Windsor stays 1

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.

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.

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.

Located in the heart of the city, this spacious restaurant sports modern décor with an almost futuristic edge thanks to the pod-like booth seating. The menu offers plenty of variety, with a mix of international influences resulting in dishes ranging from tandoori beetroot to cod Kiev and asparagus tagliatelle to a traditional Sunday roast. It’s all carefully executed by the kitchen and doesn’t lack for flavour thanks to judicious seasoning. The cheery and chatty service team add to the appeal.

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.

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.

Bakery