Sambucca in Sunderland

Went to Sambucca on Sunday night with four friends. We were seated and told we must be out by 9pm meaning we had an hour. We were fine with tat but we’re not fine with all but one of the staff standing guard over our table making sure we would be out! And I mean standing over our shoulders glaring at us. It was very unpleasant. The food was very mediocre, in fact Philippa had ordered beef stroganoff and when it arrived it was nothing resembling stroganoff. On a brighter not there is a very lovely waitress from Romania, she really was quite charming.

We've been coming here for years but only recently came back after the pandemic etc and was over the moon to see nothing had changed. The food is amazing, the view of the river is lovely and the prices are great. The staff are lovely, we'd been away for a while but they recognised us straight away and even remembered our order - which might suggest we've eaten here *too* much in the past, haha. Definitely pay a visit if you're in the area.

We visited here during an overnight stay at the travel lodge next door. The food was absolutely amazing, such great portion sizes. All hot and freshly cooked. Lovely cocktails too!

I booked a table here with family and we could not fault the place or the meal. The staff were friendly and efficient, the view was lovely and the food was really good and great value.

I’ve been here in the past and you can’t fault the place, the restaurant is welcoming and overlooking the river. The staff are friendly and the food is tasty and a bargain. I’d highly recommend!

Enjoy your meal overlooking the river mouth as the sun goes down - very romantic. The exterior setting is utilitarian being adjacent to the fish quay and surrounded by stern fencing. It's also quite out of the way - you might live in Sunderland for years without knowing it was there. Inside has lots of touches that make it seem Italianish and these are enough to stop it feeling institutionalised.There is adequate space between tables and the atmosphere is pleasant and lively. The food is good homemade Italian fare without being cordon bleu. There is a good range of dishes and a wide variety of sea food, Helpings are good and cost is very low. Desserts are limited and my ice cream would have been good, had it not been freezer burnt and gritty. Drawing this to the attention of the staff made no difference - there was no apology, nor offer of a discount. Other than that, the service was friendly but not very attentive. On the whole it was a good experience and the mains and starters will keep me returning.

Good service and good food, venue upstairs, lift available for wheelchair access, however upstairs area cluttered took a bit of maneuvering to turn the wheelchair round once out of the lift , food lovely

Came here last week with the family as it’s very reasonably priced and child friendly for my two grandsons who love the carbonara as do I and the potato skins with dip are amazing staff are lovely can’t do enough for you and service is quick and dishes piping hot definitely recommend

Visited Friday lunchtime for £4.95 special. Soup or Potato Skin starters Pizza or Pasta from menu Coffee or ice cream Hey,for £4.95 what can you say. You've got to give it a go. Would definitely recommend and return

Family meal for 6. The service from the staff was superb. Like everyone we ordered drinks and our starters. The food arrived and the presentation was unbelievable. We had a lot of time talking and eating and the staff acknowledged that and didn't approach us. Very polite of them. Our main meals arrived and another spectacular presentation. Great fresh seafood, and choices of steak and other meals. The food was so good. After our meal the bill arrived and it was really surprisingly cheap for what we ordered. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone. Great staff, food and atmosphere. We will be back. Great place.

I went with my two little ones to try the lunch set menu which had previously been reccomended to me by a family friend and wow were we impressed. Reasonable price but decent portions and quick friendly service. The girl who served us was great with my boys and made us feel very welcome though sadly I didn’t get her name I believe she was as standard because everyone around us seemed as pleased and at ease. Couldn’t reccomend this place enough.

Came here for grandsons birthday there was 12 of us and we were served really quickly for being so many of us the meal was lovely and very cheap the staff were very friendly and helpful and sang happy birthday to my grandson

We went at the weekend for my niece's birthday. The place is decorated lovely and the views of the river are pretty. The staff were very attentive although they could of cracked a smile now and again. The prices are very reasonable and the food could not be faulted everything was tasty. The restaurant was quite chilly but that is my only complaint. Definitely a good place to eat

I was here for lunch with my mother last week , the food was lovely and the service was excellent. Great value for money 2 courses and a coffee or ice cream for £4.95! Choices were all from the main menu. Well worth a visit, better than a sandwich and a coffee for lunch.

My Daughter and I visited this restaurant today and we were pleasantly surprised with it. The service was very good and waiters pleasant . The food when it came could not be faulted cooked very well and hot could not find ant fault at all I would recommend this restaurant to anyone as the prices were very good .

Had a good meal at lunchtime here with friends we were serviced fast and food was very nice it was hot and good choice a 3 course set menu at lunchtime is just £4.95.

Este lugar es muy agradable y un gran lugar para los amigos y la familia porque es tan asequible y de calidad es increíble! Las pizzas son deliciosas y el personal es tan amable, es un lugar bonito y hay un aparcamiento justo fuera! El interior es básico, muy limpio y el ambiente es siempre bueno con la gente! Yo lo recomiendo encarecidamente!

