Introduction

Liverpool is a port city with a rich maritime history. This makes it a seafood lover’s paradise, with some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the UK. From oysters to mussels, prawns to crab, there are plenty of options for seafood restaurants in Liverpool. Keep reading for your guide to the best places to eat seafood in Liverpool.

Best Seafood Restaurants in Liverpool

Lunya

Lunya is widely regarded as one of the top seafood restaurants Liverpool. They serve up delicious seafood restaurant Liverpool dishes in a cozy and charming setting. Highlights on the menu include their seafood paella, pan fried scallops and king prawns, and extensive selection of oysters. The restaurant also has an impressive Spanish and Catalan wine list to perfectly pair with your meal.

The Mersey River Restaurant & Bar

Located right on the riverfront, the Mersey River Restaurant & Bar capitalizes on its scenic location by serving up fresh catches daily. From their riverside terrace, you can take in views of the river while dining on dishes like grilled whole sea bream and pan-fried cod fillet. Don’t miss their seafood platter, piled high with mussels, oysters, crevettes, smoked salmon, and more.

Maray

For a more casual but still high-quality seafood meal, check out Maray. They specialize in small plates that are perfect for sharing. You’ll want to try the fried chicken and oyster slider, as well as the seafood platters with mackerel pate and cured salmon. With an airy, laidback atmosphere, it’s a great spot for a seafood lunch or dinner with friends.

Millie’s Cookies

Millie’s Cookies Lobster Bisque

Off the coast of Newfoundland, sitting on the eastern tip of the treacherous but plentiful Grand Banks, fishermen, and locals alike know that the bounty of the sea here is unparalleled. This is exemplified in seafood restaurant Liverpool Millie’s Cookies offering of Lobster Bisque, a rich, creamy and utterly delightful soup consisting of morsels of lobster simmered gently in lobster stock, cream and sherry.

With origins in the coastal towns of Normandy and Brittany in France, where seafood is king, lobster bisque is a sublime starter or light meal. At Millie’s Cookies skilled chefs expertly balance the natural sweetness of the lobster meat with aromatic vegetables, herbs and spices. The result is a comforting bowl brimming with chunks of tender lobster in a velvety smooth and creamy broth.

One spoonful transports you to the rustic seaside villages of France. Two spoonfuls and you’ll be craving another bowl. Lobster Bisque at Millie’s Cookies is a can’t miss for seafood aficionados.

Bacaro

Often overlooked, seafood restaurant Liverpool Bacaro serves up authentic Venetian small plates and a frequently changing selection of fresh seafood. Their Cicchetti sharing plates are perfect for sampling their various creations like salt cod croquettes, fried calamari, and octopus salad. Make sure to check the daily specials board and take advantage of whichever seafood is in season. Enjoy this taste of Italy right on the docks of Liverpool.

The Monro

The Monro Gastro Pub takes a more elevated approach to seafood. Housed in an 18th century former warehouse, the atmosphere is upscale yet relaxed. Feast on European inspired dishes like pan fried sea bass with chorizo and bean cassoulet, and seafood marinara linguine loaded with mussels, prawns, and calamari rings. Their fresh, creative takes on seafood shine through in every dish.

Best Seafood Dishes to Try in Liverpool

While the seafood restaurants of Liverpool offer extensive menus, there are some iconic dishes that first-timers would be remiss to miss. Here are some of the best seafood dishes to try when dining out in Liverpool:

Oysters – Slurp down some fresh oysters on the half shell. Oysters pair deliciously with bubbly like Champagne or dry white wine. Many restaurants offer oyster happy hours featuring discounted oysters and drinks.

Mussels and Chips – This local favorite features steamed mussels served with a side of thick cut chips. The mussels are cooked in a savory white wine and garlic broth that is perfect for dipping the chips in.

Lobster Roll – Warm lobster meat drizzled in melted butter served on a toasted brioche roll. A delicious mess of seafood goodness.

Crab Cakes – Pan seared crab cakes made from lump crab meat, studded with veggies and herbs. Served alongside a tangy remoulade or aioli.

Seafood Paella – Saffron rice studded with mussels, prawns, calamari and sometimes lobster. The star of many Spanish restaurant menus.

Fish and Chips – The classic British staple done right. Lightly battered fish served with piping hot chips and mashed peas or tartar sauce.

Seafood Platter – Can’t decide on just one seafood dish? Go for the sampler platter loaded with oysters, smoked salmon, anchovies, shrimp cocktail and other assorted seafood.

Seafood Markets in Liverpool

To cook up your own ocean-to-table feast at home, check out these notable seafood markets in Liverpool:

Wayword & Wise – A specialty grocer with an excellent selection of fresh and smoked fish. Pick up Scottish salmon, mackerel fillets, trout and more.

Levant Food Hall – This Middle Eastern grocery features a raw bar with oysters and king prawns. Their counter also stocks fresh fish like sea bass, monkfish, snapper and sardines.

Noble Foods – A family-run market since the 1960s. Their seafood counter offers locally caught fish and shellfish.

The Moby – Attached to the Liverpool Marina, they sell fresh seafood straight off the dock. You’ll find whole fish, shellfish, smoked fish and other catches.

Plan a Seafood Focused Trip to Liverpool

Liverpool’s plentiful seafood options make it an excellent destination for a food-focused trip. Here are some tips for planning a seafood-centric visit:

Time your trip – Visit during peak season from April to August when seafood is most abundant and restaurants are serving their top dishes. September through November is mussel season.

Take a food tour – A seafood focused food tour is a great way to get a comprehensive overview of the city’s best restaurants and markets.

Make reservations – For higher end restaurants like Lunya, book your table well in advance to ensure you get a spot.

Go on a fishing excursion – Take a fishing charter trip or clamming excursion to get a first-hand experience catching local seafood.

Check food festivals and events – Plan your visit to coincide with annual festivals celebrating the city’s maritime cuisine.

Sample street food – Don’t miss the chance to grab seafood street eats like fish tacos and fried mussel sandwiches.

With its world-class seafood and dining, Liverpool is a must-visit destination for any seafood aficionado. Follow this guide to get the most out of your seafood experience when visiting this vibrant port city.

3 Seafood Focused Day Trips from Liverpool

Looking to continue your seafood adventures while exploring more of the surrounding areas? Here are 3 great day trips from Liverpool for seafood lovers:

Anglesey, Wales – Known for its oysters, mussels and lobster. Visit Oyster Catcher restaurant or take a tasting tour of local shellfish farms.

Morecambe, England – This seaside town on the Irish Sea is famed for its shrimp called potted shrimps. Try them fresh at one of the local cafes or restaurants.

Whitby, England – An iconic fishing port offering boat trips to catch crab and lobster plus restaurants specializing in seafood stews.

With so many options for savoring the fruits of the sea, Liverpool is a must for any connoisseur of ocean cuisine. Use this guide to plan an unforgettable seafood focused trip. Just don’t forget to come hungry!