Puschka, Review

IT’S easy to see how Puschka is still pushing the right buttons after nearly ten years in business.

With inviting décor, friendly staff and most importantly, great food, this place consistently gets rave reviews and has even fed the likes of Mark Ronson and Sir Ian McKellen.

"I imagine Puschka would be the ideal place to bring that special someone for a romantic dinner. The purple furnishings, dim lighting, flowers and candles give it an amorous air."

I went for lunch to see what all the fuss was about. It had a lot to live up to.

Before 3pm, Puschka has an Express Lunch menu which, although limited, had some tasty things to choose from. Foie gras (£6.50), slow-roast pork shoulder (£8.50) and maple roast ham (£6.50) were amongst the options.

French onion soupI went for a French onion soup (£5) with a floating wedge of bread topped with melted cheese. The soup was rich, like a sweet onion marmalade, which was yummy combined with the cheesy bread. But once that had been devoured, it was a bit too sickly sweet and the sugariness seemed to increase with every mouthful. Thankfully the side of rosemary bread, which had been individually baked in its own tiny tin and spread with a garlicky cheese, was good for mopping up the rest.

Feeling greedy, I also ordered the smoked salmon and mackerel terrine (£6.50). Alone it wouldn’t have filled me up but as an extra, it did the job. It had a good texture and a fresh, lemon flavour which balanced the strong mackerel taste nicely. Combined with pickled cucumber and little crostini, each bite was a delight.

Looking around, I imagined Puschka would be the ideal place to bring that special someone for a romantic dinner. The purple furnishings, dim lighting, flowers and candles give it an amorous air conducive to longing stares and sweet nothings.

The interiorAt lunchtime however, it was pretty quiet. The friendly waitress explained that as it’s tucked away on Rodney Street, they don’t get much passing afternoon trade. Evenings are busy, she assured, and indeed, more than a few reservations were taken in the short time I was there.

All in all, I could see why Pushcka has built up an enviable reputation in the Liverpool area. The food is fresh and tasty and the staff and service are relaxed but efficient. Sampling the lunch menu left me wanting more and, I’ll certainly be back soon. 

Rating: 14/20

Food: 8/10

Service: 4/5

Ambience: 2/5

Puschka, 16 Rodney Street, Liverpool, Merseyside L1 2TE, 0151 708 8698