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Good Food review is brilliant news
afé Lilli host Roberto Pittalis has
described as “brilliant” news that he
now owns the only Teesside restaurant
listed in The Good Food Guide 2018.
It’s the third successive year that the Norton
eatery has been listed in the annual foodie bible
of the UK’s very best restaurants.
“It feels so good to be the only restaurant on
Teesside listed,” said Sardinian Roberto. “It’s a
real accolade.
“When you get the news that critics rate
you as one of the best in the entire country, it’s
brilliant - you forget about all the hard work
and bad days.”
Carrying reviews based on a huge volume
of feedback received from readers and via
anonymous expert inspections, The Good Food
Guide waxed lyrical about Café Lilli, describing
it as a “happy-go-lucky bistro-style café”.
The review continues: “Much depends on
the efforts of ebullient host Roberto Pittalis,
who not only ensures that customers have a
great time but also takes care when it comes to
sourcing.”
It makes reference to Café Lilli’s
commitment to local suppliers including
buffalo purchased from Northallerton, fish
from Hodgson’s of Hartlepool and draft artisan
FOOD
The Cafe Lilli team celebrate
their Good Food success.
pilsner lager from Three Brothers in Stockton.
And it adds: “The interior is an eclectic
hotchpotch and so is the menu, which jogs
happily from spiced panko-crusted king
prawns with curried butter-bean houmous to
roast venison with blue cheese and hazelnut
crumble, mustard mash and port jus.”
Having previously run restaurants in
Durham and Middlesbrough, Roberto broke
new ground when opening Café Lilli on
Norton High Street 15 years ago – but his
bold move has proved to be a masterstroke,
as the eatery has built up a loyal and
passionate following.
Roberto gave credit to his supportive family
and his “exceptional” team of 30 staff.
“It’s fantastic to receive recognition like this
from such a prestigious source, which is a great
measure of restaurants across the country from
food industry professionals,” he added.
“It makes everybody here so proud, as it will
be on their CVs forever. We’ve always aimed to
provide the best food and best service amid the
perfect ambience without ever being what might
be called high-end.”
Christmas is coming to Café Lilli
B O O K I N G S N OW B E I N G TAK E N FO R O U R S P E C I AL E V E N T S.
Wine Tasting Evening – November 13th Christmas Eve – Samantha Durnan
Live Music Nights throughout December New Year’s Eve – The Hootones
2nd – Samantha Durnan Jan 15th – Last Anthem
17th – Last Anthem Closed – Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day.
23rd – Last Anthem All opening times & menus on our website
www.lillicafe.co.uk | Café Lilli, 83-85 Norton High Street, TS20 1AE
tees-life.co.uk
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