We love food, and it’s always a privilege to dine at brilliant independent venues (and a few iconic “big nights out” spots too). If you’re planning a foodie year ahead, here’s our 2026 Top 10 must-try restaurant guide across Merseyside, Cheshire, Shropshire, and North Wales.
From high-end tasting menus to locally rooted, creative cooking, these are the places we think every food lover should explore next year.
Merseyside
Vetch – Liverpool
A true culinary gem in Liverpool’s dining scene, Vetch has gained a reputation for refined, modern British cooking with plenty of creativity and personality. Expect a multi-course experience that feels special without feeling stuffy – exactly what a great tasting menu should be.
Best for: special occasions, tasting menu fans, “let the kitchen cook for us” nights.
Barnacle – Liverpool
A standout in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter, Barnacle celebrates seasonal, sustainable cooking with a strong sense of place (and a clear nod to the city’s maritime identity). It’s a brilliant choice if you want contemporary plates that still feel warm, approachable and proudly local.
Best for: date nights, long lunches, local produce lovers.
Panoramic 34 – Liverpool
For a memorable night out, Panoramic 34 combines modern European dining with jaw-dropping views from the 34th floor of Liverpool’s West Tower. If you’re celebrating something big in 2026, this one delivers the “wow” factor before the first course even lands.
Best for: celebrations, visitors, sunset bookings.
Cheshire
Noted – Chester
A neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Chester, Noted focuses on farm-to-fork cooking with seasonal produce and globally inspired flavours. It’s intimate, characterful, and ideal for food lovers who want something exciting without the fuss.
Best for: small plates, “trust the chef” energy, foodie catch-ups.
Pink Lettuce – Chester
Pink Lettuce is Chester’s plant-based favourite – proof that vegan and vegetarian food can be bold, satisfying, and properly memorable. Great atmosphere, genuinely creative cooking, and a brilliant option whether you’re fully plant-based or just curious.
Best for: plant-based dining, lighter nights out, sharing platters.
The Jolly Gardeners – Chester
A beautifully restored independent freehouse with a kitchen that takes things seriously – The Jolly Gardeners centres its menu around a charcoal grill with top-quality meats, fresh fish and seasonal veg. It’s pub warmth with elevated cooking.
Best for: relaxed dinners, quality pub food, “one more drink” evenings.
Shropshire
Dill – Shrewsbury
New to Shrewsbury’s food scene, Dill brings Mediterranean-inspired small plates and a wine bar vibe to historic Wyle Cop — including an intimate courtyard that’s made for long, social evenings.
Best for: tapas nights, groups, wine + small plates.
The Red Lion – Myddle (near Shrewsbury)
Just north of Shrewsbury, The Red Lion is a proper destination pub, now run by the team behind Wild Street Kitchen. Expect seasonal dishes, serious roasts, and a cosy, characterful setting that makes the drive worth it.
Best for: Sunday roasts, gastro-pub fans, countryside food trips.
North Wales
Bryn Williams at Theatr Clwyd – Mold
One of North Wales’ most exciting dining destinations, Bryn Williams at Theatr Clwyd is set on the first floor with views over the Clwydian Range, blending French influence with Welsh ingredients in a modern bistro style.
Best for: theatre nights, lunch dates, Welsh produce lovers.
Iâl Restaurant – Wrexham
In the heart of Wrexham, Iâl champions a farm-to-fork approach, with produce grown and sourced locally across Wales. It’s also home to Iâl Bakery, making it a great pick for everything from daytime treats to a full sit-down meal.
Best for: modern Welsh dining, seasonal menus, bakery fans.
Why These Places Made the List
Across Merseyside, Cheshire, Shropshire and North Wales, these restaurants stood out for:
Exceptional teams pushing flavours and ideas forward
Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients at the heart of the menu
A proper experience, whether that’s tasting menus, tapas sharing, plant-based creativity, or Welsh farm-to-fork cooking
If you’re planning food-filled weekends, special celebrations, or you simply want to explore the best of the region in 2026, start with this list – and book ahead where you can.
Ready to Explore with Us?
If you fancy pairing great food with great stories, join one of our Walking Food Tours UK experiences (and make a full day of it). And if you’re buying for a fellow foodie, our gift cards are a tidy win for birthdays and celebrations.
Tip: Always double-check opening days, menus and booking policies before you travel – especially around holidays and event weekends.
