26 | Tees Business
Tees
tastes
WICKS I
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Business leaders vote for
the region’s top restaurants
No
MALTBY
WOR DS: J ACKY S TEVEL Y
20th Meze Lounge, Middlesbrough
To lounge conjures up images of being
totally relaxed – and that’s exactly how
our readers described the Meze Lounge
atmosphere. The family-owned restaurant
offers hearty Turkish dishes in a cosy
setting, where you really are in for some
traditional treats with a rich tapestry of
tastes.
19th Al Forno, Middlesbrough, Ingleby
Barwick & Darlington
You’re spoilt for choice with Al Forno
locations – but its chefs maintain the
highest quality in each. The trio of thriving
restaurants offer consistency and quality
across all three. With the maxim fresh
is best, all food is prepared totally from
scratch using fresh, locally sourced
ingredients with an Italian theme.
18th Akbars, Middlesbrough
If you’re in the mood for food, as well as
a great curry night, then head along to
Akbars on Linthorpe Road. This is one of the
most popular a la carte Indian restaurants
on Teesside, where the choice of freshly
prepared, delicious, authentic Indian, Asian,
Balti or Pakistani cuisine is sure to hit the
spot.
17th La Porto Italiano, Norton and
Billingham
Owner Adil Iletmis hit on a successful
formula when he opened his Italian
restaurant in Billingham five years ago. He
has now expanded to Norton, adding to the
growing number of places to eat along the
town’s High Street. Both restaurants offer
the same quality menu and serve lunch and
dinner ’til late – but you’re also welcome to
call in for coffee and cake too!
The results are in! It’s our
annual countdown of the
Tees region’s greatest
eateries, as voted for by
you – our local business
leaders.
16th The
Orangery, Rockliffe
Hall, Hurworth
Boasting a 4AA Rosette
accolade, the Orangery sits within the
impressive Rockliffe Hall Hotel – but is
open to guests and visitors alike. This is
the place where discerning foodies can
encounter a memorable dining experience
including a 10-course tasting menu. In a
unique process, ingredients are grown then
sourced from its own kitchen garden. So
from estate to plate and plate to palate,
everything goes hand in hand.
15th 12 Harland Place, Norton
Returning to our Top 20 after missing out
last year, 12 Harland Place is situated at the
southern end of the bustling Norton High
Street. Clearly much thought has gone
into choosing items for its décor, with an
interesting array of artefacts on display.
Look up and you’ll be amazed by its huge
chandeliers which spread their tentacles like
something from a sci-fi film to its various
styles of seating areas. By day, a great
place for a quiet coffee, mouth-watering
cakes or tasty lunch, the eatery transforms
into a vibrant evening atmosphere.
14th Bistrot Pierre, Middlesbough
Bistrot Pierre can be found in many
locations across the country and came to
Middlesbrough in 2017 – right alongside the
beautifully refurbished Town Hall. Bistrot
Pierre prides itself in offering outstanding
food with exceptional value for money, with
evening dining as well as traditional Sunday
lunches.
13th Raby Hunt, Summerhouse
Located in a rural hamlet near Darlington,
this outstanding restaurant boasts
two Michelin stars. It is only one of
20 restaurants in the UK to hold this
prestigious accolade and is the first in the
North-East to gain the award. Chef and
owner James Close was voted Chef of
the Year by The Good Food Guide in 2017.
He’s clearly a natural when it comes to
presenting fine dining.
12th Golden Lion, Osmotherley
When eating at this 18th century stone inn,
diners can expect a combination of English
staples, a little French and a touch of Italian
to satisfy and deliver. What more could you
want from such a cosy and comfortable
setting? Set in a lovely country village, it’s