By Andrew Brown

You really can eat around the world in Southport! 

Do you love to try new and exciting food, and different cuisines? Southport town centre has a fantastic range of places to try for all tastes. 

Southport BID and Stand Up For Southport are now inviting people to holiday at home and savour food from across the globe and support local businesses with a wide choice including: Italian, French, Turkish, Greek, Romanian, Portuguse, Nepalese, American, Thai, British, Chinese, Mexican, Canadian, Mexican, and Egyptian. If you know of any others – please let us know!

Southport BID CEO Rachel Fitzgerald said: “Overseas travel may be restricted this year with lots of countries placed on Amber and Red lists by the Government. 

“But you can still enjoy the taste of holiday with fabulous cuisines from around the world, right here in Southport. 

“It’s the perfect opportunity to staycation at home and enjoy the very best of what we have right here on our own doorstep! 

“Many of these businesses have had a tough time over the past few months during the Covid-19 pandemic, so it’s a good way of supporting local businesses too. 

“We are so lucky in Southport in being able to enjoy a gastronomic tour around the world. It’s about to get even better when the new look Southport Market opens soon. 

“Why not try and tick off as many different cuisines as you can right here in Southport?”

1 – French 

Auberge Brasserie on Seabank Road in Southport town centre

The tree-lined boulevards of Lord Street inspired the redesign of Paris, after Napoleon enjoyed a stay in our resort. 

So it’s no wonder Southport is such a Francophile town! We just love our French food. 

Auberge, on Seabank Road, is a huge local favourite, which has expanded its empire with nearby bars Sacre Bleu and Le Grog. 

Bistrot Pierre on the corner of Lord Street and Nevill Street is an elegant venture which featured on Four In A Bed alongside The Stamford guest house earlier this year. 

Chez Moi on Lord Street is also a long-established venture in town, while Le Boulevard inside Cambridge Arcade is one of the town’s top rated venues on TripAdvisor. 

2 – Romanian 

Chicken Liver with Polenta and Sour Cream at Grill Hunters on Lord Street in Southport

Have you ever tried Romanian food? 

Grill Hunters opened on Lord Street (opposite The Carlton) last year. The owners completely reformed the old Pound Bakery premises at 199-201 Lord Street, opposite The Carlton, last year thanks to substantial investment.

There are lots of delicious British and international meals from the charcoal grill at the venue in addition to Romanian favourites such as: Cabbage Rolls with Polenta, Spicy Pan / Tigaia Picanta and Pork Stew with Polenta. 

3 – Nepalese 

Chicken Biryani at Great Himalayas Nepalese Restaurant & Bar on Lord Street in Southport

The country which hosts the Himalayas also scales the heights when it comes to great food. 

The Great Himalayas Nepalese Restaurant & Bar on Lord Street has a whole host of different foods to try, such as: Nepal’s National Dish – Lamb Momo, Lamb Saag, Jhaneko Daal, and much more besides. Well worth a try! 

4 – British 

The Lansdowne Bistro in Southport. Photo by ZEDPhotography

There are some superb venues flying the flag for great British food in Southport. 

The Lansdowne, on Anchor Street, is back open again with a range of classics such as: Roast Rack of Welsh Lamb; Chicken in Tarragon Sauce; Pork Tenderloin with Black Pudding; Oven Baked Fillet of Sea Bass; and others besides. 

With Southport’s Victorian heritage, diners are guaranteed some excellent afternoon teas. Try Nostalgia Tea Rooms on Lord Street; Westminster Tea Rooms on Lord Street; or Hoghton Coffee Lounge. 

Meat lovers will enjoy The Firepit on West Street, or The Firepit on Lord Street. 

A visit to the seaside demands top quality fish and chips, and Southport is among the best in Britain for those. The Swan on Stanley Street, The Dolphin on Scarisbrick Avenue and The Embassy on Nevill Street hold a whole host of awards between them. 

Xander’s Fish Bar; The Sandgrounder on Nevill Street; The King’s Plaice on Lord Street; Jackson’s on Nevill Street; and more besides all have their followers. Where’s your favourite? 

5 – Italian 

Food at Trattoria 51 on the Promenade in Southport

Do you remember the days when Casa Italia and Tony’s were the pioneers of Italian cooking, and pasta was a novelty? Now we’re spoiled for choice! 

Trattoria 51 on the Promenade, famous for its excellent seafood and home-cooked pizza and pasta has proved so successful, the business has now expanded with two additional venues in Liverpool city centre. 

Volare on Lord Street is another well-established venue, which recently opened Deli Volare next door for takeaway dishes and lighter bites. 

Roberto’s at Ocean Plaza is another great independent Italian restaurant which has been delighting diners over many years, while Gusto Trattoria on Lord Street and Pizzeria Mamma Mia on Lord Street are also a must-try. 

