Guide to Lark Lane Restaurants

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There's a quaint street in South Liverpool that goes by the name of Lark Lane. Pay a visit and you'll find it lined with restaurants, cafes, galleries and independent stores. It's the kind of place where locals mingle effortlessly with visitors and you shouldn't be too surprised if you pop over in the morning for brunch with a friend and find yourself still there hours later enjoying a late dinner. Thanks to the abundance of bars on the lane, you may even find yourself staggering back home at 2am the following morning. But that's another story.

Lark Lane restaurants play a big hand in attracting visitors to the South Liverpool area and provide welcome rest spots for those visiting the nearby Sefton Park.Whether you just fancy a light bite in a relaxed cafe style venue or a full service meal in a top notch eatery, you'll find something to suit. Next time you're in the area, why not check out one of these places to eat on Lark Lane?

Arabesque Bazaar and Bistro
56-58 Lark Lane - 0151 727 7577

The Arabesque Bistro offers a choice of authentic Moroccan food: try the freshly prepared tagine and cous cous or treat yourself to a deliciously sweet Moroccan pancake. Wash it all down with a cup of traditional sweet mint tea or a mug of special blend coffee. Eat inside and soak up the friendly atmosphere or grab a prime spot in the outdoor seating area to enjoy a little people watching while you eat. This restaurant is unlicensed, but allows you to bring your own bottle for a corkage fee. Don't forget to grab a souvenir from the exotic Bazaar before you leave.

Bistro Noir
14-16 Lark Lane - 0151 728 9826

Boasting a great location on the corner of Lark Lane and Lucerne Street, Bistro Noir is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. Menu options such as Sri Lankan chicken, spicy Jamaican goat, and Oriental steam sea bass may come from all corners of the world, but are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients (although I'm not sure where they get the goat). Popping in for a slice of cake and a cuppa is also recommended. Sit inside and enjoy the atmosphere or take one of the small tables outside to enjoy a view of the lane while you eat.

Chilli Banana
2 Lark Lane - 0151 726 8641
Located toward the Aigburth Road end of the lane, the award winning Chilli Banana serves a delicious choice of traditionally prepared Thai meals: each one crafted from one of the owner's family recipes. The Pad Thai with Tofu is a personal favourite, although the extensive choice of dishes mean that you'll likely find your own must-eat dish. Takeaway is also on offer, so if you fancy a night in front of the TV, you needn't miss out.

Chy
43-45 Lark Lane - 0151 727 1122

Image via Wikimedia Commons
This stylish Chinese eatery has long since cemented its spot as one of the best places to eat on Lark Lane. Using locally sourced ingredients, the chefs here have created an authentic menu that covers all tastes. The menu and drinks list are perfectly complemented by an attractive dining area and a vibe that will see you put Chy on your list of favourite Lark Lane restaurants.

Cypriana
20 Lark Lane - 0151 727 7252

A firm favourite among Lark Lane restaurants, Cypriana serves up a range of authentic Greek Cypriot dishes: each one prepared on site by a traditional chef. Dishes include a signature Kleftiko and a delicious vegetarian moussaka, although if you find yourself spoiled for choice, the 17-dish Meze is a good choice. Wash it all down with a shot or two of flaming ouzo.

Esteban
40 Lark Lane - 0151 727 6056

Ready for a little Mediterranean in your life? Head to Esteban to enjoy authentic Spanish tapas or a delicious rice paella. Whether you hang out inside at the popular bar or take a seat on the heated outdoor patio, you can tuck into your meal while listening to Latin music. You're welcome to pop into this Lark Lane restaurant just for a drink, and with cocktails such as blue margarita and citrus sapphire on the menu, it's difficult to resist.

Green Days Cafe
13a Lark Lane - 0151 727 0783

Although a cafe rather than a restaurant, Green Days is such a local favourite that it would be a crime to miss it out. Plus, it has the added bonus of being the one solely vegetarian eatery on Lark Lane. Mismatched chairs and retro gingham tablecloths combine beautifully with the unique selection of artwork adorning the walls, but the real charm of the three-storey Green Days is the homemade food on offer. Try the classic veggie breakfast with a slice or two of the signature freshly baked bread.

Keith's Wine Bar
107 Lark Lane - 0151 727 4350

Keith's Wine Bar is nothing special to look at, but if you can get past the fact that the outside hasn't seen a lick of paint for decades, you might be pleasantly surprised by what's on offer inside. The menu is fairly varied and reasonably priced, although the kids menu needs some work. You can expect to find more than a few locals in here, along with a generous helping of creative types: writers, musicians and artists all seem to have a fondness for Keith's. The endless wine list probably has a hand in this.