Always have very nice food here, everything is fresh, no rubbish or frills just nice italian food. The happy hour deal is amazing, though the portions of potato skins are getting a little smaller. 4/5 food that has a 2/5 price tag.

Llamado en aquí cuando visite South Shields por la tarde. Disfrutamos de una comida deliciosa, el personal era muy servicial y nos cambiaron a una ventana cuando uno se convirtió en. Había un rumor en el apartamento de encantador para disfrutar de la comida y los comensales acogedor entorno - muy bien hecho involved

Fuimos un domingo aquí con la familia, la comida de tres platos es una ganga, hay mucho para comer y de gran calidad.

Decidimos visitar para una cena temprano a mediados de semana. . No habíamos reservado pero no hay problema para conseguir una mesa.

Booked for a family members birthday. Staff were very friendly. Food was simply beautiful. We love this place and come regularly. The lasagne is to die for. Prices are so low for what you get. Would highly recommend.

As my title indicates happy hour shouldn't just reflect the price, it should surely be transferred to the staffs faces.The staff were totally miserable, not at all happy about the hour we spent thereStarter are what they are potato skins with garnish of only a shred of lettuce and nothing else. Rude waiting staff leaning over diners who are eating. Main courses were very mediocre with a table of 8 not having a good word to say about any of our meals.The ice cream was vile, a powdery after taste that was repulsive.Yes you get what you pay for, but I I wouldn't eat again here for free. I've been to other Sambuccas in the area and they are far better than this.The men's toilet door being wide open when you first get their is very off puttingWon't be back ,crap food, crap service and crap atmosphere

I've been to sambucas 3 times recently & I can't complain about the choice, excellent value for money, good quality food & the staff are all lovely. I think there could be some slight changers to the restaurant, a waiting/bar area, the toilets aren't the best & the restaurant isn't very big. But I would urge anyone to try it. I highly recommend the goats cheese starter & the sambuca chicken. The sea food main was massive could have easily done 2 people & the sardine starter was huge. Sambuca have a no. Of restaurants dotted around the north east & even Benidorm!!

Can't fault the food at Sambucca, staff are great too !! But please sort the filthy toilets out they are a disgrace!!! Let's the place down !!!

My fiancee and I visited for Sunday Lunch. We had the 3 course special (£6.95 for 3 Courses), we both ordered potato skins to start - they were served within 2 minutes of our order being taken, lovely and crispy with 2 very tasty dips. I had the lamb and my fiancee the beef dinners - both were decent portions with plenty of meat, desserts were ice cream - just enough after already having 2 courses.Service was very quick, we were in and out in around 40 minutes, may be the quickest I've ever had a 3 course meals.Overall very good value, will go again.

Visited sambucca's in South Shields a few times and always happy with what we get so we called in to the Sunderland quayside sambucca's this lunchtime with wife and granddaughter, not to busy about 30 other customers, we were served quickly and service staff were very pleasant.Under a fiver for 3 course special can't really go wrong can you. Granddaughter devoured the pizza. Lovely place with lovely staff

Restaurant situated above the fish quay in Sunderland, with great views of the river.Not the most sophisticated of restaurants, but an authentic atmosphere, good service, and food at very reasonable prices. A good place to take the kids, or for a mid week treat, but perhaps not the choice for your wedding anniversary. We'll be going again.

I had a steak from here which was cooked to perfection (medium rare) and the service was amazing, brought 5 sambucca shots for everyone on the table as it was my bro and sis birthday! Fab food and fab service!

Been here today and had the three course special which is well worth the money the carbonara is delicious my grandson cleared his plate will definitely be back service was lovely all staff very helpful

We have been to a few of the Sambucca restaurant's found this little jewel quite by accident had the lunch time special three course for under £4. The staff were friendly the view through the window beautiful and the food was fantastic. Will definetly be going back

Ate there last night as a couple. We had a garlic bread with cheese and tomato, one chicken stuffed with goats cheese and honey sauce with veg and one pollo valdestano. All lovely and decent portion.Really excellent value for money!Good efficient and friendly service and nice family environment.We'll be back!

Visit here a lot and each time the food is spot on and no complaints. The special are excellent value for money and the staff are very friendly without getting in the way. The portions are slightly small in the special but for less than £4 a head it's not an issue. Sunday lunch belly pork a favourite.

Had lunch here with family.Meals served quickly by efficient and pleasant staff.Had lunchtime special at £3.95 ,plenty to choose from , not enormous portions but wasn't expecting it considering the price.Meals where hot and nicely presented and tasty.My grandkids loved the view of the river so recommend window seats.Nice place to return too.

