Best Casual Restaurants in Sunderland

Price

££
£££
££££

Cuisine

ItalianSeafoodFrenchJapaneseBritishFusion / Eclectic

Regions

DurhamMorpethNewcastle upon TyneSunderland

Areas

AmbleDurhamNewcastle upon TyneSunderlandWashington

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

42 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. The Engine Room

4.5

Awesome(859)

££££Price: Moderate

• British • Sunderland

Booked 20 times today

Welcome to the Engine RoomGreat quality food, produced from fresh and locally sourced produce, is teamed with a fantastic range of drinks – from soft drinks, and beers to cocktails. Sitting inside the lovingly restored Old Fire Station, within the heart of Sunderland’s cultural quarter the Engine Room is the perfect place to enjoy a meal before visiting the theatre, mark a special occasion or simply meet with friends for a fun night in the city.

A photo of The 3 Stories - The Library restaurant

2. The 3 Stories - The Library

3.4

Very Good(8)

££££Price: Moderate

• British • Sunderland

Booked 2 times today

The Library at The 3 Stories is a sophisticated sanctuary nestled on the top floor of Sunderland’s most vibrant entertainment venue. This elegant cocktail and wine bar is the perfect blend of style and comfort, offering an intimate atmosphere where every sip and bite tells a story. With an extensive selection of expertly crafted cocktails, premium wines, The Library invites you to relax, connect, and indulge. Escape the hustle and bustle and discover a hidden gem dedicated to unique flavours, cosy ambiance, and memorable moments. Perfect for date nights, gatherings with friends, or unwinding after a long day, The Library is your go-to for an elevated yet relaxed evening.At The Library, evenings come alive with the soulful sounds of live jazz and sets by talented DJs. The carefully curated music elevates the ambiance, blending effortlessly with our stylish setting to create a warm, inviting vibe.

A photo of The 3 Stories - The Storyteller restaurant

3. The 3 Stories - The Storyteller

3.0

Good(16)

££££Price: Moderate

• Contemporary British • Sunderland

Booked 1 time today

The Storyteller at The 3 Stories, where rich flavours meet rich history in a place as warm and inviting as Sunderland itself. Located in a beautifully restored building, The Storyteller combines character and charm with a contemporary twist, creating an atmosphere that’s both comfortable and sophisticated.Nestled on the ground floor, The Storyteller is a bar-restaurant perfect for a casual lunch, a celebratory dinner, or a cosy evening spent savouring expertly crafted dishes and drinks. Our menu features fresh, locally-inspired cuisine alongside an impressive selection of beers, craft drinks, and classic cocktails. Whether you’re indulging in a new favourite dish or sharing a round with friends, every visit promises something special.We believe in quality, authenticity, and delivering experiences worth remembering. From the local food on your plate to the inviting decor around you, everything at The Storyteller reflects our passion for Sunderland and its vibrant community spirit.

A photo of Bluebell Fulwell Sunderland restaurant

4. Bluebell Fulwell Sunderland

4.5

Awesome(4)

££££Price: Moderate

• British • Sunderland

A true gem in the heart of Fulwell, The Bluebell is everything you love about a classic British pub — with that extra something that keeps guests coming back. A firm favourite with locals and a warm welcome to visitors, we’re all about great food, quality drinks, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.Tuck into comforting classics like stacked burgers and hearty Sunday roasts, all served with a smile and excellent value. Quench your thirst with a cold pint or explore our wide range of drinks at the bar.Catch the match on our HD screens, enjoy a friendly game of pool or darts, or soak up the sun in our dog-friendly beer garden. Planning a special occasion? Our private function room is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, and more — and with free on-site parking, getting here is easy.From chilled afternoons to lively evenings, The Bluebell is your go-to spot for good times and great company. Come in, get comfy, and make yourself at home.

