The arrival of the warmer weather prompted a visit to Fratelli restaurant in Ponteland as the Grahamslaw clan continued their ongoing love affair with Italian food.
The restaurant – which sits stylishly above Sainsbury’s in Bell Villas – showcases a sun-soaked selection of authentic Sardinian food inspired by the motherland of owner, Fabrizio Saba.
Inside, lies a modern, adventurous experience. 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 one can enjoy some Summer sun.
One thing that is always guaranteed is a warm, Geordie-Italian welcome which makes the restaurant a favourite for everyone – from families to Newcastle United footballers.
With impressive wine cabinets built into the bar, it felt rude not to kick off with a icy, chilled bottle of vino Bianco (white wine to you and me). Fratelli stocks an impressive range of Sardinian wines in addition to all your other Italian favourites.
Kicking off we shared a sharing plank of fritto misto – a delightful medley of crispy fried seafood. Golden brown calamari, grilled seabass and plump king prawns were perfectly cooked and a tangy white aioli which really awakened the palate.
My son Jack, feasted on his favourite Mozzarella con Caponata – bufala mozzarella with a sweet and sour vegetable relish.
The classic gamberoni all aglio completed this pretty picture – a testament to simple Italian cuisine done right.
Following on, mains were of a similar high standard too. Daughter Holly’s Sardinian style paella was a risotto-like revelation loaded with chicken, salami, prawns, mussels, clams, cherry tomatoes, peppers and peas and singing with fresh saffron.
For pizza enthusiasts, the pizza diavolo was a standout choice. The thin and crispy crust provided the perfect canvas for the combination of spicy pepperoni, chili flakes, and gooey mozzarella. Each bite was an explosion of flavors, showcasing the restaurant’s dedication to creating authentic and mouthwatering pizzas.
The spaghetti con vongole, a classic Italian dish, demonstrated Fratelli’s commitment to using fresh and high-quality ingredients. The pasta was perfectly cooked and complemented by a light, aromatic sauce, allowing the delicate flavours of the clams to shine through.
Rounding off, arrived the Agnello Toscano – a real Sardinian showstopper featuring lamb cutlets served with sautéed potatoes and a red wine, rosemary and sun blushed tomato sauce.
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 (four sambucas sorted this) and were left to reflect on what a great addition Fratelli is to our region. The restaurant continues to dazzle locals and those from further afield.
Sardinian sun continues to shine on Bell Villas.
For more information, visit www.fratelliponteland.co.uk