You’ll Never Walk Alone to The Best Italian Restaurants in Liverpool

Italiano, Italiano

Liverpool is famous for many things. It’s home to the best football team in the world, more than their fair share of musical stars and a whole host of iconic attractions – read: Anfield. However, Liverpool also has one of the best restaurant scenes in the country. So, with Italian being the UK’s second favourite cuisine, we decided to write an article on the very best Italian restaurants in Liverpool. They’re bang on and Liverpudlians can’t get enough.

Find out more about Liverpool’s restaurant scene

From Ropewalks and the Baltic Triangle, through the city, Georgian Quarter and into Mossley Hill, there’s a wide selection of options serving up a delightful Italian storm. Whether you’re after classic pizza, creative pasta or antipasto platters paired with a spritz (or ten), Liverpool has you covered.

No matter if you’re a born and bred scouser, just here to catch a game or passing by on the Magical Mystery Tour – it’s a must – our list of the best Italian restaurants in Liverpool will help you sort the boss from the bad.

G’wed then mates.

The six best Italian restaurants in Liverpool

Gusto Liverpool

Ahhh Gusto. An icon in the Liverpool fine dining scene, Gusto Liverpool is chic, elegant and one of the most sought-after restaurants around. The best part though, is that it’s still accessible to everyone. Situated at Albert Dock at Liverpool Waterfront, this branch of Gusto offers salt-baked sea bream and samphire, charcuterie platters, brilliant pizzas and a delightful Milanese saffron risotto topped with five-hour slow-cooked ragu. Curious? You should be!

We love: Fico pizza topped with five-hour caramelised onions, ‘Nduja, mushrooms, oregano & a whole burrata ball.

Albert Dock Edward Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AF__Mon – Thurs: Midday – 11pm, Fri: Midday – 11:30pm, Sat: 10 – 11:30pm, Sun: 10 – 11pm

Cucina Italiana

The name of the game at Cucina Italiana is simple: serve well-priced authentic Italian food. And boy, do they get this right. Located in the Georgian Quarter, this restaurant is great for a casual night out with your mates. Get involved with the pizza, pasta, carne or pesce selections, and most definitely try the signature lasagne. There’s also great lunch and early bird special menus on offer, too.

We love: Traditional lasagne al forno cooked with beef, bechamel & mozzarella.

37-39 Hardman St, Georgian Quarter, Liverpool L1 9AS__Mon – Sun: Midday – 10pm

Olive Restaurant and Bar

Another city centre favourite, Oliver Restaurant and Bar specialises in stone-baked pizza, fresh handmade pasta and dishes cooked on the charcoal grill. Olive offers a truly special dining experience and the menu is designed beautifully. We’re particularly partial to the pizza and risotto section, though the ribeye is also a knockout. It’s a great choice for a date, or for a cosy night with your besties. Just be sure to save room for the signature tiramisu trifle.

We love: Spiced lamb pizza with chilli, pomegranate, roasted red onions & mint crème fraiche.

25-27 Castle Street, Liverpool L2 4TA__Mon – Thurs: 11:45 – 10pm; Fri – Sat: 11:45 – 11pm; Sun: Midday – 9pm

Carlisi

Smack bang in the heart of the city centre, Carlisi is a contemporary Italian bar that ticks all the right boxes. An ideal choice for afternoon antipasto and a drink or two, or a date night over pasta with a robust bottle of Chianti, Carlisi is a favourite of ours. The vibe is buzzing at this trendy spot and we’re sure you’ll love it as much as we do. Be sure to try some of the signature charcuterie, it’s a revelation.

We love: Baked eggplant parmigiana with parmesan, mozzarella, Napoli sauce & basil pesto.

92 – 94 Dale Street, City Centre, Liverpool L2 5TF__Mon – Sun: 9am til late

L’Olivetto

Then we have L’Olivetto. Situated in Mossley Hill, south of the city, it’s been attracting quite the loyal following of Merseyside foodies of late. For good reason, too. It’s casual and relaxed, yet the food is anything but. Because it’s family owned and operated, you can feel the passion in each and every dish gracing the menu. The team go above and beyond to source local ingredients and anything besides is imported directly from quality Italian exporters. Award-winning, charming and buzzing, there’s a lot to love about L’Olivetto.

We love: Spaghetti alla L’Oliveto with pancetta, mushrooms, pepperoni, chilli & parmesan.

193-195 Rose Lane, Mossley Hill, Liverpool L18 5EA__Tues – Fri: 1 – 11pm; Sat: Midday – 11pm; Sun: Midday – 9pm

Amalia Italian

A Ropewalks fixture, Amalia Italian is one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Liverpool. Without question, one of the best places to fill up on all-things Italian, we’re head over heels for this relaxed spot. Owned and operated by Miguel and Antonio, Amalia pays homage to their roots and respective families – Amalia was in fact, Miguel’s nonna. They serve all the classics, and they serve them well. Meaning, you’ll likely be returning to this spot quite regularly indeed.

We love: Penne carbonara tossed with smoked pancetta, garlic, parmesan, egg & white wine.

2 Campbell Square, Ropewalks, Liverpool L1 5AX__Mon – Fri: Midday – 11pm; Sat – Sun: Midday – Midnight