Maray – Liverpool
Proper Middle Eastern food, Bold Street. Cocktails that actually work with the food.
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Maray is the kind of place that makes Bold Street work. Middle Eastern small plates, all shareable, drinks programme that actually complements what you’re eating rather than just existing alongside it.
The food is Lebanese and regional Middle Eastern, done with real knowledge. Hummus that tastes like something actual instead of generic dip. Flatbreads made in-house. Grilled vegetables that taste intentional. Meat dishes are seasoned right – spice adds complexity, doesn’t just burn your mouth.
Small plates format means you order 4-6 things between two or three people and actually get variety. Mezze plates share space with grilled items, some lighter salad-based things, richer stuff with meat. It works because they understand balance across a meal.
The cocktail list is genuinely good. They use techniques that make sense for the food – things are balanced, not just sweet, work with the spices you’re eating. Non-drinkers get proper attention too; virgin cocktails are treated seriously, not like an afterthought.
Budget around £30-£40 per person for food. Drinks add another £8-£15 if you’re having cocktails, less if you’re on wine or beer. Service is warm and knows the menu – they’ll guide you if you’re not sure what works together.
The room is properly designed without feeling forced. Good music, decent lighting, tables that work for conversation. Gets properly busy evenings and weekends, so booking helps. Lunch is quieter and the same food costs less because of smaller portions.
This is food that matters coming from somewhere real. Not trying to fit Middle Eastern cooking into a fine-dining template. Just proper cooking from the region, done with respect.