A chance late lunch, mid afternoon encounter with this inauspicious looking restaurant was one of the best gastronomic experiences I've had for a very long time.
From the outisde, this seaside-style cafe exterior does not belie what quality of both food and service lie beyond. Advertised as a cafe restaurant, and indeed, inside the tables are small, bare, and close together, giving it a very cafe feel, you are immediately put at ease by the friendliness and efficiency of the (mostly) Italian staff. If it is seafood you are looking for, then you simply could not be in a better place (or should that be plaice...a-hem!) in Liverpool!
The name of the restaurant refers to the fact that this is one of a small 'family' or 'club' of cafes and restaurants all along the same stretch of Liverpool, very much in the centre in an area known locally as Ropewalks. Perhaps the next time I find myself in the area, I should try one of the other cafes and restaurants in 'The Italian Club'.
A large and comprehensive menu (including daily specials) is offered, but as you might have summised already, the vast majority of the dishes are seafood. Everything from white fish through to lobster. My companion and I decided on the Seafood Sharing Platter. If you love seafood, then you will LOVE this! The platter comprised a whole lobster, a large brown crab claw, 2 large scallops, 2 large oysters topped with cheese gratin, langoustines, king prawns, shrimps, calamari rings, and enough mussels to make a meal of on their own. And as if that wasn't enough,. you also get a portion of chips and a reasonably sized green salad in traditional Italian style dressing. At £40 per person it might burn a wee hole in your wallet, but trust me, it is most definitely worth it!
Despite the small table and their proximity, this is certainly a restaurant I would happily return to. The staff were all polite, friendly and helpful, and the place was immaculately clean.. including the gents' toilet! Bravissimo!
A large and comprehensive menu (including daily specials) is offered, but as you might have summised already, the vast majority of the dishes are seafood. Everything from white fish through to lobster. My companion and I decided on the Seafood Sharing Platter. If you love seafood, then you will LOVE this! The platter comprised a whole lobster, a large brown crab claw, 2 large scallops, 2 large oysters topped with cheese gratin, langoustines, king prawns, shrimps, calamari rings, and enough mussels to make a meal of on their own. And as if that wasn't enough,. you also get a portion of chips and a reasonably sized green salad in traditional Italian style dressing. At £40 per person it might burn a wee hole in your wallet, but trust me, it is most definitely worth it!
Despite the small table and their proximity, this is certainly a restaurant I would happily return to. The staff were all polite, friendly and helpful, and the place was immaculately clean.. including the gents' toilet! Bravissimo!
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
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