Sambuca Metro in Gateshead

Hands down the best Italian meal I would say we have ever had. We had mussels to start and the belly pork with black pudding. Both were very tasty and the mussels were fab. For mains we had the tiger prawn aioli pasta and a fillet jabalaya with chips and a side of salad. We shared both starters and mains as we always do, and genuinely couldn’t decide which was the nicest dish. Tasty and cooked to perfection. The steak absolutely melted in your mouth. Service was great, a couple of shots at the end of the meal too. We aren’t local so was only by chance driving past that we saw it and walked in without a booking. 100% recommend.

The food was excellent as usual and the price is great. Iv been a few times and it’s always excellent value for money. The lasagne is always fantastic, freshly cooked and piping hot. Brilliant place to eat

Fantastic food, staff excellent really warm welcome, i would recommend everything. kids will really enjoy it, will be back.

So, we visit Sambuca fairly regularly, as I love their spaghetti bolognese but have never tried the Sunday carvery. Until today….our first but definitely not last Sunday visit! As usual we had a very warm welcome from manager and staff, restaurant was busy but we were able to get seated no problem (we hadn’t reserved in advance). Choice of 4 meats - roast beef, gammon, turkey and pork, which were all lean and sausages and crackling were offered. Chef serving was really pleasant and meat portions were generous. Plenty of fresh veg - from memory, roast and mashed potatoes, cabbage, peas, carrots, cauliflower - none of it looked like it had been boiled to death (which is what Toby veg usually looks like) and I actually saw staff sanitising serving tongs/spoons, which I have NEVER seen any other carvery do. Yorkshire puddings were huge and crispy - just how I like them and gravy was perfect. Thoroughly enjoyed our lunch, will 100% be back! Perfect lunch, excellent value for money. Five stars from me!

I don’t have Italian food very often but if I lived near here it would be a regular haunt! Lovely food, great service and reasonably good value.

First time visiting this restaurant. Fabulous food, very impressed. Drinks were cheap. I will definitely be going again. I'd heard good things but still very impressed with the place.

Have to say the ambience and atmosphere of this place is great throughout. Its a bit unfortunate that some of the dining chairs have seen better days and really need renewed. There is quite a comprehensive menu, mainly Italian based. The staff are absolutely wonderful. Helpful, friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. I chose chicken wings as my starter, which was a bad move. The chicken was good, the sauce they were served in nicely flavoured and full of peppers and onion. But it is difficult to eat chicken wings with a knife and fork and using fingers would be horribly messy, so I enjoyed it but couldn't be bothered to finish it. Hubby had belly pork and black pudding. I didn't manage to grab a piece of pork, but he said it was very good. I did get to try his black pud, and it was intriguing. Beautifully spiced and really smooth. For mains he went for seafood pasta. There was no linguini, his usual choice, so he went for spaghetti. Sorry but he found the dish uninspiring. I went for the fish platter off the special menu. It was pretty big. Lots of mussels and rather chewy squid rings (out of the freezer I guess) a fillet of unidentifiable white fish shallow fried in a thin batter, and this piece of similarly fried, but absolutely gorgeous, salmon. OOh. So I guess good in parts is the best review I can offer

Me and my mam are regulars at sambuca metro centre. On this occasion we got the three corse special which I believe was 8:95 which was amazing value for money. Service was extreamly fast and food was amazing, can’t wait too come back !!!

I called in for a quick lunch on Tuesday with my mam and 2 children (9&14) Seated straight away and asked after a few minutes for our drinks order. We all decided on the 3 courses for £8.95 Potato skins were lovely, and the presentation was great. I chose the spaghetti bolognese, mam had the arrabiata, and the kids had a pizza. Portion size was amazing for the price, and it was really tasty (I was expecting it to be bland for the price) The ice cream at the end just topped our meal off. All in all...it was amazing, and we'll definitely be back soon.

I been to day for meal with my family I get good look after very nice food specially my Arabiata All my family was very happy kids enjoy the pizza Thank you SAMBUCA

This was hastily chosen from Google Maps on a work trip whilst staying at the nearby Travelodge. I seriously am impressed. A shaky start with waiting for an order to be taken - those who arrived earlier were asked before me and I was clearly ready and waiting. However, this was short-lived. I ordered the Tiger Prawn Aioli and it was just brilliant. For £15 it had several prawns in (would have liked more, as always) loads of chillies, red onion and you get your choice of pasta; “stabby, scoopy or twirly” as it was described. I went with tagliatelle, but it was a fun and light-hearted way of asking which pasta I wanted. There is a 3 course menu for £8.95 which is clearly a hit with locals or visitors and deservedly so. The place was busier than usual according to Google, and there were guests who were obviously known by the maitre d’. He hosted really well and was friendly to guests and staff alike. Overall, a great eating experience.

