An Indian restaurant has opened in North Liverpool that's being described as a "dream."
Naz's has received a warm welcome on Rice Lane after it took over the former Bakery Inn pub late last year. Seeing a local business close is never nice, especially when it's an established pub.
Liverpool, like many major cities, has lost 'proper pubs' or social clubs over the years. With people venturing into the city centre more, or lifestyles drifting away from an evening in the boozer, the pub economy has noticeably dropped for some venues.
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Some of the pubs we've lost are in original, historic buildings, which makes it even more depressing to see them go derelict. But thankfully, some are being kept in the community and are being transformed into new businesses.
That's what has happened with Naz's restaurant, on the corner of Rawcliffe Road. Early reviewers have given the restaurant a glowing five stars, with foodies praising the chefs for tasty food and servers for friendly service.
One reviewer, John Corcoran said: "Wow! A decent Indian locally is always a dream and now it has come true. The food was delicious, staff friendly and couldn't do enough for us. Will be back."
While another, John Baker added: "Come here with my family, really impressed. The place is beautiful and nicely decorated. The food was really nice and we all enjoyed it, the staff are very pleasant giving excellent service. I would definitely recommend Naz's."
After also getting positive reviews for its takeaway service, the ECHO decided to visit Naz's to try it for ourselves. We waltzed in right at opening time through the week, 5pm, and while we were the first in the restaurant to dine in, I was shocked that someone was already waiting for a collection order.
First impressions I thought it was bright, clean and welcoming. It was a warm day outside but cool in the restaurant and we were given a spot by the window which was appreciated. The service from start to finish was exceptional. Our server couldn't do enough for us and was extremely attentive and talkative.
Though you don't go to a restaurant for the chat, it's nice to have 'neighbourly' experience, something that usually doesn't take priority in a chain restaurant. The food menu is extensive and boasts everything from the standard curries, to tandoori specialities and traditional Indian dishes.
To start we opted for the mixed kebab and onion bhaji. Both starters were big enough to be shared between two, with a decent portion of chicken, lamb tikka, seekh kebab and aloo kofta, accompanied by salad. The bhaji starter included two large bhajis
I sometimes worry when ordering bhajis as I find they can be too charred on the outside and colder in the middle. Thankfully this wasn't the case, they were hot right the way through and kept their shape and texture when they were cut into, rather than falling apart on the plate.
For mains, we went hot and ordered a chicken jalfrezi and a more tame prawn biryani. Disclaimer - both portions were massive and easily could have been shared between two. Thankfully, it meant we had leftovers to take home and have for dinner the next day.
As promised, the jalfrezi was spicy hot and packed full of green chillies. It wasn't too hot that it ruined the flavour, however, with a slight citrus tint to the sauce. The prawn biryani dish was tasty enough to be enjoyed dry, but when complimented with vegetable curry it was delightful.
There wasn't room for any dessert after we filled up on a sweet peshwari naan. I could tell that the naan had been made fresh, it was extremely soft and informed it was baked in a clay oven.
By the time we left, I was happy to see the restaurant filling up, both with walk-ins and booked reservations. Naz's is open every day except Tuesdays, from 5pm to 10pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 5pm to 11pm on Friday and Saturday and 4pm to 10pm on Sunday.
It also regularly runs a £19.99 deal with a starter, main and dessert all included in the price, however, do be sure to check it's running before heading out.
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