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For most people in Newcastle, Pani's Cafe Bar in High Bridge is absolutely the last word in Italian fare, and rightly so because this charming little bistro has a seemingly endless list of dishes, so that at each visit, the experience is new and interesting. The friendly atmosphere is perfect for the numerous indulgences that you can expect there and everyone agrees that Italians know how to live it up, so don't be surprised if your informal visit becomes an impromptu party.

There's a wide range of appetisers in the antipasto platter, which could include marinated vegetables, cold meats, seafood salad, tomato and fresh mozzarella. If you're looking for a light meal, then opt for the delicious ciabatta sandwiches but for more elaborate occasions, the char grilled swordfish loin served on a bed of mixed leaf and sun dried tomato salad, drizzled with balsamic crème works well. It would be almost criminal if you ignored their desserts, which includes such delights as chocolate fudge cake, tiramisu and gelatos. At Pani's Cafe Bar, the Italian wine list is varied but excellent.

Thai Siam stands out from the numerous Oriental restaurants in Newcastle's Chinatown with its distinct Thai décor and waitresses who are dressed in the national costume. The atmosphere is serene and quiet and perfect for a simple lunch or dinner with someone special or even a business associate. Stowell Street couldn't indeed get any better as your preferred dining destination, especially if you have a weakness for delicious and authentic Thai food.

You might be pleasantly surprised to discover that this is one of those places which serves great food at extremely good value, especially for lunch. Starting with tom yum gai, a flavourful chicken soup, and appetisers of satay chicken, you could move on to sweet and sour pork or beef in oyster sauce, all of which are served with rice. Various banquet menus help in quickening the process of choosing what to eat, while dessert options, of course, include fresh fruit.

Pitcher and Piano first started in Fulham in 1986, since when it has evolved into one of the UK's favourite bar groups, offering premium drinks, mingled with food that carries its own distinction against a background of different themes, many deriving from the locality, and from what is the whole being of contemporary life in modern bars.

Start with a cocktail, say a bourbon cookie, cosmopolitan or a parson green apple before tackling some food that will vary from pub to pub. There are bar meals, try lime and coriander chicken in Didsbury, or a more formal approach in restaurant style, what about 21 day hung, 10 oz British sirloin steak in Mayfair, with homemade chocolate brownie, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce in Birmingham. In general the menus are very similar, with plenty of choices all round.

There are now over twenty five branches of Pitcher and Piano where you can be assured of the same decent levels of food and drinks, service and quality. Surely that's better than the lucky dip approach?

It is impressive that an establishment that has gone through so much change recently, trying to keep up with the 'Jesmond boom' of plastic wine bars and bistro's, has managed to keep a level of friendly service you expect more from a country hotel.

This is a hotel restaurant, and though the old adage is that you never eat at the hotel you are staying in, I would recommend you think twice.

The food is varied and interesting, the service friendly and swift, and the relaxed air of the dining room helps you to really enjoy your meal. Expect to chat with your waiter/ waitress, and enjoy the fact that a good dining room doesn't have to be stuffy.

Reviewed by Alan Dawes

The term 'bistro' may not be entirely just to this new venture in Newcastle which is a blend of patisserie, restaurant and café but I'm sure you get the drift. During the day it's all pastries and the most lethal cakes with lashings of all the things everybody except the late Dr Atkins says you shouldn't have.

Lunch is tasty snacks both for slimmers and those who don't give a monkey's, and is very lively. In the evening the mood cools, a transformation is effected and more sophisticated though perhaps less challenging dishes emerge as the romantic couples move in, the anniversary parties enjoy their quiet pleasures and the velvet night takes over.

The Café Royal has caught the Newcastle trend in a timely fashion. For those who recall the more robust manner of entertainment in Newcastle in former years, which is still available if you know where to go, the word 'sophistication' really says it all, and it is long overdue and very welcome.

The setting is superb. Wander down the elegant curve of Newcastle's most beautiful street between the busy town and the bustling quayside and you'll discover the relaxed sophistication of Barluga. Within sight of the Theatre Royal on Grey Street, this is a place where you can indulge yourself and entertain friends at the same time. The stylish open kitchen offers a gastro pub style menu of comfort food, and an a la carte menu of delicious modern British cuisine.

Starters or light bites include citrus salmon fishcakes with red pepper aioli, oriental duck and plum salad or a homemade cheese and onion scone followed by smoked haddock hash with soft poached egg, stir fried tiger prawns with egg noodles or chilli con carne with coriander and lime rice. Seafood is an apt choice with oysters and mussels or fish which can be grilled or seared and puddings include a rich chocolate torte with crème fraiche. The drinks list is extensive featuring fine wines and numerous cocktails.

After 19 years at 21 Queen Street, Terry Laybourne has moved his café to an improved site in Trinity Gardens, not far away for those who arrive baffled to find him gone, as it were.

Menu-wise, not a lot has changed and their claim to create simple, imaginative dishes with respect for the ingredients continues to be practised with skill and success. This is food to please and fill, in the nicest way. The spread of menu ensures that all points of the scale can have their needs met and feel content.

The main à la carte menu has a commendable range of dishes as a result, with almost 20 starters from which to choose, including aubergine caviar, Provençal fish soup, or double fried eggs with griddled foie gras. Mains of wild sea trout, a casserole of new season's lamb, rare breed pork belly, or fishcakes with buttered spinach, parsley cream and chips all draw on an interesting selection of side dishes for support.

Desserts enjoy the same imaginative approach, with banana and pecan rolls with toffee ice cream at the top of my list.

Decor is smart chic, with mink leather on the rampage and plenty of dark wood around. The Wine List follows the same policy as the food and it is possible to drink comfortably and well without breaking the bank.