A Bold Street venue has claimed the coveted title of Liverpool's number one restaurant.
Merseyside boasts an eclectic mix of impressive cafés and restaurants, with a vast array of cuisines from all over the world available to enjoy - but a two-year-old city centre Turkish restaurant has been named the crème de la crème.
Akasya, on Bold Street, has quickly established itself as a firm favourite on Liverpool's thriving hospitality scene since first opening in the summer of 2021.
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Akasya is located in the former home of noted designer boutique Giancarlo Ricci. Set over two floors with 300 covers, the venue focuses on contemporary Turkish cuisine with a traditional grill, tasty baklava menu, and laid-back cocktails. Dishes range from lamb chops and adana made on the charcoal grill, to specials such as beyti and guvec.
Out of 1,473 restaurants ranked on Tripadvisor, it's now number one, beating tough competition from the likes of Wavertree Town Hall, which is currently in second place, and Rudy's on the Albert Dock which is in third place. This is the second time Akasya has managed to claim the top spot on Tripadvisor.
Reviewers have heaped praise on the restaurant on the popular website, pushing it up the rankings to be named number one. One happy diner titled their review "Amazing!!!!!" and penned: "Absolutely amazing!!! One of the best meals I've had. Great service, amazing food, friendly staff. I can't wait to go again and would recommend to anyone!"
Another lauded the "fabulous food and staff" and said: "Amazing food and so many delicious choices. Staff very friendly and attentive." They added they "would go again for sure". A third commented: "I love coming here the atmosphere is lovely. The staff are amazing always!! And the food is gorgeous!"
Akasya owner, Yunus Emre Uğur, said: "We opened during the start of the second year of the Covid-19 pandemic and it was not the best time to open in the hospitality sector, with many many restrictions and guidelines in place. Yet we hit the number one spot at the end of 2021 and have remained in the top 20 in the city on Tripadvisor for most of the time we have been open.
"To hit number one on Tripadvisor again now, in April 2023, is testament to our team here at Akasya and our loyal customer base. Top spot from [around 1,500] restaurants in Liverpool makes us very proud here. Liverpool is such a diverse city and I don't think there is a more diverse street than Bold Street. It is literally awash with food from all over the world."
Akasya is based at 42 Bold Street, Liverpool, L1 4DS. The restaurant is open from 12pm until 11pm, Monday to Sunday.
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