The Small Canteen — Restaurant in Newcastle upon Tyne

Our entirely amazing experience at The Small Canteen is one that we will be talking about for a long time. One of the most exciting things is that everything it is, not least the surprisingly reasonable prices, means that we will be able to go again.

If you have ever watched programmes like ‘Masterchef’ and wondered whether the food really does taste different from what you usually eat, or have read a newspaper review and felt curious, but worried that you might feel a bit out of place in that kind of a restaurant (even if you could afford it), then this is the place for you.

At first I thought the smallness of the building might be a problem but it’s part of what makes it wonderful. It’s perfectly possible to eat your meal without chatting to other diners, if you choose, but we loved sharing our reactions to the fabulous food with other people. So much happiness in a tiny space. We found ourselves discussing dips, sauces and mash in the same way that we usually discuss paintings, or theatre, or a particularly beautiful building, because they were works of art. I was also completely in awe of how the space is organised, and used. Such skill.

It’s an understatement to say that everything tasted great. I’m not quite sure how to do it justice, except to say that the talent, and love, behind it was evident in every mouthful. I was a bit worried, before we went, that the not very large menu would leave me without options (I’m a bit picky) but I ate things I wouldn’t usually, loved them all and I can’t tell you what a relief it was not to have to wade through a list of fifty different dishes before deciding on something.

I’m hesitating to describe it as good value because that makes it sound too much like a slightly underwhelming chain restaurant and it bears no resemblance to that. I think what I will say is that, if going means that you have to save up, or travel a long way, or wait a while for a table booking, then it will be worth it.

(I’m posting a photo of my roasted cod main because the sauce was one of the best things I have...

On a day trip from Edinburgh I was looking for a fantastic dinner and I was not disappointed. From the food to the top notch service and value for money, this might have been one of the best meals I’ve had in the UK.

I made a booking almost a week in advance by texting the number on their instagram. When we arrived on a Friday evening, my partner and I were greeted warmly, seated promptly and presented with warm bread and homemade dips. We shared the ox cheek croquettes to start and ordered half a litre of rosé (for £10!) For the main I had the pork belly and he had the cod. We shared the cherry sorbet and chocolate mousse dessert. Everything was fantastic from start to finish and we were well attended to. To cap it off, the bill was just £35 each - incredible value for the delicious meal.

Set in a residential neighborhood, the cosy vibe of The Small Canteen makes you feel like you’re dining in a friend’s kitchen - a friend who can really cook. We were saddened to hear that two groups had cancelled last minute and we had the small restaurant to ourselves. Folks of Newcastle - go support this gem of...

I was really lucky to get a reservation just four hours before our seating. On the way there, we noticed a huge amount of hype—locals seemed incredibly proud of this small canteen, and I was admittedly very excited. Looking at Instagram, the food and presentation looked insane, and when we arrived, the atmosphere was unmatched. It’s a really cozy and cute spot.

That said, there were a few issues. The service was a bit slow, and the waiter kept bringing me the wrong drink, which made ordering frustrating. The food itself was OK. The chicken was slightly cold with wet skin, and the crab tart was pretty poor. The lasagna, however, was decent. Overall, you won’t find anything here but homely cooking. I definitely agree that this restaurant is special, and the food is good, but it wasn’t amazing or, in my opinion, deserving of the hype. Maybe it was just a bad day, but I left unimpressed.

It’s taken me a few weeks to think this review over I really want to love this meal but admittedly I can’t sorry guys amazing place and...