UPDATE: This location is now closed.

Delifonseca is the beautiful café bar downstairs from celebrated restaurant Fonseca’s on Stanley Street in Liverpool. This was the perfect place for an afternoon break as we only wanted a few nibbles, not a sit-down lunch. This area used to be the restaurant’s deli but it has been converted into a chilled-out wine bar, complete with upcycled red velvet theatre chairs, elegant chandeliers, embossed copper bar and ornate metal stools. It is also a café offering freshly made sandwiches, soups, salads and various items from the mini deli counter, to eat-in or take-away. The deli counter, although small, is visually appealing and boasts a fresh and colourful display of the delicacies on offer.

We could also choose from the Small Plates menu on the blackboard offering simple but delicious nibbles such as olives, dips and cured meats.

This suited us perfectly and we ordered the hummus with crostini as well as some Nocellara olives and marinated mixed olives. The olives were served in a bowl with another fitted bowl underneath that when removed, served as the plate for the stones. Great idea.

Nocellara olives are fast becoming a favourite of mine and these were some of the freshest I’ve tasted, like they were just hand-picked from the grove. Not only were the olives a striking vibrant green, they were plump and juicy with a nice soft texture. Just gorgeous!

The marinated mixed olives were perfectly ripe and had just the right hint of garlic. The hummus was light and creamy with good texture and consistency, not too smooth and not too coarse. It had a nicely balanced flavour of garlic and tahini and was served with a Kalamata olive on top. Nice touch. The crostini were thinly sliced so I had the option of dipping them into the bowl or spreading the hummus on them.

Our visit was so enjoyable that we lingered a bit longer over tea and espresso (my husband said his espresso was made with high quality coffee beans). The whole place had a laid back vibe and it was only early afternoon. I really loved the soundtrack of soul and RnB classics. I can just imagine how great this little wine bar would be in the evening, with its wonderful selection of nibbles and a glass (or three) of wine.

I was only in Liverpool for a short time but fortunately, it looks like work will be taking me here on a regular basis. Next time I am definitely going to have lunch or dinner at Fonseca’s upstairs. I had a quick peak and it looked absolutely lovely! It has an excellent changing menu with a modern take on British and global traditional dishes.

There is also another Delifonseca at Brunswick Dock, with a large foodhall and restaurant. This is also on my list of must-visit places when next in Liverpool!

The owners, managers or staff did not invite me to visit this establishment and were unaware that my experience would be the basis of a written review. It is based on my experience at my own cost and I did not receive compensation for my review.

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