Maranto's
57-63 Lark Lane - 0151 727 7200

Image via Wikimedia Commons

A Lark Lane favourite for almost three decades, Marantos is located within a Grade II listed building in the middle of the lane. Despite being bright and airy, little touches such as Tiffany lamps give the place a classic feel. The downstairs restaurant serves up a range of steaks, seafood and pasta dishes - and delicious homemade Tiramisu, while the upstairs balcony bar has a vibe all of its own. It's a top spot on the lane to grab a snack and a beer (or three) while you watch the derby.

Meat & Liquor
101 Lark Lane - 0151 727 3126

The mere suggestion of a burger called the "Brooklyn Bad Ass" is probably enough to get meat aficionados through the doors of Meat & Liquor. Once there, you can also choose from tamer burgers such as the 'Plain Jane'. Despite what the name suggests, veggies are catered for too. There's a separate area if you just want to hang out at the bar: the extensive selection of American lagers will make you glad you did.

Medjool Bistro
82 Lark Lane - 0151 378 9145

A relative newcomer, the Medjool Bistro has set up shop by the Old Police Station at the park end of the lane.The restaurant specialises in home cooked dishes inspired by platters from the Middle East, Turkey and beyond. There's a good choice of vegetarian options available, although you'll be far from disappointed if you fancy an authentic kebab. Don't forget to check out the tempting wine list too.

Milo Lounge
88-90 Lark Lane - 0151 727 2285

Lark Lane regulars will remember the spot occupied by Milo Lounge as Pistachio Restaurant and the late night basement bar Vinyl. Milo Lounge had big boots to fill, but fill them they did, even if it doesn't stay open quite as late as Vinyl used to. It's a relaxed cafe/bar with the kind of decor that epitomises Lark Lane: mismatched and comfy. The menu is varied and suitable for everything from an all-day brunch to a cosy evening meal.

Que Pasa Cantina
94-96 Lark Lane - 0151 727 0006

The South American themed Que Pasa Cantina lies at the Sefton Park end of the lane. A popular spot for a relaxed lunch, head here to enjoy authentic well priced cuisine. The Que Pasa signature burger is a popular menu choice, as are the gorgeous salads - and cocktails - which are best enjoyed in the outdoor patio to the rear. Head over on Thursdays at 8pm to enjoy free comedy from Pros&Coms while you eat.

Raggas
27 Lark Lane - 0151 222 4176

The undisputed home of soul food on the lane, the family run Raggas dishes up a variety of homemade Caribbean dishes to hungry patrons. Try the West Indian style chicken curry or the infamous Jerk Burger with side helpings of sweet potato mash and rice and peas. Dessert is Jamaican ginger cake (obviously). You'll be pronouncing bacon as beer can in no time at all.

Red Fort
15-21 Lark Lane - 0151 728 9728

The Red Fort is the only Indian restaurant on Lark Lane, so if you're hankering for a Jalfrezi, this is the place to be. It's pretty sophisticated inside and the menu does the decor justice. Expect a selection of traditional Indian dishes, complemented by a good choice of more contemporary meals. The upstairs function room often plays host to larger parties, but manages not to spoil the ambience of the downstairs restaurant.

Rhubarb Bistro
27-29 Lark Lane - 0151 728 9585

Image via Wikimedia Commons

If you're looking for a family-friendly restaurant on Lark Lane, you should definitely give Rhubarb Bistro a try. Kids are welcomed with crayons and a colouring book and offered their own menu which includes mini burgers and cheese and ham toasties. Adults also enjoy a good choice of dishes: the poached eggs and Danish pastries for breakfast are awesome (although not at the same time). There are some great window facing seats with more intimate seating available toward the rear of the restaurant.

The Lodge
32-34 Lark Lane - 0151 727 6636

The Lodge is an energetic, pub style restaurant that has a decent menu and reasonable prices. Along with Keiths, and to a lesser extent Que Pasa, it's open fairly late by Lark Lane standards. Live sports, open mic nights and weekend DJs are the norm. The Lodge gets extra brownie points for its cozy interior, free WiFi and that all important Lark Lane beer garden.

The Moon & Pea
64 Lark Lane - 0151 727 3403

The Moon & Pea is possibly one of the most retro eateries and also the most child friendly restaurants on Lark Lane. Step inside to discover an eclectic set up of mismatched chairs, checked table cloths and quaint artwork. Although meat is served here, it's a firm favourite with those looking for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free food. This place gets busy at all times of day, so don't be too surprised if you find yourself facing a wait to be seated.

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