One of our regular pit stops! Great value.....where else can you grab a quick 3 course for £8.95 Mon~Thurs until 9pm? Ideal after some retail therapy or pre cinema food. 3 course steak menu is fab value also, never had any issues! Lemon meringue cheesecake is gorgeous! Lovely lattés also! Staff are great, always have some banter, even at peak times! Only criticism is, although clean, the interior could do with a makeover! Lighten and brighten😁

Another great visit. 2 Steaks of our 3 meals were preferred on this visit, one rare and one medium, both tasty and very well cooked. My chicken dish was also spot on with depth of flavour in the sauce and 3 lovely king prawns on the top.........the food again was lovely with skilled chefs serving up great food as the norm in any Sambuca restaurant in the north east. They just seem to have it all sussed and good at what they do ....impressed again.....I think the waiting on staff just need to be a bit more attentive which would ensure a perfect evening instead of just a good evening.....

Found a hair in my parmesan. The plate got taken away with a big chunk of the parmo left and got told “oh it was just some arm hair as the pizza chef isn’t allowed to wear gloves”. Very unhygienic and disgusting to tell your customers and a lot of the parmo got taken away too for inspection, we didn’t get any of that back or just a new parmo. they didn’t take anything off the bill or rectify the issue at all. Was expected to eat a parmo that had arm hair in it. 0/10 for service. Food was mid.

We book a meal at this place by recommendations What could say is that service is slow from entering to leaving about 1half hours part of that Was stood at the door it a disorganised place when we did sit down it took 10 min to be served most of what on the menu has wine in it there nobody as diet requirements ,food I would not serve to a dog I asked for stake meadum to reared should have been nice juice running out it was more dry charcoal burnt but if lether ,there is no body come and aks on food quality at all the chips look like the oil not been change in weeks over all I say 0 not place ever go back to for cost you know when you have had crap food you have to go and fide food there 2 thins that make good is food and service this has neither

Visited at teatime on a busy Saturday, we didn't have a booking but were shown to a table pretty much straight away. Service was friendly and quick. Food was fabulous, I had the cajun chicken pasta, I like a bit of cream in my sauce and this was no problem, It was super tasty! My 10 year old had the margarita pizza, said it was the best she'd ever had. Thank you to the team for a wonderful experience.

We were seated quickly, 2 good set menus. Obviously the staff only want the customers to sit in a certain area. The old Frankie & bennys restaurant is now run down, with a old Christmas scene wall print, some of the old restaurant pictures still up, broken Lights & the toilets have pictures of bald men in, whom I assume are the owners are staff!! I ate from the £8.95 menu & my dad ate from The £24 menu. Our starters came out quickly, then our mains followed quickly. My dad orderd the lamb chops, he said they were greasy and full of fat. My pizza was lovely. My dad had lemon cheesecake for desert. We then ordered a tea & a coffee. The service was fine, the food was fine but the restaurant itself needs some TLC, it looks run down & shabby

Fantastic food from the potato skins, pate, pizza, fish special and tiramisu, brilliant service and really great price.

We went here with family to celebrate a birthday. Clearly it used to be a Franky & Benny’s because the fittings inside, right down to the photos on the wall are all still the F&B style. The staff were nice and service prompt, despite it...

I have been to this restaurant a few times and never had any issues, went today and had the carvery for the first time and again can't fault anything. The veg was lovely and fresh and the meat cooked to perfection and the biggest Yorkshire...

A lovely evening was spent here. There were 3 of us at this sitting. Opting for 3 different mains we had a Napoli pizza, pollo sambuca ( tomato sauce with roasted peppers and mozzarella stuffing ) and a chicken volcano ( spicy with prawns ).....all...

We have been here a couple of times this week the food was amazing and the staff are all really nice and helpful we have been for the carvery for the first time it was lovely highly recommend will definitely be back 😍

Visited here twice in the last 6 weeks and had a fabulous meal on both occasions. Tonight we visited as a part of 5 and thoroughly enjoyed it. The cheesy garlic bread is my absolute favourite (delish!) and although it is an Italians… we all...

Dined here on a Friday night. Fairly busy however staff were attentive, very organised and clearly customer focused having watched interactions with others. We opted for lasagne and the smashed burger. Both were delicious, piping hot and s looked appealing. The onion rings were light...

Greated then Show straight to table asked about drinks then ordered I got lasagna which was delicious and piping hot and for under £8 was amazing the boy had cheese burger and fries all I can say is WOW the burger was the best meaty...