Marco Mediterranean restaurant opened on Union Street last year. 

6 – Indian 

Food at Kalash Divine Indian on Lord Street in Southport

We don’t just have Indian restaurants in Southport – we have diving ones! 

Kalash Divine Indian on Lord Street celebrates the renaissance of Indian cuisine in this region of the world.

You can also enjoy delicious curries at other restaurants including: The Shamraat, on Stanley Street; Taj Mahal on Bath Street; Kasturi on Eastbank Street; Belash on Bath Street, Tanima on Coronation Walk and more besides. 

7 – Portugese 

Cake selection boxes at the Nata Factory on Eastbank Street in Southport

You can tell from the queues when you go past that the Nata Factory on Eastbank Street is the perfect place to call in for traditional Portugese family recipes. 

Visitors also love a pastel de nata and great coffee. 

Lovers of Portugese food will also love a cheeky Nando’s, situated at Ocean Plaza in Southport.

Nando’s, famous for its Peri Peri spiced chicken, was founded by Fernando Duarte and his friend Robbie Brozin  after a visit to a humble Portuguese eatery in the heart of Rosettenville, South Africa in 1987.

Today Nando’s operates over 1,200 outlets in 35 countries. Their logo depicts the Rooster of Barcelos, one of the most common symbols of Portugal.

8 – Thai 

Chicken Pad Thai at Samsara Jack on Eastbank Street in Southport

Thai food is delicious – a subtle blend of spicy, salty, sweet, sour, and more. 

Samsara Jack’s on Eastbank Street provides heavenly home cooked Thai food. 

The venue is a gourmet Thai food takeaway and Thai shop, with .Thai products and fresh Thai vegetables.

Thai Rice on Bold Street and Itsy Bitsy Thai on Southport Road are also very popular. 

9 – Chinese 

Lings on Kings on King Street in Southport

What better way to celebrate coming out of lockdown than with a Chinese banquet? 

Lings On Kings on King Street did their bit for those saving lives during the pandemic with their Superhero Sunday initiative. A restaurant with true community spirit and delicious food. 

Southport boasts some excellent Chinese restaurants which have become loved by generations of families. 

They include New China City on King Street; Cathay Garden on Albert Road; and The Jasmine Tree on Union Street. 

10 – Mexican 

Food at Tik Taco in Southport

Fuego’s Mexican restaurant and tapas bar on Stanley Street in Southport offers excellent Mexican food and a vibrant atmosphere. 

Fuego’s gives customers the option of dining either at the bar or at a table. Watch their chefs as they cook traditional Mexican dishes in front of your eyes. All food is freshly cooked on site using the very best ingredients around!

Coming soon to Southport Market is Hector’s Mexicana, which will bring you the delicious flavours from a cuisine which everyone loves.

Tik Taco, a pop up Taco restaurant, is another new venture, which opened to rave reviews earlier this year.

11 – American 

The Barnyard burger at The Allotment in Southport

Allotment in Birkdale Village offers big, bold American inspired dishes complemented by some family favourites – and they are coming to Southport Market this summer! 

They pride themselves in only using local suppliers which ensures all dishes are seasonal, sustainable and fresh.

American food is also well represented through the KFC restaurants and takeaways with their ‘finger lickin’ chicken’ on Marine Drive and on Eastbank Street, while you can find McDonald’s at Ocean Plaza. 

12 – Egyptian 

Ra on Lord Street in Southport

Ra on Lord Street is a classy, elegant bar and restaurant, boasting a warm and relaxed atmosphere with great drinks selection and breakfast / lunch menu / mezzah served daily.

13 – Greek 

Pitamu, a vibrant Greek street food stall, is opening inside the new look Southport Market

Crete Greek Taverna on Gordon Street is one of Southport’s best kept secrets. 

Enjoy delicious traditional Greek food in a warm family atmosphere. 

Coming soon to join them is Pitamu, a new Greek street food stall inside the new look Southport Market. 

14 – Turkish 

Turkish Delight on Coronation Walk in Southport

Turkish Delight on Coronation Walk has been wowing visitors with their kebabs ever since 1995.

Night out at The Kingsway nightclub weren’t complete without  Turkish Delight kebab on the way home.

The venue has been a firm favourite among local people for many years.

Charcoal grilled kebabs are a speciality at Turkish Grill House on Eastbank Street in Southport.

15 – Canadian 

Down and Oot is bringing Canadian food to Southport Market

Down and Oot is bringing the finest Canadain food to Southport Market this summer!

Enjoy sizzling Canadian premium steaks and discover poutine, the Canadian national dish which is chips, cheese and gravy with a selection of toppings.

Guests can also enjoy a selection of Canadian breakfasts and hot sandwiches.

Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com