A photo of House of Zen Seaburn restaurant

5. House of Zen Seaburn

4.2

Awesome(334)

££££Price: Moderate

• Asian • Sunderland

Located in Seaburn, Sunderland's lovely seaside resort, House of Zen Seaburn Restaurant and Bar88 offers something refreshingly different. Whether sitting enjoying the sunshine on our balcony or through our large windows, viewing the crowds on the beach through the spring & summer or watching a storm tossed sea from the warm comfort of the panoramic view is always interesting, and our award winning food, cocktails and range of Asian beers are available all day every day.

A photo of Grey Horse East Boldon restaurant

6. Grey Horse East Boldon

4.7

Exceptional(7)

££££Price: Moderate

• British • Newcastle upon Tyne

A quaint and welcoming village pub, serving good food until 9pm Monday - Saturday and 4:30pm Sundays.The Grey Horse is a friendly venue offering delicious food, great drinks and unforgettable experiences. Come and visit us for any occasion including lunch/dinner visits, Birthdays and all other special occasions.

A photo of Chesters Sunderland restaurant

7. Chesters Sunderland

4.8

Exceptional(7)

££££Price: Moderate

• British • Sunderland

Welcome to the Chesters in Sunderland.We are now re-open following a huge refurbishment!We look forward to welcoming you back into our pub.

8. Prior

4.9

Exceptional(2)

££££Price: Moderate

• Pub • Sunderland

Booked 3 times today

Soak up our friendly service and homely charm a stone's throw from Doxford Park, Sunderland. We're the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy our delicious menu with your favourite drink in hand.

A photo of Board Inn Sunderland restaurant

9. Board Inn Sunderland

5.0

Exceptional(1)

££££Price: Moderate

• British • Sunderland

Quality in the Heart of Herrington.The Board Inn is a community pub accommodating all age groups, with a traditional bar and lounge, real ales, Monday night Karaoke, SKY Sports and BT Sports, pool, darts and domino handicaps. We have at all here, why go somewhere else? There's something for everyone, including live entertainment, Quizzes, domino handicaps and of course the brilliant staff.Food is served all day until 8:15pm, with a variety of great offers available! So visit The Board Inn today and make us the place you want to be.

10. The Broad Chare

4.8

Exceptional(3272)

££££Price: Expensive

• British • Newcastle upon Tyne

Booked 21 times today

We’re big on warmth, low on fussiness: stripped wood floors, high bar stools, painted brickwork and comfy leather banquettes. Sup your pint beside our polished-oak bar or tuck yourself away in the Snug behind the frosted glass partition. You can hear yourself talk, concentrate on the crossword or nod off quietly in the corner.To help keep everyone safe, our teams will continue to wear face masks and we'd love you to do the same when nentering and moving around the pub and dining room.Thank you for your continued support and understanding and we look forward to seeing you.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Colin
Newcastle and Northumberland •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Had the Fireman’s board - VERY generous portions and a fantastic mix of tasty treats
More info
The Engine RoomPrice: Moderate• British• Sunderland
•
4.5
G
Gordon
Newcastle and Northumberland •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Really good experience throughout-good was great especially the beef stories - staff were fantastic and very attentive overall will go back as it’s a great place to entertain
More info
The 3 Stories - The StorytellerPrice: Moderate• Contemporary British• Sunderland
•
3
J
John
Newcastle and Northumberland •1 review
5.0
Dined on 10 May 2025
Absolutely fantastic afternoon was had by all of my guests and would highly recommend it
More info
The 3 Stories - The LibraryPrice: Moderate• British• Sunderland
•
3.4
RB
RossB
Newcastle and Northumberland •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 30 Dec 2023
Great service and food is always of a high standard.
More info
House of Zen SeaburnPrice: Moderate• Asian• Sunderland
•
4.2
OT
OpenTable Diner
Newcastle and Northumberland •16 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 May 2023
Looks like the pub has been fully repainted outside and looks great now, looks brilliant
More info
Bluebell Fulwell SunderlandPrice: Moderate• British• Sunderland
•
4.5

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