Eataly, the massive Italian food hall by Liverpool Street station, is one of those places that always feels like a bit of a treat.
I went recently on a Saturday for a casual evening out and started things off at the Aperol Spritz bar, which glows with that unmistakable orange branding and feels like a little pocket of summer in the city.
My drink was perfectly made — crisp, fizzy, and just the right balance of sweet and bitter, with a generous slice of orange.
Aperol and alioli set the tone for a flavourful night at Eataly (Image: Holly Brencher) To go with it, I ordered a plate of olives and some warm bread served with alioli.
The olives were plump and briny and the alioli was thick, garlicky and absolutely moreish — I could’ve eaten the whole pot with a spoon.
It was the perfect aperitivo moment and the atmosphere around the bar was relaxed and lively with groups of friends chatting and music humming in the background.
Orange-hued cocktails and good company set the tone at the bar (Image: Holly Brencher) After finishing my drink, I moved up the building to Pizza e Pasta for a proper sit-down meal.
The open kitchen added a nice buzz to the room and the smell of pizza baking in the oven made it hard to choose what to order.
I went for the tagliatelle al ragù and it absolutely delivered — fresh pasta coated in a rich, meaty sauce that tasted like it had been simmering for hours.
Lively atmosphere and attentive staff elevate the Eataly experience (Image: Holly Brencher) It was hearty, comforting, and deeply satisfying.
I also tried the anchovy pizza which isn’t for everyone but I loved it.
Anchovy pizza and tagliatelle steal the show at Liverpool Street food hall (Image: Holly Brencher) The anchovies were salty and bold, the tomato sauce was sweet, and the dough had that perfect chew with just the right amount of char.
Service throughout the evening was really good — attentive, friendly, and well-paced despite how busy it was.
The staff seemed to genuinely enjoy being there and it made the experience all the more pleasant.
Open kitchen adds buzz and warmth to Eataly’s dining experience (Image: Holly Brencher)
What I like about Eataly is that it’s not just one thing; it’s a full experience.
You can wander through the market, pick up some cheese or pasta for home, stop for a gelato, or sit down for a full dinner.
For me, the combination of a perfectly made spritz, some simple but delicious snacks, and a comforting Italian meal made for a really enjoyable Saturday night.
It’s the kind of place I’d happily go back to, whether for a quick drink after work or a long, relaxed evening with friends.