Tavistock Retro Italian in Gateshead

On arrival they did not have the alcohol we requested at the bar so had to go looking for bottles that had only dregs in them. They took our order and everything seemed fine. 2 of us ordered the bruschetta and it came as a door wedge and was incredibly dry. Another of our party ordered the prawn cocktail and made a suggestion to the staff that it needed more prawns and less sauce, as they we're swimming in it, only to receive the response that it was a common suggestion...if it's a common suggestion why hadn't they changed it?! So my friend and I had ordered steak with veg and instead they brought chips! When mentioned to staff she did apologise and said it was her fault and that she would sort it. We had nearly finished our steak by the time the veg had come to the table.My friends had noticed that we were actually drinking British wine made from grape concentrate...not being a wine drinker I hadn't really noticed (but it's probably why I could drink it haha). Another in our party asked the waitress what type of Rosé they served and she said she didn't know as she didn't drink wine herself. As she is a waitress in a restaurant that serves alcohol should she not know these things??? To top the night off it appeared that the manager came in to check on the evenings proceedings and it looked as though the staff had mentioned to him our criticism and instead of coming over and asking us about it he just glared at us with distain and then left. I must say that the restaurant itself needs a serious clean and revamp as the door to the kitchen was disgustingly black and the chair I was initially given to sit on was like something my Grandma had in her kitchen when my Dad was a kid 50 years ago.Needless to say we won't be hurrying back to the Italian Retro.

Absolutely beautiful food. Lovely surroundings. Nice relaxing atmosphere. Set menu.

Really nice atmosphere, the food was great and incredibly reasonably priced... We agreed that we'd be happy paying double what we did for the same food. However I think because we hit it at a busier time a few different choices were out of stock and that's the main reason for a 4* not 5*. We'd totally recommend it.

Top notch food, wonderful staff and great menu. Pricing is very good (3 courses for £4.95!). Nice atmosphere too, highly recommended for couples or families alike!

Booked table for 3 for 5.00 p.m. Saturday, 27th January. Arrived at 4.45 a little early. Door locked and was told to come back at 5.00 as they were having a meeting. Returned at just before 5.00 waiting for opening. Staff could clearly see us standing outside but chose to ignore us. Cleaning cutlery is far more important. We left after a further five minutes of waiting as clearly our booking not important. Will certainly be giving this place a wide berth.

The one man service I couldn't faultWent for the a la carteGarlic mushrooms with crusty bread were nice and tastyWent for the lamb Wellington which I assumed was supposed to be in pastry like a Beef WellingtonIt turned up without pastry and was overcooked and very chewyBoth mine and the wife's were the same and the wife's mash had some quite big lumps of hard potatoPossibly a one off because there is some good reviews on hereUnfortunately I don't think me and the wife will be back

The decor is Retro and the food is perfectly filling. The £7 or so fixed price menu is exceedingly good value

Found on business trip decided not to go to the restaurant at Premier Inn. Wow only 8 pounds for two courses or ten for three ! Nice simple food friendly staff, quick service. Nice atmosphere easy to park. Recommend.

Enjoyed our meal a group.of 14 of us all enjoyed the meal only slight complaint is it could have been hotter .Service was very good but wasnt impressed when i asked for a tea i was brought a cup of water with a t bag in the saucer i asked for it in a tea pot and im still waiting this really needs to be sorted its really ketting you down as a restaurant .

Great service !!!Great food !!!Slightly longer wait than expected but a very busy Friday night ... Lovely friendly staff , more than happy to help / and change stuff for arrogant arsey people on next table (without a blink) we are shields residents .. 1st time here......... Feel cheated that we haven't been here until tonight lol .. Even though we have known about it for years ......everything Fantastic ..try it :-) ps I'm not on commission or related lolUsed to work in the pub/food trade and this place rates in my top 5 in the country !! Well done guys !!This is gonna be our new local :-)