The ‘best of the best’ has been unveiled and Liverpool is on the listThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Kassap on Bold Street(Image: Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)
Two Liverpool restaurants have been recognised among the UK’s best: one for casual dining and the other as a hidden gem. Tripadvisor has revealed the winners of its annual Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Restaurants, celebrating the highest-rated dining destinations worldwide.
Awards are determined on the quality and quantity of traveller reviews over the last 12 months and winners are among the top 1% of restaurants listed on the site. Across eight categories and thousands of potential winners, only two Liverpool venues were named “best of the best”.
Akasya, a Turkish bar and grill on Bold Street, ranked 16th in the “Casual Dining” category. The venue opened in the summer of 2021, offering guests contemporary Turkish cuisine, including adana, beyti and specials.
Former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was spotted at Akasya during his visit to the city in March. The ex-fighter, who retired from the Octagon in 2020, visited the restaurant three nights in a row for the mixed frill and chicken shish.
Akasya on Bold Street(Image: Press handout)
Akasya was also recently shortlisted for best kebab restaurant (regional) at the British Kebab Awards and previously attained the rank of one of the top 10% of restaurants in the world on Tripadvisor.
Kassap Meat House, also on Bold Street, is ranked third in the “Hidden Gem” category. The restaurant opened in 2019 by the team behind popular South Liverpool restaurant, Macello, offering a large selection of Middle Eastern meats and flavours.
Hollywood actor Grant Gustin received a warm welcome when he decided to pop into the restaurant in May. The 35-year-old actor, who is best known for his leading role in the American superhero television series The Flash, came to the city for Comic Con Liverpool 2025.
Kassap on Bold Street(Image: Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)
Sharing a picture of Gustin on Instagram, a Kassap Meat House spokesman said: “Guess who stopped by Kassap for a meal—the amazing @grantgust! It was a pleasure having such a talented actor with us. Great food, great vibes—couldn’t ask for more! Hope you enjoyed your time here, Grant!”
Tripadvisor President Kristen Dalton said: “Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Restaurants are celebrated for their extraordinary cuisine, attentive service, and remarkable locations, where most importantly, diners go to make special memories.
“From hidden local gems to one-of-a-kind destinations, Tripadvisor’s community guides travellers to restaurants that become cherished favourites or once-in-a-lifetime experiences, all backed by trusted reviews.”