25 Things Everyone Must Eat In The North East

You may want to walk between these places to exercise off the calories.

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Michael Stern

Where to eat in Newcastle according to Lee Burns (@leejamesburns).

Lee is a Newcastle-based blogger and gardener, who tends to his vegetables and plants in an allotment on the outskirts of the city. He's also a prolific food blogger, tasting what some of the best restaurants in the northeast have to offer and posting them up on his blog, Patchy Growth.

1. Chilli Padi, Leazes Lane

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"Tucked out of sight just down from the Hyena comedy club, this recently opened café/bistro is the perfect antidote to a lot of the seriously duff 'Asian' restaurants you'll find around town. The lengthy menu mixes Malaysian classics with dishes from around southeast Asia and China to good effect. Roti canai, a kind of flatbread, are superb as is the beef rendang curry. The owners are chattily enthusiastic about what they're doing, and, yes, they do takeaway too."

2. House of Tides, The Close

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"If you want a bit of affordable luxury on your plate, then book in here for lunch. Three courses for £30 isn't cheap, but is good value. The dishes that issue from Kenny Atkinson's kitchen are complex and gorgeously presented but also taste stunning. Service is much improved from when they first opened and I'm impressed anew at how they've turned this angular old merchant's house on the quayside into a first-class restaurant every time I visit. Probably the best meal you'll find in Newcastle."

3. Bread Point, Low Friar Street

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"If you've had your fill of steak bakes and fancy something a bit different, set a course for Bread Point on Low Friar Street. They do bubble tea, which I find a troublingly bizarre beverage, but the baked goods are smuttily delicious. Try the pork char siu or the chicken sesame buns, both of which showcase their addictive sweet brioche-type pastry. For afters, anything involving custard is a total winner."

4. Baba Yaga, Adelaide Terrace

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"Something a bit different, this one. It gets bonus points for serving up excellent renditions of Polish classics at bargain basement prices, and being close to where I live in the relative restaurant desert that is Benwell. Try their bigos, a rich stew of various meats, pickled and fresh cabbage (trust me), or their superb placki, basically a massive fried potato rosti. You will not leave here hungry, that much I promise."

5. Nan Bei, Grainger Market

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"The Grainger Market has become a bit of a street-food hotspot in recent times, which is undoubtedly A Very Good Thing. My current favourite place get a snack or lunch is Nan Bei, who specialise in steamed dim-sum-style dumplings. They're deliciously fresh, plumptious specimens which you season yourself with chilli and garlic oils, vinegar and chopped scallions. Get six mixed dumplings and a char siu bun for £4.50 and lunch is sorted in the best possible way."

Michael Stern/BuzzFeed

Where to eat in Sunderland and its surroundings according to Hello Freckles' Tasha Steel (@tashajsteel).

Tasha of Hello Freckles is a graduate of Sunderland University, and winner of a regional blogging award. She likes to write about food, fashion, and all things in between, highlighting some of Sunderland's best things to eat.

6. Seaham Hall, Seaham

Tasha Steel / Via hello-freckles.com

"There's the Ozone restaurant, which is pretty incredible, along with Byron's Bar and Grill for your steaks and Sunday lunches – but for me, Seaham Hall's afternoon tea is something you need to experience. Go on a sunny day and you can sit outside on the terrace, but even if it's overcast you'll still experience full luxury with endless cups of tea, or a glass of fizz if you prefer!"

7. Pancake Kitchen, Seaham

Tasha Steel

"A fairly new discovery for me, but I definitely won’t be a stranger. The Pancake Kitchen does – yep, you guessed it – pancakes. But there’s waffles and omelettes too and a variety of sweet or savoury fillings to choose from. Go on a sunny day and enjoy the view of the harbour. If it gets a bit chilly, there’s plenty of blankets to wrap up in."

8. Luciano's, Sunderland

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"Luciano's is an Italian restaurant I’ve visited for numerous birthdays and occasions. I had my graduation meal there and my leaving do for my last job too. It’s fantastic value for money whether you’re a pasta or pizza fan and the waiters love any excuse to surprise you by singing to you."

