TEES REGION ’ S BEST RESTAURANTS
My Top 3 Jonathan Willett ( Attis Insurance ) 1 . The Bay Horse 2 . Muse 3 . The Tack Room
Not this time – last year ’ s winner , Muse had to settle for second .
2nd ( 1st ) Muse , Yarm
Last year ’ s winner Muse secures a toptwo finish for the fourth year in a row . This continental-style café , set on Yarm ’ s bustling High Street , is known for its classic , flavour-packed dishes “ with a twist ”, all crafted with a focus on topquality ingredients . Adding to its charm , Muse features a licensed pavement café , bringing a touch of Parisian flair to Teesside . When the weather plays along , it ’ s the perfect spot for relaxed al fresco dining .
Past winner – The Crathorne Arms remains ever popular .
3rd ( 4th ) The Crathorne Arms , Crathorne
A poll-topper in 2016 and 2020 , this muchcelebrated pub and restaurant remains a firm fixture in our top five . Wowing voters with its impressive seasonal menus , every dish is crafted with care . In the summer months , its ever-popular pizza tepee is a big hit .
Owner Eugene McCoy brings his unmistakable character to the place – quite literally , as his furniture and furnishings fill the pub since they won ’ t fit upstairs in his home above . It ’ s a setting as welcoming as the food is exciting , paired with a fantastic selection of wines .
My Top 3 Marcus Dicken ( At Home Furnishings ) 1 . Muse 2 . Cena 3 . Akbars
4th ( 5th ) Café Lilli , Norton
A long-time favourite among Tees Business readers , Cafe Lilli brings a slice of Italy to Norton High Street with its bistro-style charm and creative , contemporary cuisine . Under the watchful eye of owner Roberto Pitalis , this lively hotspot serves up expertly crafted dishes with an Italian twist , all in a buzzing atmosphere . Add live music into the mix , and it ’ s easy to see why Cafe Lilli is always cooking up a good time .
High five – Chadwicks Inn Maltby is a perennial top-five finisher .
5th ( 3rd ) Chadwicks Inn , Maltby
A true institution , Chadwicks Inn is no stranger to the upper echelons of our poll – and with good reason . This beautifully preserved 19th-century country pub , perched on the edge of the North York Moors , pairs its warm northern welcome with award-winning food . Boasting two AA Rosettes , locally sourced ingredients and popular wine-tasting evenings , Chadwicks is proof that history and fine dining make a perfect pairing .
6th ( 6th ) Cena Trattoria , Yarm
Cena makes it a hat-trick of sixth-place finishes – and it ’ s easy to see why . Yarm ’ s go-to modern Italian eatery blends rustic charm with chic elegance , offering a menu full of authentic flavours and crowd-pleasing veggie and vegan options . Nestled on the bustling High Street , it ’ s the perfect spot for a leisurely meal with a taste of la dolce vita .
Worth the wait – The Waiting Room is again the only vegetarian restaurant in our top 20 .
7th ( 16th ) The Waiting Room , Eaglescliffe
The Waiting Room has once again booked itself a place in our top 10 – and remains the only vegetarian restaurant on the list . A Teesside institution since 1985 , this Eaglescliffe gem serves up creative , slow-cooked veggie and vegan delights in a cosy , homely setting . No wonder it was once named the UK ’ s best vegetarian restaurant .
8th ( 13th ) The Peppermill Bistro , Billingham
A hidden gem in Billingham , The Peppermill Bistro is proof that big flavours can be found in small places . This family-run spot on Station Road blends European and British influences into an eclectic menu , served in an intimate bistro setting . The stuffed chicken breast is a musttry – although everything here is worth savouring .
My Top 3 Graham Robb ( Recognition ) 1 . The Bay Horse 2 . The Devonport 3 . Stable Hearth
My Top 3 Richard Bendelow ( AeroCommerce ) 1 . The Crown 2 . The Crathorne Arms 3 . Chadwicks Inn
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