After building up a loyal following in lockdown, Midnight Pizza Crü opened in its first standalone restaurant in Sunniside in August. Specialising in Detroit-style pizza pies as well as Sicilian slices and sides, you can find them at the back of the Bridge Hotel Vaults.placeholder image
After building up a loyal following in lockdown, Midnight Pizza Crü opened in its first standalone restaurant in Sunniside in August. Specialising in Detroit-style pizza pies as well as Sicilian slices and sides, you can find them at the back of the Bridge Hotel Vaults. | Sunderland Echo

22 new bar and restaurant openings Sunderland welcomed in 2025

By Katy Wheeler

Lifestyle Editor

Published 1st Jan 2026, 06:00 GMT

The past year has been a busy one in the city food and drink-wise.

With more choice than ever before, new additions joined some old favourites in Sunderland. Here’s a roundup of 22 new food and drink openings we welcomed in 2025.

Have you tried them all?

Flower Cafe's striking look made an impression when it opened over the summer in one of the four units beneath Holiday Inn

5. Flower Cafe, High Street West

Flower Cafe's striking look made an impression when it opened over the summer in one of the four units beneath Holiday Inn | Sunderland Echo

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Caribe Coffee Co opened a branch in Sunderland Train Station as well as in the Galleries Bus Station in 2025, bringing its sustainable coffee brand to Wearside.

6. Caribe Coffee Co.

Caribe Coffee Co opened a branch in Sunderland Train Station as well as in the Galleries Bus Station in 2025, bringing its sustainable coffee brand to Wearside. | Sunderland Echo

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With its indoor olive tree and soothing textures, Mogi brought a corner of calm to a cafe site opposite the hospital in Chester Road. The mother and son team specialise in Greek and Italian food.

7. Mogi, Chester Road

With its indoor olive tree and soothing textures, Mogi brought a corner of calm to a cafe site opposite the hospital in Chester Road. The mother and son team specialise in Greek and Italian food. | Sunderland Echo

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As well as helping neurodivergent people gain employment in hospitality, Sea Change at The Winter Gardens has brought new life to the cafe site at the museum. Make sure to check out its Cheesas. (toasted sandwiches)

8. Sea Change, The Winter Gardens

As well as helping neurodivergent people gain employment in hospitality, Sea Change at The Winter Gardens has brought new life to the cafe site at the museum. Make sure to check out its Cheesas. (toasted sandwiches) | Sunderland Echo

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