Simply Greek Tavern - My Big Fat Greek Feast

Truly authentic Greek restaurants are extremely elusive in the UK, and that's particularly true of Newcastle. But for some mad reason there are two pretty much adjacent to one another in Newcastle's Bigg market. One of which is about as Greek as it gets, the aptly named Simply Greek Tavern and thankfully it isn't in financial disarray. The staff are attentive and offer a Mediterranean-warm welcome, fitting in their dated but exceptionally Greek blue and white restaurant. If you start knocking back the ouzos you might even end up thinking you are in Greece....which would be hugely disappointing if you were to walk out and you're outside Bambu and a 17 year chav has just been sick on your shoe whilst his girlfriend threatens to fight you. Despite its location the food at Simply Greek is fantastic, the dishes are rich and robust without being overly unhealthy, as Greek food should be. You can expect all the classics such as moussaka, souvlaki and kleftiko as well as fresh hummus by the pint! They even offer a very interesting special Sunday mezze platter for two that definitely sh*ts all over the standard bland Sunday roast. Better still, all of this great food is perlexingly affordable given the quality and quantity of their dishes. Real Greek food and Greek prices, time to smash some plates and get some Greek bait down you. 83%

El Torero - Tapas Without the Nonsense

Unfortunately tapas - the Spanish concept of smaller plates to be served as light snacks or combined with other dishes to make a varied meal, was murdered by a confusingly popular restaurant franchise that shall be left unnamed. Thankfully, however, there are still a handful of restaurants in Newcastle that will deliver flavoursome Spanish cuisine without molesting the authenticity or by overpricing their worth. A strong example of such a restaurant is El Torero, which is quite well hidden, but well worth the find. El Torero trumps all of those generic second-rate Spanish restaurants by offering a large range of wholesome but interesting dishes. The classics are all there, but are elevated with a sound selection of paellas, pork with blue cheese, braised lamb and spicy black sausage dishes. Life is too short to spend your time in lazy restaurants that aren't daring enough to offer you more exotic and intriguing food. El torero doesn't disappoint in this avenue. The interior is dated but pleasant and the service is friendly and very Spanish. Spanish to the point where sign language and drawings might be more useful than verbal communication. But it is good service nonetheless. 77%

Riley's Fish Shack - Gourmet on the Go!

This elusive wonder can be found at various festivals and fairs across the region. Be it music, food or beer festivities, their freshly prepared sea food delights will compliment any mood. Their line up often includes smoked mackerel wraps, calamari kebabs, chunky fish fisher sandwiches and a Monk fish head-liner. All of which are expertly seasoned and grilled before you. If you're within 100 metres of their stall the scent of these smokey pleasures will draw you like a rampant mouse to cheese. The pricing is a little cheeky, but to be as expected at such street food stalls. Overall verdict...a must for every fish loving festival goer. 73%