Where to Get The Best Italian Food in The North East
Pizza, pasta and all good things
Ristorante Bravi
Ristorante Bravi is owned and operated by Gino and Elaine Minchella, who have more than 30 years of experience and pride themselves on giving their customers a friendly and memorable meal. As well as their delicious à la carte menu, you can enjoy daily chef’s specials which highlight the very best local produce.
North Street, South Shields
NE33 1HD
0191 427 5400
bravirestaurant-southshields.co.uk
Gabrielle’s Restaurant
Named Best Italian Restaurant 2023 by Restaurant Guru, Gabrielle’s is the place to be for great Italian food in Bishop Auckland. Choose from a wide range of classic dishes like wild pesto tortelloni, slow roasted porchetta or salmon caprese. Be sure to stop in at their newly opened wine bar Il Vino, which is just across the street from the restaurant.
Flintoff Street, Bishop Auckland DL14 7JE
01388 604942
gabriellesristorante.co.uk
Lollo Rosso Italia
Enjoy the warmth and hospitality of Italy in the heart of Morpeth at Lollo Rosso Italia. Although the food is undeniably superb, it’s the atmosphere of the restaurant that keeps people coming back for more. The team love nothing more than to meet new people and make sure your visit is as special as possible. Make sure you don’t miss their live music nights too!
Bridge Street, Morpeth NE61 1NL
01670 514111
lollorossoitalia.com
Bellini
Light and airy, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, this is a great place to pop into for a taste of Italy. Head chef Olivier Trapletti has more than 20 years of experience as a chef and is passionate about bringing authentic Italian cuisine to his customers. Whether you prefer pizza, pasta, risotto or meat dishes, there’s something here to please everyone. The dessert menu is no joke either, offering panna cotta, homemade tiramisu, cannoli, tartufo and (our favourite) Sicilian lemon cake.
Dovedale Road, Seaburn Dene, Sunderland SR6 8LS
0191 549 5495
belliniseaburn.co.uk
Pranzo Trattoria and Deli
Only a stone’s throw from the sea, this friendly Italian eatery is a great option for delicious, authentic Italian cuisine that doesn’t break the bank. The family-run deli and trattoria offers everything from tapas and pasta to pizza and street food. On warmer days, there’s also the option of al fresco dining on the terrace. Make sure to check out the wine list, which is sourced directly from Italian vineyards.
Station Road, Whitley Bay NE26 2RA
0191 676 7062
pranzopizzeria.com
Pizzeria Francesca
As with any respectable family-run restaurant you would find in Italy, Francesca’s is unpretentious, friendly and serves delicious food. Something of a local institution, it’s a welcome setting in which to enjoy traditional Italian pasta and pizza (or the local favourite, half pasta/half pizza), all served in generous portions. The speedy service is just the cherry on top, but be prepared to queue for a table as you can’t book and it is understandably very popular.
Manor House Road, Jesmond, Newcastle NE2 2NA
0191 281 6586
francescasjesmond.com
Vercelli
Over the past six years, the team at Vercelli have worked hard to establish themselves as the go-to destination for modern Italian food in the heart of the busy market town of Hexham. The whole family are involved in the business and head chef Scott Guyatt enjoys using great local produce to make authentic Italian dishes with a twist – and there’s an enormous menu to choose from. Are you a sucker for something sweet? Make sure to try their lemon and raspberry panna cotta.
Priestpopple, Hexham NE46 1PQ
01434 603350
vercelli.co.uk
Di Sopra
Di Sopra is owned by Valentina Peruzzo and family, who took over the restaurant from her uncle. The interior is contemporary and relaxed, and the friendly team are dedicated to using the best quality Italian and local produce to the full in all their dishes.
Bondgate Within, Alnwick NE66 1SX
01665 606540
disopra.co.uk
Flint Pizza
Step inside this tiny restaurant and enjoy authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza made the right way. The restaurant has only a handful of seats (most of which are at the bar), but you’ll thank us once you’ve tried the pizza. Take your pick of tasty toppings and be prepared to be wowed by their delicious dough.
Chillingham Road, Heaton NE6 5LP
07858 149970
flintpizza.co.uk
Fellini’s
Currently celebrating 24 years on the North East’s culinary scene, this award-winning Italian restaurant is just as relaxed and welcoming today as when it first opened its doors. Italian seafood is the name of the game at Fellini’s, including delicious dishes like their haddock risotto, chorizo and clam rice and the fettuccine salmone – made with smoked salmon, prawns, asparagus and white wine sauce.
Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough TS5 6AA
01642 814 597
fellinismiddlesbrough.co.uk
The Liosi Bistro
From the chefs behind Liosi’s Sicilian Café Bar on the banks of the Tyne, Liosi’s Bistro in the city centre already has a crowd of loyal customers (many of whom are Italian, which is always a good sign) despite opening only a year ago. Pasta and wine are the stars of a menu filled with traditional dishes from across Italy, from Sicilian seafood risotto to Milanese mushrooms and sausage fettuccine.
Saville Place, Newcastle NE1 8DQ
0191 261 5950
liosibistro.co.uk
Pizzeria Italia, Filippo Ricci
This restaurant doesn’t mess around when it comes to high quality pizza, from their method of kneading the dough right down to the type of flour used (Italian, of course). You’re sure to be spoiled for choice here, with a huge selection of pizzas available, as well as the option to make your own pizza. We would recommend trying the quattro stagioni, a delicious pizza topped with salamino, mushrooms, artichoke, olives and chilli oil. Make sure to get yourself some classic tiramisu for dessert.
Benton Park Road, Newcastle NE7 7EZ
0191 447 0640
pizzeriaitalia.uk
Pani’s Café
A wonderful Italian café with a distinctly Sardinian twist. From the dishes served to the wine poured, the family-run team at Dani’s care deeply about creating a lasting impression on their guests. For an authentic taste of Sardinia, try their fregola dishes (Nino’s fregola looks particularly good, served with tiger prawns, garlic and saffron), and for dessert, the limoncello tiramisu is to die for.
High Bridge, Newcastle NE1 6BX
0191 232 4366
paniscafe.co.uk
La Spaghettata
A staple of the city and a firm favourite among the local and student population alike, it’s no surprise that this is Durham’s longest running independent Italian restaurant. Upstairs on the city’s historic Saddler Street, you can expect large portions, even larger bottles of wine, and all at a price that won’t make you shudder. There’s always a lively atmosphere here, with a queue that regularly goes out of the door – so be sure to book ahead!
Saddler Street, Durham DH1 3NP
0191 383 9290
fabiosdurham.com
La Spada Ristorante
Housed in a 250-year-old coaching inn with a cocktail bar that is originally from Titanic’s sister ship, RMS Olympic, this may seem like an unusual place to find delicious Italian food, but the team at La Spada Ristorante have made themselves a firm favourite with the locals. You can expect a warm welcome, and authentic regional Italian dishes served in generous portions.
Front Street, Pity Me, Durham DH1 5DE
0191 386 4742
laspadadurham.co.uk
