8 must-visit restaurants to experience the best private dining in Liverpool
Food is life for my friends and me. It’s why we love eating. It doesn’t matter if it’s home-cooked meals at home, late-night munchies at sports bars, or fine dining in a restaurant.
But what we absolutely love is private dining. It’s also peaceful and intimate, though often pricey. But we go for it anyway, at least once a month or when there’s a special occasion.
This is why I’ve come to know the top private dining options that Liverpool has to offer. You won’t go wrong with my recommendations. These private dining spots can accommodate any number of guests and offer mouthwatering food.
So, the next time you’re looking to dine out with some privacy, consider these options.
1. Panoramic 34
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Website: https://www.panoramic34.com/
Location: West Tower, Brook St
Contact: +44 151 236 5534
Hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 11 AM – 9:30 PM | Sunday: 11 AM – 8 PM | Monday to Tuesday: Closed
Price: £££
Panoramic 34 offers diners a 360-degree view of Liverpool from 34 floors up, and, in my opinion, is unrivalled. It also boasts an unmistakable vibe of luxury, as if you just know you’re in a high-end establishment.
More than the view, I say it with conviction that the menu here is a gem. It’s a blend of Liverpool’s traditional offerings and world flavours that are among the best in the city. The Suffolk chicken and pickled Shimeji, in particular, are personal favourites.
Panoramic 34 also features a special children’s menu. My nieces adore the restaurant’s various cakes and pastries, while my nephews delight in the scones and homemade jam. This special menu is ideal for families with children who prefer simpler meals.
Pro Tip:
Panoramic 34 lists only some of their wine on the menu. Ask your server for the full wine list for a wider selection of vino that would best wash down the delectable meals you’ve ordered. If you want, you may also inquire if wine tasting would be possible.
2. The Art School Restaurant
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Website: https://theartschoolrestaurant.co.uk/
Location: 1 Sugnall St
Contact: +44 151 230 8600
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 12 PM – 2:15 PM, 5 PM – 9:15 PM | Sunday to Monday: Closed
Price: £££
Whenever my friends and I hang out, The Art School Restaurant is almost always our go-to venue. It’s mostly due to its large private spaces—The Lantern Room and The Art School Cellars—that boast a classy, elegant interior.
The restaurant’s delectable and diverse menu is another reason we use it for business meetings. The £55 per person Prix Fixe (set meal) is our favourite. It features a stuffed roast breast on verjus sauce, a twice-baked soufflé of Stichelton blue cheese, and more.
For more casual meetings or gatherings, we’d sometimes go for The Art School’s Afternoon Tea. Its collection of tea (or coffee) is unrivalled, while the homemade and handmade sandwiches make for a perfect complement to your chosen hot beverage.
Pro Tip:
The Art School’s four private spaces (The Lantern Room, The Moriarty Room, The Tasting Room, and The Art School Cellars) are almost always booked. So, make your reservations weeks in advance to get your preferred space.
3. Spire
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Website: https://spirerestaurant.co.uk/
Location: 1 Church Road
Contact: +44 151 734 5040
Hours: Wednesday to Friday: 12 PM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM | Saturday: 4 PM – 9 PM | Sunday: 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Monday to Tuesday: Closed
Price: £££
Whenever relatives come over from out of town, we almost always arrange a get-together at Spire’s private dining. The space itself is quite simple with its brick walls and wooden tables and chairs, but the overall vibe is homely and inviting.
The food is phenomenal as well. The early evening menu is a hit among my relatives, thanks to its pan-fried seabass, seven-ounce English beef fillet, and pecan cheesecake.
My favourite, though, is the Sunday menu with its seabass in lobster sauce and Spire’s steak and ale pie.
It also helps that the Spire staff is so accommodating. All you have to do is tell them what you need, and they’ll go the extra mile to get it done.
Pro Tip:
While Spire’s private dining typically comes with a set menu to choose from, consider opting for their à la carte menu instead. Be patient and go over the menu for a truly personalised dining experience.
4. Churrasco Steak House
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Website: https://churrascoliverpool.co.uk/
Location: Unit 1, Chancery House, Paradise St
Contact: +44 151 708 4136
Hours: Monday to Wednesday: 4 PM – 9 PM | Thursday and Sunday: 12 PM – 9 PM | Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Price: £££
For steak lovers like me, Churrasco is certainly a place to be. I’d usually just drop by with my friends and indulge in the common areas. However, on special occasions, we typically arrange a stay at the private dining room in the city, which is good for 12.
The £60 private dining menu includes access to the private space. With a 37-ounce tomahawk and 18-ounce Chateaubriand, I’d say that’s £60 well spent. Add beef croquettes, homemade chips, and more, and that’s a feast indeed.
