Google reliably informs me that El Nino is the term for a ‘climactic phenomenon that occurs every 3 to 5 years during which the wind direction changes in the Pacific and ocean waters are unusually warm’ — fascinating stuff, I’m sure you’ll agree. Round these parts however, El Nino is synonymous with two things — adopted Scouser Fernando Torres and this lovely restaurant in Crosby. Now, I could probably write an essay on the merits of Fernando Torres, so instead I’ll tell you about El Nino’s. El Nino’s specialises in delicious tapas as well as a good range of Mediterranean dishes all at fairly reasonable prices. When we visited, I went for the chicken and chorizo paella which, although took a while(as we were warned it would), was well worth the wait as the chicken and chorizo combined well together with the consistency of the paella. We did not get a chance to try the tapas but their range of dishes did look extensive, and drinks there were not too pricey. Our service was fairly prompt with staff checking everything was satisfactory on more than one occasion and they were always friendly and polite. Overall, I found El Nino’s to be one of the better places to dine in Crosby and a definite rival to Tapas Tapas.
Tina W.
Place rating: 3 Liverpool, United Kingdom
I have only been to El Nino’s once, quite a while ago now and really should pay a return visit. I wasn’t tremendously put off when I first went, however, nor was I greatly impressed. The drinks were expensive, the food was mediocre, the service a little half-hearted, despite, or perhaps due to the fact that the rather large restaurant was empty. There was no life, no atmosphere and when my friends and I left there was a distinct sense of disappointment, of wasted money and a pretty poor evening. Since that evening however, I have heard good things about El Nino’s, maybe we called at a bad time… I think I’d give it another go
Isabel O.
Place rating: 3 Liverpool, United Kingdom
El Nino’s is a vivacious meditteranean restaurant and tapas bar, and one of my favourite Waterloo venues. The staff are extremely friendly, so as soon as you enter you are seated by a smiling face. After ordering from the tapas menu we got some delicious mussels and other tasty goodies. For a main I had the seafood paella which is one of the best I’ve tried to date. You can get two starters and mains, and a bottle of wine for around £30 so it’s also really good value. The service is always efficient even though the little restaurant gets busy, and I would recommend it over other Liverpool tapas bars.
Thecha
Place rating: 5 Liverpool, United Kingdom
Fabulous!!! first visist we only orderedfrom the tapas menus which was delicious, very generous portions, lovely staff and a really nice atmosphere, when we saw the main dishes coming to other tables we couldnt wait to return! 2nd visit didnt disappoint, 2 starters, 2 mains and a bottle of wine for £30 mon-thurs, was FANTASTIC, i had soup, hubby had prawns, lovely bottle of house rose, 2 massive main courses all served piping hotcouldnt ask for more. going again tonight with the kids!!!
Mainly
Place rating: 5 Liverpool, United Kingdom
Very nice restaurant serving tasty food, decent portions, atmoshphere quiet yet friendly. We ordered from the tapas menu which does things like chorizo, mussels, mushrooms dishes they are very generous in size and a couple would suit most people without a main. Also shared a very good seafood paella. Really good, authentic food and the style is no-nonsense and classic too — cheap bread and dips, big salads to share, sensibly priced bottles or pints and normal wine. It looks bigger from the outside but surprisingly they don’t pack people in, so there is a roomy and down to earth feel to the place. The waiters were really friendly without being too forward on a busy Saturday night quite a few mishaps and confusion from us and them throughout the night, but this was dealt with as it should be with humour and with a no problem approach. We were even given free food which was brought over, it turned out, by mistake, and the birthday guest was offered a free drink on the house. Prices I’d say were a bit better than reasonable, with service quick unfortunately it didn’t seem too busy, which is a shame as it is much better than the trumped up Liverpool Spanish outlets such as La Vina or La Tasca. Haven’t visited Tapas Tapas nearby so can’t yet compare. It is in a quiet end of South Road unfortunately, mainly by closed shops, but Stamps Too is nearby.