HOME   ARTICLES   ABOUT US   LINKS   SPECIAL DEALS   CONTACT

Bargain Travel Europe guide to Europe on a budget for vacation destinations, travel ideas and secret spots missed by travel tours.

GREECE AND RUSSIA WITHOUT LEAVING LIVERPOOL
Christakis Greek Taverna and St. Petersburg Restaurant

Dine in Greece, drink in Russia and never leave Liverpool. A pair of local restaurants with a world reputation. I was in Cannes at the Film Festival telling a buddy of a fun night in Liverpool where a friend took me out for some Musaka and went from plate smashing and Ouzo in a home-style Greek Cypriot Tavern to Vodka and Cognac in an authentic Cossack Russian tavern in one night and a friendly Brit nearby chimes in with a grin, “I know that place.” Sharing a not-so-secret secret.

In an unassuming brick building on a corner of York Street in Liverpool, the Christakis Greek Taverna fills the ground floor and the St. Petersburg Russian Restaurant is just a few steps up the stairs with two dining rooms. Demonstrated by tables crowded with women in odd headwear the Christakis Taverna is a very popular destination for “hen parties”, the British version of a bachelorette party. One group in bunny ears filling the long communal table in Greek style and another cackle of hens at another table in red wigs, having a rowdy grand old time. After the lamb and a few shots of Ouzo, we went upstairs to St. Petersburg, with its authentic Russian red décor and menu to sample some Cognac at the bar and watch the belly dancing, then back downstairs for the Greek dancers complete with smashing plates in a circle of lighter fluid on the floor, delighting the hens.

The Christakis Greek Taverna was opened 29 years ago by Renos Vassilades, father-in-law of current proprietor Christakis, who with his wife Francesca have operated the Liverpool landmark since 1999, following the family’s simple secret, quality food bought daily and served with Cyprus hospitality and service. And their success shows with packed tables on weekend nights when the belly dancers and Greek dancing performances bring standing cheers when the last plate is smashed.

The St. Petersburg Restaurant is a bit more subdued, but no less charming and entertaining, the atmosphere intimate and romantic. Since 1996 the authentic Russian dishes combined with the rich mood setting style of imperial St. Petersburg have held the claim of the only true Russian restaurant in England outside of London, and truly a journey to another time and place. The Tsar's Dining Room with its dark reds and intimate seating around the small performance floor offering live entertainment of Russian Cabaret, music and belly dancing from Thursday to Sunday is a perfect setting for traditional Steak Tartar and Beef Stroganoff. The Izbushka Dining Room on the second floor with soft golden hues is more sedate, and the “Peter The Great” Bar a cozy spot to sample plain and flavored vodkas.

The Restaurants at 7 - 71/2 York Street are a 15 minute walk from Liverpool’s Lime Street Rail Station. Car parking is available in the public lot on Duke Street. © Bargain Travel Europe

Find Hotel Deals and Compare in Liverpool

Web Info
Christakis Greek Taverna
St. Petersburg Restaurant

Web Info
Liverpool Tourism

These articles are copyrighted and the sole property of Bargain Travel Europe and WLPV, LLC. and may not be copied or reprinted without permission.

See Also:

LIVERPOOL - BEATLES TOWN FOREVER

LIVERPOOL’S LINER HOTEL

HOGHTON TOWER - KNIGHTING OF THE BEEF

Privacy
Legal
Contact

Discover Cheap Travel in Europe on a Budget with Bargain Travel Europe ©2006-08 Winged Lion Entertainment Ventures, LLC