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Probably the finest invention to ever come out of Spain is the tapas bar, that wonderfully informal form of eating, with lots of small and interesting dishes, eaten slowly with a delicious fino sherry or quickly if the need arises. The Americans may claim to have invented 'grazing' in restaurants, but the Spanish beat them to it by many hundreds of years.

El Coto is a good example of the breed and a much appreciated addition to the vibrant Newcastle eating out scene; it is on the site of the former Barn Again restaurant.

The tapas are good value, and offer many of the traditional favourites like sweet and spicy peppers stuffed with black pudding, or albondigas - homemade lamb meatballs in a Spanish sauce - that are tasty and spicy, giving meat balls a good name!

There is a huge range of tapas dishes on offer, from the usual omelette through to the more unusual Boquerones con tomate 'aliñao' - unsalted anchovies and tomatoes with an olive oil, chopped garlic and parsley dressing; but they also boast a upstairs asador - Spanish grill room - and offer bocadillos, sandwiches for non-Spanish speakers, at lunchtime. All this is served by pleasant members of staff, who will explain anything that you are not quite sure about.

No wonder that it is extremely popular with those who know in Newcastle, and likely to remain so.

On Four Ends Lane, a brick house that perhaps you may just have passed by without noticing, had they not put up those blue neon lights, is indeed home to a chic Indian restaurant. Sangreela Indian Restaurant is one of the finest places in Newcastle to get a taste of the cuisine, and a clean and well balanced appearance is created with exposed brick walls, comfortable seating and unclothed chocolate coloured tables.

The kitchen gives full exposure to impeccably sourced ingredients, and a blend of flavour results into well executed mild dishes such as Malayan chicken and medium spicy ones like the lamb gravy dish that has that dash of extra onions. Pair these with the traditional Indian breads that include chapatti and naan or with plain or flavoured rice to enjoy the meal.

A well travelled wine list accompanies, along with a selection of beers, lagers and other beverages.

It is always refreshing to find a busy, modern fringe-of-city hotel that cherishes its dining facilities rather than treating them as a necessary provision that will remain untouched by many of their clients apart from a fleeting breakfast if the schedule permits.

At Gosforth Park, in the appropriately named Plate Restaurant, fine dining is seen as a major reason for coming to the hotel, reflected in the quality of the staff. Head Chef Simon de Vine heads up the kitchen team, offering an exhilarating a la carte menu.

A rustic game terrine served with a sour plum chutney is a typical starter, followed by baked loin of lamb and a pudding of apple and berry crumble with a rich crème Anglaise. Management make determined efforts to attract business from amongst the local population, and the evidence shows that many become regulars.

Slug and Lettuce has a chain of almost a hundred bars spread across the country sharing a common love of serving down to earth, undemanding food and drink.

The group prides itself on offering dishes prepared using quality ingredients, and you should be attended on by attentive staff in a safe, welcoming and cheerful environment. The Slugs have something for anyone - breakfast for a lively start to the day, lunch for busy people, family meals or even a relaxing glass of wine to bring a tiring day to an end - all in a variety of modern and stylish settings.

The menu features old time English favourites such as Gloucestershire Old Spot sausages in buttered mash or fish pie made with Dartmouth smokehouse haddock, in a Devon cream and leek sauce, although dishes look to Europe and further afield to Asia for inspiration. A good way to start the enjoyment is by sharing platters of Southern fried chicken breast pieces, crispy potato wedges, garlic ciabatta strips, half a rack of BBQ pork ribs, wasabi vegetables with onion rings or some Greek mezze

Hearty steak pies, Thai curry with sticky jasmine rice or butternut squash with goats' cheese lasagne are amongst the more popular main dishes. Sandwiches or wraps - warm tortilla with chicken and Parmesan or aromatic duck in plum sauce - provide for those who prefer something lighter. They also serve burgers as well as tempting salads like salmon, asparagus or tomato and mozzarella. For children they have good old British standby sausage and mash, or pepper pasta and ketchup among other choices, all of which never fail to delight, particularly as some of them seem to have come out of a certain celebrity chef's Book of Forbidden Dishes.

Desserts appear in the form of raspberry biscotti, hot chocolate pudding or a creamy strawberry cheesesake. The wine list is well compiled and substantial. There are not less than seven French, three from Italy and some from Spain, Chile, Australia as well as New Zealand. Slug and Lettuce can cater for events including birthday parties, fashion shows, hen nights, wedding parties or just an enjoyable night out with a few friends.

The 'Dining Room' is a good quality restaurant serving an excellent selection of modern and imaginative dishes - without being afraid to keep it simple when necessary. This is where East meets West, classic meets contemporary.

The Dining Room is, quite simply, unique. Not because it is a fine restaurant, but, because of its distinct design, it also provides an atmospheric setting. The subtle and seductive lighting creates a relaxed mood, worthy of the interesting food and helpful service.

The Dining Room is open from 12 noon, taking on various menus throughout the day, and in typical New York style they serve fine food as late as 1 am. So, whether it is a business hospitality lunch, post work sustenance, or fine evening dining, the Dining Room at Apartment provides a suitable venue.

Your first instinct when entering the Big Mussel may well be confusion at the off kilter décor - do not be fooled! Once you get beyond the porch you find yourself in a functional restaurant you will itch to return to.

Obviously the main selling point is the mussels which are sold by the Kilo, in a decent variety of styles. If you go beyond the mussels, you will find a fine selection of seafood. Non fish dishes are available, and of good quality, but to choose one of these would be to miss the great offerings available.

The menu changes frequently and the meals are simple enough to let the good ingredients shine through. The portions are on the large size, so don't over do the side orders! They offer a range of quality beers which complement the mussels superbly.

Various discounts are available for lunches and early dinners, and unlike many such offers, there is a variety of options. It is a sensibly priced and well realised seafood restaurant the like of which is hard to find elsewhere.

Reviewed by Alan Dawes

What makes Gekko different is not just its menu, which is probably the most extensive in Newcastle, but the freshness of the food. The dishes that are suitable for buffet, such as Indian food, Thai and Texmex are available in a 64 dish help yourself buffet. However other varieties, best served fresh, are cooked to order. So if you want noodles, these are cooked on the wok in front of you. Sushi is made freshly every hour and is served with wasabi and other popular sauces. You can order marinated skewers, and watch them sizzle on the char grill.

Try the Malaysian chicken curry and hot and spicy white bait for mains while starters could consist of nachos with cheese and seaweed. If you prefer pizza then meat feast with ham, pepperoni and chicken topping may appeal to you. For dessert a fine selection of cakes, flan, cookies, tarts and muffins are at hand.