Liverpool welcomed me with Storm Floris and a city full of energy. At Nord, surrounded by the storm and the protests outside. I found a different kind of silence, on the plates, between the tables, and even reflected in a couple dining across from me.

The moment we got off the London train, a fierce storm greeted us. I knew right then that “Storm Floris” would be my companion during these few days in the city. Luckily, we quickly found a taxi, dropped our bags at the hotel, and headed straight to Anfield. I’ll keep those impressions for another piece—because being swept into the chants of tens of thousands of passionate fans was such an intense, indescribable feeling. The city’s fighting spirit is most alive there.

The next day, I wanted to get to know the city more closely. Mist was rising from the river, and people so used to the storm were walking steadily, unfazed. I, however, had already crossed the street just to avoid being blown away by the wind, realizing I wouldn’t last long outside. The only thing to do was to call the restaurant and move my booking earlier, or just suggest sitting at the bar. My worry turned out to be unnecessary; when we arrived at Nord, there was no one else inside.

Nord, at first glance, looks like it’s built on the skeleton of a Scandinavian home; minimal ,modern, almost futuristic. Yet those cold lines are softened by terracotta tones and flowers tucked into corners. The emptiness that could have felt sterile instead creates a more personal bond between the staff and the guest. It feels like you’re visiting the chef’s home, professional, but warm. The wide space between tables deepens the silence, while the sound of protests outside began to rise as the background score of the evening.

I ordered the grilled squid and smoked trout. The squid salad came with tomato vinaigrette, the trout with dill sour cream and fennel on top. In both dishes, the quality of ingredients stood out. You can tell they’re meticulous about sourcing. The trout was delicious, but the squid & tomato salad didn’t quite find its balance.

Just as I was about to raise my glass, my eyes caught a couple at the table across. Had they been there the whole time, or just arrived? I hadn’t noticed. The woman leaned back elegantly, the man barely looked up from his phone. They seemed to have created a language out of silence, as if they had known each other forever—or at least thought so…

Another bite of salad. Everything is in its place: good ingredients, the right products combined, every rule followed, yet the balance is missing. You notice it on the very first bite: too technical, too controlled. Much like that elegant couple across the room—appearing ideal together, but the imbalance between them is visible at once.

Then came the cod Kiev with pea fritter, served with warm tartare sauce, a rather large portion. After that, the steak tartare topped with parmesan, pickled cucumber, and macadamia. Strong, generous, filling, probably the best dish of the night. The fries, though, had a seasoning problem. For dessert, I ordered the Nord99 honey parfait: red strawberry, pineberry, and dark chocolate. Visually striking, but the flavor was a bit too sharp, lacking harmony. And I can’t forget the bread at Nord served with brown butter and herb butter. The brioche was especially delicious.

Price-wise, Nord is far above the Liverpool average. But seen beyond the city’s context, it’s an ethical restaurant that values detail, sources high-quality produce, and works with local suppliers. You feel you’re paying for something worthwhile.

I caught the waiter’s eye to ask for the bill. At that moment, the couple across from me stood, quietly paid, and we all headed to the door together. The wind had eased, the protest had ended… Quietly, we too walked towards the train station, leaving Liverpool with good memories.