Gabrieles in Sunderland

It’s been over 20 years since I visited this location and so when an old friend suggested dinner here I was YES let’s go. Although slightly spiced up it remains very much the same as I remembered. Service was pleasant and the food was generous and delicious.

Absolutely love this place the hosts Jamie and Peter (Brian) are brilliant especially with our son. The whole atmosphere of the place makes me safe and at home. And the food is first class. An absolute local legend.

Table booked for family after the football. Food was amazing and the place was packed. Staff couldn’t have been anymore friendly and really topped off our day in Sunderland

Called in on the off chance of a table for two. It was very busy but the staff couldn’t have been more accommodating. Meal was fabulous, wine very nice and very reasonably priced. Two ladies sitting next to us were an absolute joy to talk to. Love the place .

Great food at great prices, staff very friendly and helpful. Great atmosphere wouldn’t hesitate to return here for another meal

We went to Gabrieles as a last minute decision and definitely didn't regret it. The food was loveky and, contrary to another review, very reasonably priced. The Scotch Egg and Pepper Sauce starter was fantastic and the mains we had, a seafood linguine and a cod dish were beautifully cooked. The servers were helpful and very efficient. The restaurant has a nice ambience and there are good options on the menu and specials board. We will definitely be back.

Sensational. We came here for the first time as we were starving after the String Quartet performance and it was late so weren't even sure we would get seated or if food would still be on. We were offered a choice of seating and decided to sit in the window seat which was lovely and private. The staff were very polite and attentive. We had bruschetta and the mussels to start with a bottle of the Frascati wine. Both dishes were stunning and the wine paired perfectly, you could taste every ingredient in the sauce with the mussels. For mains we got the Chicken Rosmarino and the Gamberetti & Pernod pasta. All of our portions were good sizes and all of the food was fresh, hot and just simply beautiful, tasty food. Once we finished a lovely member of staff tried to persuade us for dessert but we were totally full so unfortunately did not get that pleasure. Never the less we were not ushered out or felt the staff wanted to get away or even shimmied the bill, we sat for a bit and enjoyed our wine along with a few other late diners. The price was exactly what I would expect to pay for that standard of food and wine and more than happy to pay it. It was beautiful, authentic italian cuisine which is hard to find in Sunderland these days. A new favourite of mine and we will be regulars!

In a word dreadful, when we arrived we were shown to a table at the back of the restaurant even thought it was only 5pm and a window seat was available. We didn't question it, just thought it was reserved ready for a soon to arrive booking. We ordered a bottle of wine which was nice, not overpriced as things stand today. We ordered ministrone soup and arribiata pasta. Good thing we knew the type of soup! When it arrived it was like dish water and tasteless, we called over the staff to advise. At which point we made the safe decision to cancel the meal. Whilst finishing our glass of wine another couple came in, the window table was still available and they were offered it, so we called the staff member over and asked why they were offered that table and we weren't. She then said she had offered us that table, virtually calling us liars. I would suggest avoid the place at all costs. Speaking of which as another reviewer stated it is not cheap. Most place offer early bird meal deals

I have been visiting Gabrielle's for more than 30 years and have always found the staff and food to be excellent and the ambience to be warm and inviting. It's always been a charming place to visit with very reasonable down to earth pricing. Part of its appeal was the feeling that they always delivered great value for money. However after my last visit I no longer consider it to be good value for money. Both the drinks and meal are grossly overpriced, with a 3 course meal and drinks from some renowned restaurants like Hibou Blanc and Blackfriars costing significantly less than Gabrielle's. £4.50 for a shot of Sambucca, £6.20 for a garlic bread, £7.70 for a small piece of pate and a couple of pieces of bread, it's just got out of hand. What was a go to Italian restaurant for has lost its appeal due to the inflationary pricing they have now introduced.

We have never been to Sunderland and were staying nearby as I was running the following day in The Great North Run. We walked past and restaurant was closed but went in asked to see a menu and booked, they were very busy but found us a table. We arrived early but our table was ready, lovely atmosphere and friendly staff. Food was amazing - huge, tasty garlic bread with cheese to start, I couldn’t eat all the lasagne I had ordered which was absolutely delicious but a huge portion. I actually asked to take it home - it was that good. My husband had pizza and fries which he polished off and said was excellent. We had a really lovely evening.

