Just Italy Café — Restaurant in North Tyneside

Went in for our second visit today. Just a light lunch but everything was lovely. Nice, laid back and friendly vibe. Reasonably priced and the food was very nice.

Really I'm reviewing this place on what I saw happen today when I was just minding my own business eating my lunch with my son.

A lady came in on her own and quietly let the waitress know she was homeless and someone had told her the place might be able to offer her something to eat. She wasn't demanding, she was very quietly spoken and seemed a little embarrassed about asking.

The waitress chatted with her for a while and then briefly had to go into the kitchen - I think to get my lunch.

Out of the kitchen came a guy who spent a little time with the lady and said that the restaurant had offered some free meals at Xmas for people in need but it was just a one off. He then very kindly offered her something anyway and the waitress came back out, they carried on chatting and the lady was given some lunch and a drink.

No fuss was made, it was all done very quietly and because no one else was in I overheard bits of what was going on.

What a...

You should smell the fresh aroma of garlic when you walk into an Italian restaurant.. instead, we got the smell of deep-fried food. I should have walked out, but I've been here over 20 times and never had a bad meal. Not so tonight. I ordered the Salmon & Courgette Ravioli starter as a main, with the starter costing £11.50, I was expecting something special. I was mistaken, the ravioli was too thick and so was undercooked, the filling was bland so I had to add my own seasoning. I ate the middle and left the edges like the edge of a pizza. When asked at how my meal was, I told the waiting staff that it was undercooked, but no apology was offered. I was asked if I wanted anything else, ( I was thinking, perhaps as way of recompense) .. but I was wrong. I didn't want any more food, I just said that I'd have a latte. She couldn't even get that right.. I had to send it back.. again, no apology. At least 2nd time around the latte was hot. Last time we left a hefty tip we had so enjoyed our meal, not so tonight.......

This is an absolute gem of a place. The staff were super friendly and helpful form the moment we entered. The menu was written in Italian, and so the waiter made sure to tell us to ask if there was anything we needed help to understand, which was a lovely touch. We ordered two 100% pure Italian fruit juices and two focaccias with meat and cheese in. The bread was truly outstanding, cooked fresh and was really delicious. The fries were also really crisp and cooked in clean oil. I don't say this lightly, but the food here is the best Italian food I've had in Newcastle. 10/10 will be going back and I've told everyone I know...