Cosy, romantic, but most importantly, delicious, Bistro Franc is a long standing Liverpool favourite and alongside sister restaurants Pierre and Jacques, the restaurants cook up a storm of french cuisine, from pre-theatre set menus to a creative a la carte offering. Having recently added some mouthwatering new choices to their menu, it was time to go and try them out.
Bistro Franc sits amongst other popular Liverpool hangouts including The Hub, Ropewalks and Salthouse Tapas. Its dark wood and dimly interior can be likened to that of a super rustic French bistro, and its fairy lights add a romantic touch whether you’re popping in for a mid-shopping pitstop or enjoying an evening out. After a friendly welcome, we were brought one glass of rose and one of red and left to the menu. Depending on when you’re visiting, Bistro Franc has a pre-theatre menu with limited (but still delicious) dishes and a full menu including appetisers, starters and desserts. Every main course is also served up with a skillet of fresh vegetables topped with tasty dauphinoise.
We eventually decided on the mushroom pate and mussels to start with and the roast duck and chicken for our main. we also couldnt resist the cheesy truffle and mushroom gratin as a side dish. Our starters were served quickly, with the rich and creamy mushroom pate served with crispy toast and a pomegrante molasses (amazing) and the mussels swimming in a creamy white wine sauce – mopped up with a chunky wedge of french bread. Perfect.
We ordered more wine and sat back to enjoy the buzz of the restaurant’s atmosphere, which, despite it being a busy Saturday evening had the unmistakably relaxed and sociable feel of a Parisian bistro, with happy diners enjoying the irresistible flavours of France.
As promised, our main courses were served with a piled high skillet of new potatoes, carrots, dauphinoise, broccoli and fruity red cabbage. These side additions went perfectly with crispy roast chicken in a sweet but salty tomato jus and tender, melt-in-the-mouth roast duck. The showstopper, however, had to be the potato gratin. The generous portion combined rich flavours of truffle and mushroom with creamy melted cheese that had been baked to a crisp on the top making the dish every bit to die for.
After plenty of food and wine, we couldn’t manage a dessert, but know that Bistro Franc are famous for their traditional sweet offerings – creme brulee being a firm favourite. There’s not a bad word that could be said about our meal for two at Bistro Franc. From the warm crusty bread and salted butter we were served with our wine and the perfectly cooked main courses to a potato gratin from heaven – dining at Bistro Franc was a delicious experience and a the perfect way to spend a Saturday evening. Pop in when you can!