Excellent service and good food .. staff were courteous and professional and we both enjoyed the visit to this place and will visit again.

Firstly, I will start this review by saying that the staff were friendly and helpful. I asked for something that was not on the menu but still had ingredients that were included in other dishes on the special board. The staff were very quick and happy to accommodate my request which I thought was great. However my issue was with the food. Me and my family ordered mussels, potato skins and garlic bread for starters. The mussels were nice and the potato skins were crispy. The portions were massive so great value for money. Yet the garlic bread was just too much garlic. I know that sounds silly as it is a garlic bread but it just exceeded the amount necessary. It was not the most enjoyable and that is coming from a personal garlic lover. After that we received our mains. The carbonara, margareta pizza, pesto pasta (not on menu item) and other pasta that I cannot remeber the name of. The carbonara was nice and a good portion size. The pizza wasn't great. It was disappointing but still edible. My pasta was really nice and filling just a tad bit too oily. Would have preferred a creamier sauce but for a non menu item it was still quite enjoyable. I think it could make a great addition to the general menu if again the pesto was a little bit less oily. The staff had good conversation and were very quick and helpful. I understand that the kitchen was probably a little stressed as it was a Friday night but still the food could have been better. Please don't let my review stop you from visiting as I am sure it could be down to an off day but thought it is best for the restaurant to be aware of these few bumps for future reference. Thank you for a nice evening.

Such a friendly atmosphere with fast service and delicious food. The restaurant was full but the staff were working so well under pressure, all smiles! The steak was cooked perfectly as we're the seafood items and desserts- all home made! The wine list is a fair size too. Beautiful view from the outdoor dining area which has the lovely touch of heaters if you wish to use them. We will definitely return!

My partner and I visited gabrieles this month Food was great he had the steak I had gluten free pizza staff very helpful Can't wait to return

Quality service and quality food. There’s nothing else to say really. Great ambience and pleasant environment. Recommend.

Lovely place with stunning cuisine, staff were brilliant and catered for our party of eight (which included two wheelchair users). We had a wonderful evening in an ideal location and we will visit again.

This is an excellent venue, the food is top notch, service is fast and friendly, the prices are reasonable. A real gem and unexpected

This was our 1st visit here What can I say, my wife and I both agreed this was one of our best dining experiences ever. Great service, nice wine, perfect food The place was really busy, good job we booked 10 out of 10, couldn't...

We visited this evening and had a lovely time. We have been regulars for nearly 40 years but haven't been for a while. We had our favourite starter of Chefs Pate which is always spot on then for the main course we cose Lasagne and...

I celebrated my birthday here with some friends and we had such a lovely time. The place was great, the food was tasty and the staff were friendly and efficient.

Been to Gabriel's before and was really nice, starter of Garlic Mushrooms was very disappointing, 6 mushrooms with crushed garlic on the top baked in the oven, very shrivelled and no garlic butter, lasagne was nice but nothing special, not as good value as before,...

Fantastic location.food is outstanding,big portions,restaurant clean .food comes to table hot and very nice.d

Visited this restaurant on numerous occasions however I feel the quality of the food has gone downhill. The portions have bizarrely increased to ridiculous size’s. Very bland. I don’t see the need for carrots and broccoli as a side on a steak or chicken dish.

Walked in on the hottest evening of the year and managed to get a table, we had prawn cocktail and garlic mushrooms to start and both had the pizza Calzone. I consider myself a bit of a calzone connoisseur and this was easily the best...

The owner was a little brusque but the rest of the staff were very accomadating. Not wowed by the food. Plain and simple Italian restaurant which used to serve much better tasting food and ingredients which we remembered to be of extremely good quality.

Didn't book, walked in around 6pm it was empty, but other diners did come in after us, and others who ordered takeaway. Lovely and warm, clean and cosy. Staff were lovely, just the right amount of attention. Food was beautiful we had bolognese, raffaello and...

