Sambuca Sunderland — Restaurant in Sunderland

It was my first time at Sambuca Sunderland, and it was for the most part lovely.

The staff are brilliant, you cant take anything away from them. Only two servers but they managed to get to each table (it was packed) get orders, do drinks, run food out etc in a way I'd not have thought possible between two people. That in itself was fantastic service.

The reason for the 4 stars instead of 5, is purely based on two steak dishes we had (table of 9 and everything else was spot on) It kills me when you're asked how you want a steak, but its cook the standard med-well done. That could be done to how busy and how much food was coming out for our table and others in there, but slightly disappointing especially when the chips are also rather 'crispy' or hard from being over cooked.

Still, I would 100% go again, because everything else was fab, plenty of seats although can get a little cosy and close to your neighbours table, the service was just amazing, and without a doubt a credit to this...

Arriving for lunch we were dismayed to see a notice on the lift door. Out of Order. Faced with two steep flights of stairs to climb we nearly left the quay side. I am glad we made the effort. The waiters were most attentive. There was plenty of choice on the menu. I chose the £3.95 special 3course menu. I didn't accept the soup knowing that the carbonara would be sufficient for my small appetite. It was delicious! My friend enjoyed salmon and a small salad. We shared chips and a pizza. There was a happy atmosphere with young families enjoying their meals. It was not noisy. There was no disturbing background music. The comfortable seating was nicely spaced, some having a riverside view. The disabled toilet was clean, well lit and roomy. There didn't seem to be any disabled car parking spaces and people going to the fish quay shared the car park We shall come...

Been a few times never had a problem. Prior to covid. Went last night and food was inedible. The cheesy garlic bread was ok. Potato skins were the ends but edible. Took ages for then to come clear starter to bring the main. Ordered carbonara and it was disgusting. I told the female waiter who very rudly told me that's its just cream how is it vile ( maybe it was off.. tasted like it or been left standing way to long while noone collected our start plates??) she the snatched the plates and took them back to the kitchen. As I left paid for drinks and garlic bread so didn't charge me for this. (Thankfully I would have refused). The man taking payment was so rude. Didn't speak to me or look at me in a mood that I was unhappy with the food and made it clear. I will...