St. Vincent — Restaurant in Newcastle upon Tyne

This is the second time I've been to St Vincent’s and the atmosphere, menu and general vibe is right up my street BUT both times I've been I've had a negative experience as a veggie (and a lactose intolerant person). Be VERY wary if you’re a veggie / vegan or have any kind of intolerance or allergy - they don't cater for it well enough.

The veggie options are great, and when we requested some breads and dips we we're told the closest thing on the menu was the crostini, to which we agreed (after placing our initial order of veggie mushroom ravioli) -please note we handed the menu's back to our server at this point. The crostini arrived and looked like it had a cheese and tomato topping. The waitress didn't elaborate so we just dug in/ I dug in to the tomato one, no too sure what was on the other ones as it looked like a pale hard cheese (which are often not veggie / lactose intolerant friendly) and it did taste a bit funny, but I thought it was the spice used or possibly the use of aubergine. Anyway when the waiter came over I asked what was in the tomato sauce topping - to which he replied it was a sausage and tomato sauce. I was pretty horrified and told him I was veggie and not told that this wasn't veggie...It was really wrong of the waitress to assume and not tell us what the toppings were when she brought them over or took our order. Perhaps that's too presumptuous, but when we didn't have the menu's to check we assumed (as I think a lot of people would) that it was ok.

No apology was given, and the item was still on the bill when it arrived…

Anyway the first time I went and had a tea - I asked for some soy or non-dairy milk ' only to be told they 'don't do' non-dairy milks because it's a waste of stock, as not enough people have it. It's a bit shocking to be told this, and also pretty unwelcoming for someone who CAN'T have cow's milk, let alone someone who chooses not to have it.

Really wanted to love this place - but won't be going back because of these...

St Vincent is a cosy and charming wine bar that offers a variety of delicious dishes and drinks. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, and the service is attentive and professional. Whether you are looking for a quick bite, a romantic dinner, or a fun night out with friends, St Vincent has something for everyone.

The menu features a selection of charcuterie, cheese, salads, and small plates that are perfect for sharing. The food is fresh, flavourful, and well-presented. Some of the highlights include the truffled macaroni cheese, the grilled monkfish tail, and the chocolate mousse. The portions are generous and satisfying, and the prices are reasonable.

The wine list is impressive and diverse, with options from small, independent producers as well as classic regions. You can find wines by the glass, bottle, or carafe, and the staff are happy to help you choose the best pairings for your food. The cocktails are also well-made and inventive, and the vermouths and amaros are a nice touch.

St Vincent is a hidden gem in Newcastle that deserves more recognition. It is a place where you can enjoy quality food and wine in a warm and welcoming setting. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves good food...

I’ve been to St. Vincent twice now and had a very underwhelming visit both times. The space is very cramped and very dark, which might be your vibe but I like to feel comfortable and see my food.

I must say the focaccia is lovely, and the desserts are fine but that’s about all I can say. On my most recent trip I got the walnut tagliatelle which was impressively bland and stodgy. Maybe it was my fault for ordering the pasta but I was left feeling like I probably could have done a better job myself at home which is not what you want to think after spending a lot of money on dinner.

My partner ordered the steak which comes with a small bowl of roast potatoes…and that’s it. You’d think for £48 they would maybe chuck a few glazed carrots or some other vegetable on the side. Apparently not.

The service was great, I can’t fault that (I do feel bad for the staff carrying that massive blackboard of daily specials round the cramped seating all night) but for an almost £200 bill I want to be impressed by more than the staff.

I think it’s all a little style over substance, but if moody dark wine bars with oysters are your thing then hopefully...