Absolutely lovely food and atmosphere. The staff went above and beyond to help make my night special, extra thanks to Mario for keeping us laughing 😊

Fantastic place for a family meal. Staff were polite, very helpful and fun. They made a great effort for the birthday cake and song. Highly recommended! Also food was very good.

This is the second time we've visited this place. The service is exceptional, the food really good. Tha atmosphere is laid back and pleasant, and there's no pressure to eat and exit. Great. We'll be back

Not quite sure where the last couple of bad reviews have come or even if they are reviewing the right restaurant. We have starting using this Sambucca just since July 2022 and I have yet to fault any of the food we have had when...

visited saturday evening food obviously microwaved not nice at all,the desserts were stale they must have been standing for days absolutley worst sambuca ive ever been to you should be investigated by food hygeine.

Not a pleasant experience.. watery gravy, watery root veg, bland veg and TWO POUND for half soda water.. won't be back

All you need from an Italian. Hope more people pick up on it cos it’s in a slightly awkward location where they probably get less drop ins due to the metrocentre activities being just that tiny bit further away. Best Italian option in the metrocentre...

Visited today on the off chance as hadn't booked. There were four of us. Waited maybe 15 minutes max which was completely acceptable. Our meals were gorgeous. Service impeccable. Staff were very attentive but not overpowering. Altogether an enjoyable experience which we will repeat. Well...

We are regular Customers to Sambucas, the food is always 5star, the staff and service is first class! We arrived tonight to a warm welcome, we were impressed to see a new extended menu, separate from the usual Italian menu... Burgers! We got the Sambuca...

Great food and great value as always, but a special mention for the new burger menu - absolutely delicious! Try it, you won’t be disappointed…

Just left after being there with a party of 9 for my little girls birthday! Had to post to say how absolutely amazing the evening was… food and service was outstanding! Thank you so much for making our little girls special day even more special!...

I truly cannot fault this restaurant, every time we’ve visited we’ve been blown away by the amazing service, fabulous food & the best staff. Love this place & will definitely keep coming back xx🥰

Staying in the Travel Lodge, Metro Centre, TGI Fridays, Wagamamas and a new one for me, Sambuka. Advertised an early week steak night. Gave it a go. From the moment we went through the door Sambuka had an air of class. First of all it...

Found Sambuca Metro a couple of years ago, ( before Covid) - and haven't eaten anywhere else since. Great welcoming atmosphere, from the time you step in the door. All of the team are friendly and attentive even when the place is packed out (...

Had such a great time here on Friday night. Took the family, 10 of us to celebrate our engagement. Staff so attentive and made us feel special. Fabulous food, lovely drinks, shots and a free bottle of wine. Great place with fabulous atmosphere. Would definitely...

great food staff are brilliant only been hear twice and love the place the staff where excelent with my daughter who has speacil needs

Awful food, like a basic 'Italian' from 25 years ago. Obviously the cheapest ingredients. The restaurant is very tired looking with no atmosphere. It's still decorated like frankie and bennys (which is what it used to be). The woman who took our order was lovely,...

Wow I've read a few reviews May I start by saying we travel over 30 miles to visit this beautiful restaurant When entering we are met by either Mario or Zoro who are both friendly and welcoming When seated we have been asked about drinks...

Popped in for evening meal as convenient to nearby hotel. Given table with no issue, I would say was averagely busy. Waiter himself was pleasant enough. We ordered one all you can eat sunday roast and one of the chicken dishes. The chicken dish was...

In a group of 12 (adults and kids) we visited the place after the whole day out. From the level of ignorance you can tell straight away who are the owners. After about 5 minutes I asked older (italian i think) man could we get...

This is the best sambucas I have been to. Me and my friend frequent this one at least once a fortnight. The staff are exceptional especially Patricia all ways polite and friendly. my friend is a coeliac and they go above and beyond to ensure...

Visited last night as a group of 4. Service was exceptionally slow, no one came to table to ask if everything was ok. One started came as part of the main meal? Had to physically call a waiter to request further drinks. No atmosphere at...

Can never go wrong with Sambucas. Simple classic Italian food which is always very good. In such a convenient spot aswell

What a fantastic place. Called for a drink but the staff were so nice, we stayed all evening and had a meal too. Superb drinks and food. Thanks for a great evening. 5 stars.

Visited here for lunch. All the food was superb and good portion sizes. Steak was cooked to perfection and pizza was great. Would recommend the cheese cake! Staff were friendly. Overall good value and we will return. Would definately recommend.

