WHEN HIS & HERS MAGAZINE HEARD THAT THERE WAS A BRAND NEW PIZZA RESTAURANT OPENING UP IN BOLD STREET, WE COULDN’T RESIST PAYING A VISIT.

There’s an extensive menu of pizza and calzone varieties, with a choice of dough bases: five grain, organic or black dough, freshly made each day, handmade pasta dishes, and classic starters: homemade bruschetta,  a selection of burgers off the grill, and meats imported from italy. There are vegetarian options, and gluten-free organic or five grain dough. Wines, cocktails, and spirits are available, as are craft beers.

We arrived for Sunday lunch, on a cold and dismal day. The restaurant was filling up with Christmas shoppers, needing that hit of carbs, and considering it’s only just opened, the word must be spreading quickly. We left the weather behind, and settled into warmer climes.

Italian wood fire pizza ovens prove to be the power-house of the operation, located in a stainless steel dream of an open kitchen and the ovens, along with fine products imported from Italy, are what makes the finished article truly authentic.

It’s a stylish restaurant with more space downstairs. Tiles, wood and customised wall-paper all combine to make this a comfortable place to relax, and enjoy excellent Italian food. There’s a friendly ambience, and the staff are attentive, efficient and really want your feedback : you sense that it really matters that you enjoy the experience. We sampled several desserts: felt obliged really! Biramisu was my favourite: an intriguing take on the Italian classic Tiramisu (using craft beer).

Crust has connections to Duke Street Restaurant: Il Forno, and the recently opened Liverpool ONE grill-house, Manzo, which puts it in distinguished company, and it’s a logical and exciting progression to offer an authentic pizza experience. His & Hers plan a return visit to sample some of the pasta dishes and possibly a cocktail or two.

For more information, visit: www.crustliverpool.co.uk

Related feature: His & Hers falls for the charms of vegan pizza.