Tavistock Retro Italian in Gateshead

We visited this restaurant on the recommendation of my daughter and son in law and what an absolute hidden gem . We will definitely return the food is incredible and the service well what can I say apart from above and beyond. The lay out and decor is beautiful and traditional Italian music playing too which we loved we will definitely return 1000% grazie for such a wonderful evening until next time .

Thank you Camilla and Gaia, for your great and friendly service; we enjoyed our food and the ambiance; and your friendly faces and banter added to the enjoyment of our evening.

Food wasn’t great and male waiter was quite rude. We ordered starters and fillet steaks. My husband’s steak came out over cooked so we sent it back to be told that the chef was ‘overwhelmed’ as they had a couple of tables which had just walked in and not booked. I’d hate to see the quality of food if they were actually busy. When my husband’s steak came out after another long wait, he sent it back as I’d eaten my food so we asked for the bill, paid and left. Such a shame as we had booked for our anniversary meal and thought we would try for a change. Unfortunately we won’t be going back. However we’ve given it a 2 star as the wine was nice and the two waitresses were also lovely.

Found this restaurant on Tripadvisor as we are staying at Lumley Castle. It certainly lived up to the excellent reviews . A nice welcome and the place was vibrant and warm Starters were excellent and the main course didn’t disappoint either. The staff were excellent and very attentive. Don’t hesitate to book this place if you’re looking for a good Italian restaurant while in the area.

Rang up a bit last minute and got booked in straight away. Been here numerous times and never dissapoints. Food is amazing, Staff always spot on especially Dominic. Would recommend this place 100%

Fine if your a small group 16 of us, only 2 other dinner's in whole of resturant Could have easily of accomadeted pushing tables together The oldest waiter was extremely abrupt and made us feel very unwelcome, outspoken and rude. We all said such a shame he spoilt our tea,

Great food and excellent service. 2nd time I have been and everything been great both times. Very friendly staff. Hope to be back again soon

Found this place while stopping in the Travelodge Northbound services, after finding it on Google the hotel receptionist also reccomend it (which is always a good sign) we were about to drive the 10 minutes it said on Google maps but there are gaps in the services fence meaning it's a 2 to 3 minute walk tops (we were also informed this by the receptionist) absolutely stunning food and plenty of it, the staff who are a family run restaurant were first class, without doubt you should give it a try if you're in the area, we certainly will be back when visiting the North East. Thanks for a great evening

As always, a fabulous meal at Antico! With excellent service, in a lovely ambience, and delicious authentic Italian food. What is there to complain about? Well… The price! We understand that prices have risen dramatically everywhere, but the ‘happy hour’ just ain’t so happy! Not only is the food expensive, but the drink prices are ridiculous. We shouldn’t be paying £7.50 for a glass of house wine! Lower the prices - or have some special offers - and we will return.

Fantastic! Will most definitely be returning food was amazing and the staff were very friendly The decor of the restaurant was beautiful

Food is always good with healthy portions. Staff are brilliant, always a smile and great service. Early bird menu is as cheap as a takeaway, you can't go wrong.

Spent 3 days in Washington. Always like to try new places, (and had lunch in the Michelin—rated Coarse in Durham). Went back here three night running for evening meal. Great food, service, value, and atmosphere.

Small chicken breast served in a puddle of sauce accompanied by chips no garnish not wort the £16.99 paid. Whole service was rushed

Had a lovely time at this restaurant last night very friendly staff especially the barman very well mannered and nothing was to much trouble he is a credit to the staff and made are evening fantastic

another amazing night. great food and the staff as usual are just outstanding. we eat here all the time and always have a fantastic time. I recommend the place enough.

We have been regulars at this restaurant for many years as we live locally. Sadly, after a recent visit, we feel it that improvements are needed. Here are the reasons why we did not enjoy our visit: 1. Limited parking – we had to park on the busy road as the small carpark was full. 2. No background music – so we had to listen to everyone else’s conversations and the ambience was not as authentically Italian as usual. 3. The choice of earlybird meals are very limited and no longer a cheap night out! 4. The potato skin starter is far too big for one person and expensive – this could be half the size and half the price? Next time I would share! 5. The pizzas are tasty, but the base is impossible to cut! It comes whole, which looks lovely, but is chewy and tough - hard work to eat. We asked for steak knives to cut it, but even that did not really help. 6. Prices of drinks and desserts are ridiculous! I know it’s the same everywhere now, but there is nothing happy about this happy hour. 7. The service was swift, if a little too fast! Starters arrived quickly, and the mains arrived straight afterwards. We were there to enjoy a family meal, but in and out in a flash, so it did not feel like a special occasion.