When you walk into a half empty restaurant and they ask if you have booked and because you haven’t booked seat you on the worst table by the door on a freezing cold night with most of the tables standing empty you would expect the...

We were stopping in a nearby hotel and booked this restaurant because of its location. Glad we did. Service was excellent, the food was lovely (and very decent portions) and the price was extremely reasonable. Lovely ambiance we hope to return.

Decided to have night out together . Rang and managed to book a table for 7pm Greeted immediately and shown to table . Made to feel very welcome . Prompt service piping hot food . Brilliant night . Thank you

The food here is excellent, fresh & delicious. Cheesecake is scrumptious. House wine is great & inexpensive. Atmosphere fantastic

It was a 60th birthday meal and there was 26 of us. The service and food was second to none. The staff were friendly and attentive. I highly recommend this restaurant.

Just popped in on off chance, they said they were fully booked but said they would see if they could fit me in, they got us a nice table 👍 Staff friendly and efficient, great meal and service

Often go to Gabrielles has a couple or with family. Probably the best Italians in Sunderland in our opinion. Great prices and good sized portions. Cannot wait to go back.

Visited this restaurant and was really impressed with the service. Nothing was too much, waiters were excellent and they also had fantastic gluten free options. Will go again when I visit Sunderland. Highly recommend.

We recently ate here while on a visit to see family in the area. We went in on the off chance that we could get a table and we’re not disappointed. The welcome and the service in general was top notch. I asked for Pollo Milanese , but instead of chips I wanted tagliatelle and arrabbiata sauce, no problem at all with that request. We also had Flip flap chicken with veg and potatoes,The food was outstanding. for pudding we shared a tiramisu, and I have to say it is one of the best, if not the best that I have ever tasted. Well worth a visit and we would definitely go back again.

Visited this restaurant on a busy Saturday night without booking prior, but got seated quite quickly.Ordered our food - starters were potato skins which were fine (you can't really go wrong with potato skins though) and mussels; the mussels came with a slice of dry stale bread in a spicy tomato sauce. More than half of the mussels were still closed which meant they were dead and could not be eaten - I was going to complain when they came to collect the plates but my partner told me not to as he didn't want the fuss!The mains ordered were carbonara (again okay but lacked taste so left half) and a specials dish which was lamb shank cooked in a tomato style sauce.. The lamb looked horrible when it came to the table and was so fatty and chewy I'm surprised my partner ate it. Again I was going to complain but my partner told me not too and we paid the bill and left..Definitely will not be back, Martinos just a few yards down is a much better choice and the food is much fresher there than it is in here!

I am from the local area but moved away. Visited Sunderland recently and due to Covid, ordered a take out. The food was as excellent as if it was ordered in the restaurant! Calzone was fantastic. Will definitely be eating in once reopened as the staff and service are always amazing. Favourite restaurant in Sunderland!

We ate on a busy Friday night. The prices are so cheap and the menu is good. We enjoyed the bruschetta special with Parma ham. The pizza was decent as was the lasagna...neither amazing but ok and at £6 who’s complaining! Bottle of house wine is £12. Filled with locals and a good atmosphere.

Had a date night with the wife , excellent food had the steak really nice. Very friendly. Definitely have a dessert unreal!!

Was quiet on the Wednesday night we chose to eat here after looking at reviews. Absolutely perfect, service was great with friendly staff and a lovely romantic atmosphere. We ate the king prawn risotto special and the Amatriciana which were massive servings and tasted incredible! When we got the bill we were shocked, one of the cheapest but nicest meals I’ve ate out in a while! £12 for a bottle of red!!! Bargain!!! Sadly do not live in the area but if I did I would eat there every night! Thanks again!

Op de bonnefooi bij dit restaurant terechtgekomen. Zag er druk uit van buiten, gelukkig nog een tafeltje kunnen bemachtigen. Klein, knus en gezellig restaurant. Heerlijk gegeten, royale porties. Absoluut een aanrader, vandaar de drukte op een doordeweekse dag. Prijs /kwaliteit dik in orde. Hier kom ik zeker terug

First visit on a Sunday lunch. Not the traditional Sunday lunch but a plentiful and varied menu. The service was excellent and the varied food for all four of us was really tasty. The place was very busy and there was a lovely atmosphere. I have no hesitation in recommending this place and I look forward to returning.

