Rockafella

Terry Miller opened Rockafella after winning the first series of Hell’s Kitchen. After eating here you will know exactly why he won.

The Venue
Situated at Amen Corner, Rockafella seems a little off the beaten track. However, the reality is that it is only a five minute walk from the Quayside, a five minute walk to Central Station, and a five minute walk from some of the best bars in town. As you walk into the restaurant, you are greeted by smiling staff. There's a small bar and the restaurant is opulent, beautifully designed and it has an exclusive feel. A lot of thought has clearly gone into the design and layout.

The People
The restaurant is usually packed, but as it's fairly small it feels exclusive. The clientele are generally of a more mature nature, although younger couples also enjoy the food and atmosphere. The staff cannot do enough for you at Rockafella and they really seem to enjoy their jobs. What also strikes you is that they all seem to know a lot about food and wine, probably the result of in house training and a selective staff recruitment policy.

The Food
The food is of a very high standard that puts it among Newcastle’s very best restaurants. The starters are two variations of Terry’s signature dish, Rockafella. Made famous on the reality TV show, Hell’s Kitchen, it’s a combination of mash potato and meat or fish. The chicken Rockafella is a superb balance of flavours and textures and rather filling. The seafood Rockafella is also a hit and again comes in quite a sizeable portion for a starter, so make sure you’re hungry when choosing it.

For main course, two of the favourites are the fillet steak with a foie gras veloute and wild mushrooms, and a seafood platter. The fillet is exceptional and cooked exactly to order; it melts in the mouth with a fantastic, rich sauce. The seafood platter makes the most of Newcastle’s coastal location by offering a fantastic selection of seafood and shellfish, and the basil mash is a delicious accompaniment. On the a la carte menu starters range from £6.95 to £9.95 and mains are £12.95 to £25. On the lite bites menu starters are £4.95 to £5.95 while mains are £8.95 to £14.

The Drink
A great wine list has been hand-picked to add the final touch to a fabulous meal.

The Last Word
Rockafella epitomises fine dining. The food is first class, the service is first class and the surroundings are first class. Some say it is pricy – but ultimately considering the quality on offer, it is fantastic value for money.

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