9. Holmeside Coffee, Sunderland

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"Hidden away slightly and a great alternative to your usual coffee chains is Holmeside Coffee. Go in through the new entrance to Independent and enjoy a latte with an array of syrups to choose from. I’d recommend coconut, or perhaps peanut butter. Aside from the drinks (and alcohol is available too, along with your soft drinks if you’re not a hot drink fan) Holmeside host film, book, and music events too."

10. River Bar, Washington

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"Although you could argue River Bar isn’t within Sunderland, it’s close enough for me to include it! Whether you’re after cocktails or burgers, or both, River Bar is the place to visit. My particular summer favourite was The Twister One which was served with a mini Twister lolly. Their sweet potato fries and hot sauce are a good choice too. Next time I need to leave room for dessert…"

Michael Stern

Where to eat in Northumberland according to All About Eats (@allabouteatsblg).

The pseudonymous Eats of All About Eats is a Northumberland girl born and bred, and so knows her way around the rural northeast's best eateries. She doesn't just dine there, though: Her blog includes updates on city-centre restaurants around the region, too.

11. Spurelli, Amble

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"You can't visit the seaside without an ice cream, and Spurelli in Amble is the perfect spot for something a bit different. Billed as a boutique ice cream parlour, you can get your traditional vanilla and strawberry alongside less orthodox flavours like Sea Buckthorn and Jammy Dodger. There's a great range of sundaes on offer too – ideal for sharing, if you can bring yourself to!"

12. Nadon Thai, Morpeth

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"This cosy, upstairs restaurant offers Thai classics such as Massamun Curry, Papaya Salad and Pad Thai. If you fancy something a bit different, the Tamarind Duck and Lemon Steamed Seabass are delicious alternatives. Prices are very reasonable, and there is also a great value lunch menu, offering one course for £5.95 or two courses for £7.95. Highly recommended if you're visiting the area. There's also a branch in Durham if you're not quite far enough north."

13. Sea & Soil, Amble

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"A relative newcomer to the Northumberland restaurant scene, this place can easily steal your heart. Sea Salt is a bistro run by a lovely couple with a passion for food: Julie runs the front of house, while Chef Jonny (who trained under Albert Roux) runs the kitchen. Fresh Amble seafood, including soft-shell crab and lobster, are often on the specials, while the main menu offers burgers, steaks, and salads among other options. Main courses start at £10."

14. The Strawberry Lounge, Alnwick

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"Tucked away just off the main street, The Strawberry Lounge is the ideal place to grab a bargain light lunch. What makes this place special is the range of milkshakes and smoothies, which come impressively topped with everything from whipped cream and sweets to a delicious array of fresh fruits. Another big draw is the phenomenally huge scones, with flavours including Mars Bar and White Chocolate, Toffee Apple, or even a more savoury Chilli and Cheese."

15. The Treehouse, Alnwick

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"Nestled in amongst mature lime trees in the beautiful Alnwick Gardens, The Treehouse is such a dreamy place to eat. The menu changes seasonally, and local produce is used in the cooking. Stand-out dishes that we've eaten here include Duck Breast with Green Peppercorn Sauce, Glazed Goat's Cheese Salad, and Salted Caramel Cheesecake. I honestly can't think of a more magical dining location in the northeast either – just look how beautiful it is!"

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Where to eat south of the River Tyne according to Emma Phillips of Canny Food (@CannyFood).

By her own admission, Emma Phillips of Canny Food used to dine largely in the bigger city of Newcastle, but has since explored south of the Tyne, from where she picks her five favourite places to eat.

16. SIX Restaurant, Baltic Mill

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"SIX is one of the best places to dine in the northeast, thanks to the phenomenal view of the River Tyne and bridges. The food is canny, too.

"If you're looking for a fantastic afternoon tea (which is only available for an hour each day, so get booking) or a purse-friendly early evening meal, SIX has it covered. I've had the pleasure of dining there many times, and I'm always charmed by the ambience. During the meal I find it easy to forget I'm still in Gateshead, which is no mean feat."

17. The Staiths Café, Gateshead

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"A hidden gem, nestled amongst the new-build houses on the former Redheugh gas works. It has become a hub of the community which also stocks groceries alongside its fare. The views out on to the historic Staiths are spectacular, and I can't help snapping away every time I visit.