Pre Christmas visit to Seaburn with my Wife, where I spent my youth and fortunately we found Gabbys. First class food, excellent service and great value for money. Particularly liked the fact you could order smaller portions. We’d be regular visitors if it weren’t a two hour drive from home town.

Went to Gabbys to celebrate my wife's birthday last month.Great food and service as usual. Always a cosy place

Veldig koselig liten restaurant. Nydelig mat og drikke til en billig penge. Vil absolutt anbefale denne restauranten.

What a fantastic meal we had at this little gem of a restaurant. If you want excellent quality food at reasonable prices this is the place to eat, but book or you might be disappointed.Everything from the minute we arrived was perfect. There is such a great atmosphere it’s not surprising it gets so busy. Service was spot on and staff were friendly and attentive. Great food, wine and beer. Well done everyone this really is a place to visit and keep coming back to just wish I lived in Sunderland.

Visited with my friend on a busy Thursday evening. We were sat immediately and drinks order was taken shortly followed by food order. The starters seemed to take a short while but when arrived they were piping hot and a good portion size. The mains come out much quicker after and again great portion size and really hot and we both enjoyed our food and the price is fantastic too. A couple of pointers to say is nobody checked back on our food, and nobody come round to offer second drinks despite glasses empty on the table. Also dessert menu is a on a blackboard on the wall, and we weren't offered desserts after our food despite asking about the menu but will still return in the future.

Little cosy Italian on the sea front with a real family feel. Great pasta choices where you can build you bowl; size, options and with it without meat. Great choice of deserts too and good value. Fast, efficient and friendly service. Very enjoyable dinner choice.

Vanavond hier gegeten met zijn tweeën.

This little family run restaurant is fabulous we go here all the time as a couple and for birthday celebrations.

Some of our relatives dine here fairly often so, when they invited us to join them a few months ago, I had high expectations. Sadly, it was extremely disappointing and everything was, at best, mediocre. I didn't even bother leaving a Tripadvisor review.So when, last week, we were invited to join them again, also at Gabriele's, my heart sank.

Came here with the missus for an evening meal and would definitely return. The food was really nice and the staff were friendly and polite Worth a visit.

..doesn't look much from the outside, but great food, great staff, really relaxed and welcoming - what a find!!

Ate here last Sunday as a surprise venue for my sister's birthday. There were 16 of us. The staff were efficient and friendly and the food was really nice. I had lamb shank (I can't remember the Italian name). Everyone enjoyed what they ordered and there was a good selection to choose from.

Gabrielle’s is my favourite restaurant in Sunderland, it is always a good night when we choose this restaurant. The food is always a high standard served by great staff. The menu has all the typical Italian favourites and the special board invites you to try different dishes whatever you pick you will have an enjoyable meal.

We visited this Italian for a meal.Only went in as so busy.What a find!! Really good meal!! Lovely menu loads to choose from and a specials board,for starters we had king prawns in garlic,and goats cheese,Parma ham and balsamic vinegar over toasted bread.Then chicken flip flap(prawns,brandy and cream sauce) and chicken breast with mushroom,brandy and cream sauce ,both delicious!! Good house red,and very reasonable!! Staff couldn’t do enough but very pleasant.We would definitely revisit if we are in the area.

Excellent menu. Great to find gluten free options. Which tasted delicious. Beautiful environment. Lovely setting. Staff lovely and friendly and prices very reasonable. Definitely recommend.

Having finished a monster shift at work I got home to the other half saying we were going out for tea...ideal.

Having had a very 'refreshing' (!) walk along the seafront enjoying the illuminations, me and my partner (plus 2 adults) decided to try a later-than-expected Friday evening supper at Gabriele's. Despite the place being very busy, we were seated very quickly and had our drinks order taken shortly afterwards. Timely, and unhurried.

This is a great value for money Italian restaurant, portions very generous, staff friendly & helpful.

Great food. Recommend to book a table and you must view the Blackboard specials. Staff very accommodating and friendly.

