The Best Italian Restaurants in South Shields

South Shields has had an Italian streak for more than a century, ever since the ice cream families settled around Ocean Road, and some of those same names now run its restaurants. Ocean Road is famous for curry, but it also holds a run of reliable Italians, and there are good options in the town centre, out at The Nook and in Cleadon village. Here are the best places for pasta, pizza and a proper Italian night out.

Ristorante Bravi

Just off King Street at 7 North Street, Ristorante Bravi is the town's go-to for a special occasion. It is run by Gino and Elaine Minchella, who bring more than 30 years in the trade, and the dining room is smart and modern, with white tablecloths and low lighting. The menu covers matured steaks, local seafood, pizza and pasta, with daily specials and a traditional roast on Sundays.

It holds a five-star food hygiene rating, has a lift for wheelchair access and caters for private functions. Evening service runs midweek to weekend with a Sunday lunch, and it is consistently one of the best-reviewed restaurants in the town, so booking ahead is wise.

Best for: Best for birthdays, anniversaries and a dressed-up dinner in the town centre.

Pacino's

A fixture of Ocean Road for many years, Pacino's at 136-138 Ocean Road is the kind of relaxed, family-friendly Italian where regulars have been coming back for twenty years and more. The menu runs from pizza and risotto to fish, chicken and steak, and local reviewers single out the generous portions and the frutti di mare.

There is a midweek two-course deal, a popular Sunday lunch and a side room that suits groups. Walk-ins are welcome, but Friday and Saturday nights get booked up, so call ahead on 0191 455 9030.

Best for: Best for big portions, family gatherings and a Sunday lunch on Ocean Road.

Da Vinci's

Further up towards the town centre, Da Vinci's at 80-82 Ocean Road is a well-established Italian on the strip, with hundreds of reviews built up over the years. It is a cosy, rustic room known for stone-baked pizzas, risottos and steaks, and it has a gluten-free menu.

Most reviews praise the friendly service and good value, though a few recent ones suggest standards have been less consistent than in its heyday, so it is worth reading the latest feedback before you go. It also does takeaway.

Best for: Best for a cosy, good-value pizza and pasta night.

Italianish

Despite the name, Italianish at 118 Ocean Road is one of the highest-rated places to eat on the whole street. It puts Italian and Spanish cooking on one menu, so you can share tapas to start and move on to pasta, risotto or pizza. The room is buzzy and informal, which makes it a favourite for date nights and get-togethers with friends. If that is what you are planning, our date night guide has more ideas.

Best for: Best for sharing plates and a lively night out on Ocean Road.

Olivetto

Out at The Nook on Sunderland Road, Olivetto (formerly The Olive Tree) is a neighbourhood Italian serving NE34. The menu covers pizza, fresh pasta, steaks and seafood, plus the North East's own chicken parmo in several versions. It opens from mid-morning with breakfast until 3pm, has an early bird menu on weekday afternoons and closes on Mondays.

Best for: Best for an easy local Italian in Harton and the Nook.

Bistro Romano, Cleadon

Just outside the town in Cleadon village, Bistro Romano on Front Street has been serving Italian-inspired food since 1999. Expect pasta, risotto and seafood alongside seasonal specials, a good wine list and a Sunday grazing menu. It is a short drive from Harton and Cleadon Park and makes a pleasant change from the town centre. Check the hours before you go, as it is closed on Mondays and keeps shorter hours early in the week.

Best for: Best for a relaxed village dinner a few minutes from South Shields.

If it is pizza you are after

For a dedicated pizzeria rather than a full Italian menu, Up North Pizzeria and Deli in Westoe Crown Village serves Neapolitan-inspired pizza. Our best pizza in South Shields guide has the full rundown, including takeaways.

Booking tips

• Book at weekends. Bravi and Pacino's in particular fill up on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Check opening days. Several of these restaurants open for evenings only on weekdays, and Olivetto and Bistro Romano are closed on Mondays.
• Ask about dietary needs. Da Vinci's has a gluten-free menu, and Bravi lists vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, but always mention allergies when you book.

Know another great Italian in South Shields? Get in touch and let us know.