Guinness rarebit potato @ Belzan
371 Smithdown Rd, Wavertree, Liverpool, L15 3JJ
The best restaurant in Liverpool — and probably my favourite restaurant anywhere in the world — Belzan is a really special place. The vibe, the wine, the service is all fantastic. It’s a cosy, laid back, neighbourhood restaurant that also does interesting, amazing things with its food.
I could wax lyrical about Belzan, how lucky we are to have it here, how it’s a shame that I don’t go there more often, but I won’t. Instead, I’ll just say that over the years I’ve had some of the most delicious dishes I’ve ever tasted here, so much so I can remember nearly every element individually — gnocchi with locally foraged mushroom, buckwheat and cured egg yolk; lamb chops, yuzu, anchovy and fresh peas; tomato dashi and butterbeans; Whole barbecued squid with gordal olive puree; All incredible.
What also makes these plates of food amazing is that I’ll probably never eat them again. Belzan rarely bring back dishes, they tend to just move in one direction — forward.
But there is a menu item that has stayed longer than most, and which I can therefore recommend in the knowledge other people might be able to try it, and that’s the Guinness rarebit potato. Lasagne sheet thin layers of potato stacked several inches high, topped with a torched cheese rarebit topping, spiked with stout. All dressed with a herb, onion and tomato salsa to give texture and sweetness.
If you’re in Liverpool you need eat here and whatever else you order, make sure you order this.