"My food blog has featured the café on two separate occasions, although I've visited a heck of a lot more. The homemade brownies are to die for, their breakfasts top notch, and on an evening they have a 'theme' rather than running a set menu. Friday's burgers or pizzas are particularly good. Lunch for two costs just under a tenner, which is fantastic value for money. A must visit."

18. Cellini's, Washington

Karen @Karen_Mc20

Waited for the Nutella and peanut butter cheesecake..... it was to die for @CellinisItalian 👌😋😋

03:16 PM - 01 Aug 2015

"This family-run Italian was recommended to me by a work colleague, and upon hearing their three courses for £13 offer I lowered my expectations accordingly. How wrong I was! There wasn't a dud note throughout the meal, although the service was on the slow side. That said, we weren't in a rush and they were clearly busy for a reason.

"They have a café downstairs which sells fabulous cheesecakes and brownies, and they've now branched out into the afternoon tea market. As a youth Washington always conjured images of the Savacentre café in a culinary sense, so it's great that restaurants like Cellini's are turning this perception around."

19. Colman's Fish & Chips, South Shields

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"I think many Geordie kids spent the day down Shields at the Pleasure Beach and had a bag of chips from Colman's as they were walking back to the Metro station down Ocean Road. Those were the days!

"Now I'm a lot older, and they've done away with the Formica tables and plastic chairs that used to kit out the sit-in side of their business, it's nice to visit and have a posh chippy tea. It's been a family-run affair since 1905, and won many awards. Sure, it's on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for. No trip to South Shields would be complete without a cod and chips here."

20. Bayberry Hollow, Tanfield

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"This gift shop/café is a bit out of the way, but well worth a visit. They host evening events too, if you're not in the mood for tea and cake. For me it is the epitome of where to go for an afternoon tea; the ambiance is quaint and "chintzy", the food fantastic. Go with plenty of cash, as I defy anyone not to leave with an armful of scented candles and knick-knacks for the home."

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Where to eat in Teesside according to Danni Young of Gingerbread Smiles (@DanniAnne).

Twenty-four-year-old Danni Young of Gingerbread Smiles lives in Middlesbrough and blogs regularly about the best food haunts in Teesside, where she works. She has built a dedicated following for her blog, where she also writes about beauty and travelling.

21. The Olde Young Tea House, Middlesbrough

Danni Young / Via gingerbreadsmiles.co.uk

"Full of charm and vintage quirk, The Olde Young Tea House serves up a plethora of different teas. From green to black, fruity to warming, Tea Bee Carli has one to suit everyone. The girls at the tea house create some delicious bakes to go with your cuppa, bringing in the masses from Middlesbrough. The cakes and cupcakes, which change from day to day, are beautifully moist, tasty, and moreish."

22. Meze Lounge, Middlesbrough

Danni Young / Via gingerbreadsmiles.co.uk

"The Meze Lounge is only one of a few places that serve up authentic Turkish cuisine in Middlesbrough. Small in size but big in flavour, the Meze Lounge provides many different Turkish dishes for locals to sample. The meat kebabs are full of flavour with delicious and plentiful sides. Before you leave don't forget to sample the desserts – they are truly delightful."

23. Sticky Fingers, Middlesbrough

Danni Young / Via gingerbreadsmiles.co.uk

"Situated on Linthorpe Road, Sticky Fingers combines music with great food and drink. With an extensive selection of beers and cocktails, this bar/café shows how it's done on a day-time and an evening. It provides the north with a place to eat award-winning Bristol-based Pieminister pies with mash and peas. A true northern classic. Sticky Fingers serves a variety of flavours to keep everyone happy. I can't wait to try them all."

24. Cena, Yarm

Danni Young / Via gingerbreadsmiles.co.uk

"A true Italian restaurant nestled in Yarm's quaint high street, Cena is perfect for a special dinner or a filling lunch. The Italian serves amazing pasta dishes and artisan stone-baked pizzas with a small but exquisite dessert menu. Having only had pasta on visits prior, I'm excited to try some of the appetising, freshly made pizzas."

25. Kaminaki Greek Taverna, Stockton

Danni Young / Via gingerbreadsmiles.co.uk

"Celebrating its 11th anniversary this year, Kaminaki Greek Taverna continues to serve tasty Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Mezze, kebabs, and fish dishes feature on their extensive menu of authentic food. The small family business provides a friendly atmosphere that makes you feel right at home."