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