One of the best-known family-owned restaurants in Liverpool will close for a few weeks in January as it undergoes the biggest refurbishment in its 43-year history. Tony McDonough reports

Popular Liverpool restaurant Maranto’s is to undergo the biggest refurbishment in its 43-year history.

Located in Lark Lane in Aigburth, Maranto’s was opened in a Grade II-listed building in 1983 by husband-and-wife duo Steve and Ruth Maranto. They installed salvaged pews, wrought iron from Preston station and a bar from Altrincham town hall.

Steve and Ruth lived in a single room above the restaurant while work was completed. Today the outlet is run by their daughter Anna and her husband Joe along with staff members who have been at the restaurant for decades.

Now the venue will close for several weeks in January 2026 and reopen with a new look in time for Valentine’s Day on February 14. 

Anna said: “Maranto’s has always been about family and food, and that will never change. It is still the same family, the same recipes and the same welcome, but we are excited to give the building a new lease of life.

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“The refurb will help us look to the future while keeping hold of everything people love. The menu will stay true to the Italian-American favourites that customers return for, while the interiors will be refreshed.

“There will be rich greens, mosaic tiling and those little touches like the Tiffany lamps that have been part of Maranto’s since day one.”

Upstairs will see the most noticeable change, with the bar area revived and a completely new games room created. It will include Chesterfield booths, shuffleboard and darts.

Toilets will also be fully modernised, including a new women’s bathroom overlooking the lane, while vintage photographs from founder Steve will feature in the design to keep the family story alive.

“We cannot wait to welcome everyone over Christmas and New Year,” added Anna. “It feels like the perfect way to celebrate before the refurb begins – a last chance to enjoy Maranto’s just as it is now, before returning in style for Valentine’s Day.”