Brilliant food, well priced , lovely venue , friendly and attentive staff on a special evening, wouldn’t hesitate calling here again

Great service friendly but not over bearing. Food fantastic. Over generous portions couldn't find room for a dessert! We live locally thankfully so will be back again soon. Went on a Wednesday night and it was packed so please book to avoid disappointment! Every table was full.

With two young grandchildren and the place quite busy and the fact we hadn't pre booked it was a very pleasant surprise to be shown to an ideal table for six.

Another return visit.It has never failed to live up to my expectations.The food and the service is as always of the highest quality.In particular the choice of desserts always causes a problem as I am spoiled for choice.The banana split was of the highest quality.There is always apleasant atmosphere . the staff are always friendly and the service is very prompt.

Say in bag window looking out to sea. The food was more wonderful than the view. Lobster ravioli starter, then chicken with Norwegian prawns followed by the most delicious lemon cheesecake. Needs a long walk to ease away the calories but we'll worth it. An outstanding experience

A very busy restaurant and can see why, food was very good at very reasonable prices. Service was also very efficient and friendly

Went to Gabys for a birthday meal with my partner. Great food, great service and reasonably priced. Thank you

What more could you ask for, good food , friendly service, and reasonable prices, if I lived locally I would use this place regularly.

Reserved a table for two tonight. It was quite busy so glad we did. We were seated in the window bay which has gorgeous views of the sea. I dont know if I'm easily pleased but with is being a sunny evening, it felt like we were abroad ha! Ordered Pate and an Italian meatloaf to start. Both gorgeous and full of flavour. The meatloaf was from the specials board but hopefully there to stay as it was so tasty. Chicken cordon bleu and carbonara for mains. Also super tasty and extremely filling - generous portions which suits us fine! Despite being quite full we still ordered desserts. We went for the Vanilla and Nutella cheesecake - light, refreshing and delicious. Had a fantastic night, lovely atmosphere and very attentive staff. Will be making sure we visit more often from now on. Thanks!

Once again a fab meal. All of us really enjoyed the grub. Best brushetta I've ever had. Great service and such a good price. They even managed to rustle up some paracetamol for 1 of the family who had a headache Many thanks

Me and my partner went her after a busy day at work we were looking forward to a nice meal we got put at a table right on the end backing onto the bar kitchen and toilet constantly had waiters rushing past and people using the toilet and people hovering over us at the bar. Couldnt hear myself think total greed springs tomind to put a table for 2 hear. Food was rubbish got a mozzarella starter from the specials clearly straight from the freezer. This used to be a lovley authentic restaurant. Wont be going back ever. Drive down the road to the Italian kitchen

Chosen because it was a nice evening and being on the seafront the setting is great in good weather. This was my third visit, usually go to Sambuca if having Italian. The restaurant seems to have had a little make over since my last visit, but the staff food and service have not changed. It was fairly busy but they coped admirably and food was served quickly, fresh and hot. Price is reasonable but good quality for the price. Recommended.

Our family of 4, including 2 growing hungry lads, enjoyed a fantastic lunch. Arriving on a Saturday afternoon, it wasn't busy and there was a choice of tables. We had a window seat with a sea view.

Went and had 2 starters, two mains and 4 drinks -2 alcoholic. Bill came to £23. Very good value for money. Best Italian I have been to in the northeast. Will definitely be going back as fortunately we now live in Whitburn. I recommend the garlic bread and the carbonara.

I dine at this restaurant every time I am up here for work..... excellent food great value for money, excellent service nothing is too much trouble for the friendly staff always polite and make you feel welcome great for families, couples and like myself the usual table for one highly recommended restaurant in the area.

Great little restaurant, lovely service , food good quality ,reasonably priced, right next store to the Marriott Hotel.

It’s a real shame that a place that gets the food and the ambience right but suffers from a lack of attention by the staff. It was a quiet night but still I had to go chasing the bill after 10-15 minutes of waiting. It’s...

We decided to eat here as it was recommended to us by relatives. The young waitress and waiter serving us were very good and polite. The food was reasonably priced however the soup starter was tasteless When we came to pay our bill for £48.20...

We first visited Gabriele's 26 years ago and have been back regularly for special occasions. Lovely staff, excellent food, relaxed...