We found this restaurant as we were staying nearby & what a find! From the second we walked in the door we were all very well looked after by all the members of staff, especially by the host who was absolutely fantastic - the banter absolutely made the night. The food was wonderful, great sized portions and great value. We couldn’t fault our visit & if we are ever in the area again we will be back without a doubt.

First visit and very pleased. Lovely decor and ambience. Early bird specials quite traditional but very tasty and well presented. Waiting staff were attentive and good at their jobs. Nice place, recommended

Fabulous food, service is second to none very helpful and friendly. I had seabass grilled it was done perfectly, the tiramasu was very tasty great portion size too

Used to love this place but went for Sunday lunch and it’s gone down hill, bland food with only 2 types of veg, boiled carrot and broccoli. Don’t think the chef has heard of salt and pepper nevermind seasoning. Staff friendly and helpful as always. They also pass around a gravy dish with condiments in so it’s a shared dish between everyone yuck! Also ran out of desert before any had been served?

Our first outing to this restaurant after the recent name change. It’s not only the name that has changed but the interior decor is much better too giving a warm and cozy feel. Menu is similar and the food delicious as usual. Service by all was top class as ever.

Really good food, interesting menu and all we ordered was very good. Service excellent, entertaining repartee with the owner. Parking adjacent. Very good visit, no negatives at all.

Absolutely spot on! We enjoyed tasty pastas and stone baked pizzas, cooked to perfection! Great attentive service, lovely surroundings, good music. What’s not to like? Lucky to have this fabulous restaurant on our doorstep.

Fantastic from start to finish well done we will be seeing you again very soon 10/10 on everything from food service to lager thank you

We had stopped in the Travelodge at the Washington (A1 Northbound) services just near by. Apart from the services, there was no restaurant on site. The hotel receptionist told us how to get to Antico, a two minute walk away. From the outside it looks...

This is a local restaurant for us so we come here lots. Always great food and staff are friendly. Pizza and pasta always tasty and the Sunday dinners are tasty too. Looks like it’s changed ownership recently but thankfully the name seems to be the...

Visited last night and was not impressed I ordered the lasagne which was stone cold in the middle sent it back and received another one which was better but not piping hot received an apology and that was it what’s making me write this review...

My wife and I booked in this restaurant for an early evening dinner.We arrived and were shown to a table in the conservatory area.We swiftly ordered drinks from a very friendly waitress and looked at the main menu and happy hour menu which was on...

We travel up to the Northeast on business several times a year and this has become our go to restaurant. The staff are outstanding, the food delicious and the place has a great atmosphere. It gets busy…but what do you expect if it’s good! Would...

Birthday treat, and we are so glad we went back here. Love this place as we have been going for years, once again the staff and food were amazing. The refurbished rooms look fantastic. We will be back again soon.

Absolutely superb. Excellent service and fabulous roast beef dinners for all 8 of us. Reasonably reasonably priced. Will definitely return.

What a shame this place has deteriorated to the level it is now. We have been regulars for years but the level of service by some of the staff is just poor to say the least. The place wasn't full yet we had to wait...

My wife and i had a sunday lunch recently at the Board Inn.We booked a table and it was a good job as it was busy between 12 - 1430pm.We ordered drinks and looked at the menu which consisted of two sunday lunch meats either...

Visited here for a family meal. Booked a table for 19:30 but didn’t actually get seated till just after 20:00. We weren’t bothered by the wait but still not great service. Got seated and ordered. Starters were fine, but then the mains. The wife ordered...

Food here is always amazing! Service is usually very slow, however today the service was great. Seems that there has been a change of staff, big improvement.

Along with several other couples with reservations for 7.30 advised to wait 10 minutes in bar at 8.50 finally got table no apology or explanation. In fairness this is the first time we have experienced any sort of problem and while we choose to wait...

I was looking for somewhere to eat near the Premier Inn Washington and found this place on Tripadvisor and I'm so glad I did! It was a 4 minute drive from the Premier Inn but I never would have spotted it driving down the road,...

Beautiful food and excellent serve, made to feel very welcome, the price was very reasonable, 62 pounds for 2 starters, 2 mains, a bottle of wine, a pudding and 3 vodkas, would definitely recommend

Warm welcome, first class service, authentic Italian food! We had the best lasagna we have eaten outside Italy. You will experience a true taste of Italy here. Highly recommended! Grazie mille!

Fantastic food . Great service . Value for Money.... Never disappointed when we visit Tavistock. Food always served hot just as it should be. So good to have a "Big City type" restaurant on the doorstep without the big city prices.

