Angelo's Trattoria East Rainton — Restaurant in Sunderland

7 adults and 3 children, 10, 6 and 5. We booked for a family Christmas night out. The food was good, very tasty. Unfortunately the attitude of the server, was unprofessional. There was little or no courtesy, it was obvious she didn't want to serve us. At one point my father asked for cream for his dessert, he asked again as he thought she hadn't heard, still no acknowledgement, however, she did appear with cream, and literally plonked it down on the table so she had infact heard but just didn't respond to him. I was so disappointed for my 86 year old mother and my Dad. £400 out of their pension is a lot of money to them, and when our family, who get together if we're lucky enough, once a year at Christmas, because we're scattered around the country, and this time is particularly to spend time with grandparents, it was a real damper on the evening. Luckily, we had a good family time but safe to say we won't be back, no more Sunday lunches, Saturday evenings or lunchtimes for those of us local who visit. To top it off at 9.20pm as we were leaving, the manager stood behind us waiting to lock the door. ...

Dont know what was going on tonight but nowhere near as good as usual. Most of the food was good but not worth the money even if you expect to pay more new year's eve. When we booked we weren't given or told about a set menu. When we arrived for our table we were rudely greeted and told off for not pre ordering from the set menu. Even when we explained nothing was said to us and no one contacted us. Then although food was mostly nice we had forewarned them we had a gluten free person they weren't prepared. This person was offered gluten free pasta with some sauce. She couldn't eat it. It was awful. However they did not charge her for anything other than the wine she had. The service was rubbish. No coordination , it was slow with dishes being brought out after others nearly finished. And 1 person ordered steak which came with chips. However by the time the chips came the steak was nearly cold. We were disappointed as we have always had good food and service here. But this was all...

Wonderful evening, made by this unassuming gem of a restaurant!

A converted old pub presented as an Italian restaurant seemed a little jarring at first, but once I'd gotten over my own prejudices I was utterly delighted by the place. Run by genuine Italians; The serving staff were attentive, polite, informative and happy to engage with our table's 'banter'.

The food was exquisite: fresh dough, fresh herbs, rich cream, that tomato sauce that, for some reason, is always that bit better than in a non Italian restaurant (I'll figure out the secret one day) and all perfectly balanced to make unpretentious, quality, very tasty food. Nicely presented and served quickly too.

I wasn't drinking but apparently the wine and prosecco were top notch and honestly, our table could happily have spent all night there such was the uplifting atmosphere and energy of the place.

Thoroughly recommended, and I will certainly be back next time I'm up and, with any luck, I won't be driving...