TYNESIDE’S newest restaurant is now offering the fresh and healthy tastes of the Mediterranean and Middle East in the heart of Sandyford.
Harissa, at Starbeck Avenue, opened its doors on July 1 and is a unique new eatery showcasing a healthier way of dining out without compromising on flavour.
Chargrilled meats, home-made flatbreads, fresh stews and mezze head-up a menu designed to promote healthy eating using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create tasty meals and snacks with fewer calories, fats or additives.
Healthy kebabs are set to be a popular favourite with options including slow roasted shoulder of spiced pork with apple, grilled spring onion and crackling or monkfish with crispy capers and chargrilled lemon, lime and coriander crème fraiche.
There is also a selection of small plate dishes including squid and Merguez sausage sautéed with garlic, rocket, tomatoes and chickpeas, goat tagine with olives, preserved lemon and fresh herbs and Harissa chicken breast with chargrilled courgette and feta style cheese.
Harissa has reinvented the humble wrap for lunchtime diners, with a selection of options including chargrilled halloumi, Merguez sausage, along with fresh falafel and chargrilled courgette, served in a fresh flatbread.
On Saturdays the restaurant also offers a brunch menu, which features the Harissa full English breakfast along with a vegetarian option.
The new restaurant operates as a social enterprise, with a commitment to using fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, paying staff a living wage and protecting the local environment.
It has been set up by Jamie Sadler, the brains behind Newcastle’s Food Nation which works with schools, businesses and individuals to help them make better food choices and will work in a similar way to have a positive impact on both diners and the local community.
“We have worked hard to create a menu which is not only healthy and offers dishes which are low in fat, salt and sugar, but is also tasty and satisfying,” he said.
“Healthy food does not have to be boring food, and our team has worked hard to design a creative menu full of the flavours of the Mediterranean and North Africa.
“Our delicious flatbreads are made on site and visitors will notice our menus change regularly because we use the freshest seasonal ingredients to bring the best flavours.”
Prices start at £2.50 for nibbles like spicy roasted nuts or marinated olives, £3.50 for small plates, £6.50 for wraps and £7.50 for kebabs.
For more information or to make a reservation visit www.harissakitchen.co.uk or call 0191 261 5501.