A breakfast spot is regularly receiving five star reviews on TripAdvisor with some people calling it ‘the best place for brunch’.
Rocksalt in Crosby is owned by the same people behind the popular So Salsa and Tree House. While Rocksalt might be small inside, its food leaves a big impression, as I found out when I visited this week.
Inside the venue is decorated in a simple yet contemporary way, with navy metro tiles around the bar, zingy mustard yellow leather seating and black rimmed arch mirrors to allow light to bounce round the small space. There’s abstract artwork, a cosy fireplace area and a soothing soundtrack of acoustic cover versions that made the place feel really calm and inviting when I arrived mid morning during the recent hot spell.
READ MORE: I tried the Liverpool attraction named one of the '10 best experiences in the world' by TripAdvisor
I normally loathe eating inside when the temperature is finally warm enough for a spot of al fresco dining in this country. But being with my young daughter I opted for an indoor table to get her out the heat and save me having to keep slapping on the factor 50 every 10 minutes.
Thankfully the windows at the front were fully open, letting the warm air and bright sunshine flood the cosy space.
We were greeted with a friendly smile and given menus, which I took a look at while my daughter got down to some serious colouring. One thing I made a note of was the delightful news that Rocksalt serves its brunch menu until 4pm, which will be a godsend for anyone who wakes up hungover midway through the day, craving a cure-all brekkie.
I wasn’t in the mood for a Full English myself, though I have to admit it did sound tasty - you get Lincolnshire sausage, two cured bacon, Bury black pudding, field mushroom, baked beans, roast tomato, homemade rosti, free range egg however you choose and thick toast for £9.50.
Instead I opted for the Steak N Eggs, which was £9 for a rump steak, poached eggs, grilled asparagus and vine tomatoes. My daughter filled her boots with a big old plate of American Pancakes (£3.50 on the children’s menu), with fresh fruit and Greek yoghurt.
Despite the place brimming with customers, we didn’t have long to wait for our food to arrive. As soon as I tucked in I understood why this place gets such high praise. The steak, which I had pink, came perfectly cooked - seared on the outside to give it that charcoal flavour, yet soft and juicy inside and deliciously salty with seasoning.
It didn’t look the biggest of cuts, but it was so rich it certainly filled me up. The asparagus looked a little wilted, but thankfully wasn’t overdone and still had a nice crunch to it, while the vine tomatoes were bursting with flavour and the acidity from them really cut through the rich flavour of the meat.
My only disappointment came with the homemade rosti, which I’d ordered as an extra for £1.50. While it was nice and crispy on the outside, inside was too fluffy and starchy for my liking and it tasted more like a potato cake, but I won't hold it against them as everything else was so delicious.
Opposite me my daughter was doing something she very rarely does - keeping quiet. She was so busy tucking into the thick pancakes I hardly got a word out of her and when I tried a bit I could see why she wasn’t coming up for air.
They were cooked to perfection, slightly crisp on the edges, fluffy inside and the berries on top were absolutely huge. We both left feeling very full and very satisfied.
Sadly for me, Rocksalt isn’t close by enough for me to become a regular, but it’s absolutely worth making the effort to drive to, even if it’s not on your doorstep either.
Receive newsletters with the latest shopping news, deals and honest opinions from the Liverpool ECHO Shopping & Reviews newsletter by signing up here.
READ MORE: Merseyside restaurant with 'stunning' panoramic views where you 'feel like you're abroad'
READ MORE: I tried a Barry's fitness class at the posh new gym and I was not prepared
READ MORE: Have your say: The Merseyside restaurants we wish never closed for good
READ MORE: LIMF line up as more acts announced for Liverpool music festival
READ MORE: Mabel announces ‘intimate’ show in Liverpool next month
