Julia's place

Chef-Owner Andrew Sheridan relocated his immersive restaurant from Birmingham to this city centre Victorian property in his home town of Liverpool. Guests gather in the dimly lit lounge for drinks and precisely made snacks, before heading downstairs to one of the two eight-seater counters, each with its own chef. They cook in front of the guests and talk about the dishes, making for an engaging experience. The cooking takes influences from around the globe and showcases bold, distinct flavours, with quality produce underpinning it all.

In Liverpool's regenerated Baltic Triangle district, you'll find this restaurant situated on the ground floor of a converted former warehouse. An open-plan kitchen dominates the room and there are counter seats for those who wish to be close to the action. Carefully cooked, flavourful modern British dishes are available either as an à la carte or a seasonally influenced tasting menu. Whatever you choose, accompany it with some wine from the well-presented list, with each bottle available by the glass.

Located on Hope Street alongside numerous other eateries, there’s a homely feel to this personably and knowledgably run restaurant. The décor is all about understatement, with minimalist furnishings and neutral tones. The modern, well-versed cooking successfully incorporates a range of East Asian influences including shokupan milk bread, Korean chicken wings and char siu pork belly. At dinner, it’s a tasting menu affair which shows the full breadth of the cooking, but keep an eye out for the great value offering at lunch and early evening.

Having celebrated 10 years in business, Paul Askew's restaurant continues to nourish the good diners of Liverpool. The spacious, elegant dining room has a stylish streak with its bright red chairs and crisp white tablecloths, while the formality of the décor is matched by the service team. The cooking is ambitious and full of colour, while a serious wine list adds to the appeal, with a particularly strong selection of reds. Do check out the array of special events they run, including guest chef dinners and live music nights.

Chef Andrew Sheridan has returned to his native north Wales to open this stylish restaurant occupying a former cloth shop on the High Street. Take a seat at the counter or a high-topped table and relish the opportunity to delve into a roll-call of terrific Welsh ingredients – be it meaty Menai oysters or caramelised mutton belly from just up the road. Order sharing plates from the à la carte or opt for the chef’s choice if you’re indecisive. A relaxed atmosphere pervades throughout, with both the service team and chefs adept at interacting with their guests.

Its somewhat unassuming location makes this smart, modern bistro stand out even more. The cooking offers well-judged, interesting combinations, with portions that are as generous as they flavoursome, but while sharing is encouraged, dishes work better on their own; the Guinness rarebit potato is a must. They also offer a good value early dinner menu. The narrow room has a cosy feel, and service is confident and clued-up.

Once situated in Duke Street Market, the team from Pilgrim took their time relocating to the suburb of Mossley Hill, but it was well worth the wait. The restaurant has more of a neighbourhood feel now it’s out of the city centre, with a cosy atmosphere and tightly packed tables adding to the intimacy – if you want more of a buzz, sit at the chef’s counter. Small plates and cooking over flames are the tentpoles of a menu that could scarcely be more on trend, with dishes like crispy puntillita squid and punchy aioli.