A lover of the Sambucca offer, I have visited numerous of them over the past few months and by comparison Sunderland is the poor relation.Lower quality food and surroundings and the Gents toilet wants condemning.Although I am from Sunderland I will travel to Sambuccas further afieldWhat is it with Sunderland and food?

A great night, food was excellent with a good atmosphere and location overlooking the river. DO NOT let the fishy smell at the entrance and stairs put you off. Staff were very attentive without being intrusive, but most of all the food was delicious at a very reasonable price. Will definatley return with other friends and family.

Went as a party of 8 to celebrate a birthday.The place was heaving when we arrived probably with people taking advantage of the specials before the SAFC home game.Food was good value - only £3.95 for special menu (served til 5pm on a Saturday) and drinks are reasonably priced also.Staff were attentive and friendly Been there a few times and will be back again.Recommended

Frst time at this restaurant though have eaten at a number of their other locations. My sister and I both had the potato skins to start which were fine, crispy and two dips. I had the tagliatelle bolognase, the tagliatelle was cooked to perfection and she had a pizza which was sort of breakfast ingredients again both dishes were good quality and good quantity there was plenty there to eat and we both had coffee afterwards. Including a couple of drinks under 17 quid. We recently ate at the house of tides OK very different but almost 10 times the price. The table itself was overlooking the quayside in the conservatory part. Really hard to fault at the price.

myself and a party of 10 went to Sambuca on New years Eve from walking in the door we were made to feel very welcome we were shown to our table and given time to look through the delightful menu before our starters order was taken.we all tried different meals and no one was disappointed with the portion presentationor indeed the quality.We then proceeded to the mains of again which was quite a variety form Pasta and Pizza to steaks lobsters and fish dishes again we all tried something different and again we were all really surprised to the point all the plates were cleared again.The prices through were very reasonable and the drinks prices were very reasonable only problem all lager drinks were bottles or cans but hey not a major set back would definately use this restaurant again and would recommend a try.

It's not The Ritz, but it's fine, perfect for a cheap pizza after work or before heading into town - pizzas always seem really nice.

Young girl took the huff because i sent my starter as it smelt disgusting!! Actually gave her colleague my glass of pop so she didn't have to come to the table very unprofessional

Cheap food not of good quality, have had bad experiences from this place as food is not tasty! I have visited other sambuccas before and found them to be absolutely gorgeous and excellent value mainly the one in Durham which is of very high standard!

I've been here many times as it's a cheap and convenient place to eat. The food is always cooked well and very tasty and for what you pay is a bargain. The staff a decent but the male waiters to offer a more attentive service to the female customers I've noticed......

We arrived at 8pm to a very busy Saturday night The menu served a selection of very reasonable pizza and pasta dishes however as it was a family get together we decided to go off the specials menu. I had spicy king prawns which came served looking fabulous. Three of the five of us chose the surf and turf. Great choice as the steak was tender and juicy served medium as requested. I had recommended the restaurant having been previously on a Works Staff night out and nobody was dissatisfied. The staff are efficient and courteous and the food lovely....try it

My uncle died and we went to clear his home..3 days later my daughter recommended for happy hour lunch ..just a stones throw from my uncles ..a truly amazing happy hour lunch

We visited Sambucca twice in one week, the first as a family and the second time with friends. The staff are always friendly, and the food is always good. The pizza and pasta is well priced, but you can pay more for the specials which are worth it.There was a 3 course special on Mondays and Tuesday's when we went which was great value.

You always know the food is going to be good. Only had the pizza this time as part of the meal deal. The smell going into the place was horrendous due to the proximity of the wet fish shop. Thankfully the smell dissappeared once inside. Really enjoyed getting a nice meal for £4.00 for 3 courses. How can you go wrong with that? Good service.

Myself and partner frequently dine here with the confidence of been satisfied in every way, always looking forward to the next time we return.

Pros- Sambucca offers great value for money- Pizzas and pastas are tasty. - the price is reflective of the simply cooked Italian food is simple surroundings. We are always surprised at getting 2 courses each with drinks for about £13Cons: - Not the place for a romantic meal in our experience (quick meal and out) - Only 1 toilet for ladies and one for men so there is sometimes a queue Sambucca is great for a leisurely lunch or good value evening meal

There was 20 people at this celebration but there was no room to comfortably have a pre drink because it was full and we waited about 20 mins for our table, but when we did get seated the food and service was good

Had a meal here with the family last week, first time I had visited and there was a large group of us. The restaurant itself is nice although a little noisy, and lovely views. However the service from the waitresses/waiter was appalling. They made you feel so rushed to get everything done and one waiter tried to take the starter from my 3 year old daughter when she hadn't finished and was clearly still eating! They were very rude and abrupt and just in a rush to get us out as quickly as possibly which was a shame as we were there for a celebration. Much friendlier Italians around especially if you like to sit and enjoy your meal without being rushed through it.

