Reviews in Liverpool and Merseyside

Sited in a row of perhaps 9 other Chinese restaurants close to the impressive archway marking Liverpool? Chinatown gateway, Ma Bo is immediately recognisable by its uncompromising ordinariness. No shiny jade tiles here, no oriental lanterns, no beckoning exotic bamboo, and certainly no menu outside, Ma Bo gives no quarter to oriental Anglicism. From the outside Ma Bo looks just like the terraced house it once was, and largely still is, except for the half dozen upside down wind dried ducks gawping hopelessly from the front room window at the pavement below. Steam billows from the front door, down some small steps and onto the street. Inside it? a 1950? front room with tables, the room was probably last decorated by Ken Hom? grandfather. Linoleum and prototype Marley tiles cover the floor; the tables are covered with a very practical if not aesthetically pleasing oilcloth. The chairs, all 31 of them, crowd around the 8 tables like runner ducks at a Beijing bus stop. Interior décor reflects pre Chairman Mao minimalism; a wall calendar of indeterminate period or origin is the only belligerent stab at opulence. Ma Bo is family run, at last count by at least 5 living generations of the same family, from age 5 to approximately 105, and well represented in between. Service is a unique but utterly charming blend of near brusque surliness, punctuated by moments of near bewildering wide smiling friendliness. If you only ever visit one Chinese restaurant in Liverpool make it Ma Bo, not necessarily for the décor or the service, as fascinating as that may be, but for the food, its outstanding. Notable dishes are the chilli and salt squid, the fish ball stew, the pork Char Sui and just about anything they do with a duck. The menu is relatively small, and thankfully on the whole free of Cino Anglo staples. For considerably less than £20 two people can eat dishes at Ma Bo that: (a) are not available next door and (b) if they were would be at least double the price. Don? miss it.

Any curry addict MUST eat there! Beautifully prepared food, good atmosphere. Menu is good and excellent wines on offer. I had fish kofta and chicken patia -- both cooked to perfection. On a previous visit with a large group (about 14) the service and food suffered -- they obviously cater for smaller intimate parties better.

Ample car parking is provided outside Tai Pan which is just as well really, given its location just off Derby Road. Upon Climbing the stairs ( I did not notice if there was any alternative access for disabled diners ) I was surprised at the spacious and Immaculate interior. We were made to feel very welcome by the Staff and a table was found immediately. There is a wide and varied menu but we opted for the set meal for two. It was no trouble to change one of the set meals for another more to our liking. The first course was chicken and sweetcorn soup and we were pleasently surprised by the size of the portions. Instead of just one bowl, a large bowl was delivered to the table sufficient to fill the standard bowls at least twice. This was followed by dim sum and seaweed which, again, was more than enough. For the main meal I had the sweet and Sour chicken which was absolutely delicious with none of the tartness I have experienced in other restaurants. Throughout the meal the staff were readily available, pleasant and discreet. Occasionaly the PA would burst into a rendition of Happy Birthday for other diners celebrating while the staff would carry out the lit Birthday cake. I have no hesitation in recommending Tai Pan to anybody planning a night out whether it be a quiet meal for two or a larger celebration.

The Hightown Hotel goes from strength to strength. With a new menu and special curry night on a Weds. Sunday lunch when kids eat for free. Worth a visit. Leave the car at home and hop on the train, the station at the Hightown Hotels front gate.

Ok, when i first entered the restaurant i thought "nice, but nothing special" and when my starter came and i tried it that view remained the same, in fact it wasn't even particularly nice, just three types of meat with a dash of sauce. Then my main course arrived, a chicken and mushroom pizza (well thats the english version) and to put it simply it was the most delightful pizza my taste buds have encountered. And finally the desert, my choice was the banofee pie although the lemon meringue looked tempting aswell, but i'm sure i made the right decison as it was sweet (but not sickly) and poignant. The peach flavoured Italian fruit juice was also outstanding. And finally the service, well this was also excellent. The waiters were friendly without being intrusive and service was prompt. Overall Excellent.

a truly unigue venue.Live music in the style of Frank Sinatra whilst you dine and a classic mouthwatering menu to match.Blundell Street is much more than a restaurant , you can literally stay the whole night and enjoy the food, the bar ,fantastic live music and even indulge in a spot of dancing on their cosy dancefloor.Hidden away from the main centre of Liverpool , it is a real gem.My husband and friends have become regulars already,checj out their website at www.blundellstreet.co.uk fantastic

Fantastic food and very good service. Will be visiting again!

Words cannot explain must go and try for yourself!!!!

food was lovely and the service excellent.

owens restaurant, appears to be undiscovered jewel. perfect location in avoiding town and high streets. took good advantage of the early doors all evening ona monday offer to enjoy a relatively cheap very enjoyable evening. the place could do with a it of spicing up however

Very bohemian atmosphere, or scruffy but clean depending on your view. You'll find this place with its bare floorboards and spartan decor up a few flights of a winding wooden staircase, through a very unpromising hole in the wall. But you'll be surprised. It's good and unpretentious and the staff are helpful, which is just as well as the blackboard menu is hard to read. A good spot for a bite of lunch. Summary - good, recommended for lunch if you can negotiate the stairs and the feeling of foreboding as you climb to the sky - Vincent

Have been to the Belash many times over the years. Have tried other Indians but always come back here. Food is always great (but too much to eat) - but unfortunately it is sometimes very quiet. Faruk, the waiter who always seems to be there, is very friendly and always makes us welcome. Like most Indian restaurants, there is a vast variety of foods on the menu - including some English dishes for those who need them! I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone.

Great location at Albert Dock. Staff were very helpful, moving me when I was stuck seated next to an office party. Pasta was excellent and reasonably priced.