This place never disappoints, always good quality authentic food and good Italian service, staff are warm and friendly and a lovely atmosphere, nothing is a problem. Well worth a visit

Fantastic Italian food: Fresh, hot and tasty Fast and friendly service! We enjoyed a beautiful 2 course Early Bird meal. Could not fault the delicious starters or chicken mains. Good quality, quantity and value 🌟 Downside for us was it wasn’t the romantic meal we...

Great food and excellent service made our lunchtime visit, staff were very attentive definitely value for money.

terrible service, attitude from the plump woman is disgusting,people walking out, prepare to wait hours

100% the best place around, reasonably priced, can’t wait for it to open back up! Staff are brilliant, service is top notch. We have a child and they are brilliant with him!

Ordered take away this evening. Food was delivered bang on 6pm as requested, still hot too. Pizzas and lasagne were delicious. A lovely Thursday night treat tea.

We called in on the off chance while staying overnight locally. We had to wait for a table but then we were served fairly quickly. The food and house wine were absolutely delicious, would particularly recommend the Lasagna , the best I've had for a...

First time here, very friendly Italian staff, great food and cosy atmosphere. I ventured into trying something new and pleased to say it was mouthwatering! Highly recommended and plenty of space, excellent quality for the price.

We were recommended this restaurant from the receptionist at the Travelodge we were staying overnight and what a recommendation. The service was great and the food was plentiful and delicious and reasonable priced.

Unlike other reviews I disagree that this place is covid safe. The food is great but social distancing here is not what I would have expected. We will return only when it's safe to do so.

Went as party of 5 (2 adults, 3 children) we took advantage of eat in to help out and went on a Monday evening. There was a queue to enter, we booked for 7 pm but only entered at 7.30 pm. We were encouraged to...

Absolutely love this place, excellent food and fabulous staff. Can't wait to go back. Would definitely recommend.

What can I say absolutely delicious Sunday lunch hot and well presented and the staff are so friendly best meal since lock down well done

We’ve always had good food in the Restaurant and so given the current situation opted to try the Takeaway option and wow did we regret it. Food was delayed after agreeing a pick-up time and had to wait around a very crowded bar area. And then the order provided was completely wrong, only half of the items ordered were given even though we asked if it was complete. Staff were so rushed to get us out that they kept saying it’s all on the bag/boxes when clearly it would not have been (it was a large order). We had to return to pick up the remaining parts of the order which then needed to be cooked.. So cold food all round and a waste of so much effort.

First meal out since the restaurants reopened and we were not disappointed. Fast friendly service and the food was on par with the best Italians I have eaten. Social distance was observed and it didn’t not affect the experience or at most. Will definitely be back.

As we are local we use Tavistock Italia very often, the food is good and the staff are very friendly and provide excellent service. We were gutted that like everyone else they had to close cos of the pandemic.Thankfully they have started back up and now provide a takeaway service. As always the same level of friendly service is provided and the quality of their food is just as good.Just yesterday i ordered 2 sunday lunches, both roast beef with plenty of well cooked fresh veg and gravy. The bill came to £17 odd and to be honest i couldn’t buy the ingredients and cook them for that price so i’ll definitely be back next sunday. I ordered for 1:00 and it was ready for collection on time, i was greeted with the same friendly smile and courteous service as usual, the food was great and portion sizes very generous.Overall, i just can’t fault the place, hence the 5* rating. Anyone leaving a poor rating are just way too fussy in my opinion. I’m fussy when it comes to my food, but Tavistock tick all the boxes for me.Please keep up the good work and keep safe. Can’t wait till you open up the restaurant.

We have now been here twice and unfortunately have been very disappointed both timesWe find the service far too fast, but not very personal at all - no goodbyes as we leave certainly doesn't leave us with the impression that they actually want you to returnWe find it very cold in the dining area - the heating is never on, and indeed some guests kept their coats / gilets on throughout their meal!The food was not value for money - and didn't really match what was written on the menuSorry - two strikes and you are out : we won't be returning in a hurry

A good welcome on entering and 2 beers promptly served, we were there a bit early so enjoyed our drinks b4 going into the restaurant...2 starters calamari and garlic mushrooms both absolutely gorgeous were followed by 2 mains Canneloni and taglietelli contadina again both beautiful the 2 puddings were tiramisu and torte ricotta. Everything was well presented and the staff were most helpful . Another great night at the Tavistock...Molto Bella, Grazie Mille.

Last minute meal out for group of 10. Nothing was a problem for the friendly helpful staff. Food was great and all came in a timely manner considering there was 10 of us. Has a great atmosphere.

