Malmaison - Brasserie Brilliance

The high-brow hotel chain's only site in the North East doesn't cut any corners. Here you'll find the same level of prestige service as would in any other of the 12 Malmaisons across the United Kingdom. This tower of excellence is as beautiful as you would expect on the inside and this theme is carried through into the restaurant. You are likely to feel like an extra in a Bond film as a result of the royal furnishings and superb level of table service. The seductive and dark, but not dingy styling will certainly set the mood. But the Fat Spoon places food above all of these characteristics and thankfully their menu reflects this high calibre style of restaurant. They offer a variety of iconic and decadent dishes from across the continent that are delicious without the need for being pretentious or tiny in portions. They combine exotic components with classic and homely dishes, resulting in excellent food that will leave you feeling very satisfied. The "Mal burger" is a must for burger lovers. And they of course complement this excellent range of dishes with an extravagant cocktail list and superb selection of wines. However, this sovereign menu doesn't come without a seriously hefty price tag...expect to pay through the teeth. A bank loan might even be required, because they really don't mess around. But for a truly special occasion, it's definitely worthwhile. But if you are a Gourmet society card holder then you can save a tidy sum. 92%

Electric East - Fizzling Fusion Food

If you're looking for something interesting, fresh and vibrant, then Electric East is definitely where you need to be. The branding and décor are as exciting as their multi-national menu, offering a vast array of dishes from across Asia. The Fat Spoon loves variety and Electric East's tapas style menu really does satisfy this hunger for diversity. They pull this off exceptionally well, without compromising on quality of ingredients or standard of cooking. Although the dishes have been adapted for a western palate and aren't as hot as they should be, they still boast masses of flavour and aromaticity. Whether you opt for Pad Thai, the Legendary Shaking Beef, Tadka Dhal or Pork and Peanut Caramel Scallops, you will be extremely satisfied. The staff are as energetic and welcoming as the the atmosphere of the restaurant. Although the eatery is coupled with a decent 'trendy bar', coming here without sampling the cuisine would be sheer blasphemy. This Pan-Asian restaurant is certainly unique, get yourself along to experience 6 months worth of travelling across Asia on a plate... well several plates. 90%

Al Baik - Bykers Finest!

Although Byker will never be considered as the height of Newcastle's gourmet culture, this little gem is sure to please. Situated very conveniently near the Cumberland Arms this Lebanese restaurant (and takeaway) will offer you some of the finest shawarmas, falafel and moussaka in Newcastle. The standard of cuisine puts this place more than a cut above the rest of meat based takeaways in the area. Brimming with garlic and spices, and executed with that perfect home made touch, the hot and cold mezza dishes in particular are worth trying as a proper sit down meal. The restaurant experience is further heightened by the minuscule cost of each of the dishes, the complimentary dips and bread as well as the excellent portions sizes. Although there are no drinks available, having no corkage charge on whatever beverage you choose to bring will make your night even cheaper. With the majority of the food being grilled, this restaurant is also suitable for those looking to be more of a Skinny Spoon! However, there are a few things that let the down this taste factory; the quality of the meat in some dishes, particularly the lamb, was found to be very substandard. And the canteen style dining hall really does negate a lot of the ambience. But all in all, this place is a sure choice for those on a budget. 78%

Newcastle Restaurant Week August 2013

The Fat Spoon loves Newcastle restaurant week more than its own mother. And given the success of previous restaurant weeks it looks like Newcastle city council are making this festival that rivals Christmas a more than annual affair!

Find somewhere you haven't been to or one of the Fat Spoon's highly rated venues this week for excellent food at even better prices:

http://www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/restaurant-week/

Here's some tried and tested Fat Spoon restaurant week favourites:

Blackfriars: Classic meets contemporary

Broad Chare: Requires no introduction (see previous review)

Fat Buddha: Oriental excellence

Las Iguanas: Latin delight

Malmaison: Posh but not poncy

Sabatini: Italian done with well

Tiger tiger: The underdog with a bite

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%