Love the Italian back ground music that makes sambucca think you are in Italy having a fab meal the sister of the chain in Santana's and their Jesmond restaurant is also fantastic well worth a visit.. So pleased we now have one in Hartlepool which we tried sat night, brilliant but please make sure you book as they queu at the door

Great place to have a decent lunch without breaking the bank. If you opt for the £3.95 lunch special, you can have 3 courses and can even go for the seafood pasta or pizza. Drinks are a little pricey, but they have to make their money somehow. Always busy (no wonder) and plenty of staff on duty so service is extremely quick. Great view of the river too so a good vibe all round. Worth a visit.

Five of us visited here at lunchtime and found the meal to be very good value. The menu is limited with two starters but we found both to be nice. You get a choice of any pasta or pizza for your main course and ice cream or cona coffee to finish. All of the above is great value at only 3.95 each and the drinks are also really cheap.The restaurant is positioned on the banks of the river wear next to the fish quay. I agree with most of the comments about the smell on the stairs and at the entrance, they are strong and off putting but once your inside the restaurant it's fine. The restaurants decore is nice and it has great views of the river wear. We found the service to be very freindly, a little rushed but for the price you pay they have to have several sittings to make money. The meals are basic but cooked well and sambuccas is an ideal place to take your family especially if you have a large family and are on a budget. Our meal came to £29 for five people with drinks which is very good value.

I often visit the sambucca in Durham which is great food and friendly staff , so thought we would give the Sunderland sambucca a try . We had two young children and a baby with us at visit which has never been a problem when we visited at Durham. When the children were still eating their meals the staff took the food away, they should be more understanding that children sometimes take a little longer to eat. After finishing I was just about to feed my 3 month old son who was crying for his lunch to be told of the manager I couldn't breast feed my son as he had a que and feeding my son would take too long !!! I couldn't believe what I was hearing I started to get my coat on and he came back and told my friend that she had to pay bill at bar as he needed table ASAP !!He had a disgusting attitude ! I ended up having to feed my son outside in the car park (in December !) so i can safely say I will not be eating here again , I don't care if the food is cheap it doesn't give him the right to say I can't feed my son ! You get better service in McDonald's !

If you want tasty food and don't want to sit around for hours head to Sambucca, food is excellent and extremely good value for money. Staff very friendly

Me n hubby went for Sunday lunch as we had heard it was good value for money(£5.95). Starter of soup, main course of beef then coffee or ice cream and we weren't disappointed. Very busy but good atmosphere, service was quick by the friendly attentive staff. Views over the river where nice too. Glass of house red was £3.50 but you can get a bottle for £8.50 so bear that in mind if you are going as a group. Have to say I didn't find the restaurant smelling of fish at all however just by the main entrance and were the toilets are you could smell fish a little, not that overpowering. What do you expect when this place is on the fish key above the fresh fish shop! All in all will visit again but order from the menu next time as some of the seafood meals sound divine.

If you are looking for somewhere special or fine dining then this isn't it. If however you want decent food at an honest price in okay surroundings this will do you fine. There were five of us in the round table near the window. View was wonderful the draught from the door was freezing. Service was efficent and friendly. Starters arrived on huge plates (they seem to use the same plates for every meal). We had garlic bread, mushrooms and potato skins. Nothing fancy just plainly presented but the quality wasn't too bad at all and the food was tasty. Mains were pizza and pasta and again there were no flourishes on the plate but the taste of the food was fine. Pasta lovers said portions were a bit tight but that was reflected in the price. Desserts were promptly dispatched and again were functional but not special. Like I said at the start if you are looking for functionality you can't fault the place or the food but if you want special it isn't for you.

Visited in March whilst spending a weekend in Durham with Family. The steaks are second to none and very well priced. The restaurant has a great atmosphere. Really enjoyed it.

We booked here for a birthday meal, others in the family had dined here on a lunch time & said it was good.On arriving into the building there was an awful smell of fish, we were shown to a table around a corner infront of an open window which was part of the bar servic area, the resturaunt was cold, there wer 2 calor gas heaters in the room, people were sitting with coates on, it was uncomfortable.The food was nice what we had, after the first course the waitress wanted to give me back a fork i had used? I asked for a second glass of wine & instead of bringing a clean glass they took the one i had used & filled it up at the bar. i have never experienced that in a resturaunt. There was an awful bad egg smell coming from the bar area probably the sink? very off putting it was when eatinf food.One of our party asked for tea & a cup came with a tea bag floating in it? what happened to a small tea pot?The management need to address a few areas in their business i.e. the smell of fish.... the drain which stunk of bad eggs coming from the bar area..... & the way they serve people. Food was acceptable the rest needs addressing as since we have heard a few people say about the same smell & how cold it was too.