I have been wanting to write up this food review ever since I first stepped foot inside Yukti, but decided to wait until I had been back at least once. I am a first impressions kinda girl, and I go on my first instincts a lot. But when it comes to food, I don't take it lightly. I need to be seriously impressed before I decide if a food experience is worth writing about.
So. With three trips so far this year under my belt, I am ready to get started.
For the longest time since I moved up to Liverpool, the space where Yukti resides has been empty. It was merely a shell of a building, and it always made me feel really sad to drive past it and see it looking so melancholic. I always looked at it and thought, "that'd be a great site for a restaurant."
And then, Yukti opened last year, and you can imagine how intrigued I was. Especially because my favourite Indian restaurant in the area had closed down months previously.
But it wasn't until just before my birthday at the start of the year that me, Boyfriend and MG finally went to investigate.
It was the décor that instantly drew me in. As soon as you enter the main dining space, you are transported out of Liverpool and in to a world of mystery, spices, and luxe. The lights are toned down, creating an immediate sense of comfort and intimacy. Flickering tealights are placed on each table, and ornate fixtures and pictures decorate the walls. The floor space is big, but not overwhelming. Tables are spaced a good distance apart from each other (so there is no risk of unsuspectingly tripping over somebody's chair leg.) And there is a separate section dedicated to booths for those who are looking for a more private dining experience.
But what made me smile the most, is the one glass panel attached to the wall that separates the main floor from the booths. The one constant reminder of where you are and that combines beautiful Indian cuisine and exotic décor with part of Liverpool's history: a glass painting of John Lennon. It's done subtly and in keeping with the calm tone of the restaurant, and helps combine two cultures together in a seamless way.
So. To the food.
The first time we went to Yukti, it was on a whim and we had no idea what to expect. I was thinking along the lines of amazing-quality Indian comfort food, lovingly dished on to a plate and ready to warm me up on a cold Winter's night. So you can imagine my surprise (and utter delight) when all the food came out dressed on the plates like this:
I mean. How gorgeous does it look? I am literally starting to dribble looking at the photos right now. To have something so beautiful placed in front of you just makes you smile inside. Especially when the portions are a great size too. The dishes were appetisingly dressed, but definitely not minuscule.
In the three times I've been to Yukti in the past 2 months, I've had quite a variety of dishes. So instead of focusing on a few, I'll do an overall description of my food experience.
YUM.
I'm telling you that out of al the dishes I have sampled (and I've insisted on trying mouthfuls of everyone else's food at the table,) everything has been 100% delicious!
The breads have been thick and warm....the starters innovative.....and the main courses absolutely burst with flavour. All the portions are a good size, but not overwhelming. There is not one thing that I look back on and think, "oh no, I couldn't order that again."
Boyfriend (who is just as much of a Foodie as me) even said that he thought it:
"wasn't just one of the best Indian cuisine restaurants in Liverpool, but one of the best restaurants in Liverpool full stop."
Yukti is honestly one of the best Indian cuisine restaurants I have ever been to. The food is entirely affordable, the atmosphere is wonderful, and the staff are genuinely so helpful and so friendly that you feel more like you've gone to a restaurant that's been there for years rather than one that is relatively recently opened. When we went back the second and third time, as soon as we walked through the door we were greeted with smiles and conversation. Considering how many people must eat there each wee, the fact that the staff remember you makes you feel even more welcome and valued as customers.
And did I mention this happens after the main course?
Magic hand towels!
(Not marshmallows as Boyfriend & I thought they were at first!)
Magic hand towels!
(Not marshmallows as Boyfriend & I thought they were at first!)
If you live in the Liverpool area and haven't been to Yukti yet, I highly recommend that you give it a visit. Dining at Yukti isn't just about a meal, it's about an experience.
Have you been to Yukti yet? What did you think?
For more information, go to:
I'm glad I stumbled across your blog, I was looking for somewhere to eat tonight and this looks fab!
ReplyDeleteHonestly I cannot recommend it enough.There is something there to suit everybody :) And everything is delicious! :)
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Can't wait to eat here, I'm not even going to look for an excuse, I'm just going to go! Hurrah!
ReplyDeleteI've nominated you for a Liebster award darling! Details are on my blog :D http://www.salocainwonderland.co.uk/2014/02/the-liebster-award.html
Sarah :)
Saloca in Wonderland
Aw! You really should go there and indulge in the amazing food. We went there again earlier in the week. Cannot get enough!
DeleteAnd thank you so much. I'll get on looking at your post. :)
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Looks delicious!!!
ReplyDeleteMiss Annie @ www.missannieway.blogspot.com - Photography & adventures
It is honestly so yummy! :) I'm getting so hungry looking at the photos.
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