For larger groups, the Aigburth space is definitely a must-try. Located near Lake Lane, this private space accommodates up to 80 guests. It also preserves the ranch-style interior of Churrasco, featuring wooden pallet walls, flooring, and chairs.
Pro Tip:
Churrasco is known for its regular special offers, like offering two-course meals for only £22 or bottomless steak for just £30. Check the restaurant’s website regularly to stay informed about these specials and plan your dine-in indulgence accordingly.
5. Wreckfish Bistro
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Website: https://www.wreckfish.co/
Location: 60 Seel St
Contact: +44 151 707 1960
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 8 AM – 11 PM | Sunday: 8 AM – 7 PM
Price: £
I was initially drawn to Wreckfish Bistro for two reasons: first, its relaxed atmosphere, which makes it perfect for casual gatherings. The second reason is its delicious Yorkshire pudding, served in portions that would satisfy two to three guests.
This spot is also high on my friends’ list whenever we want to organise get-togethers and celebrations. That’s because the bistro’s private space can comfortably accommodate 90 people and is among Liverpool’s largest venues for hire.
The food doesn’t disappoint either, with delectable main courses like pan-roasted cod loin, aged ribeye beef, and turbot on the bone all cooked to perfection.
My favourites, though, are the desserts. In particular, I recommend the honeycomb ice cream and the Chocolate Oblivion.
Pro Tip:
If you’re a Blue Light card holder, make sure you bring it to Wreckfish Bistro on every visit. There’s a 10% discount waiting for you regardless of what you order.
6. The London Carriage Works
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Website: https://www.hopestreethotel.co.uk/dining/thelondoncarriageworks
Location: 40 Hope St
Contact: +44 151 705 2222
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM | Sunday: Closed
Price: £££
I’ve twice had the honour to attend company events hosted by The London Carriage Works. Each time, my impression is “Wow!” because the room is surrounded by ceiling-to-floor windows and the tables are draped in pristine white cloth.
Even greater than the ambience is the food, which is to be expected for the restaurant’s award-winning kitchen (recipient of 2 AA Rosettes). The roast beef is to die for, and the garlic & rosemary chips are distinctly flavourful.
I also love this spot because there’s always a good chance to spot celebrities and powerful people. Its location at Hope Street and sterling reputation make it popular among athletes. I once saw Xabi Alonso, a Liverpool legend.
Pro Tip:
Few private dining restaurants have a comprehensive cocktail collection like The London Carriage Works. So, do get a shot or five. Thyme to Spare, The Carriage Club, and Limongino Spritz are highly recommended.
7. El Gato Negro Tapas Liverpool
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Website: https://www.elgatonegrotapas.com/liverpool/
Location: 36 Castle St
Contact: +44 151 236 1331
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11 AM – 9 PM | Friday to Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM | Sunday: 11 AM – 8 PM
Price: £
A friend introduced me to El Gato and its delicious tapas. It’s a type of Spanish food typically intended for sharing. This makes them perfect for group dining and get-togethers.
Our group also likes this place because of its laid-back vibe that makes it ideal for a casual night out. The pastel colour combination is something I particularly like as well—purple, teal, plus shades of yellow and brown.
The croquetas, jamón Iberico, and salt cod are a group favourite as they’re the perfect blend of salty and spicy. We also like the charcuterie options as they’re perfect as appetisers or side dishes.
My guilty pleasure, though, is Tarta Santiago. It’s an almond tart with salted caramel.
Pro Tip:
Work closely with the staff to make the most of your dining experience here. Specify your food choices and dietary requirements, ask about the best wines for your food, and bring your own music playlist. The staff will have you covered.
8. Cowshed Liverpool
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Website: https://www.cowshedliverpool.co.uk/
Location: 104 Seel St
Contact: +44 151 708 7580
Hours: Saturday to Monday: 12 PM – 10 PM | Tuesday to Friday: 4 PM – 10 PM
Price: ££
There’s no way I’m not including Cowshed Liverpool from this list. That’s how much I love steaks! Plus, I really think it’s up there with Churrasco’s in terms of serving the best, most delicious steaks here in Liverpool.
Cowshed’s specialities, flat iron, rump, and rib-eye, are mouthwatering to say the least. But the homemade dressing garnish elevates these steaks several notches and makes for a divine steak-eating indulgence.
I especially love the Greedy Cow as it lets guests sample all three speciality steaks for £62 (good for 2) or £68 (good for 3).
It’s unfortunate that the private rooms can only accommodate 10 guests at a time.
Pro Tip:
Cowshed also offers fillet mignon, the Rolls-Royce of beef, for only £29. They also offer fillet specials for those who want to elevate their experience. Ask the staff about these specials and indulge with the most delectable premium beef this side of town.