Restaurant · Whitley Bay
A proper little family Italian, and the sort of place you can walk into on a Saturday without a booking and still get a table — though it does get busy, so ringing ahead saves a wait. There are two rooms, which means space for a pram and somewhere to put a high chair without blocking anyone. The staff are warm even when they're rushed, and the portions are enormous: the cheesy garlic flatbread defeats most people, and the lasagne, the mussels in spicy red sauce and the Sicilian lemon cake come up again and again. Prices are fair, with early-evening and lunch deals worth planning around. Free parking, outdoor tables (dogs welcome out there), a kids' menu and vegan choices. Drinks cost a bit more than a pub, and the side vegetables can arrive steamed and soft.
A little something creative for your next meal out. Filled with colouring, simple drawing prompts for cute animals, origami and conversation starters designed to bring more play, laughter and connection to the table. 3 free printable packs for toddlers, preschoolers and primary-aged children.
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