If you want an inexpensive lunch or happy hour meal is the place. good service and good food at a very reasonable price

A friend was working in the Washington area for a few days and asked if we could meet up for a meal. We live about 20 minutes away so are unfamiliar with this area. We googled and found the Board Inn not really knowing what to expect. The rather shabby exterior and bar area almost had us turning around and leaving, we are so pleased we didn't. This was truly the best Italian meal any of us had ever had. The menu had items on that we had not seen on an Italian menu before and there was a good choice of wine and beer. It was a Tuesday night and not busy so we were able to take our time and eat our way through garlic bread, starters, main course and dessert while we caught up with our friend. The service was great and the bill when it came was very reasonable, we will be back.

Me and my husband visited for an early tea and the food was gorgeous! We qualified for the early bird menu and we weren’t disappointed. With the choice. We had a picante pizza and a spinach cannelloni. They were to die for. The pizza had loads of flavour without being too spicy and the cannelloni was very creamy. The garlic bread with cheese was amazing too. The ambience and friendly staff were the topping on top of the cake. We will definitely be back!

In the most unlikely setting but very handy if you're staying at the Travelodge (200m away) this place is surprisingly good. Family run by actual Italians it has a lively and friendly atmosphere. Service is prompt and efficient and the food is delicious and piping hot. Good choice of dishes on the early bird menu (before 6.45) or you can go a la carte. I had very nice garlic mushrooms followed by a lovely pizza washed down with a Peroni and followed by an espresso all for under £16. Go. You will not be disappointed.

We ate here on Friday evening and had an excellent meal. We could find no fault with the food at all. Hot and tasty just what you want went you go out to eat. I had the spinach and ricotta cannelloni and it was a good portion but I was sad when I had finished it as I enjoyed it so much. The service was spot on. Sadly we were visitors to the area but would love to have somewhere like this local to me,

We visited on Saturday evening, our second visit in the last two weeks. It was even nicer the second time! Can't wait to return!! The food is all so delicious, everything prepared fresh, piping hot and generous portions. The staff are great, it's all family run and so friendly. They do a great value evening special menu too but it's reasonably priced anyway. Highly recommend.

My wife recommended here after a works night out so decided to take her and the 4 kids for an early bird treat. What can I say authentic food, people and fantastic environment. Pizzas were to die for and the pasta was so flavoursome. My wife had the chicken ai fungi and got a 10 out of 10 from her. 3 starters 5 pizzas 1 chicken dish and 1 pasta dish 2 Peroni and 4 diet cokes under £75.

The menu was rather boring and typical of what you find at other Italian restaurants.

The staff was so nice, especially a young waitress that was really helpful and made us laugh!! We had Sunday Lunch and was so nice. Customer service on point, we will be coming back

Myself ,husband, daughter and son in law went here on Saturday lunch time for the early bird lunch. The meal was excellent, the waiter (think it was the owner) was very helpful and we had a good laugh with him. I would recommend this restaurant.

We live local and often come here as the food is always good quality, authentic Italian. Sometimes feel rushed with the abrupt service - but they are friendly with it.

I wrote a review of the Board Inn six years ago following several visits. I never found the experience to be, at best, anything more than average, and on a couple of occasions to be poor. However, a group of us had lunch there this week and it proved to be an entirely different experience. The manager, who has a lovely sense of humour, (unlike his predecessor) made us feel very welcome, the service was sharp and the food, which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone and very reasonably priced, was, by far, the best I have had there, and better than in many of the other establishments in the area. I wiil have no hesitation whatsoever in returning here in future.

This is my second visit here over the course of the past few weeks. Really enjoyed my food. The pizza is really amazing. I loved every bite. Calamari starter was also excellent. Highly recommended!!

Truly excellent restaurant. Run by Italians in real Italian style. Superb service and the food was excellent. All in our group agreed my seafood linguine was the best I have tasted outside Italy. Highly recommended

Fantastic service and amazing results from the chef. Very filling, struggled to finish desert but gave it a good go

A lovely Italian restaurant, nice atmosphere and fabulous food. We had the early menu which was great value.

Came here for a meal with my girlfriend. They have an early bird special until 6.45pm which is good value. Restaurant was not obvious straight away but is located in the rear of the pub. My calamari and the pizza was excellent although my partner's pasta was chewy and appeared to be underdone. Staff very friendly and restaurant has a nice ambiance. Overall good, excellent if not for the pasta.

Good value and tasty food Asked if we had booked and would recommend doing this rather than turning up on spec as was very busy for midweek - so must be doing something right!

