Places to eat in Sunderland
As the city's culinary scene continues to grow, so does the number of excellent places to eat in Sunderland. In one day of dining, you can sample local favourites, international imports and fresh, Michelin-worthy takes on British classics. It's a culinary hodgepodge in the best sense of the word. And if you throw Durham and Newcastle into the mix, you've got a recipe for a real epicurean adventure.
Need help sniffing out the best? We've got you. Here are five of our favourite local eateries, starting with one very close to home…
The Grill & Lounge at Boldon Park
We can't talk about places to eat in Sunderland without mentioning our own homegrown restaurant.
Tucked inside Boldon Park and festooned with floor-to-ceiling windows, the Grill & Lounge feels as bright, airy and welcoming as a spring afternoon. Then you see the menus: a parade of popular classics, enlivened with modern culinary techniques and served with rare panache. Yum.
Look, perhaps we're just a little biased. But we're very proud of our culinary team and the freshly prepared, locally sourced delights they cook up. If you love good food and appreciate good service, it's a treat.
Babaji Sunderland
There's a reason Babaji has earned five stars on Google and TripAdvisor. This self-described 'artisan curry kitchen' serves some of the best South Asian food on this side of the Ganges. And it has the awards to prove it, too.
Impressive stuff – but it's the menu that steals the show. Ripe with nostalgic classics and spicy innovations, it's a feast of flavour that will make your mouth water at first sight. The choice is reassuringly massive, too – just as a good Indian menu should be.
You'll find your new favourite curry house in Sunderland City Centre. The chicken bhuna is impeccable, we hear.
Ember
Founded in 2024, Ember has quickly established itself as one of the best places to eat in Sunderland City Centre. It doesn't have a Michelin star or Bib Gourmand (yet), but make no mistake: this is proper, award-worthy fine dining.
You've got chef Tamer Hassan to thank for that. His inventive, Asian-inspired fare has delighted locals and critics alike. That includes the authors of the Good Food Guide, who called its tapas-style small plates 'first-rate'.
The setting is just as delicious. Perched on Sunderland's freshly revived Riverside development, Ember enjoys stunning views over the River Wear. Be sure to make time for an extra glass and a spot of water-gazing.
The Wolsey
Got the urge for something hearty and home-cooked? Head to The Wolsey in Roker and get ready for a plateful of good vibes.
Yes – sometimes, the only thing that hits the spot is some good old-fashioned pub grub. The Wolsey serves up some of the best in the city, including such favourites as steak and ale pie, breaded scampi and gammon steak. All come with crisp, golden, homemade chips. Be still our rumbling stomachs…
Real ale fans will find plenty to love, too. The Wolsey boasts a wide range of beers, including weekly rotating guest ales. And there's a beer garden? This might be pub perfection.
Spent Grain
If you're in Sunderland City Centre and you're looking for a quick bite, you can't go wrong with Spent Grain. This chic little establishment ranks among the top-rated places to eat in Sunderland for modern café-style fare. Think cheese-laden burgers, crisp pork belly pieces and brunches so big they'll keep you satisfied until sundown.
It's not all beef and brunches, though. Spent Grain serves a wide range of neatly presented light bites, too – including several dishes that take advantage of our fresher-than-fresh local seafood.