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Looking for the perfect spot to enjoy delicious food and drink this festive season?
As we all know, the run-up to Christmas is the perfect excuse to eat, drink and be merry. In Liverpool, we’re lucky to have so many brilliant restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from to do just that. But, which ones should be top of your list to visit this Christmas? Here are five great spots in Liverpool to enjoy delicious food and drink this festive season from Liverpool food, drink and music blogger, Faye Allen AKA Female Original.
ALBERT'S SCHENKE
Inspired by trips to Alpine Germany, Italy, Austria, France and Switzerland, Albert’s Schenke (meaning pub or tavern) is a bier tavern and cook haus in the heart of Liverpool ONE. If you’re searching for the perfect cosy spot to enjoy a hearty meal and a glass of great beer, this is the place.
What to order from Albert’s Schenke
Whilst their focus is on the beer, Albert’s Schenke actually has a brilliant range of spirits and spritzes to choose from as well. If you fancy something special, their range of Alpine Spritzes hit the spot (their Elderflower & Wild Raspberry Spritz in particular). For food, you can’t go wrong with a classic fish and chips. Bier battered haddock, triple cooked chips, tartare sauce, mushy peas and charred lemon. Hell ja!
SALT HOUSE BACARO
Located on Castle Street, Salt House Bacaro is the ideal spot to re-charge after a hard day’s Christmas shopping in Liverpool ONE.
The term “bacaro” comes from Venice, and is used to describe a workingman’s pub that services snacks and small plates, alongside small glasses of wine. Here in Liverpool, Bacaro does exactly that. Since 2014, Bacaro has been serving delicious Italian-style small plates and quality wines, beers, spirits and cocktails. What more could you possibly want?
With great food, great drinks and a great atmosphere, it’s no surprise that Bacaro is a fan favourite amongst the foodies of Liverpool. It absolutely has something for everyone when it comes to dining. But, if you want to get the best value for money, pop in between 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm to make the most of their lunch deal - three dishes for £16.50!
What to order from Salt House Bacaro
Look, I’m not going to tell you how to live your life, but I will happily suggest three dishes to try from their lunch menu. Do with this information as you please…
- Roasted tomato, mozzarella and Basil pizzette
- Fried calamari, lemon & aioli
- Pan-fried sea bass, cucumber & pickle salad, jalapeno mayonnai
If you’re a people-watcher (c’mon, who isn’t?), park yourself up at one of their window seats, with a glass of their Corte Vigna Pinot Grigio Rosato, and watch the world go by. Or, if you like to be in amongst it, why not sit at the bar with a couple of small plates?
LEAF
First beginning as a small tea shop back in 2007, LEAF set out with the goal of bringing quality loose-leaf tea to Liverpool. Since then, LEAF has gone on to grow into a three-venue venture (on Bold Street, Smithdown Road and West Kirby) - all of which continue to share the company’s love for great tea and great times! But LEAF isn’t just a spot to get delicious tea, it’s also known for its incredible food, love of music and vibrant events. This Christmas, LEAF has put together an incredible menu of festive treats to help you celebrate the season.
What to order from LEAF
It’s a no-brainer, you’ve got to try out their three-course Christmas dinner. There are plenty of classic Christmas dishes on the menu but, if you fancy trying out an alternative Christmas dinner this year, here are my three picks from their festive menu:
- Ham hock, pork belly and tarragon terrine, spiced pineapple chutney and toasted focaccia
- Roast cod with warm potato salad and coconut curry sauce
- White chocolate and cranberry bread and butter pudding with crème Anglaise
Check out the full menu for yourself.
MARAY
Founded in 2014, Maray set out with the goal of bringing Middle Eastern-inspired flavours to the heart of Liverpool. Seven years on, it’s safe to say that they’ve achieved their goal (and then some). With three different locations across Liverpool, there’s plenty of opportunities for you to pop into Maray this festive season.
What to order from Maray
Maray is famous for one very specific dish: the Disco Cauliflower. If there’s one thing to order, it has to be this. In fact, I’d go so far as to ask did you even go to Maray if you didn’t try the Disco Cauliflower. This roasted bad boy has to be top of your list if you find yourself at one of Maray’s three Liverpool locations this season.
Aside from the cauli, their Honey Whipped Goat’s Cheese with thyme, honey, pear jam and breadsticks has got to be up there. Is it pretty much just a bowl of goat’s cheese? Yes. But, is it probably going to be one of the best things you’ve ever tasted? Also, yes. Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. Seriously. For drinks, their Whip Royale cocktail is a great option if you’re in the mood to celebrate (it is Christmas after all). Or, if you’re looking for an AF option, give their Bramble Collins a go.
MOWGLI
You can’t have a festive foodie round-up without Mowgli, now, can you? Founded back in 2014, by Nisha Katona, Mowgli was built to showcase “the kind of food Indians eat at home and on their streets”. Starting off as a solo venture on Liverpool’s Bold Street, Mowgli has gone on to grow into a 13-restaurant business, with four more venues set to open in 2022. Pretty impressive for just seven years. Whilst Nisha has taken the business all over the UK, Liverpool still holds a special place in her heart. And we’re lucky to have two Mowgli’s right here in Liverpool City Centre: Bold Street and Water Street.
Bold Street is perfect for a more casual dining experience but, if you’re looking to create an extra-special experience this Christmas, then you’re definitely going to want to book yourself into their Water Street venue.
What to order from Mowgli
If you’re not sure where to start, the Yoghurt Chat Bombs are a real crowd-pleaser. As is the case with Maray’s Disco Cauli, if you don’t get the Yoghurt Chat Bombs at Mowgli, did you even go? Aside from them, my other top pick is the Goan Fish Curry.
If you’re looking for something with a nice little kick to it, then it’s a must-try. A sweet and fiery sensation. Thank me later. As for the drinks? It has to be a Lassi. I can’t choose a winner from their Rose & Cardamom and Mango Lassi’s. Both are incredible.
Whether you’re looking for a light bite to enjoy in the afternoon or a full-whammy of a Christmas dining experience, you’ll be able to find it all in Liverpool City Centre this festive season.
The question is, though, which restaurant is at the top of your Christmas list?
Faye Allen Female Original
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