An institution in Sunderland, it was a sad day when long-running restaurant Elizabeth's closed its doors in 2017. It was well-known for its Sunday dinners and the site's history as a restaurant went back to at least the Second World War, when it was the place to be seen by Sunderland folk as they dressed up and enjoyed a lunch or dinner away from their graft. It's pictured here in March 1999.placeholder image
An institution in Sunderland, it was a sad day when long-running restaurant Elizabeth's closed its doors in 2017. It was well-known for its Sunday dinners and the site's history as a restaurant went back to at least the Second World War, when it was the place to be seen by Sunderland folk as they dressed up and enjoyed a lunch or dinner away from their graft. It's pictured here in March 1999. | Sunderland Echo

From Jonny Ringo's to Elizabeths - 17 Sunderland restaurants that we've loved and lost

By Katy Wheeler

Lifestyle Editor

Published 21st Nov 2019, 16:40 GMT
Updated 3rd Jun 2025, 21:38 GMT

From the bright lights and Budweiser of Jonny Ringo’s in Park Lane to a proper Sunday dinner at Elizabeth’s, Sunderland’s been home to a host of restaurants over the years.

The city has welcomed a wave of new bars and restaurants recently, and is undergoing a boom in its hospitality scene, but we’ve had a rifle through our archives to bring you some favourites from over the years.

A landmark site in Doxy, Blakeney's was a popular spot for a cheap and cheerful tea.

9. Blakeney's bar and restaurant, Doxford Park

A landmark site in Doxy, Blakeney's was a popular spot for a cheap and cheerful tea. | Sunderland Echo

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Queens Parade has been home to a string of seafront restaurants for decades. Pritiraj was always a popular one. Today's it's Goa which has also proved a successful Indian restaurant.

10. Pritiraj, Queens Parade, Seaburn

Queens Parade has been home to a string of seafront restaurants for decades. Pritiraj was always a popular one. Today's it's Goa which has also proved a successful Indian restaurant. Photo: JPI Media

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A long-running restaurant in St Thomas Street, Naz was once one of the city's most popular Indian restaurants. Pictured here is our former business reporter Kevin Clark promoting a curry-a-day competition we ran with Naz.

11. Naz, St Thomas Street

A long-running restaurant in St Thomas Street, Naz was once one of the city's most popular Indian restaurants. Pictured here is our former business reporter Kevin Clark promoting a curry-a-day competition we ran with Naz. Photo: JPI Media

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Known for its traditional decor and Lazy Susans, Paradise Garden ran for decades. In recent years, it was completely transformed to become The Bay fish and chip restaurant.

12. Paradise Garden, Coast Road, Seaburn

Known for its traditional decor and Lazy Susans, Paradise Garden ran for decades. In recent years, it was completely transformed to become The Bay fish and chip restaurant. | Sunderland Echo

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