Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Liverpool/Merseyside

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Liverpool/Merseyside? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Almost Famous Liverpool

4.8

4.8 (10)

£25 and under

Burgers

Liverpool

About the restaurant

Almost Famous burgers were born from a need for a super juicy dripping down your arms no nonsense burger – 100% prime cuts of beef, pillowy soft charred bun, melty cheese and creamy tangy sauces. We smash all these elements together to create the burgers we’ve been known for since day one. For any bookings above 6 , please email us on liverpool@almostfamousburgers.com and we'll get back to you ASAP.

Top review

James

Dined on May 3, 2025

The burgers were sublime, lots of choices to add on too to make it the best burger. Fries done traditional or with delicious toppings. Great find - would highly recommend !

The Cavern Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (1295)

£25 and under

British

Liverpool

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Liverpool's vibrant Mathew Street, The Cavern Restaurant is proud to be a recipient of TripAdvisor's 2024 Travellers' Choice award. We invite you to indulge in an unforgettable dining experience, whether you're joining us for a leisurely lunch or a lively evening meal.

Spanning two inviting floors, our restaurant features a diverse menu that celebrates the best of local cuisine. Savor succulent meats, delight in our traditional English Fish and Chips, or try the beloved local specialty, Scouse. We prioritize quality and sustainability, sourcing many ingredients from local producers.

With options for vegetarians, vegans, and those seeking gluten-free dishes, there’s something for everyone at The Cavern. Join us and experience the perfect blend of delicious food, warm hospitality, and the vibrant spirit of Liverpool!

Top review

Darren

Dined 1 day ago

Great venue, amazing atmosphere and brilliant staff. Good value food and tasty

Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza – Liverpool

4.6

4.6 (32)

£25 and under

Pizzeria

Liverpool

About the restaurant

Street Pizza – Liverpool dishes up sourdough pizza, bold cocktails, and good times in the heart of the city.

With graffiti-covered walls, arcade games, and a buzzing playlist, it’s a laid-back destination for groups, mates, and anyone who loves their pizza full of flavour.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on May 26, 2025

Friendly prompt service. Loved the chopped salad with chickpeas

Puffin' Rooms - Liverpool

4.6

4.6 (101)

£26 to £40

British

Liverpool

About the restaurant

Liverpool's most exciting venue offering live jazz nightly and Sunday afternoon blues. This beautiful room features an array of creative and delicious canapes and cocktails and over 200 rare whiskies by the glass. A full compliment of wines and champagnes, plus outstanding small dishes prepared by our chef, await your selection.

Top review

Hazel

Dined 4 days ago

Only had the half price cocktails which were excellent. However, visited number of times, think the Puffin Rooms is an amazing place , staff great, but always disappointed so few people there.

Ivy Liverpool

4.6

4.6 (230)

£25 and under

British

Liverpool

About the restaurant

Nestled in the vibrant town of Liverpool, The Ivy brings a taste of luxury to the local dining scene, offering a haven from the everyday bustle. Discover menus featuring modern British cuisine to brasserie classics and fantastic vegan and vegetarian dishes, with something for everyone to love. From breakfast through to dinner seven days a week, the restaurant offers a luxurious haven in a stunning and elegant setting.

Top review

Jan

Dined 3 days ago

Lovely ambience , great food , staff pleasant and helpful loved it

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Experience

British Icons Set Menu

Experience

Veuve Clicquot Brunch

Experience

The Ivy Aperitif Affair

Pied Bull

4.5

4.5 (657)

£25 and under

Pub

Newton-Le-Willows

About the restaurant

A resplendent country pub, located right in the heart of Newton-le-Willows. A cracking range of beers, liveners & pick me ups sit behind the bar, coupled with quirky art, curiosities, and plenty of cosy or lively spots to enjoy your pint and put the world to rights. The suntrap terrace at the front ensures the pub atmosphere spills out on to the lively high-street whilst at the rear a splendid secret garden promises to provide a welcome haven.

Top review

Jennie

Dined 1 day ago

Service was quick, food was good. Will book again!

Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar - Liverpool

4.5

4.5 (419)

£26 to £40

Italian

Liverpool

About the restaurant

Located on Castle Street in the heart of Liverpool, Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar boasts an open kitchen, cocktail bar, and large alfresco terrace so you can dine all’aperto “in the open air”. Our Liverpool restaurant features distinctive plush nautical-inspired interiors – the colour of tranquil Italian seas. The friendly team will transport you in style to experience a true taste of Italy, bringing style, sass and glamour to modern Italian dining.

Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar invites you to experience authentic Italian dining in Liverpool. We believe that Italian dining is all about La Dolce Vita – the sweet life! That’s why we use only the finest ingredients to create all of our drinks & dishes. Add to the mix a touch of 1960’s high society glamour and we have the perfect recipe for an authentic, modern, Italian experience in the heart of Liverpool.

Top review

Keith

Dined on May 30, 2025

Lovely venue, great vibrant location and excellent Italian food.

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Kids Eat For £1 at Riva Blu

The Restaurant Bar & Grill - Liverpool

4.5

4.5 (364)

£26 to £40

Grill

Liverpool

About the restaurant

Located in Halifax House, in the heart of the busy commercial district on Brunswick Street, The Restaurant Bar & Grill in Liverpool creates an impression as soon as guests walk through the former old banking hall doors. We’re about classic and inspired seasonal cooking, amazing steaks and brilliant cocktails to match. We only serve the very best British beef naturally reared on farms selected by us. We pride ourselves on the philosophy of ingredient provenance and are dedicated to ensuring that every time you visit us, you will have fantastic food and service. This modern, stylish and innovative restaurant is the perfect destination for any occasion, whether it’s a business lunch or simply relaxing with a fabulous cocktail at the bar.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on May 27, 2025

Fabulous food great service, never disappoints. Highly recommended

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Piccolino - Liverpool

4.4

4.4 (301)

£26 to £40

Italian

Liverpool

About the restaurant

Liverpool is, of course, the city famed for being the birthplace of The Beatles, but there’s so much more to the city than just that. Liverpool boasts stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, and the buzzing district of Alberts Dock which is packed with galleries, museums, bars and restaurants. Liverpool is also a foodie’s paradise with plenty of unique dining options around the city.
Piccolino, an authentic Italian Restaurant, is a proud fixture of the Liverpool dining scene. Piccolino is located on Cook Street and boasts an open kitchen and a small but perfectly formed alfresco terrace.
Italy’s diverse cuisine is the heart and soul of Piccolino. We visit the regions, meet the producers and are committed to sourcing the best quality ingredients. Our passion for provenance is at the forefront of our menu, which incorporates the best and freshest seasonal produce, Italian cheeses, meat and seafood, all delivering pure classic Italian flavours.

Top review

Cheryl

Dined on May 31, 2025

Lovely atmosphere, friendly staff & great food…well worth a visit

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4.0

4 (424)

£25 and under

Italian

Liverpool

About the restaurant

If your preferred date or time not available, please call us on 0151 832 4517 or email us on liverpoolskybar@ginorestaurants.com and one of our team will try everything possible to accommodate your preferred date and time.

Located on the 18th floor of INNSiDE by Meliá, Sky Bar and Sky Bar Terrace are two of Liverpool’s most coveted venues. Combining world-class cocktails with unrivalled views of the city’s skyline, the exclusive restaurant and bars deliver an unforgettable experience.

Soak up the sun along with the incredible scenery at the newly opened Sky Bar Terrace. Suspended over 270 feet above the ground, the contemporary terrace is the highest alfresco bar in Liverpool and unquestionably the chicest spot from which to watch the setting sun.
When the night draws in along with the weather, the drinks continue to flow at Sky Bar. Here guests can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Liverpool and beyond, with the venue’s resident DJs playing long into the night.

Top review

Angela

Dined 3 days ago

Fabulous venue, views amazing, service and food exceptional, would highly recommend

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Experience

Italian artisan cured meats and cheeses in the Sky

Experience

Afternoon Tea at 360 Sky Bar - £34 per person

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