Merseyside has an abundance of fantastic and authentic Italian restaurants. From Casa Italia on Stanley Street to Volare in Southport, there is plenty to choose from when deciding on where is best to enjoy some authentic Italian food in the area. Yet, there are so many to choose from. In 2023, the ECHO asked readers to pick their favourite Italian restaurant in Merseyside.
Five Italian restaurants received the majority of votes out of the 28-strong shortlist. These were Carlisi on Dale Street, the ‘true Liverpool’ institution of Casa Italia on Stanley Street, Bold Street’s Italian Club, Southport’s Volare and finally Cucina di Vincenzo in Childwall.
What follows are ECHO writers’ honest reviews and thoughts on these institutions which are so loved by Scousers and others in Merseyside.
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Now, the ECHO has launched a new hunt to find the region’s best Italian and wants the help of its readers. Vote using the poll below and take a look at the previous winners:
Carlisi, Dale Street – 555 votes
Alessio and Federico Carlisi outside Carlisi on Dale Street -Credit:Carlisi/press handout
Brothers Alessio and Federico opened the eponymous Carlisi on Dale Street back in 2018 with the dream of bringing authentic Italian food, drinks and service to the people of Liverpool.
The brothers have gained praise, and even won ‘Best Aperitivo’ at The Italian Awards just 12 months after first opening Carlisi’s doors.
It prides itself on handmade products which are handmade in Sicily. It has its deli bar for anyone who fancies a lighter bite and a drink while its main menu also has traditional hearty meals.
Its lasagne is one of the best in the city.
Casa Italia, Stanley Street – 261 votes
A huge queue outside Casa Italia – a common sight in the city centre -Credit:Andrew Teebay / Liverpool Echo
Casa Italia is a true Liverpool institution. Found on Stanley Street since 1976, the city centre restaurant has been owned and operated by the same Italian family for nearly five decades.
Such is its popularity, people queue down the street for its hearty and comforting Italian classics, which never change. Once you’ve made it inside, the baked pastas are not to be missed, coming in portion sizes that go beyond generous. Washing the food down with a carafe of wine is not a bad option either.
The fact the menu and the trattoria-style decor remain unchanged is a considerable part of Casa Italia’s enduring, unfussy charm. It has been a constant in the lives of generations of Scousers and its survival is testament to its quality.
You will not leave disappointed – or hungry.
The Italian Club, Bold Street – 246 votes
People eating outside The Italian Club on Bold Street -Credit:Liverpool Echo
The Italian Club is a very safe bet for a good Italian meal at any time of the day. Found in a welcoming and authentic-feeling spot on Bold Street, the restaurant does the classics very well and is a great choice for families.
Its extensive menu has something for everyone, with its oven baked pasta dishes and superb garlic bread particular highlights. The restaurant is open from 12pm during the week.
Volare, Lord Street (Southport) – 202 votes
Volare in Southport -Credit:Southport Visiter
‘Where’s the best place around here for an Italian?’ It’s a question people in Southport will have been asked numerous times by friends, family or even tourists out on a day trip. And while there are many incredible choices, only one is regularly touted as the ‘correct’ answer.
Volare first opened its doors on Lord Street in 2007 and, since then, the family-run restaurant has become the go-to destination for customers looking for an authentic Italian meal. Their Farfalle Al Salmone is, in my opinion, unrivalled and one of the things I was most looking forward to enjoying again when I returned to Southport in 2021.
Cucina di Vincenzo, Woolton Road (Childwall) – 91 votes
Cucina di Vincenzo, Childwall -Credit:Marc Waddington
Cucina di Vincenzo is a venue you will never get tired of. The family-run restaurant first opened in 2017 and has since established itself as one of the city’s most-loved Italian restaurants, serving everything from classic homemade pasta recipes to high quality meat and fish dishes.
Located on Woolton Road in Childwall, the business is owned by Vince Margiotta. Fulfilling his lifelong dream to own a traditional family-style Italian restaurant, Cucina de Vincenzo’s ticks all the boxes when it comes to delicious food, friendly service and a warm, homely atmosphere.
There’s never a bad seat in the house and it’s definitely the type of restaurant where you can celebrate a family occasion or just drop by with your partner unplanned and regardless leave every time with a full stomach and only good things to say. The menu does not disappoint – and if you’re looking to try something different, the Ravioli all’ Astice and Cotoletta di Pollo alla Milanese are just a few standouts for me that never go amiss.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the tiramisu is always a winner. And if you can’t get enough of Cucina de Vincenzo’s, you can also find them inside Duke Street Market.
Dining and Cooking