Ophelia
South Gosforth, Tyne & Wear
Entry
The arrival of Ophelia was sufficient to promote an outbreak of rejoicing throughout South Gosforth, which was overdue a restaurant of this calibre. It's a classy neighbourhood bistro, with framed posters on aubergine walls, smart linened tables and a row of bentwood chairs at the bar counter setting the tone. Personable staff who care about what they are doing help matters no end, as do the swinging cocktails that are now a de rigueur element of a night out. 'Steak frites' evenings are what we righteously expect of a bistro, no matter how 'moderne', and visitors can rest assured that the premium beef will be properly poivred up. Elsewhere, there could be a distinctly courageous serving of red prawns and raspberries with fermented red pepper juice to start, or good old chicken liver parfait, ahead of halibut with Shetland mussels and parsley mash or veal rump with Jersey Royals and a sauce of Fourme d'Ambert. Light, aromatic desserts are what nearly everybody wants in summer: look no further than fennel and honey panna cotta with strawberries in vin jaune vinegar. Unless, of course, you're in the mood for chocolate cake with whipped cream. Sunday roasts are an invaluable local amenity, while the extensive, French-forward wine list soon hits the heights – although by-the-glass selections are very good too.
Dining Information:
Separate bar, Family friendly
6-10 Bowsden Terrace, South Gosforth, Tyne & Wear NE3 1RX
0191 243 5240
