Puschka, Liverpool, UK

Situated on Rodney Street in Liverpool's Georgian Quarter, Puschka Opened in 2001. They have received rave reviews in the Guardian, been voted best restaurant in Liverpool and  pride themselves on creating dishes using fresh, and, were possible, local, ingredients.  This is evident level of care and attention in every dish.

On arrival you will know which table is yours, as names are cutely written on the hot pink place mats - such a nice touch and so pretty.

The menu is considered and fresh, the feel cozy, just like you are at a friends place, a friend who is extremely hospitable an excellent cook and isn't rushing you out of the door as soon as you take your last bite.

Their early bird menu £19.90 for 3 courses is great value and the dishes are homely and full of flavour. We opted for the al a carte menu on our last visit, enjoying  an entree of confit duck shepherds pie a main of venison with red wine, juniper, dauphinoise potato gratin and finishing up with the burnt English vanilla custard with lavender shortbread. 

The staff were extremely friendly, but not so much that they are intrusive. All extremely knowledgable in relation to the fantastic menu,literally able to tell us where each item was sourced from and how the restaurant is working on reducing food miles - the distance your meal travels from provider to plate. 

Each dish was well thought, fresh, tasty and just the right size that you can comfortably accommodate 3 courses. It is a haven away from the hustle, bustle and one size fits all restaurants in the city. You will leave feeling satisfied, relaxed and eager to return to this cozy bolt hole.

Highly recommended for catching up with friends.


Well done Puschka , we only wish there were more restaurants like you!


http://www.puschka.co.uk/

Jamies Italian, Liverpool City Centre, UK

The restaurant is located in a great spot in the popular LiverpoolOne development.  Sitting opposite John Lewis rather than up near the many other eateries surrounding the alfresco area up on the top level, Jaime's  is a fairly large restaurant spanning two floors.

As we dined in the less busy lunch period we were seated downstairs with the upper floor closed.  As expected, the restaurant had a nice, casual atmosphere and  friendly staff.  Only one small issue - the tables were packed in a little  too tight.

To start we opt for the Italian nachos (crispy fried 4 cheese ravioli with 'angry' arrabiata sauce).  Unfortunately, this dish was disappointing. It was a very small portion, quite bland and the alleged ‘angry' arrabiata sauce tasted suspiciously like warmed tinned tomatoes and nothing else – come on Jamie.

For our main we chose the grilled chicken (free range, boned, marinated and char grilled with warm tomato, olive, chilli and caper sauce) was a vast improvement.  Big ticks for going with free range.  The chicken was cooked to perfection and was lovely and moist.  The sauce complemented the meal and was tasty and flavoursome, without being over powering.  The 'posh chips' with truffle oil and parmesan were unfortunately less tasty and crispy that we would have liked, and again were a small portion.

As we were en-route to a meeting, it was soft drink and mineral water all round.  However, Jamie's has a decent wine list and the purchase options of by the bottle or the glass.

With great rustic themed décor (loving the old toilets will the pull flush, but beware of the hand dryers that almost blew me out of the restroom), a casual atmosphere, good, swift service and reasonable prices,  Jamie's has done well.  With a few minor improvements to portion size and either sauces or description of sauces, this place will be a roaring sauces (although, given the name on the door it will probably be a success regardless) 

Pablos, Lark Lane, Liverpool

As much as we like the fact that Lark Lane has its own eclectic/studnet vibe, Pablos is a welcome edition for those who want to enjoy a more modern restarant with a great bar.

The venue is trendy and comfortable and one very important feature (at least to woman) - Toilets are clean and faboulouslly decorated

The menus is reviewed often, there are set menus, mid-week specials, Sunday dinners, cheaper rate prior to seven and the food caters for all tastes. Wait staff are friendly and helpful making dinners a casual and enjoyable event.

Pablos bar has a wide variety of drinks and is one of few bars that stocks Bollinger Champagne - big ticks for that, as well as an extensive wine, beer and spirits menu.

If you wish to have a nice night away from the crowds of town then Pablos in Aigburth will not disappoint. A taxi to the restaurant from Liverpool CBD will set you back £8-£12 each way.

keep posted, as there will definitely be further reviews as we intend to return to this place again soon.