One of the things I love most about Sunderland is that it’s possible to dine out on the cheap. Some of the best restaurants in Sunderland aren’t at all expensive, but they don’t compromise on quality.
In the past year or so, Mackems have seen huge investment in the city’s culinary scene with new foodie havens opening their doors at a pace even I, the hungriest girl in the world, am struggling to keep up with.
I constantly have a list of new places to eat and drink in Sunderland that I want to try.
We eat out a lot and I’ve had some fantastic meals in Sunderland’s best restaurants – but I’ve also had some terrible ones.
People often ask for my advice on where to eat in Sunderland over on Instagram because I’m always posting our meals out on my Stories, but I’ve never actually written a comprehensive guide to all of my favourite places to eat in Sunderland on my blog.
A quick Google showed me that a lot of the so-called ‘top 10’ lists of best restaurants in Sunderland are seriously out of date and feature establishments that are no longer in business.
I’m going to share my personal go-to spots here and I’ll update it every now and then (especially when I’ve tried a place that blew me away) so it stays current.
Top places to eat in Sunderland
Best Italian restaurant in Sunderland: Aperitif
7 High St W, Sunderland SR1 3EX
There’s no shortage of good Italian restaurants in Sunderland – believe me when I say I’ve tried them all!
Located a stone’s throw from the Empire, Aperitif is a cut above the rest, with warm, friendly service and a mouthwatering menu that offers something a little bit different to the usual list of pizzas and pastas. My favourite dish is the lobster ravioli.
The set menu at Aperitif is amazing value considering the quality of the food – you can get two courses for £17.95. Oh, and they have happy hour!
The cocktails are better than many places in town and you can get two for £12.
Best place for tapas and cocktails in Sunderland: 808
21 St Thomas’ St, Sunniside, Sunderland SR1 1QD. Yes, they’re participating in Sunderland Restaurant Week!
I fell in love with this stylish eatery in Sunniside for its decor, but stayed head over heels for the food and drinks.
Offering four delicious tapas dishes and two drinks (house wine, lager or a spirit and mixer) for £24, this is the perfect place for a girls night out in Sunderland. Their platters are equally fantastic.
I’d say 808 is also the best cocktail bar in Sunderland. Try the Hippy Juice cocktail, or get a gin and tonic tree for the table.
Best Indian restaurant in Sunderland: Chilli Mangoes
11-12 Tavistock Pl, Hendon, Sunderland SR1 1PB
It’s no secret that Mackems love a curry, and when it comes to takeaways you’re spoiled for choice. Offering both dining in and takeaway services, Chilli Mangoes is my favourite Indian eatery.
Having travelled a fair bit in South India (throughout Kerala, Goa and Mumbai), I’ve always searched for authentic Indian cuisine and Chilli Mangoes serve the closest thing.
Chilli Mangoes’ street food concept makes it stand out from other Indian restaurants in Sunderland and the eclectic menu leaves your tastebuds satisfied that you’ve tried something different.
Best place for date night / grazing boards: Black’s Corner
1 St Bede’s, East Boldon, South Tyneside, NE36 0LE
Okay, I may have been living here five or six years now but I’m still getting to grips with the North East’s geography and I’ve only just realised East Boldon isn’t technically in Sunderland. Forgive me though, because I had to include this.
Black’s Corner is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s the perfect little deli to pick up something special for a summer picnic or cosy date night at home. It’s also a lovely place to sit down with a friend or partner and catch up over a grazing board or flatbread.
The wine bar and stylish outdoor area situated in a historic building wouldn’t be out of place in one of the European capitals. In addition to some mouthwatering charcuterie boards, Black’s Corner serve a selection of mezze, small plates and brunch dishes.
Best place for afternoon tea in Sunderland: The Sweet Petite
Mackie’s Corner, 103 High Street West – SR1 1TX
This is the only place on my Sunderland food guide that I haven’t actually tried myself, but I have it on good authority from friends that this new family-run bakery on Mackie’s Corner do the best afternoon tea in the town.
With a choice of cosy and opulent surroundings inside and vintage seating al fresco, The Sweet Petite serves an afternoon tea to die for.
It includes a selection of savoury and sweet delights, including a Strawberry & Cream Éclair that I just know I’ll have to eat first!
