Is Madre Liverpool’s best Mexican restaurant?

Lively location

Madre – which means ‘mother’ in Spanish – really does bring a family vibe whenever you step through its doors. Championing local and sustainable produce with a fun take on family dining, Madre boasts 100 covers and a large outside courtyard.

Located in the grade I listed building, Atlantic Pavillion on the Royal Albert Dock, it’s a phenomenal location if you’re heading to a show at the M&S Arena, exploring Liverpool’s maritime museums or taking in the classy restaurants, bars and pubs around the dock. 

There’s live music every weekend, with the Friday slot being taken by Soul Cambell, a chilled acoustic session which rolls into Saturday afternoon. Post 6pm, the real party starts with the sound of Groove Yard taking over. Expect soul, jazz, funk and a little bit of disco thrown in for good measure. If the music isn’t enough to tempt you, have you seen the menu…?

Food, glorious food

Expect tacos stuffed with Iberico pork al pastor, Jalisco style shrimp and beef short rib, as well as show-stopping sharing plates such as butterflied seabass. There’s a really wide selection of meats and fish, marinated in a range of mild, spicy and down-right delicious sauces! The tuna tostada, for example, is a fearsome black plate of sashimi-grade tuna loin marinated in soy sauce and habanero hot sauce, then topped with an avocado puree and large, roughly chopped slices of green chilli. Most plates range from £8-10, making this a very reasonable place to go and eat, especially for its location. Moreover, the plates are large enough to fill you up if you want a lighter bite but are also perfect for sharing in a tapas style.

Tequila! 

If you’re feeling brave, why not try the traditional Mexican mezcal? This is a distilled alcoholic beverage, which means ‘oven-cooked agave’ or there’s also a selection of tequila to get the party started! All tequila and mezcal shots are served with a verdita chaser made from pineapple, cucumber, lime and jalapeño. The drinks are as delicious and zingy as the menu, so be prepared to be blown away.

Despite being known for its zingy selection of margaritas and mezcal, there’s also a funky selection of soft drinks that will get your taste buds tingling. Have you heard of pineapple and green chilli fresca? Or maybe a Two Keys grapefruit soda? If you’re not a big drinker, there’s no reason not to join the party with the traditional Mexican drinks! 

In a nutshell, Madre offers the flavours of Mexico City taquerias, alongside an eclectic mix of music and proper margaritas.This venue is extremely popular, so don’t forget to book your place, especially if you’re a larger party.