Harden's survey result
Summary
Despite arguably being the “most understated place in Newcastle”, this “unpretentious” 15-seater in a block in a residential part of Sandyford is a “special place well deserving of anyone‘s attention” (and securing Jay Rayner’s in his November 2023 review, who found it decidedly “one of the great places”, while pleading with owner Sam Betts to increase wine mark-ups and reduce portion sizes). Delivering “the most generous and delicious food with care and passion”, it “feels like you’re in a proper home cook’s restaurant on the Continent, but with brilliant British food”.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Small Canteen?
17 Starbeck Avenue, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1RH
The Small Canteen Restaurant Diner Reviews

"Outstandingly good food is produced by this one-man-band bistro. Style is modern British spliced with French bistro. Cooking is precise but generous. The nature of the operation means many dishes are slow cooked, allowing for cheaper but delicious cuts of meat, fish and vegetables to be used. A relative rarity in the restaurant scene today. Sam the cook loves his food and has an expert palate. He is able to translate all that to the plate. Engaged wait staff and a convivial atmosphere due partly to the compact size of the place, result in a lovely, satisfying a great value for money evening."

"This is honestly one of the best restaurants in Newcastle. My husband and I had starters (potted crab and mushroom arancini) and mains (gruyere gratin and monkfish with mussels) and he had a dessert (pear polenta cake with honey and pistachio ice cream). Each course tasted beautiful. We also started with breads and three sauces which were lovely. The restaurant is intimate with a calm and relaxed atmosphere. The waiter was great, everything was served fast and the drinks were very nice. I will definitely go back and 100% recommend."

"We were really lucky to get a spot at this very small eatery. We shared the three starters on offer, had a main each and then shared some desserts. Everything was absolutely delicious and coupled with a beautiful wine that you could order by the litre. I couldn't believe how reasonable the price was also. I think they're doing fantastic work here and I won't leave it long to return."

"This place is a wonderful hidden gem. The food is delicious and incredibly generous. The wine is reasonably priced and delightful. I cannot recommend this place enough!"
Prices
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Filter Coffee | £0.00 |
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Service | 10.00% |
17 Starbeck Avenue, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1RH
Opening hours
Monday | CLOSED |
Tuesday | 4 pm‑10:30 pm |
Wednesday | 4 pm‑10:30 pm |
Thursday | 4 pm‑10:30 pm |
Friday | 4 pm‑10:30 pm |
Saturday | 4 pm‑10:30 pm |
Sunday | CLOSED |
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