Pan Am - Liverpool

'Pan Am' – as it's known – is a classy joint on Albert Dock, offering a sophisticated blend of regional American cuisine in a setting that looks like a futuristic version of a 1940s' speakeasy. Added to that, it's open seven days a week for cocktails and drinks and is a favoured venue for live entertainment.

The restaurant is on the mezzanine level and features dishes that are the real McCoy, not watered-down or dressed-up fast food. There's a definite transatlantic accent to specialities like seared king scallops with a red chilli crust and passion fruit reduction, smoked pig nachos, maple leaf 'lollipop' duck served on crushed thyme potatoes and Cajun catfish with chorizo and yams.

A few dishes inspired by Manhattan's 'Little Italy' district add some Mediterranean sunshine to proceedings and the char-grill is given plenty of work. Californian wines show up on the wine list alongside a youthful collection from around the globe.