Club is the undisputed cradle of British pop music and one of the most famous venues in the world. While known globally as the birthplace of The Beatles, it remains a thriving, energetic live music spot today. Stepping down into the vaulted brick cellars for a drink and live acoustic music is an essential Merseyside experience that every visitor should check off their list.
Known locally as ‘The Phil’, this is arguably one of the most spectacular Victorian pubs in the country. Located opposite the Philharmonic Hall on Hope Street, its magnificent stained glass, elaborate woodwork, and rich plasterwork make it a must visit destination. It is a proper, atmospheric pub for a pint of real ale and a slice of local history.
Tucked away on Mathew Street in the historic Cavern Quarter, The Grapes is an iconic traditional pub with deep roots in Liverpool’s musical heritage. Famously frequented by The Beatles during their early days at the Cavern Club, it offers a lively, unpretentious atmosphere, classic ales, and a proper Merseyside welcome.
Set on the edge of the historic docks, The Baltic Fleet is a traditional 19th century pub built on a triangular plot facing the waterfront. It retains an authentic maritime feel with mahogany wood finishes, open fireplaces, and its own on site microbrewery producing local ales. It is a fantastic, historic stop for a drink near the Mersey.
For groups seeking a stylish, upscale venue for a late drink or a quiet dram, Puffin Rooms on Old Hall Street delivers a sleek bar experience. Combining live jazz, an extensive whisky and cocktail collection, and an intimate, dark wood aesthetic, it is a great choice for rounding off a memorable evening in town.
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