Sunderland has a rich and varied dining scene, and is home to many exciting new restaurants.
Here at Wearside Echoes, we wanted to take a moment to remember the eateries the city has loved and lost – from the department store cafes to the night-out takeaways and everything inbetween.
Almost 9,000 readers have joined the Echo’s nostalgia community on Facebook and their stomachs were rumbling as we asked them to nominate the Sunderland restaurant they would love to visit one last time. See if any of your favourites have made our picture round-up.
Other favourites from the Wearside Echoes page which are not pictured include; Hotline, Ling Hong, Lotus Garden, The Melting Pot, The Monks Kitchen and Pepe’s.
9. Joplings
Gone, but never forgotten. A bustling day in John Street in 1962 as shoppers head into Joplings. Rosalind Goldman-Barres said: "Joplings restaurant, tea and toasted teacake." Photo: Sunderland Echo
10. Louis Cafe
Louis shut up shop in 2018 - but steeped in history, fond memories of its food live on! Jill Hendry said: "Egg and chips in the British Rail cafe, or a salmon sandwich and ice cream float from Louis. Dad took me to one or the other every weekend." Photo: Sunderland Echo
11. Luciano Ristorante
Luciano's served customers for the final time in April 2022, with customers including Dawn Elizabeth, Anne Marie Harding and Peter Hall hungry for one more visit. Photo: Sunderland Echo
12. Paradise Garden
There are few things more comforting than your favourite Chinese meal - whether eating out, or taking the food home. Who's for one last trip to Paradise Garden in Seaburn? Photo: Sunderland Echo