Restaurants in Liverpool

Liverpool's rejuvenation as a city of culture and tourism has brought with it an explosion in high-class eating places. The stunning Albert Dock waterside development is one of its most impressive showpieces, but there is plenty of high-octane culinary action elsewhere - especially around Hope Street.

The city also boasts one of the oldest established Chinese communities in the UK (dating back to the 1950s) and the oriental restaurant scene is thriving. Liverpool celebrates its 800th anniversary in 2007, so expect plenty of gastronomic fireworks.

Spoon The action happens in an intimate dining room with dark wood tables and chairs, neutral colours and a trompe l'oeil effect on one wall. Nothing to distract from the business of eating, in fact

Ziba at The Racquet Club Ziba has been a big name in Liverpool for many years, first in its converted car showroom premises just off Chinatown and now in the Victorian splendour of the refurbished Racquet Club opposite the Liver Building

Side Door Restaurant Handily placed around the corner from the Philharmonic Hall, this civilised, thoroughly unpretentious bistro provides very affordable deals for culture vultures before and after the show