20 | Tees Business
WORDS : JACKY STEVELY
TOP OF THE tastes
The Tees Region ’ s Best Restaurants – by its business leaders
FOOD AT THE BAY HORSE IN HURWORTH GALLOPED INTO TOP SPOT , BEATING ITS SISTER RESTAURANT MUSE IN A PHOTO FINISH .
Best Restaurant Awards as judged by you – our discerning business leaders .
From Middlesbrough to Darlington , Osmotherley to Norton and lots of places in between , we ’ re awash with a whole range of eateries and different styles to treat the taste buds . The votes poured in for the annual Tees Business readers ’ poll of the region ’ s best restaurants . The results are in and here ’ s our top 20 countdown …
20th Joplin ’ s , Great Ayton
This cosy candlelit restaurant has graced the High Street for nearly 30 years and serves a wonderful selection of locally sourced seafood and meat . There ’ s a warm welcome awaiting and it ’ s a great place to dine with good friends .
19th Meze Lounge , Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough ’ s Turkish delight serves traditional cuisine in a relaxed laid-back atmosphere . This popular restaurant on Linthorpe Road , with its family vibe , offers a ‘ tapestry of tastes ’. Its chefs are always keen to create new dishes and combine them with traditional fayre .
18th Barbarossa , Middlesbrough
Let the tastebuds do the talking with a selection of authentically wood-fired pizzas at Barbarossa , based in Bedford Street . There ’ s a great range of mouthwatering toppings complemented by its signature sourdough , along with a great range of sides and salads .
17th Al Forno , Middlesbrough , Ingleby Barwick & Darlington
Take your pick of three locations to experience fresh Italian food with fantastic service . With this well established name you can be sure of quality and consistency across all three . Al Forno ’ s menu will transport you to Italy and beyond .
16th The Golden Lion , Osmotherley
Set in the picturesque village of Osmotherley , this stone-built restaurant and bar with its beamed ceilings gives it a homely and cosy feel . The wide ranging menu and real ale choices make it a must for an out of town place to visit .
15th The Masham , Stockton
The cosy Masham lives in Hartburn Village . It ’ s full of character and has a choice of snug rooms to enjoy a range of hearty food from a varied menu . You ’ ll never go hungry as you can eat at lunchtimes , evenings and early evening as well as its popular Sunday lunchtimes .
14th Tomahawk Steakhouse , Potto
The clue ’ s in the name as the trendy Tomahawk prides itself on serving the finest cuts of meat sourced from as far afield as the Himalayas and Japan , with special steaks including the Yorkshire Wagyu , the 32oz Tomahawk , the porterhouse and chateaubriand . From its hearty Yorkshire breakfast to evening dinner , you ’ re in for some traditional tasty treats . Previously known as The Dog and Gun , the restaurant is owned by Howard Eggleston .
13th The Orangery , Rockliffe Hall Hotel , Hurworth
In the picturesque grounds of the impressive Rockliffe Hall , The Orangery earns a “ Wow ” from its customers every time . After holding 3AA Rosettes for 11 years , chef Richard Allen was awarded 4AA Rosettes in 2017 . He ensures The Orangery delivers culinary excellence in a setting that ’ s second to none .
12th Vine , Middlesbrough
Dine at Vine . That ’ s the experience you ’ re invited to enjoy at one of Teesside ’ s best new eateries . Amid superb interior décor in a corner plot on Linthorpe ’ s Roman Road , Vine is described as Middlesbrough ’ s most unique restaurant and prides itself on serving predominantly seafood along with a fusion of British , Mediterranean and Asian cuisine .
11th Bistrot Pierre , Middlesbrough
Part of a successful chain of restaurants across the north , this bistro has quickly established itself as a must for French and European foodies alike . Part of the Cleveland Centre , you ’ ll find a friendly atmosphere in a stylish restaurant where customers can enjoy a two or three-course set dinner with a difference , as each course comes with specially chosen wine by the glass .
10th The Brierley , Acklam Hall , Middlesbrough
Think of Downton Abbey and Acklam Hall triggers images of elegance and style . The building began life in 1683 as a country residence before becoming a school for boys in 1935 . Now its food is top of the class . Retaining many of its architectural features , Acklam Hall presents the perfect place for dining , afternoon tea or functions .
9th Cena , Yarm
Cena , on Yarm High Street , has an upmarket feel and serves authentic Italian food as well