We've been frequenting " Gabbies " for over 20 years and I'm delighted to say it's still as good today...

We have eaten at Gabriele's restaurant for many many years. The outstanding thing about the restaurant is the friendly atmosphere....

I've eaten here several times over the past few years, the food is of a consistently good quality, with generous...

My husband and I have been going to Gabriel's for at least 22 years, we love it, we did try...

Visited Gabrielles for the first time last night. Our party of 3 generations couldn't have been more pleased with our...

I used to go to Gabby's 30+ years ago when I lived in Sunderland and had very fond memories of it - so when I returned last night with my family on a visit to the city, I was worried if it would be as good as what I remembered.

This was my first visit and I will definitely recommend the restaurant to friends and family. The food was lovely and the staff really friendly.

We've never had a bad meal here, the staff are wonderful and there's a lovely friendly atmosphere. We've have been both busy and quiet times and that never affects the quality or standard of the meal/service. It is also reasonable priced with decent portions.

We had a very good evening meal lots of choice and very good food. The waiters were very pleasant and we were not rushed with our meal.

My second visit to Gabrielle's and will certainly return here often . Perfectly located on the promenade overlooking the sea, this very relaxed and straight-forward Bistro offers a relaxed old-school Italian experience at very comfortable prices. A Homely place that can be visited and enjoyed regularly, exactly what I was searching for.

Came here with my husband and mother in law one Saturday night. I used to work next door in Santinis when I was a student and I always wanted to try Gabriele's. I ordered the salmon - I am very fussy with salmon as I hate overdone fish but the salmon was cooked to perfection! I ordered a side salad and it was fresh and crisp. The restaurant had a lovely atmosphere too.

We have visited this small family restaurant on many occasions since 1980 and it's appeal was always the cosy intimate atmosphere and excellent basic Italian dining that is so reminiscent of rural Italy. The management have not changed in all that time and many of the customers are regulars including us.Well - Gabriele's has had a makeover that makes it brighter and roomier (although it has the same number of tables as before). The dark rural dining experience may have been replaced but the friendly atmosphere and good inexpensive food and wine are still there without change. This area of Seaburn has many restaurants and at least three other Italian restaurants within 200 yards of Gabriele's - yet none of them are as busy as this little gem. We wouldn't even consider another in the area as long as this restaurant is open.

Popped into Gabrielle’s with family whilst visiting the illuminations.This restaurant has been here for as long as I can remember. It’s very small but cosy and the food is delicious as well as staff very friendly.Definitely worth a visit.

Atmosphere is great. Food excellent. It was a very busy Saturday night when we managed to get a table. The staff are very efficient and friendly. I thoroughly enjoyed the creme brulee.

Being unfamiliar with Sunderland, I asked a local taxi driver a decent place to go for an evening meal. He suggested Gabriele's.My main dish was beef stroganoff and it was disappointing as the meat was rather on the tough side.

Having been refurbished to a very good standard this restaurant continues to be very popular with good reason. It provides a good choice of dishes at a reasonable price. The atmosphere and friendly service by the staff make it a very pleasant place to visit. I would recommend this restaurant highly and consider it to be one of the best and most popular in the area.

Went here for a birthday meal and wasn't disappointed. The place has had a revamp not sure if I like the new look but the food was marvellous as were the staff, very friendly and amusing. It has a lovely atmosphere would definitely go again. If it's your birthday BEWARE! expect the whole place to sing happy birthday (all good fun).

Gabriels is by far the best Italian restaurant in the area. Food is always fab, staff are lovely. We will keep going back. ✅

Lovely restaurant with friendly staff. This is a very popular Italian restaurant so I would certainly recommend booking, otherwise you will be disappointed. The food is great, but not a great selection for a vegetarian, but what there is, is superb. The prices are extremely reasonable which is maybe why this is such a popular restaurant for locals.I really enjoyed eating here and the house wine is a very nice merlot, also at a reasonable price.

it was a nice italian dinner (lasagna, penne salmone, bruscheta) with a good lambrusco, we spend a good evening in this restaurant, the 3 of us were satisfied with the food and wine