wrote earlier to declare this a v disappointing experience: price, atmosphere and dining wise (service acceptable). Just hope my constructive comments have been noted.
Unlikely to return to Ziba!
Ed
Not a restaurant I would ever wish to return to unless someone takes it in hand. The atmosphere on a Saturday night was cheerless (the place was virtually empty)and it came as no surprise that apart from a table of footie fans (who left early) we were the only diners. My starter: scallops was pretentious and a rip-off @ £8.75 and my 2 companions found their b&B pud inedibly stodgy. Wines overpriced, but service willing
Des
My wife and I looked forward to our first visit to Ziba having received a glowing recommendation from a friend. However we were to be disappointed. The restaurant itself was very pleasant but lacked something. It's hard to put my finger on it but it was something to do with the atmosphere. It wasn't particularly warm and friendly. We were led to a table and it seemed a long time before we were tended to.
On to the menu. For me a good is one that offers at least three items from each course that I would wish to order and this one delivered. For the starters there was breast of partridge with a beetroot salad, cured beef with a salad, pumpkin soup to name a few. For mains there was a roast ribeye of beef, pheasant, game sausage, roast cod. I chose the partridge followed by the pheasant and my wife wanted beef for both courses. On seeking clarification of what the beef starter consisted of we were told by the waitress that it was strips of beef with salad and it was, in her words, "very nice". Descriptive eh? After placing our order I wished to get some guidance with the wine list and the waitress asked if I wanted red or white! I chose a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon my myself (not sure if it was the right choice but it was fine).
When our starters arrived my wife gave me 'that look', the look that means 'I didn't expect it to look like that!'. Frankly neither did I. The beef resembled salami; quite fatty. I would have expected something more along the lines of pastrami. It may well have been 'very nice' but I'm not sure my wife enjoyed it. My partridge, on the other hand, looked a lot more appealing although it didn't live up to its appearance. The small breasts were very tough and dry and lacked any distinct flavour yet they were overpowered by the accompanying beetroot, parsnip and fruity jus. On to the main course. My wife was pleased with the appearance and taste of her main course beef and it made up for the disappointing first course. Nevertheless she said that whilst she enjoyed it it was no more special than something I would cook her at home (not sure whether that's a compliment or not!). My pheasant, in contrast, was very disappointing. Once again, dry and lacking in any distinct flavour. Unfortunately we did the very British thing of saying everything was fine when asked by the waiting staff.
I like a meal of that type to be a pleasure from beginning to end. I like every mouthful to deliver new exciting flavours. I like to be able to say to my wife "have a taste of that, it's gorgeous". Unfortunately Ziba didn't do it for us. We even passed on desserts and coffee. Not like us at all. I'm afraid we won't be back.
culture54
This is an attractive restaurant but on the Friday night we eat there it was quiet and lacked atmosphere. The food was variable with some very good dishes and one (the gnocchi) with slightly off flavours. The service was good but a little uncoordinated. The meal was not expensive (around £100 including drinks) for three and I will go again.
Ziba Brasserie and Bar
Extremely good food at a reasonable price for the quality you receive. A very, elegant place with lovely staff. This place is a credit to Liverpool.
Ziba
Ziba - what can I say. We arrived Saturday evening after 8.30pm to a lovely welcome. We had not booked to eat but my hubby when asked "would we like to dine" immediately said if you have a table for 2 that would be nice. The food was fresh, hot, tastey and plenty. The service, fantastic.
From my lovely "egg and chips man" the comment "we will come here again" was a very good sign!
Ziba
A wonderful experience - Very relaxed with lovely decor. There's a comfortable but trendy bar to meet in before/after dining.
Food delicious and Service great - would definitely go back
Ziba
really enjoyed the evening. 4 of us went out for dinner and we were all tired and weren't particularly in the mood, but the staff were patient with us and it turned out to be a lovely meal with great atmosphere. Will definitely be returning as soon as we can!
Ziba
The first visit was indeed so relaxed I nearly fell asleep on the extremely comfy sofa's. The bar menu very good, the best Chicken Ceaser Salad I have ever had. Service, excellent. The Restaurant, well what can I say, they have just won an award for "Best Restaurant"! Well done to all the team at Ziba, together you make it work.