Attitude

94 Corporation Rd, Middlesbrough, 01642 230010

I was torn between the roast baby monkfish with Turkish Delight jelly and dark chocolate jus, and the pork wellington with apple and black pudding blancmange and parsnip and honey ice cream. The pork won. It was tender, beautifully cooked and well presented, as the food here always is. The petits bouches are interesting, and the excellent starters and delicious sweets, plus a small but sound wine list, combine to satisfy and impress.
Chris Davies
Middlesbrough

Bailie's Restaurant

7 The Bank, Barnard Castle, Co Durham, 01833 630700

Calm interior with well-spaced tables. Interesting selection on the lunch menu, with a bowl of freshly made soup and fresh-baked rolls. The evening menu has six starters and eight mains. Meat is local, there is game in season, fish and a vegetarian option - all accompanied by plenty of fresh vegetables. Try rump of lamb with goats' cheese, or black pudding tart with port wine jus. Puddings include a mixed fruit and ginger crumble and a crème brûlée to die for. Service is excellent and unobtrusive. Oh, and ask about the chef's mysterious twin brother ...

Margaret Thomas
Barnard Castle, Co Durham

Oldfields Restaurant

9 Osborne Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, 0191-212 1210

I tried this for the first time on a dreary Wednesday afternoon with no booking and 30 minutes from last orders. In terms of the standards of service, the quality of the food and the staff attention, it could have been prime-time on a Saturday evening - or my birthday. Knowing that all dishes are prepared using ingredients either sourced from within 15 miles or from organic suppliers was a bonus.

Andrew Samuel
Newcastle upon Tyne

Paprika

46 Frederick Street, Sunniside, Sunderland, 0191-564 0606

Paprika is a small restaurant tucked away in the basement of an elegant Georgian terraced house. The food is mainly modern British/European using fresh in-season ingredients. Great starters and desserts. I've thoroughly enjoyed sea bass, monkfish, pork and steak dishes there. The specials board is as interesting and as big as the menu. Reasonably priced. Fine, affordable wine list. Very friendly staff. First class.

Keith Murrell London EC2

Victoria Bar & Kitchen

265 Kells Lane, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, 0191-487 1650

Old stone, oak beams and open fires complement a thoroughly modern British eating experience. Choose from a great selection of lite bites - served with real chips - or a fantastic range of tapas. Better still, head for the restaurant. The Express Lunch - two courses plus a glass of wine - is an unbelievable £6.95. My starter of homemade mushroom soup was delicate and creamy. The main course of marinated lemon chicken and Lyonnaise potatoes topped with tarragon crème fraîche, just perfect. Fresh ingredients, beautifully cooked, at prices to make your mouth water!

Margaret Thomas
Ashington, Northumberland

Cafe Lilli

High Street, Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, 01642 554422

Look for the French car outside and step into a continental cafe atmosphere. Newspapers; friendly staff; fabulous food - confit of duck, caramelised apple and warm potato salad is memorable. Open for coffee, lunch or dinner.

Pam Rawlinson
Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees