££££Modern Cuisine
A sonnet is a 14-line poem, and so the culinary poetry here takes the form of 14 courses, each one crafted with real care by Chef Gary McDermott. He and his partner Claudia, a natural host, have created a deeply personal restaurant, with many of the dishes coming with a story attached and plenty of attention given to each of the eight tables. The cooking blends classic French techniques with some well-balanced preserved elements. In an endearing touch that is typical of the place, dinner ends with ‘Elevenses’ for you to take home and enjoy the following morning.
£Seafood
The team behind Lovage in Jesmond have turned their attention to the fruits of the sea at this restaurant on the bustling Gosforth High Street. Despite not quite being the restaurant’s namesake, oysters are available in multiple guises to kick off proceedings, before a choice of prime fish and shellfish. The chefs are aware of the quality of their ingredients, eschewing overcomplication in favour of simple combinations – like Pink Fir potatoes, tenderstem and beurre blanc accompanying a generous helping of sea trout.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 56 reviews
Located in High Heaton, Osters specializes in seafood and holds a 4.6/5 average rating on TripAdvisor. Positive reviews frequently highlight fresh, well-cooked dishes such as crab, sea bass, soft shell crab, and fish pie, alongside a relaxing atmosphere and attentive service. However, some negative feedback points to inconsistent meal pacing, under-seasoned items, and discrepancies in ingredient descriptions, such as mozzarella served instead of burrata. A few guests found the Sunday lunch overpriced for the portion size and quality, noting thin pork crackling. While the majority praise the culinary quality and hospitality, occasional inconsistencies in food preparation and value perception remain notable concerns.
Suitable for diners seeking high-quality seafood and attentive service, best visited during off-peak hours for optimal pacing.
🕐 Th-Sa 12:00-15:00,17:00-23:00; We 17:00-23:00; Su 12:00-16:00; Mo,Tu off
£££Modern Cuisine
Head Chef Kleo is Albanian by birth and spent time in Italy before making the UK his home, so it’s no surprise to see the flavours and colours of the Mediterranean feature at this charming neighbourhood brasserie. There is a welcome lack of fussiness to the cooking, as each dish bursts with flavour. Go for the à la carte for the most choice, the fixed-price menu for the best value or the tasting menu for the full experience; sensibly priced wines from across Europe are an added bonus whatever you choose. Lisa, Kleo's partner, looks after the service and is a natural host.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Lovage in Bakewell offers modern cuisine with an average TripAdvisor rating of 4.5/5. Food quality is generally praised, with standout dishes like trout tartare and hogget, though some reviews note issues with excessive saltiness, overcooked meat, or small portions. Service is typically described as welcoming and attentive, yet some diners experienced slow pacing during lunch, extending meal times significantly. The atmosphere is cozy and well-designed, featuring thoughtful decor and lighting, although the dining room can be quiet. While many guests report exceptional experiences, inconsistencies in food preparation and service speed suggest variability depending on the visit.
Suitable for diners seeking refined modern cuisine who can tolerate occasional inconsistencies.
£££Modern British
Named after the owner's childhood dog, this intimate, personally run restaurant has a quirky narrow shape, with art by a member of the family on the walls and rustic wooden tables. The set menu, available in two lengths, offers seasonally informed dishes that often utilise overlooked ingredients, such as a flavour-packed faggot made from less glamorous cuts of venison, served with the tender loin. The wine list includes some interesting organic and biodynamic choices, and it’s worth going for the pairings. Friendly, caring service is the icing on the cake.
🕐 Th-Fr 18:30-23:00; Sa 18:00-23:00; Su 12:30-16:00