There is 40 years of recollections in our Echo archive collection including Raffles, Borneo, Romeo and Greensleeves.
Humbles, Jayelles, City Bistro and Number 4 also got our attention.
Tell us if they grabbed yours too, but only after browsing through these great photos of bistros past and present.
1. Just for starters
Let's get going with this taster of bistros we've seen on Wearside. | se
2. Retro at Raffles
Who remembers Raffles bistro? Here it is again in a photo from 1981. | se
3. A 1984 view
It's 40 years ago this week since this photo of Greensleeves bistro in Sunderland was taken. | se
4. Serving in East Durham
Chef Wayne Reed was tossing pancakes in the East Durham College bistro in 1997. | se
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