OpenLow Lights Tavern
5 Brewhouse Bank, Tynemouth, North Shields NE30 1LL, United Kingdom
Welcome to Sambuca 1
Sambuca 1 serves as a vibrant Italian restaurant nestled in Tynemouth, North Shields. The welcoming space invites diners with its casual and cozy atmosphere, perfect for solo meals or group gatherings. With a menu packed with delightful options, from fresh seafood to hearty pizzas and homemade desserts, it’s a feast for the senses. Patrons appreciate the generous portion sizes and affordability, making it a popular choice for locals and tourists alike. Whether you're popping in for brunch or a late-night bite, Sambuca 1 brings a slice of Italy to the North East, located conveniently near the bustling fish docks.
Welcome to Sambuca 1, a delightful Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Tynemouth. Enjoy a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for solo dining, groups, or families. Indulge in our extensive menu featuring seafood, classic pizzas, and vibrant salads alongside an impressive selection of coffee, wine, and cocktails. We offer outdoor seating, delivery, and takeaway options for your convenience. With wheelchair access, a kids' menu, and a cozy setting, we cater to everyone. Swing by for lunch, dinner, or a sweet treat and experience our renowned value and exceptional service. Reservations recommended for your ideal dining experience!Services, Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Great wine list
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Healthy options
Late-night food
Quick bite
Salad bar
Small plates
Spirits
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Photo Gallery
View Menu Photos
Reviews Overview
Most Liked
Diners rave about the giant portions, especially the seafood dishes like the impressive iced seafood platter. The restaurant’s location enhances the freshness of the dishes, making seafood a standout star. The garlic bread, stuffed with flavors, garners positive feedback for its perfection as a shareable starter. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, especially favorites like Adrian and Alexandra, continually earn praise for making visits enjoyable. Affordable lunch specials, running until 5 PM, attract regulars and create a lively lunchtime hub. Customers also appreciate the extensive drink menu, featuring a great selection of wines and coffees.
Most Disliked
The busyness is a common drawback, especially on weekends, where seating can be hard to come by during peak hours. Some diners mention being placed near the toilets, which can detract from the overall dining experience. A few patrons reported longer wait times during busy periods, particularly on Saturdays. Although the balance of flavors in some dishes shines, occasional inconsistencies in preparation have been noted. Some visitors desire greater variety on the menu, particularly for vegetarian options, despite them being available. Noise levels during peak hours can also rise, impacting the intimate dining experience.
User Reviews
ab
arianna b.
Insanely good deal for delicious fresh seafood: giant portions, delicious Italian sauces, and everything is super fresh. We got the sea bass with clams, the king prawns, and the. Iced seafood platter (which came with Salomon prawns calamari, tuna, and sardines). Everything was divine and a quarter of the price of places around the same area. If you like fine food for amazing prices, run here!
JN
Jason N.
Excellent location staff are very friendly polite and professional especially Adrian and Alexandra looked after us all afternoon. Plenty of places to sit inside and out, plenty of choice on the menu. Food is excellent very tasty and cooked the way you want it. Very reasonably priced I would highly recommend this restaurant.
HR
Hilton R.
Decided to pop into here on a whim and so glad we did. The portion sizes were great. The potato skins came with two sauces. One regular and and one spicy and it was well matched. I literally ate everything that was put in front of me. Very much recommend this restaurant. Only downsides were how busy the place was and being placed by the toilets.
CC
Carlisle C.
Great meal as always at Sambuca 1. We love this place for the fish dishes, although they do standard Italian food also. Located right next to the fish docks means you always get the freshest fish. The cream fish soup is iconic and can't be missed. Great friendly staff. We are not local but call in whenever in the area.
GB
Graham B.
This is the opposite of homogenised chain restaurants, it feels like a blast from the past and reminds me of family run restaurants I remember going to in the 90s before Zizzi and ASK moved in. It has good prices and cheap lunch specials that run until 5pm, but even after that it's pretty cheap. I had a mixed seafood linguine and a garlic bread... it was good. The team were friendly and made you really feel at home. But even on a Monday evening, there was a nice buzz in the place. It's sad that it feels like these places are getting harder to find. Good Italian food and service... what more do you need.
MS
Martin S.
Great food was a meal deal fantastic value for money Food was excellent Small but lovely little restaurant Will definitely be back for more
Pa
Paul
I was recommended this restaurant, it did not let down, excellent service and the most beautifully food, presented and taste. I will pass on the recommendation to anyway who loves a great meal out.
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Location & Hours
Opening Hours
MondayOpen
TuesdayOpen
WednesdayOpen
ThursdayOpen
FridayOpen
SaturdayOpen
SundayOpen
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
Sambuca 1 is open every day of the week. You can enjoy lunch or dinner any day.
Yes, Sambuca 1 offers outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a nice meal in the fresh air.
Sambuca 1 accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for your convenience.
Absolutely! Sambuca 1 provides a kids' menu and high chairs, ensuring a family-friendly dining experience.
Why visit Sambuca 1
Sambuca 1 is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Italian cuisine blended with local seafood. It stands out for its fresh ingredients, especially the daily catch, which reflects the restaurant's commitment to quality. A visit during lunch or dinner provides a vibrant experience, and reservations are advisable to ensure a table during peak times, particularly on busy Saturdays. The casual ambiance makes it ideal for relaxed dining, whether you're coming with friends, family, or even alone. Don’t forget to explore the drink menu, as the wine selection is noteworthy. Try to secure a seat outdoors if the weather allows; the view is as delicious as the food. In a city where chain restaurants dominate, Sambuca 1 brings a refreshing, family-run vibe, reminiscent of treasured bistros from years past.