What a fantastic 25th Anniversary meal we were treated to at the great restaurant, from first getting there we were made to feel special. The starters were fantastic and all 10 of our party said so, it could have been a meal in itself.Everyone said their main course was superb from steaks to salmon only clean plates remained to clear.All the staff could not do enough for us they served us quickly and efficiently whether it was drinks,wine or food we were treated like special people.I cannot thank all for a fantastic night can't wait to go back.

Popped in for late tea one evening food was absolutely superb the tagliatelle was fabulous it has a nice atmosphere and is also very cosy the service is a little bit slow but the food makes up for it

We visited one Sunday lunchtime and they were busy but felt the service was brusque, particularly as nobody ordered wine and the glasses were removed with an abruptness, which is a shame as we've been before as a group and it was excellent. The food was good, but I'm afraid marked down for the service.

This restaurant in an old pub building offers an extensive menu served up nicely presented

Myself and my partner came here with our 3 year old son, I do not have enough words to describe how nice the staff were and how lovely the food was, I would highly recommend anyone to come here whatever the occasion. We will be back 10/10

We have eaten at this restaurant on two occasions recently, and on both occasions the food has been excellent. Each time we have arrived about 5.30pm and although not particularly busy when we arrived, the restaurant soon filed up. On our second visit we decided that the earlybird meal was inviting, so my wife went for pate' as a starter and I chose potato skins. My wife then chose stroganoff and I went for the sirloin steak with a peppercorn sauce. We both agreed that both courses were delicious, and with 2 glasses of Rose' the bill came to £41.80.which we thought was very good value.

Visited with family, service was friendly and the food great, Lamb ragu in particular. Nice touch with a little birthday brownie for a family member. Best Italian in the area.

As a party of four we had an evening meal here while staying at a nearby Premier Inn. There was a small amount of parking. The building looks like a not too flash pub from the outside and you walk through the bar to reach the restaurant. However the staff were very friendly and almost all appeared to be Italian. The food was excellent including pizza and pasta which appeared to have been freshly made. Service was pretty prompt. We had a bottle of wine. All was good value for money. This restaurant should definitely be recommended.

Great service and value for money. The roast beef fell apart, mash potato had a Delicious twist too! We over heard a lady on the way out say "its very rare to find a roast I actually like!" We will most certainly be back.

Another trip to this hidden gem in Birtley.

This is a great Italian. Lots of good choices on the menu, consistently well prepared and very friendly staff who always look after us very well.

Great service from friendly staff, good choice, excellent value ‘early bird menu’....most of all amazing and delicious quality food 💖

Beautiful meal to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Great service. Quality, hot, fresh food. Enjoyed 2 courses plus drinks for less than £40 during Happy Hour! Recommend King prawns as a main.

I attended with a group of 6 on Sunday 16th, the service was as excellent as the food. Steak was cooked perfectly to preference with portions being plentiful. Would recommend to anyone looking for a reasonably priced meal.

Staying at Travelodge - recommended to try this restaurant. What an amazing place. Such friendly staff, amazing meal, good value. Went back second night - still amazing. Wish we were staying longer

Having decided to take mam out for lunch,I thought the Tavistock was a good choice. We've had a few meals here in the past and all were enjoyable.

Dominic was excellent, but then were all the staff! Food was hot and fresh and service was excellent (by Dominic)

What a find. Staying overnight at Travelodge and they recommended restaurant for food and it was amazing. Huge portions and amazing puddings

Very welcoming, attentive staff. We thoroughly enjoyed our meals, decent size portions and reasonably priced too.

We stayed at the premier inn and didn't fancy carvery every night so searched online and found this gem. We were made welcome and enjoyed good food and wine and the service was friendly. Worth going early (up to 6.45) for happy hour as many meals were cheaper and still good portions. We enjoyed it so much we went back the next evening - well worth a visit. Save room for desert - the tiramisu was delicious.

We decided to visit The Tavistock to try their Sunday Lunch. When we arrived it was very quiet, only about 3 others tables in use. Staff were very friendly. We both ordered Sunday roast - there is a limited meat selection. When food arrived there was not much selection of veg, other than potato there was only broccoli and carrots. I love yorkshire pudding, but even I couldn't eat it, it was rock hard - inedible. I did hear the lady on the next table complain about them being too hard but the waiter just shrugged. We were both very disappointed as we have visited in the past and thoroughly enjoyed the Italian menu.

The food is fine and the price is reasonable, unfortunately, the staffs are quite rude and impolite.

Stayed at Travelodge on Motorway near Beamish Museum. Walked up small road behind hotel and through path in hedge, found this amazing place! The staff were so welcoming and friendly. The atmosphere was very comfortable & relaxing. Lovely menu. I had Salmon with Saffron Sauce. Delicious. Absolutely certain we would go back again if in the area.