Best brunch spot in Sunderland: The Salt House Kitchen
6 Queen’s Ave, Seaburn, Sunderland SR6 8DA
Located on Seaburn’s vibrant waterfront, The Salt House Kitchen is the ideal place to fuel up for a busy day – or a leisurely walk along the soft sand of Seaburn Beach. In addition to the usual full English and eggs-any-way options, there’s a varied bakery menu to choose from.
Waffles with Nutella, strawberries and cream? Yes please! Their breakfast menu is served every day from 9am until 11.45am (11.30am on weekends).
Most Instagrammable restaurant in Sunderland: Love Lilys
1 Pier Point, Marine Walk, Roker, Sunderland SR6 0PP
If you haven’t seen Love Lily’s fat pancake stacks over on Instagram yet, where have you been hiding?
This pink, picture-perfect tea room in Seaburn is a big hit with the Insta Huns – and being a part-time Insta Hun myself, I say that with no judgement. Who doesn’t love an aesthetic eatery!?
Open seven days a week from 9-5, Love Lily’s token dish is the pancakes – they come topped with crazy stuff like funfetti, Galaxy Caramel Brownie and more.
For those who don’t have a sweet tooth (are you okay?), there’s a selection of savoury dishes on offer too.
Best Mexican food in Sunderland: Mexico70
312 High St W, Sunderland SR1 3ET
Most Mexican restaurants in the UK lean towards Tex-Mex style food, which isn’t actually Mexican but the American take on Mexican! I quickly learned that when I visited Mexico City a few years back. Mexico 70, however, manages to serve authentic Mexican tacos that are packed with flavour.
On top of tasty food, there’s a scrumptious cocktail list that’s fittingly heavy on tequila-based concoctions. ¡Olé!
Best restaurant for fine dining in Sunderland: Spent Grain
67 John St, Sunniside, Sunderland SR1 1QH. Yes, there’s participating in Sunderland Restaurant Week!
Spent Grain is a very welcome addition to the Sunderland food scene. This small but stylish restaurant has a refined ambience and serves seriously good quality food.
I’ve sampled their small plates menu and can highly recommend – the goats cheese and prawn dishes are particularly mouthwatering.
The menu changes frequently, meaning you’ll always find something new and exciting. I’ll definitely be booking a table during Restaurant Week!
Best burgers in Sunderland: No2 Church Lane
2 Church Lane, Sunderland SR1 3PT. Yes, they’re participating in Sunderland Restaurant Week!
Opposite the Empire, this burger joint serves pure unadulterated comfort food. Their large selection of juicy burgers are accompanied by some of the best fries I’ve tasted. Not feeling up for a burger? Get the loaded fries. I have a weakness for the Chinese ones!
No 2 Church Lane also serve some pretty banging cocktails. I had a margarita that went down a little bit too easily last time I was there. If you’re not a cocktail drinker, there is a wide selection of craft beers and ales on offer.
Best bar for a big night out in Sunderland: Ttonic
12-14 Vine Pl, Sunderland SR1 3NE. Yes, they’re participating in Sunderland Restaurant Week!
If you’re looking for a fun city centre bar where you can hire a booth for a special occasion and dance all night, this is the place to go. Ttonic has gone from strength to strength since I tottered in wearing my bodycon dress on my first night out in Sunderland six years ago!
There’s a fab outdoor area and inside, the private booth section offers some excellent deals – whether you’re planning a cocktail night with the girls, want to lay on some food for your friends to celebrate something or just want to splash out on a bottle package.
Best place for coffee and cake while you shop in Sunderland: Crumb On In
8-10 Holmeside, Sunderland SR1 3JE. Yes, they’re participating in Sunderland Restaurant Week!
Don’t let the fact that this quirky coffee shop is housed inside a furniture shop put you off. Wander into Crumb On In when you need a break from The Bridges and you’re in for a nice surprise.
They bake the most delicious cakes! Tea is served in whimsical mismatched tea sets and they have a lovely breakfast menu which is available until 11am. Later in the day, grab a bagel or jacket potato for lunch.
Did I miss your favourite eatery in Sunderland? Don’t hesitate to tell me off in a comment and I’ll do my best to sample it pronto. As always, feel free to share this post on social media.
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