Off the back of a stunning Summer of eating out, we rounded off with a visit to old favourite Fratelli in Ponteland. As cultured readers will know, Fratelli literally means brother in Italian parlance, which feels especially apt as this is a familiar haunt where great food is always guaranteed whilst the reception is always warm and welcome.
The restaurant is owned by proud Sardinian, Fabrizio Saba, who has developed a knack for bringing the sunshine of the Old Country to the Geordie culinary scene.
Fratelli serves up a winning mix of homespun Sardinian specialities, we have live music on a Friday evening and children’s entertainment on a Sunday afternoon which makes it a firm favourite of everyone from families to Newcastle United footballers.
The dining area is a large, capacious space yet it still manages to retain a lively atmosphere. There’s a sumptuous mezzanine for parties and private dining, not to mention an al fresco dining terrace where we enjoyed some late Summer sun. We visited during the hustle and bustle of Bank Holiday weekend, yet the restaurant is seemingly always busy with those eating out, drinking cocktails or simply meeting for Italian coffee and biscuits.
Impressive wine cabinets are built into the bar offering ample choice and we were soon sipping on a silky and seductive Sardinian red whilst checking out the restaurant’s extensive menu.
A lunch time offer runs 12 til 4 Monday to Saturday with 2 courses for £15 and 3 courses for £20, offering a weekly selection of specials.
There’s also plenty room for Sardinian flair with some standout starter dishes. One of which was the Antipasto Fratelli – a grand sharing plank of traditional antipasto featuring Sardinian meats and cheeses, pickled vegetables and carta musica. Also top tier was the soft centred burrata mozzarella with fresh tomato, basil and extra virgin olive oil.
There was much to enthuse over for main course too. “Must try” dishes are signposted in a well-devised menu and Lisa couldn’t resist another Sardinian speciality, Zuppa di Pesce all Sarda- a prevailing dish of the island consisting of Sardinian broth with mixed fish and shellfish, flavoured with tomato, lemon zest, thyme and chilli, served with toasted Altamura bread.
As is my wont, I plumped for the incendiary pizza diavola featuring spicy sausage, onion and a shower of extra chilli. Both dishes really hit the spot yet we couldn’t help but look forward to our next meal with a host of other options left unexplored!
Topping off a tremendous meal was an epic slab of homemade tiramisu which was shared between Lisa and I alongside coffees.
After a memorable meal, we left in high spirits (a brace of sambucas sorted this) and were left to reflect on what a great addition Fratelli is to our region. Now into its 15th year, the restaurant continues to dazzle locals and those from further afield.
Long may the Sardinian sun shine on Bell Villas