There's nothing quite like the arrival of the warmer weather for reigniting your love affair with Italian food, which made Lui's the perfect pick on a balmy Summer's evening.
Nestled away on King Street, just a stone’s throw from the Tyne Bridge, Lui’s offers a modern take on Italian cuisine, blending traditional Sardinian flavours with contemporary culinary flair.
It’s little surprise then, the restaurant has become a firm favourite for bottomless brunch, Sunday roast, or a classic all-out Italian feast. The Grahamslaw Clan pitched up to sample all the restaurant had to offer.
Being prime time on a Friday evening, the dining area packed a buoyant atmosphere with an upbeat playlist bringing the good times.
The meal got off to a promising start with the old classic gamberoni all aglio – succulent prawns sauteed in a garlic butter and set off exquisitely by a very agreeable glass of pinot grigio.
Next up was the mussels arrabiata, an Italian classic that showcased the chef’s expertise in handling seafood. The mussels were perfectly cooked in a rich tomato, chilli and garlic broth, which added a touch of sophistication to the dish. The broth was delicious and really lent itself to a good dunking of some Italian sourdough.
The girls meanwhile enjoyed a grand sharing plank of Antipasto Sardo – filled with an assortment of Sardinian delicacies, including cured meats, olives, cheeses, and grilled vegetables.
It was a perfect dish for sharing with each element carefully chosen to capture the flavours of modern Italy. The combination of salty cured meats, tangy cheese and smoky grilled vegetables was a winning mix and transported us to the island’s sunkissed shores.
This certainly set expectations high for our main courses. Following on, I picked out an excellent fillet steak, from the menu’s dedicated grill section, supplemented by onion rings and truffle and parmesan fries.
Pasta lovers will rejoice at the traditional penne romana – a real must-try, lapped up with gusto by my wife Lisa and daughter, Holly. The penne pasta was cooked al dente and tossed in a rich tomato and creambased sauce with white wine, garlic and mushrooms.
My son Jack meanwhile enjoyed the classic veal saltimbocca – a dish of Roman origin, featuring pan-fried veal cutlets, wrapped in prosciutto and finished by a white wine and sage sauce.
Totally replete, we swerved desserts in favour of some bracing espressos and a round of obligatory limoncellos.
We certainly had something to drink to. The Lui’s site has a longstanding association with good quality Italian food, and based on this visit, the local Tyneside icon remains in very good hands.
Much like the restaurant’s previous incarnations, Sabatini and Sabas, Lui’s remains a firmly family affair. Throughout our meal, we were looked after superbly well by Mark and his team.
May the Italian sun continue to shine on Tyneside.
To make a reservation, call 0191 261 4415 or visit luisbarandkitchen.co.uk
