If you fancy taking a bite out of some great independent cafes and restaurants this year, we’ve rounded up some of the best the city has to offer, from new faces to Sunderland stalwarts.
5. Grinder Coffee Co, Durham Road, Thornhill
Grinder is a great new coffee shop and cafe opened in the former Ironing Basket shop in Durham Road, near to Royal Courts. As well as well-designed interiors, the shop offers homemade cakes - including pink slices. Photo: Stu Norton
6. City Bistro, Sunderland College, City Campus, Park Lane
Open to the public, as well as students and faculty, City Bistro offers some imaginative dishes prepared by trainee chefs for lunch sittings during the week and on Thursday evenings. Following a break, it reopens on January 8. Look out for its seasonal tasting menus and themed nights. Photo: Submitted
7. Aperitif, High Street West, city centre
Currently riding high at the top of Sunderland Trip Advisor, Aperitif opened in a former Chinese restaurant around a year ago and has fast become a popular spot for pre-theatre dining. It offers reasonably-priced Italian food, as well as tapas and cocktails. Photo: Stu Norton
8. Asiana, West Wear Street, city centre
The views can't be beaten at Asiana - and neither can its lip-tingling salt and pepper chips. Expect dishes from across Asia at this popular spot which is great for families and large groups. Photo: JPI Media