The best French restaurants in Liverpool

Imagine going to a bustling, slick french cafe bar after work on a Thursday night in Paris. That’s Bouchon. It’s got a European, relaxed but trendy vibe. 

Salt House Hospitality Group (formerly Red and Blue Restaurants) is a real Liverpool success story, most recently opening Bouchon, a classic French Bistro on the corner of Castle street serving modern French dishes. 

Their menu is full of classic french flavours whilst serving a hearty, warm punch in preparation for winter. Why not start with their onion soup followed by their half roast rotisserie chicken, served with chicken gravy and pommes frites? Or their sausage. Creamed pomme puree and onion gravy is delicious too! These three dishes are included on their prix fixe menu but their main menu is vastly more extensive if you’d like more choice. 

Authentic French restaurants are few and far between these days but Bistro Pierre delivers in true Gallic style. You’ll find this vibrant, inner-city eatery in the heart of Liverpool’s Cavern Quarter near the world famous Mathew Street, in an old warehouse building which, with its wooden floors and exposed brickwork has readily transformed itself into a rustic French bistro.  There is a wide selection of ‘entrées’ and ‘plats de resistance’.

With ‘plats de resistance’ on the menu, you would expect the prices to be far more expensive, however, we were pleasantly surprised by the price and the quality. Some of our favourite  meals included the Steak Au Poivre for £24, Navarin D’Agneau for £21.5 which is diced lamb leg slowly cooked in lamb stock and peas, diced carrots, harriacot beans and fresh mint served with sweet mash – it’s delicious and the Poulet A La Comtoise which is oven-baked chicken supreme with a compte cheese and leek sauce  for £17. 

If you have a sweet tooth then the dessert board changes daily, so you’ll have to book your table and see their delicious, freshly made desserts for yourself. And of course, the wine is first-class.

Nestled down the secretive Queens Arcade, this decadent bar and bistro is like stepping down a classy French alleyway in Paris. Their decor is minimalist with rustic chairs and tables and classic french artwork on the walls offering a truly authentic, French cafe experience. 

They pride themselves on offering simple, seasonal produce which is carefully prepared and cooked alongside a broad wine list. Their main menu is served Monday to Friday 12pm to 9pm and Saturday 2pm to 9.30pm so we highly recommend going to Queens after a long Friday to sit and enjoy a class (or two) of red and enjoy meals such as their whole roast plaice with sea herb sauce or their glazed pork belly, apple and fennel, dill emulsion and jus.

Côte prides itself on their high quality steak. Their meat comes from responsible farmers in Britain, Ireland and South America and their expert butchery team ensures that every piece is cut, trimmed and prepared in-house. We highly recommend their steaks; however, they also serve another number of classic French dishes such as French onion soup, cheese soufflé and their confit duck bigarade.

The French approach to eating well is rooted in the concept of “terroir” – showing respect for the earth and the things it gives us. Côte demonstrates this in its menu and only works with farmers and producers who share this mindset. This means you’ll get the highest quality food Liverpool has to offer. 

They have such an extensive wine list, it’s hard to know where to start, but their staff are very friendly and knowledgeable so if you would like a great recommendation, ask one of their friendly staff!

A new-ish arrival to the Liverpool food scene, Brasserie Loup serves a delectable menu of classic French food, cooked to perfection. Diners can expect great tasting simple dishes, hearty portions and a lively atmosphere. The space itself provides a relaxed dining area with luxurious green velvet furnishings, chic French artwork and hanging plants, making this a very relaxing place to spend an evening. 

Located above Wolf & Waffle on Berry Street, the 60 cover restaurant offers traditional French dishes exquisitely cooked using simple flavours and the finest season ingredients, with highlights including indulgent cheesy onion soup and Moules frites with garlic and white wine sauce.