By Ania Askwith
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Cantoro Lounge, Unit 91, The Galleries, Washington, NE38 7RT
Cantoro Lounge is quite a new addition to the dining scene in the North East (it only opened in December), and last weekend we went to visit and try their tapas menu.
A very versatile spot
It is open all day, every day, offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks. They also have full kids’, gluten-free, and vegan menus, so there’s something for everyone.
I think it is a great spot for anyone stopping by for a quick break during shopping, a casual date night, a catch-up with a friend over a coffee or a cocktail, or a family meal out.
Tapas made for sharing
I love tapas and was super excited to try their menu. The tapas menu at Cantoro Lounge is all about sharing and discovering new flavours. Prices are £4.95 for one plate or £13.25 for a tapas board with three options.
What we tried (and a few dishes you won’t want to miss):
• Patatas bravas: Crispy potatoes served with roasted garlic mayo. It is always my go-to – and these were as good as they taste in Spain. Delicious.
• Korean king prawns: Packed with ssamjang, lime, and sesame seeds. It is a bit of a different take on gambas pil pil – but equally as delicious. I could eat 3 servings of these – they were super moreish!
• Bang bang fried cauliflower: Crispy, served with ssamjang mayo and chilli ketchup. I love seeing fried cauliflower on tapas menus, it is one of my favourite dishes to have, and this one was up there with some of the best ones I’ve tried. Super tasty, while still having a bit of a bite. You really don’t need to be a vegetarian to enjoy this dish, it’s super ‘meaty’ and full of umami flavours.
• Quesadilla: Cheesy and delicious, with a spicy tomato dipping sauce. There’s a couple of versions to choose from; we tried the spicy beef one and it was a hit.
• Fried chicken wings: We opted for the sweet, spicy sriracha and honey. Chunky wings with a lot of delicious sauce. 10/10. A classic.
• Guacamole: Topped with coriander pesto, roasted peppers, and pickled red onion, served with tortilla chips. It was super smooth and very tasty.
Cocktails you’ll love
Cantoro Lounge’s cocktail menu is packed with crowd-pleasers, perfect for any occasion. We opted for our all-time favourite, a spicy Margarita. A classic choice with El Jimador Tequila, Cointreau, sugar syrup, and lime. It comes in a classic and a spicy version.
We were also recommended Lounge on the Beach by the lovely Rebecca who was looking after us (you don’t say no to staff recommendations – they know best, right?) which was a refreshing mix of Smirnoff Vodka, Archers, orange, pineapple, and cranberry juice. It was super summery, even in this weather!
Why we enjoyed our visit
Cantoro Lounge is a welcoming place, ideal for a relaxed meal.
The restaurant feels super chilled, the food was DELICIOUS, the staff were super friendly and very helpful, the decor is an eclectic heaven – there is literally not one thing I did not like about this place.
A great visit – and we will have to go back to try some more of their menu, or pop in when they have an event on!
Weekly highlights and events
There’s always something going on at Cantoro Lounge, including: • Thursday quiz nights
• Friday live music sessions
• 2-for-1 cocktails every night from 5pm until close.
• Breakfast with Bluey: Supporting the Love Amelia charity community fund.
• Parent and baby mornings on Wednesdays
Tips for visiting
- Family friendly: Cantoro Lounge tries to make dining out with kids easy. The ‘Little Loungers’ menu and helpful amenities are designed for families such as games, books, and colouring activities available for the little ones.
- The lounge is also perfect for anyone looking for a relaxed space to unwind with friends or family. There is plenty of space if you’re dining out with a larger group.
- Cantoro Lounge is committed to being an active part of the Washington community, offering even space for events. Contact them if you’re interested.
- They’re dog-friendly, so your pets can join in on the fun too! Next time we will be taking Loui with us for sure!
- With over 200 locations, you’re sure to find one near you.
Location
Cantoro Lounge is located at Unit 91, The Galleries, Washington, NE38 7RT, with free parking available for easy access.
Link
For more information, visit the Cantoro Lounge website here
Reviews
Cantoro Lounge has earned a strong reputation, with Google reviews praising the friendly service and great value for money, holding a solid 4.5-star rating. Tripadvisor reviewers highlight the welcoming vibe and how it’s an ideal spot for families and groups, with a 4.5-star rating as well.
Best for: Washington dining, Washington Galleries food, dog-friendly outings, tapas, pub food
Enjoyed this post? If you love discovering things to do, places to go, and the best spots to eat and drink in the North East and beyond, be sure to follow my blog for more reviews, recommendations, travel tips, and hidden gems. And for a closer look at my day-to-day experiences, follow me on Instagram@ania.askwith for behind-the-scenes content and even more discoveries! Let’s explore together!
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