Service was quick staff friendly food delicious and hot would definitely have again atmosphere was good family oriented

We just wandered in for dinner, and just two words…absolutely delicious. Great ambience and we loved the booth setup and comfortable seats. Felt instantly at home there, and the staff were great. The menu is choka with authentic Italian choices and one of the best...

A late decision to go for a Sunday Carvery after a day at the Metrocentre. All the essentials in the selection with a good range of meats. Prices were good which went well with the high quality of the food, 4 completely empty plates at...

Have been to a couple of Sambuca restaurants and this is my first time at the one at the metrocentre. The service was excellent the food was good of a good standard and was served hot which for most restaurants is very rare these days....

Good service. Hard and dry potato skins, rest of food was exceedingly bland. Told skins were meant to be crispy and chef sent his apologies only i saw him shrug his shoulders like he couldn't give a dam! Only saving grace was tiramisu which again...

It was a Saturday night, and luckily we had pre booked, as there was a birthday group and a party which sounded like a hen party. Our service was slow. We had to remind the waitress for a round of drinks. That said, hubby had...

Excellent food, good portions, service brilliant. Definitely worth a visit. WE WILL BE BACK. Sambuca great place

Came here for dinner with my in-laws. The food was good, well priced and the service was godd, the staff were friendly and polite.

Omg, absolutely amazing, couldn't fault the food or staff. We had steak and it was cooked perfectly. I highly recommend this restaurant. And we will be back very soon..

We've been there yesterday, and the staff was so nice and friendly, the food was so tasty and we get a nice slice of cheesecake on the house and it was awesome ! I recommend to try their stake and chicken..are beautiful ! We definitely...

Called in here for tea as we often do, and always quite like the food. However tonight it was pretty bad. Strangest lasagna I’ve ever had in an Italian restaurant, there was no béchamel sauce on it. It was like a cheap pub grub type....

We had a great evening, Kala and the team couldn't have been more helpful We ordered off menu It was no trouble at all I have nothing but praise for everyone here We couldn't recommend this high enough Well worth the 60 mile all round...

I’m not one for writing reviews but I need to say a massive THANK YOU 😋 We have just ordered the steak special 🥩 ✔️The service is absolutely exceptional, nothing is ever a problem. ✔️ The starters, we amazing and the portion sizes are HUGE...

Ordered a takeout due to the current situation and could not fault. Picked up my order and the staff were so welcoming and food was amazing. Will be ordering next week for my birthday and i can’t wait 😋😋

We had a delivery yesterday teatime & some items were missing, this is fair enough as its an easy mistake & they were probably busy, however we could not get through to them to request a replacement, so I messaged them, I had a response...

I was a little apprehensive if I’m being totally honest, but I only have one word.... WOW!! Delivered within 30 minutes, piping hot and so tasty! Absolutely 100% recommend this service, can’t wait until it opens fully so we can visit the actually restaurant! 😋😋😋

This restaurant was a very convenient location (near my accommodation). Thought I would give it a go and have the advertised three course lunch special. The potato skins were served 'open face' with two dips and some shredded lettuce: they were not too salty and...

I can’t thank the staff enough for their 5* customer service from the waitress to the kitchen staff and management. Food was absolutely fantastic and amazing value would definitely return. Well done Sambuca metro *****

First thing I'd like to address, what is the point of the staff wearing face masks if they continuously keep taking them off? There was one waiter who's mask was just hanging on to his top lip, two of the waitresses kept taking them off...

Having never been to sambucas and hearing good reviews we decided to give it a try whilst the government help to eat oit scheme was on and unfortunately were left disappointed. On first impressions i was not impressed with the decor, its basically an old...

We booked a table for 8pm. Seating was delayed by 29minutes however I can't fault the service or the food in anyway. The staff were amazing, attentive and very entertaining at times. The food was delicious with huge portions. No room for a pudding however...

Needing a meal for the children and us we called into Sambucas at the Metrocentre for a meal that we could rely on.....how wrong we were! The service from all was appalling and that’s before we mention the food, the staff struggled to understand a...

I have to be honest and say, I only ate here because other restaurants nearby were busy but I am so pleased I did! The staff are super friendly, nothing is too much bother for them. The food was lovely, plentiful and piping hot -...

Absolutely fantastic food for a bargain price!! Great friendly staff, especially our waitress Mel 💖

Fantastic food this is our 3rd time at metro sambucca and again couldn't complain. Great service, friendly & helpful staff. We will be back again as we really enjoy the food & service.. thanks sambucca metro

We have visited here Sambuca metro few times since it opened we visited again today I can honestly say I have never been disappointed with the food or the service the staffs are so friendly and helpful. On top of all that you get excellent...

