Belzan

There’s plenty of local love for this abidingly popular neighbourhood spot in the city’s Wavertree district: ‘typically Liverpudlian,’ affirms one reporter, while another says that it always feels ‘like a proper special night out’. Belzan is the very image of a fancy but relaxed modern bistro, helped along by a delightful team. To start, you might plump for chicken and mushroom croquettes with herb aïoli – although one fan swears by the ‘show-stopping’ Guinness rarebit potato. Combinations are more enterprising than your standard bistro repertoire, so expect anything from rib of Aurox beef with miso and cashew nut butter to grilled jerk primo cabbage with pickled raisins, peanut and buttermilk followed by straightforward desserts such as clotted-cream ice cream with strawberries or cheese with a clootie dumpling and apple. Hearty Sunday lunches also bring in the crowds. The drinks menu features a slate of classic cocktails, and the place also supports wine producers with food and wine-pairing nights.