Whether you are someone who only visits restaurants for special occasions such as birthdays, or you are a seasoned restaurant-goer who heads out to eat a few times a week, you have most likely heard of the Michelin Guide. There is much debate these days about whether the famous red book of restaurant recommendations still bears relevance to the ever-changing restaurant industry, but whatever your opinion on Michelin is, there is no denying that many chefs and restaurants still see receiving a star as the pinnacle of a career in food.
Naturally, when heading out for dinner in Liverpool, especially if you are celebrating a special occasion, it makes sense that you would want to go to a restaurant that has been given the Michelin stamp of approval. So, does Liverpool have any Michelin star restaurants? Well, the short answer is no. Despite the dynamism of Liverpool’s restaurant scene, which has seen a particularly marked improvement within the last decade, the famous guide has never deemed any of the city’s restaurants worthy of a coveted Michelin star.
Although Michelin has yet to award any Liverpool restaurants a star, the guide does include a select few restaurants within its pages. These are restaurants that are deemed worth a visit by Michelin, but that have not quite met the requirements of being awarded a star. What those requirements are is something of a mystery, with Michelin’s own guidance being rather vague. The guide awards one star to a restaurant that is a “very good restaurant in its category”, two stars to a place which boasts “excellent cooking that is worth a detour” and the maximum three stars to a restaurant which serves “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey”.
Read below to discover the list of Liverpool restaurants that Michelin recommends and keep your fingers crossed that sometime soon, a Liverpool restaurant will finally be awarded a star.
Does Liverpool have any Michelin star restaurants?
As of 2024, Liverpool does not currently have any Michelin star restaurants and in fact, the famous red guidebook has never awarded a Michelin star to a restaurant in the city.
Michelin restaurants in Liverpool
Although the Michelin guide has never awarded one of its stars to a restaurant in Liverpool, the 2024 edition of the guide did include a number of Liverpool restaurants. These are restaurants that Michelin approves of, but doesn’t deem good enough to award it one of their coveted stars.
The Art School Restaurant
What: The Art School Restaurant is named such because the building it is housed in used to be just that, but these days it's likely better known as Liverpool's stand-out fine dining restaurant. Chef Paul Askew oversees this old stager of Liverpool's fine dining scene, where commissioned works by former students line the walls while bright red chairs contrast with crisp white tablecloths. Dishes champion seasonal and local ingredients, but the cooking is still very traditional compared to some of Liverpool's new-school gems. There are pescatarian and vegan versions of each menu available, while a Light Bites menu is perfect for those looking for something less formal.
Where: 1 Sugnall Street, L7 7EB
Book now: The Art School Restaurant
Roski
What: Roski is a modern take on a fine-dining restaurant, boasting a muted grey colour scheme and a set of complex tasting menus with strong Asian influences designed by former MasterChef: The Professionals winner Anton Piotrowski. Although not a cheap eat, Roski is on the lower end of the spectrum for fine dining and delivers some top-quality plates. Dishes you might find on your next visit include the likes of lemon sole with nori and passion fruit beurre blanc, followed by yuzu tart with meringue for dessert.
Where: 16 Rodney Street, L1 2TE
Book now: Roski
Nord
What: Nord chef Daniel Heffy spent many years in Scandinavia before returning home to Liverpool to set up Nord, and he was part of the team that set up The Art School with Paul Askew some years ago. Nord takes plenty of Scandi influence and combines it with some broader Asian inspiration, making it easily one of the most exciting restaurants to open in Liverpool in some years.
Where: The Plaza, 100 Old Hall Street, L3 9QJ
Book now: Nord
Manifest
What: Manifest has become the darling of Liverpool’s food scene, leaning heavily into the sharing plate zeitgeist that has become common throughout the UK. The food, though, is astonishingly good, with ingredients sourced to exceptionally high quality and almost everything made in-house. Manifest is also highly regarded for a super wine list that leans towards natural and biodynamic wines.
Where: 4a Watkinson Street, Baltic Triangle, L1 0AG
Book now: Manifest
Belzan
What: Belzan is a tad more relaxed than others on this list, but recognised by Michelin for the exceptional quality of the food and hospitality. The menu takes inspiration from far and wide, with dishes ranging from wild mushroom gnocchi to mackerel yakitori with shisho mayonnaise. The boozy bottomless brunch is also incredibly popular on weekends so make sure you book ahead.
Where: 371 Smithdown Road, L15 3JJ
Book now: Belzan
Restaurant 8 'by Andrew Sheridan'
What: We gave Restaurant 8 a gold award when we reviewed, such is the level achieved by this immersive culinary adventure. Expect lots of dry ice and theatre, but also a hefty tasting menu of surprising, exciting, delightful food. Supremely well-executed from start to finish, this is the place to come if you’re looking for something a bit different.
Where: 16 Cook Street, L2 9RF
Book now: Restaurant 8 'by Andrew Sheridan'
If you want to discover the full breadth of the city’s dining scene, check out our pick of Liverpool’s best restaurants.