Fine food from four corners of the world
Cuisines from all around the globe are tempting diners from across the city and beyond, with Sunderland Restaurant Week in full swing.
And whether you’re looking for a light bite for lunch, a mid-afternoon treat or are seeking a three-course dinner, there’s something for everyone.
With offers running daily up until Sunday, September 16, visitors can enjoy a tasty treat at any hour of the day and with more than 40 eateries taking part, the choices are endless.
Restaurants, bars and cafes across the city are offering special deals all week priced at £5, £10 and £15 per person, with everything from breakfast through to supper on offer.
The bi-annual event is organised by Sunderland Business Improvement District, and is designed to showcase the diverse selection of places to eat in Sunderland.
Diners are encouraged to download a voucher form the BID’s website which they then take along to their chosen restaurant.
Already, there has been a big uptake, with thousands of vouchers downloaded, but Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations, says there is still time for those who haven’t yet signed up to do so.
“Every year, Sunderland Restaurant Week gets a fantastic response and early indications are that this year will be just as popular, but we want to make sure people know there is still time to get involved,” she said.
“We have more than 40 restaurants, cafes and bars taking part with a massive choice of cuisines to choose from and we want people in and around the city to come out and enjoy it.
“One of the best things about Restaurant Week is that it gives people the opportunity to try places and even cuisines they wouldn’t normally go for.”
Diners can take a trip around the world this week, sampling treats from an eclectic selection of countries and continents.
INDIA
Alishaan at Station Road is offering a three course menu featuring dishes from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, while The Funky Indian is once again welcoming Restaurant Week guests.
For those based out of the city centre, Tashan Indian Restaurant at High Street, Houghton, is also taking part, while Seaburn’s Fat Buddha has also signed up this year.
ASIA
Asiana at Echo 24, a regular on the Restaurant Week scene, is again offering a special menu showcasing its fusion dishes which draw inspiration from China, Thailand and Malaysia.
This time it’s joined by two other top city restaurants, Royale Thai at Mary Street and West Sunniside’s Thai Bay, with all three offering some of their most popular dishes in the deals.
MEDITERRANEAN
Pizza and pasta fans can indulge in a feast of offers from restaurants including Casa Italia at Green Terrace, Italian Farmhouse at the Roker Hotel or Fiume at the Washington.
A further taste of the Med is available at Efes at Derwent Street, which serves a fusion of flavours, specialising in Turkish dishes.
EGYPT
It wouldn’t be Restaurant Week without the opportunity to sample the wares of the city’s only Egyptian eatery, and once again Arabesque at High Street West is opening its doors with a selection of offers.
MEXICAN
The taste of Mexico is very much alive and well here in Sunderland, and two city centre restaurants have signed up – Tequila Tequila at Green Terrace and Frederick Street’s El Nido Mexicana.
AMERICAN
Burgers continue to be popular, and there’s never been a better time to get your hands on one, with the likes of Fat Hippo at the Bonded Warehouse taking part.
And the American dream is also celebrated in many of the other restaurants taking part this year, including new arrival 808 Bar and Kitchen at St Thomas Street, which also offers other dishes like Carolina Ribs and a Kansas City BBQ pizza.
If burgers are your food of choice, then also try 2 Church Lane or The Pickle at Vine Place.
ENGLISH
And who could fail to love a little bit of English finery? Afternoon tea is available at Victorian Eve’s at Fawcett Street, and several other cafes will be welcoming customers throughout the daytimes, such as Holmeside Coffee, Esquires Coffee House and Biscops at The Minster.
“This year, we have extended Restaurant Week to cover other areas such as Roker, Washington and Houghton and we are confident it will be an even bigger success than it has been previously,” added Sharon Appleby.
“We’ve had a fantastic response so far, but we want to get the message out that there is still plenty of time for people to download vouchers.
“We hope as many people as possible will come out and enjoy these offers while supporting some of our city’s wonderful cafes, bars and restaurants.”
Visitors can enjoy free parking from 5pm all this week in all council-run car parks in the city centre and anyone wanting to take advantage of the offers should download a voucher from www.sunderlandbid.co.uk/ offers/restaurant-week