Zapatista - Overpriced Spice!

This quirky little burrito bar certainly brought something new and innovative to Newcastle. The arty but clean-cut themed styling really fits their vibrant Mexican menu. The lunch bar style format is rapid and effective, obviously lending itself to the lunchtime rush. The mix 'n' match style menu is fast, fresh and zesty....exactly what you want as an alternative and flavoursome lunch. Combining spicy prawns, sweet shredded pork or spicy shredded beef with your favourite form of tortilla based vessel is certainly a novelty. And everyone loves a good bowl of nachos. They even offer a few highly complimentary commercial Hispanic beers. The only issue that doesn't sit right with the Fat Spoon (and this is a big issue), is the measly portion sizes and lacking in meat quantity. It would be acceptable if their meals were marketed as cheap fills, but pushing the price tag well over a fiver with just the inclusion of a drink is simply too much. There are better and cheaper lunch time marvels in Newcastle. And the 'extra hot' sauce isn't even hot enough to cause you trouble the next morning. Weak. All in all, a great concept, that has fallen short on delivery. 56%

Ottoman - A Taste of the Turkish Summer

If you're hoping to open a new restaurant in the centre of Newcastle, you had better have something new to bring to the table. Thankfully, Ottoman brings you authentic Turkish barbecue food not found in the city centre. There are similar places dotted across Fenham, but none with the same high calibre of cuisine, or as nice a venue. Their menu covers all the wonders of Turkey that many of us come to expect such as moussakka, falafel and halloumi, as well as number of more exotic Turkish dishes. Their wine range isn't bad and best of all, they've kept the prices of their food and drink relatively low. The quality of ingredients is good, and although they won't win any awards for gourmet excellence any time soon, they are definitely worth a try. Word of warning however, the entire restaurant IS a barbecue, expect temperatures near that of the sun and enough smoke to make your eyes water like Niagara falls. But you can always close your eyes, they're not necessary for devouring one of the highly recommended mixed grill platters. 75%

The Broad Chare - The Gourmet Gold Standard

Although The Broad Chare describes itself as a proper pub, with proper beer and proper food, it is a far more exhilarating experience than gives itself credit for! The menu hammers you with a variety of contemporary British cuisine, with a few international twists, exhibiting the finest local cuisine. The modest exterior opens up to a very warming pub and rustic upper dining room. For such a relatively small venue the range of real ales, international beers and outstanding wines is amazing. The hybrid pub/restaurant offers a series of bar snacks, pub lunches and exquisite gourmet dining experiences, that all work in harmony with one another. Without a doubt the best scotch eggs in all of Newcastle. Other menu highlights include the rib steak sliders, the fried monkfish cheeks, the pork crackling, the hand-raised pork pies, the Lindisfarne oysters, the duck hash, the mutton masala....actually the entire menu is exceptional. You will require multiple trips to this fine establishment. And that's just the regular menu, they always deliver a number of outstanding specials. The Fat Spoon's favourites include the venison and trotter pie, and the slow-cooked shoulder of lamb. Opting for the lamb is the pinnacle of existence, serving 5-6 humans this ultra-tender, juicy, melt-in-the-mouth, super-flavoursome mountain of meat (served with vegetables and Dauphinoise potatoes) is very reasonably priced. There are many reasons for why The Broad Chare deserves the Fat Spoon's highest rating yet, but you have to go try its wonders yourself, immediately! 96%

Café Rouge - The French Response

With Newcastle being one of the few British cities that refuses to taste the effects of the recession, another franchise held in high esteem sees itself brought to the city. Café Rouge has over 120 installations across the country, and this is reflected by their well refined menu. It covers all bases with simple set menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as some classic French dishes on the set menu. Again although the food is tasty, well cooked and offers some high quality ingredients that you don't see every day, the menu is let down by lacking in something more exotic and interesting. Where is the Escargot?! That said, the level of service is great and the sharp decor give the restaurant a real continental feel. It may well be the best French restaurant in the city centre, but that's because it's the only French restaurant in the city centre. French food could certainly be better represented by a more authentic independent restaurant. 74%

Gusto Newcastle - A Classy Italian

Despite being an Italian franchise restaurant, Gustos does indeed manage to keep it's head above water amongst the big boys on Newcastle's Quayside. Although there isn't anything particularly outlandish on their menu, there is something for everyone and every dish is prepared with true Italian finesse. The starters, meat mains and fish dishes demonstrate their ability to deliver quality produce that tastes great, that really suits their well balanced wine menu. And their range of pasta, risotto and pizza are all also well prepared and give you good portions at relatively acceptable prices. The venue itself is well suited to their cuisine, with outdoor being perfect for a hot summers day, and the inside giving you a nice view of the Quayside on an evening. And of course the Italian's excel at desserts, the nutella and mascarpone calzone is a more essential choice than your underpants. The service is also excellent. All in all, a pretty good Italian restaurant considering it is a chain, just lacking on a few special touches in their menu (as a lot of chain restaurants often do!) 81%

Akbars Newcastle - The Benchmark Curry House Comes to the Toon

Akbar's is a long established Indian restaurant chain from Bradford. It's greatly received ambience and menu has won it numerous awards which allowed the chain to rapidly spread across the country. They pride themselves on having higher calibre food and service than the standard Indian restaurant, and this does apply to their Newcastle branch. The sharp and modern décor coupled with the high level of waiting service really does generate a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Although employing a very cheap looking laminated card menu after all that effort was disappointing to see. Slack. The menu has all the classic dishes you would expect as well as some interesting duck and rabbit dishes and also some speciality Pakistani dishes that feature some adventurous organs and limbs. The quality of ingredients and level of preparation are good, but despite the interesting additions to their menu, the dishes did lack some of the flavoursome punch that can be found in some of the higher rated Indian restaurants of Newcastle. Akbar's is certainly a crowd pleaser and great for parties with something to celebrate, but if you're looking for a higher standard of authentic cuisine, then there are other options. The pricing isn't the cheapest either. 74%

Little Asia - Budget Authenticity

If you're looking for very fresh and vibrant Chinese cuisine that won't pillage your wallet, then Little Asia is where you need to be. As you step into this little wonder you will instantly know that the food will be the real deal. You will be confronted by a divine aroma, typical of traditionally prepared Chinese food. The decor is extremely rustic, bordering on dilapidated, but here it's all about the food. It may take you up to 3 hours to decide what to eat, as the menu is the size of an Argos catalogue, but staff are happy to recommend their favourites. Although some dishes may not be to your taste or may exhibit cuts of meat that aren't commonly found in a Western diet. However, largely the food is fantastic. Rich in flavour and arriving in monstrous portions with generous quantities of meat, these dishes really are great! With mains costing as little as £7 and being large enough to feed half of Newcastle, Little Asia fits even the tightest of diners' budgets. A must for anyone who is sick of the generic and bland Chinese buffet restaurants of Newcastle. 82%