- Play Hard
- 3rd Dec 2025
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Lovage Jesmond – the MICHELIN Guide gem you’ll wish you knew about sooner
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Tucked away on St George’s Terrace, Lovage Jesmond is one of those Newcastle restaurants people whisper about to their friends – and then seem genuinely shocked when others still haven’t heard of it.
Despite earning a proud place in the MICHELIN Guide three years in a row, Lovage still feels wonderfully local, warm, and relaxed, run by people who are genuinely delighted to have you there.
Step inside and you’ll find a light, airy dining room with oak floors and wood panel feature walls, soft lighting and that gentle buzz you only get from a room full of happy diners.
It’s stylish but never stuffy, the kind of place where you can drop in for a mid-week bite without feeling underdressed or settle in for a special celebration without needing to whisper.
The best part? It works for every budget.
SEASONAL FOOD WITH MEDITERRANEAN SOUL
At the heart of Lovage is Head Chef and co-owner Kleo Tabaku, whose Albanian roots, years cooking in Italy and deep love for the North East’s incredible produce all come together in dishes that feel both comforting and exciting.
But just as essential to the Lovage experience is his partner Lisa Hide, the warm, welcoming face of the restaurant. While Kleo brings Mediterranean sunshine to every plate, Lisa brings that same spirit to the service – guiding you through the menu with a real, infectious love of the food.
Lovage’s menus are grounded in seasonality and the finest ingredients the team can source from trusted local suppliers and foragers. That care and intention shine through in dishes like wild halibut with Shetland mussels, Mediterranean-spiced monkfish on olive oil mash, or slow-braised ossobuco served with silky polenta.
Kleo’s cooking may be refined, but it’s never fussy. Instead, it’s vibrant, generous and full of bold flavours – think oxtail arancini, beetroot carpaccio drizzled with Albanian olive oil, or a pistachio tiramisu that has quickly become one of the restaurant’s signature delights. And every plate arrives with Lisa’s easy-going hospitality, making the experience feel less like dining out and more like being truly looked after.
SOMETHING FOR EVERY APPETITE (AND BUDGET)
One of Lovage’s greatest strengths is its flexibility. Whether you’re treating yourself or keeping an eye on spending, there’s something for everyone.
À la carte and small plates
Ideal for dinner with friends or a cosy date night. Order a few small plates to share – perhaps Orkney scallops, Whitby lobster, or labneh with confit leeks – then add a main if temptation wins (which it usually does). It’s the perfect way to try dishes you might not usually order.
Set and festive menus
Lovage’s set menus offer outstanding value, showcasing seasonal favourites at a more accessible price point. During the festive season, the special Christmas set menu brings everything from traditional turkey roulade to pistachio panettone pudding – perfect for work gatherings or a celebratory lunch.
The tasting menu: A Taste of Lovage
For the full Lovage experience, Kleo’s tasting menu is where he truly shines. Expect a thoughtful, beautifully paced journey through dishes such as oysters with wild rose vinegar, wild bass with kohlrabi salad, wagyu sirloin with truffle jus, and an indulgent cheese course. Add the wine flight, curated to match each dish perfectly, for an evening you’ll be talking about for weeks.
And of course, Lisa ensures the drinks keep flowing. You’ll find European wines (that Lisa will help pair with your chosen dishes), local beers, homemade cocktails and even indulgent dessert drinks like the chocolate and cherry martini.
VEGAN, VEGETARIAN AND EVERYONE IN BETWEEN
Lovage genuinely excels at catering for all diets. Their dedicated vegan and vegetarian menu isn’t an afterthought – it’s full of creativity and flavour. Dishes like harissa-roasted cauliflower steak, Mediterranean pumpkin with polenta, or spiced poached pear with vegan vanilla ice cream prove just how exciting plant-based food can be.
It’s one of those rare restaurants where mixed-diet groups don’t have to compromise.
SUNDAYS, CELEBRATIONS AND PRIVATE DINING
If Sunday is sacred to you, Lovage will quickly become a favourite. Their Sunday roasts are the stuff of local legend: salt-aged Black Angus sirloin, Mediterranean-spiced lamb shoulder, corn-fed chicken, and a superb vegetarian thyme-roasted cauliflower steak. Every roast comes with crispy potatoes, seasonal vegetables and Yorkshire puddings so tall they deserve applause.
For celebrations, Lovage also offers private dining. Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, anniversary or festive gathering, the team will tailor a menu to suit your group and budget, all without compromising on quality.
DON’T MISS OUT
If you haven’t discovered Lovage Jesmond yet, consider this your sign. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous lunch, a slow Sunday roast, a vegan celebration with friends or an indulgent tasting menu, you’ll be welcomed with warmth, fed with passion and sent home already planning your next visit.
Lovage Jesmond, 115 Street George’s Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2DN
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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