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Introduction
Liverpool is a foodie’s paradise, with countless restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls to choose from. If you only have time for lunch in Liverpool, you’re in luck. The city center is compact and very walkable, making it easy to sample several tasty treats in just a few hours. Here is a suggested walking tour that hits some of Liverpool’s top spots for a delicious lunch in Liverpool.
Authentic Tapas at Lunya on Hanover Street
Walk down Hanover Street to Lunya, widely considered Liverpool’s best tapas restaurant. Lunya imports the finest Spanish ingredients to create authentic tapas and charcuterie. Their extensive menu covers all the classics like gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), patatas bravas (fried potatoes) and cured meats. Don’t miss their award-winning Catalan chicken pie. You can easily share several small plates here for a tasty lunch in Liverpool.
Start at Bold Street Coffee
Get your day started right with a coffee from the original Bold Street Coffee shop. This independent coffee house opened in 1993 and kickstarted Liverpool’s modern passion for artisan coffee. Pop in for an expertly pulled espresso or creamy cappuccino before you begin your food tour. The minimalist shop front with exposed brickwork has become a Liverpool icon.
Mowgli Street Food
For a flavoursome lunch in Liverpool, head to Mowgli Street Food. This small chain specializing in Indian street food dishes has a location right on Bold Street.
Mowgli’s vibrant, fresh take on Indian cuisine means you can grab lunch in Liverpool city centre that’s packed with spice and flavor. The chicken tikka roll, yoghurt chat bombs, and bhel puri are just a few of the mouthwatering options. Head there with an empty stomach – the portions are generous!
Delifonseca Dockside
Located in the trendy Brunswick Dock area, Delifonseca Dockside should be on any foodie’s Liverpool itinerary. This deli-restaurant combo allows you to pick up gourmet cheeses, cured meats, and other picnic provisions for a DIY lunch in Liverpool.
Or sit down in their modern restaurant to enjoy dishes like duck rillettes, limoncello prawns, and braised ox cheek. Their dockside location means you can eat while admiring the waterfront views.
Maray
Maray is one of Liverpool’s hottest restaurants, with its ever-changing menu of small plates. It puts a global spin on vegetarian and seafood dishes, taking inspiration from the Middle East, Asia, and the Mediterranean.
Dishes like their smoked haddock arancini and Korean-style beef tartare are perfect for mixing and matching over lunch in Liverpool. Maray’s relaxed, contemporary vibe makes it a great spot for a midday meal.
Lunya
For a taste of Spain, head to Lunya in the Royal Albert Dock. This Catalan restaurant transports you to Barcelona with its authentic Spanish cuisine.
Savour tapas like patatas bravas, prawns with garlic, and croquetas de jamon over lunch in Liverpool. Don’t miss their impressive paella, bursting with saffron rice, chicken, and seafood. You’ll feel like you’ve escaped to Europe, even if just for an hour.
Try a Liverpool Classic: Scouse
After your coffee, head to Raggas on Bold Street. This lively Caribbean restaurant serves up traditional Scouse stew every day. Scouse is a hearty local dish made from lamb, potatoes, carrots and onions. It was originally created to feed sailors back when Liverpool was a bustling port. Don’t leave Liverpool without trying this famous stew! Raggas offers their own unique fusion version with Caribbean spices.
Sample Street Food on Dale Street
Walk down Dale Street, home to several street food stalls and takeaway joints. Eat on the go while wandering through Liverpool’s business district. Look out for Elstones, serving juicy burgers and loaded fries from their vintage Citroen van. You can also grab ceviche and tacos from Wok&Go, fluffy momos from Momo Kitchen, or vegan junk food from What the Falafel. The street food scene here is diverse and delicious.
Relax at LEAF on Bold Street
After sampling some street food, take a break at LEAF on Bold Street. This airy café has an all plant-based menu focused on healthy salads and bowls. Try their rainbow poke bowl with marinated tofu or build your own buddha bowl. Their fresh cold-pressed juices are the perfect palate cleanser after all that rich street food. The light, open space is ideal for resting your legs mid-tour.
Finish Off with Dessert and Coffee at Moose Coffee on Dale Street
End your food tour on a sweet note at Moose Coffee on Dale Street. This antipodean-inspired cafe serves brunches and lunches, alongside excellent coffee and baked goods. Try their salted caramel brownie or banana bread with your final coffee of the afternoon. You can also order Kiwi classics like Anzac biscuits and lamingtons. Their outside terrace is perfect for resting after your walking tour.
With stops at both new and classic eateries, this tour provides a delicious overview of Liverpool’s thriving food scene. You’ll get to sample local specialities, street food trends and global flavours on this whistle-stop lunch in Liverpool tour. Work up an appetite while exploring then refuel at these tasty spots across the city center.
Other Options for Lunch in Liverpool
Liverpool has a constantly evolving food and drink scene with new openings all the time. If you are visiting on a different day or want to change up the tour, here are some other excellent lunch in Liverpool options to consider:
- Delifonseca Dockside – Gourmet deli and wine bar with a beautiful waterfront location. Grab a sharing platter and a glass of wine.
- Maray – Trendy small plates restaurant specializing in vegetarian and vegan dishes.
- Mowgli – Vibrant Indian street food eatery. Try their signature chaat dishes.
- Tokyou – Authentic Japanese ramen house tucked away on Berry Street.
- Erst – Plant-based comfort foods like mac and cheese in a relaxed setting.
- Wreckfish – Upscale seafood restaurant with a daily changing Bistro menu.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lunch in Liverpool
Here are answers to some common questions about enjoying lunch in Liverpool:
What is the best area for lunch in Liverpool?
The city center area around Bold Street, Dale Street and Hanover Street has the widest variety of lunch options, from street food to upscale restaurants. This compact district is easy to explore on foot.
When is the best time for lunch in Liverpool?
Popular lunch spots get busy around midday, so arrive a little early or later in the afternoon to beat the crowds. Many restaurants are quieter after the standard 1-2 pm lunch rush.
Where are the top restaurants located in Liverpool?
Many of Liverpool’s finest dining establishments are clustered around the city center, for example on Hope Street. However, exciting eateries can be found scattered across different Liverpool neighborhoods.
What is Liverpool’s food scene known for?
Liverpool is making a name for itself for its abundance of thriving independent restaurants. These small businesses inject energy and innovation into the dining landscape. Local produce and cosmopolitan influences also feature heavily.
Is tipping expected at Liverpool restaurants?
Tipping is standard practice at most sit-down restaurants and cafes. Around 10-15% tip is appropriate for good service. Some places may include a discretionary service charge.
So try out some of these tantalizing spots and experience the best of Liverpool’s dining scene at lunchtime. This quick food tour packs in an array of local flavors and trendy eats to satisfy any appetite! Let your tastebuds guide you through this delicious city.