TEESSIDE ’ S BEST RESTAURANTS
20th ( last year 18th ) Café Central Park ,
Middlesbrough Arguably one of Teesside ’ s most iconic restaurants , Central Park first opened its doors nearly 40 years ago . A go-to place for a classic parmo , the popular Linthorpe Road eatery – right opposite the main entrance to Albert Park – has been providing Italian-inspired food coupled with great service since December 1985 .
19th ( 13th ) Vadah , Stockton Our readers rate Vadah as Teesside ’ s top Indian restaurant year after year – and this year it ’ s also the highest-ranked eatery in central Stockton . The riverside restaurant recreates traditional Indian cooking with a 21st century twist . Accessible , affordable and enjoyable , award-winning chef Kaysar Ahmed conjures up innovative delights and elevates Indian cuisine to a fine dining level .
18th ( new entry ) Tomahawk Steakhouse ,
Acklam Hall , Middlesbrough Entering our top 20 for the first time in its own right is Tomahawk ’ s unique branch in arguably the region ’ s most beautiful restaurant setting . Tomahawk is a name synonymous with a fabulous steak , and meat-lovers can ’ t get enough of the top-quality wagyu and salt dryaged steaks served in the restaurant chain ’ s Middlesbrough eatery , within the stunning interior of the town ’ s only Grade I-listed building . It ’ s worth noting that had all the Tomahawk votes given to the Middlesbrough , Potto and Yarm branches been combined , they ’ d have achieved a top seven finish . Look out for the latest Tomahawk in Saltburn , too .
17th ( re-entry ) The Zetland
Describing itself as “ a grand brasserie in the heart of old Middlesbrough ”, Christie ’ s Brasserie at The Zetland serves modern European cuisine within a Grade II-listed former Victorian pub and hotel alongside the town ’ s railway station . Built in 1860 , The Zetland was lovingly restored in 2017 , including sourcing custom-made replacement wall tiles from the original supplier .
16th ( new entry ) Rapp ’ s Cafe , Saltburn Rapp ’ s is a family-friendly café with a touch of class . Along with an exciting daytime offering , the Milton Street eatery also boasts an evening menu of freshly prepared food including stone-baked pizza .
15th ( re-entry ) Santoro , Yarm Opened way back in 1979 , family-run Santoro is one of Teesside ’ s most long-established restaurants under the careful eye of owner Vince Serino and his loyal staff . Menu highlights at the Yarm High Street stalwart include seafood pancake thermidor , rack of lamb and aubergine parmigiana , plus an enticing range of steaks .
14th ( 8th ) The Blackwell Ox ,
Carlton-in-Cleveland The Blackwell Ox Inn is a traditional , welcoming country pub in the beautiful village of Carlton . It specialises in authentic Thai cuisine , alongside a range of light meals and traditional English fare . Staff use local ingredients where possible , and meals are taken in an atmospheric seating area alongside open log fires in the winter .
13th ( new entry ) Rio Brazilian Steakhouse ,
Middlesbrough Rated Middlesbrough ’ s best restaurant on TripAdvisor and town ’ s highest finisher in our poll , Rio is a meat-lovers ’ paradise , opened less than two years ago to rave
reviews . Rio perfects an eating experience that sees exquisite meat cuts carved and served at the table in a traditional Rodizio style .
12th ( new entry ) The Scruffy Duck , Norton Our highest new entry in this year ’ s top 20 , the Scruffy Duck is a renovated piece of local history . A warm , traditional ale-house serving “ proper British pub food ” using the freshest locally sourced ingredients . They recommend their homemade sausages from their dining room menu , but promise that their scotch eggs in the snug are equally impressive .
11th ( 9th ) The Masham , Hartburn Village This small , terraced pub on the outskirts of Stockton is now established high in our top 20 . Run by the Eddy family for the past 29 years , The Masham offers a range of hearty food from a varied menu in premises full of character and atmosphere .
10th ( 10th ) Cookfella ’ s Wine Bar & Eatery ,
Guisborough Last year ’ s highest new entry to our top 20 , Cookfella ’ s retains its place in our top 10 . With an atmosphere that is vibrant , relaxed and welcoming and a menu inspired by the travels of owners Helen and Wayne , Cookfella ’ s is now celebrating its 10th anniversary . They promise “ healthy food – fast !” And it ’ s all prepared in their open-plan kitchen with the cooking process fully visible to customers .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 21