Lovage

Lovage in Jesmond is one of those quietly brilliant neighbourhood gems that locals can’t stop talking about - the sort of place you recommend to friends with a knowing smile. Tucked away on St George’s Terrace, it’s earned serious acclaim in a remarkably short time, from securing a place in the Michelin Guide three years running to winning a coveted AA Rosette for culinary excellence and even a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award placing it among the top 10% of restaurants worldwide.

The dining room is bright, relaxed and thoughtfully designed, offering that perfect middle ground between special‑occasion polish and everyday ease. It’s stylish but never intimidating – the kind of spot where you can settle in for anything from a mid‑week nibble to a celebratory dinner.

At the heart of Lovage is head chef and co‑owner Kleo Tabaku, whose Albanian roots, Italian culinary background and passion for the North East’s produce give the menu its Mediterranean soul. Partner and co‑owner Lisa Hide leads the front of house with warmth and genuine enthusiasm, bringing an effortless hospitality that regulars rave about.
Menus shift with the seasons, showcasing dishes like wild halibut with Shetland mussels, Mediterranean‑spiced monkfish, labneh with confit leeks, lemon‑and‑thyme chicken thighs, and a pistachio tiramisu that has already reached cult status.