El Gato Negro is a tapas restaurant located inside Liverpool’s historic Exchange Flags building. The restaurant is decorated with hanging artificial wisteria and herringbone patterned flooring. It has both inside and outside seating. El Gato Negro has its own covered and heated patio area, so you can enjoy your meal outdoors even on colder nights. Tapas is served from midday everyday, and the main menu features a mixture of Spanish classics and British inspired dishes.
To begin with, customers can choose from a selection of appetisers, such as Catalan bread with tomatoes, padron peppers and olives marinated in house. On the main menu, El Gato Negro offers a selection of both meaty and vegetarian tapas options, although vegan options are fairly limited. The restaurant normally recommends that customers order 5 to 6 dishes between two people. If you want something classically Spanish, you can choose from gambas al ajillo, jamón ibérico croquetas, an aged Manchego and olive torte or a Spanish tortilla, served with aioli. The tapas at El Gato Negro are cooked to order, and so will arrive at the table as soon as they are ready rather than together. If you fancy trying some fusion dishes, the menu also features chicken thighs with parsnip and apple, battered salt cod with tartar sauce as well as beef meatballs in tomato sauce. If you happen to be dining out during the day, it’s worth stopping by to try out El Gato Negro’s ‘3 for £15’ menu. From Monday to Saturday, 12-4pm, the restaurant offers a set menu of fish, meat and vegetarian tapas as well as dessert at a reduced price.
For drinks, customers can choose from a selection of Spanish wines and sherries, many from smaller, independent producers. The restaurant also offers several wines inspired by Spain, such as the Senorita’s Kiss, as well as Sangria and Cava Sangria.