Thank u to zoro for his great service and lovely manner we will be bk as always great steak. Pastas and pizzas lovely free starters well looked after thank u reccomend highly 👍

Myself and my 16 year old daughter visited after a shopping trip to the metro centre. The food was lovely, big portions. The service was also good. They were participating in the “Eat out to help out” scheme, but even if they hadn’t been it...

Although both service and food were good quality we were really disappointed to be told when the bill Was produced that they had retracted themselves from the government scheme as advertised on the website (the reason we visited) There was plenty opportunity to state this...

Staff were ok. Food was actually nice. What was a terrible shame was the fact they advertise as being signed up to the governments eat out to help out scheme which is why we visited. However after giving us the bill the staff decided to...

I booked Sambucca for my sons birthday. All staff wore face coverings and there was hand sanitizer as you entered. Our table had a bit of a wobble (uneven floor) so our waitress moved us to another one without any hesitation or fuss. The staff...

Second time visiting this restaurant since it opened at the Metro. Instantly greeted at the door and get taken to the table with good service. Staff are very good with customers and very sociable! The food on the other hand... DELICIOUS! Great with portion sizes...

We travelled 28 miles to dine at Sambuca Metro, Kala Anwar one of the new owners Couldn't have been more hospitable We where welcomed by Mario who then looked after us all evening. We ordered drinks they came swiftly, the food order was taken. Firstly...

Been here a few times but this one blew me away I came in solo as I was on my way home and fancy somthing to eat I opted for a pizza and boy it dident disappoint I went for a diavola pizza and it...

Really let down. No social distancing, instead of filling tables from the bottom filled from the top so every customer has to walk past you. Staff wore masks as chin straps no were near mouth or nose. Waited argued with the chef very loudly didnt...

Saw an offer for take away of any pasta or pizza for £5 which we decided to go ahead with. I called ahead and asked was this offer still available for collection and was told yes but we could have potato skins or chips and...

We ordered food for Fathers day and came home hot and fresh. We had 2 courses for £5.95, potato skins, chicken Kiev pizza, chicken Alfredo pasta and an extra Sambuca stuffed chicken. Portions were huge and all very delicious and fresh. Packaged up great so...

Just had a takeaway Sunday dinner from Sambucas. The service on the phone was excellent, it was delivered within 20 mins and food was piping hot. It was also gorgeous and brilliant value for money. Meat was lean, loads of veg and the taste was...

Visited today to try the 3 course menu. Great value for money £6.95 for 3 courses. We had potatoe skins then as a couple we decided to share a pizza and pasta both were very tasty and didnt lack ingredients. We finished on a coffee...

Visited here during the week for tea, all very over powering, staff literally pouncing on you to order them hovering over you to finish meals !! I have visited many of the sambuccas, but would not return to this one!! Food was average

Me and my granddaughter visited this place after shopping at the metro centre, we got a warm welcome from the friendly staff. Our food was fantastic, compliments to the chefs. We will be back soon!

Me and my friends regularly visit this restaurant on our journey home from work and the food is always fresh and delicious. It’s very good value for money. Would definitely recommend this place!

It was the first time me and my partner have visited this restaurant however we frequently visit all the other sambucas. Our friends recommended this place to us so we had to try it! The restaurant was very busy but we got our table right...

Called in for lunch today. The food was as always fabulous, really tasty & fresh & the team made us very welcome. Always have a lovely time, whenever we come. Totally worth a visit 😜

I've been to many Sambuca restaurants and almost every time have had a pleasant experience, however this time I did not. The staff were incredibly loud and were shouting across the restaurant making it hard to relax and talk to my partner. The music was...

Good food, hot and tasty. Staff were friendly and seemed happy to be at work!! Clean plates all round but next time I'll be there before 5 for the happy hour!!!

Me and my husband visited Sambuca metro centre for the first time and we were very impressed with the quality of the food, it was delicious. The staff are very attentive and helpful. We will return again soon.

Food is good standard and staff are welcoming and nice interior and get rather warm in side wheelchair friendly and even open the door for you if you need help with it and taken to table that would be suitable plentiful on the menu to...

Staff were helpful. Food was poor. Potato skins completely overdone. Ham on pizza very cheap and tasted that way. Won’t be returning. Agree with another reviewer about the loud chat and increasingly loud music - wish we’d read the reviews before visiting.

Don’t recommend at all. Soup arrived cold, although they did replace it. Everything else we ordered just didn’t taste nice . Potato skins and chips both undercooked . Lasagne had more tomato than anything else, pizza dough wasn’t cooked properly. Complained about soup but really...