Delifonseca is something of a food institution in Liverpool. There are two venues located two miles apart, one in the city centre (now called Fonseca’s, to avoid any confusion), and 'Dockside' by the River Mersey on the Liverpool docks.
Both are well worth a visit but the Dockside restaurant has an extra something for foodies. There is a food hall which sells an abundance of high quality local produce as well as international specialities.
Delicious cheeses, chocolates, teas and coffees, fruit and veg are all available as well as an in-house patisserie. There is a new addition in the form of a butchers concession by Edge & Sons, who source their produce from within a 25 mile radius.
It’s in a slightly peculiar location. Surrounded predominantly by car dealerships, it is a large site which has allowed the owners to create the “food hub” that they wished for. One big positive for the site is the ample amount of parking.
Inside the restaurant has a slight uptown New York feel and certainly doesn’t reflect the bright green exterior. There’s leather seating and comfy booths combined with wooden cladded walls. Perfect for a speedy lunch or a cosy candlelit evening meal.
The menu is varied, with a blackboard full of tempting daily specials, lots of small plates and platters as well as more substantial seasonal meals. There’s always a good selection for vegetarians. The wine list is extensive and there is a large variety of premium spirits and local beers on offer.
I chose a fine tart of caramelised onion and goats cheese with vegetables.
My sister in law had ribeye steak and chunky chips with a peppercorn sauce.
My mum had beer battered haddock and chunky chips with mushy peas and tartare sauce.
The portions are plentiful and the food is all freshly prepared. The staff are friendly and have a good knowledge of the food that they serve.
We didn’t manage a dessert on this occasion as we were full from our meals but we made sure we picked up some chocolate from the food hall to take home with us.
If you’re in Liverpool make sure you pop along to see for yourself. Next time I visit Fonseca’s I’ll be sure to post a review of there as well.
Delifonseca, Brunswick Dock, Liverpool L3 4BN
Tel: 0151 255 0808