Middle eastern cuisine has a long and diverse history, and it's even rumoured that the first ever cookbook was created in Lebanon around 300AD. So it's no surprise that an international city like Liverpool would have its fare share of places to get your hands on authentic eats from this region.
From family-run Lebanese haunts to quirky Turkish barbecue joints, there's all sorts of mezze platters and mixed meat grills to tuck into. So if you're searching for the best Middle Eastern restaurants Liverpool has to offer, read on to find out our top picks.
Fattoush
Setting up shop in Hatton Garden in 2016, Fattoush has become a firm favourite for authentic Lebanese fare. Even the decor makes you feel as though you're dining in Beirut, thanks to specially imported tiles and traditional touches across the space.
The food is what really sells this place though, whether you're sharing a mezze selection between friends and family or chowing down on a beautifully marinated main course. They dish up the likes of fresh aubergine stew, mixed grill kebabs and falafel or shawarma chicken wraps here, and there's something for everyone on their massive menu.
Fattoush is a top choice of Lebanese restaurant in Liverpool city centre.
Defne
If it's a scrumptious Turkish barbecue feast in a welcoming atmosphere that you're after, Defne is a great shout. This family-run venue is inspired by their historical home city of Hatay in Turkey, known all over the world for its fresh produce grown by locals.
Their signature kebabs are all cooked on an open barbecue in traditional style, ranging from spicy minced lamb to marinated chicken thighs or halloumi. They offer a great selection of mezze dishes here too, including grilled aubergine and feta cheese salad. You can also get your hands on a two-course meal offer between 12 and 6pm Monday to Thursday, or from 12 to 3pm on weekends.
This place takes barbecuing to a whole new level.
Akasya
Just across the road from Liverpool Central Station and a short walk from the Albert Dock, Akasya is one of the top Middle Eastern restaurants in Liverpool city centre. The food here is primarily Turkish, though there are distinct influences from Mediterranean, Central Asian and Eastern European cuisines across the menu.
Expect laid-back, modern interiors and an open charcoal grill cooking kebabs over a flame, paired with other tasty eats such as pan-fried king prawns, slow-roasted lamb shank and vegetable casserole. You can also nab a two-course lunch for only £14.95 between 12 and 5pm on weekdays. Topping it all off? Classic cocktails for under a tenner.
For bargain lunches in the city centre, it has to be Akasya.
Maray
With venues on Bold Street and by Dockside, Maray is a sociable spot for a sharing feast - designed to bring people together and priding themselves on excellent service. They opened their first location in 2014 after the owners spent time in Le Marais, Paris - a cultural melting pot that produces some of the best Middle Eastern food outside of the region itself.
Sustainability is also key here, as a certified carbon-neutral business since 2021 that's been awarded two stars from the Sustainable Restaurant Association. As for the food, you can dig into small plates such as baba ghanoush or braised carrots in black garlic tahini, followed by lamb kofta, cod loin and much more.
You'll find small plates galore at Maray.
Shiraz BBQ
If you're after traditional Middle Eastern restaurants in Liverpool, Shiraz BBQ is a great shout. Their North John Street venue has been around since 2011, flaunting vibrant interiors filled with indoor trees and red fairy lights.
Take a seat in this enticing space to enjoy a menu full of charcoal-grilled goods, mezze dishes and even pizzas - drawing from Mediterranean influences as well as Middle Eastern. Think lamb shish kebabs, spicy vegetable curries and plenty of hummus, with two courses costing only £17.99 between 12 and 5pm Monday to Thursday.
Mezze plates in gorgeous surrounds? Yes please.
Damas
An authentic Lebanese restaurant and shisha lounge all in one, Damas is an inviting venue on Renshaw Street that combines traditional dishes with modern interiors. This is a family-run business serving breakfast right through to dinner, offering halal food and signature Middle eastern teas, coffees and smoothies.
There's a number of hot, cold and grilled dishes to choose from, as well as a selection of indulgent pastries and desserts. Get stuck into falafels, mixed grill platters, halloumi wraps and so much more.
You'll find home-style cooking at its finest at Damas.
Bakchich
Head down to Bold Street for a taste of Lebanon at Bakchich, a vibrant and modern restaurant with colourful interiors and quirky patterned floors - with tiles that originally adorned the founder's grandfather's house in Marrakesh. Their vision is to introduce authentic Lebanese street food to the North West at an affordable price.
Whether you're there for sujouk sausage omelettes and shakshouka at breakfast time, or swinging by a little latter for mezze platters, lamb tagine and chicken shawarma burgers, you're guaranteed top-notch hospitality and homemade drinks to match.
The food here is a-mezze-ing.
Anar Turkish BBQ
This family-run joint is situated on Prescot Road, serving up the finest Turkish, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare. Anar Turkish BBQ received an ward for Best Newcomer Restaurant in the British Kebab Awards for 2023, with a loyal customer base in the local area.
Expect huge portions at affordable prices and a tasty all-day menu that spans from breakfast through to dinner. Their fully loaded plates range from halloumi kebabs to charcoal-grilled meatballs or sauteed lamb, and don't miss out on the traditional baklava for dessert.
Head to Anar Turkish BBQ for award-winning kebabs.
Hafla Hafla
Hafla Hafla specialises in Middle eastern street food, founded by Tim Haggis after years of touring the UK with his food stall of the same name - which means 'party party' in Arabic. His permanent restaurant can be found on Lark Lane, created in 2018 after the success of his permanent residency in Baltic Market.
Mezze and open kebabs are the name of the game here, from crispy harissa roast potatoes to house falafel with roasted aubergine or slow-cooked beef brisket on a flatbread. They serve brunch on weekends as well, including shakshuka and a Middle Eastern twist on the Full English.
You hafla try this place.
Middle Eastern Restaurant Liverpool
Found at 104 Lodge Lane in Toxteth, there's no doubt about what this place serves. Middle Eastern Restaurant specialises in Yemeni cuisine, serving top-quality halal eats for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Their starters cost as little as £1 each, and the brilliant value continues throughout the menu. Most main courses will set you back less than a tenner, including diced chicken kebabs, steamed lamb with rice and shredded beef stew. And if you don't fancy going out, they offer takeaway as well.
The clue's in the name with this one.
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