Seven Hills Restaurant
Istanbul is built upon seven hills, and this is the inspiration for the name of this relatively new Newcastle restaurant. The restaurant is on Newcastle's quayside, close to bars and restaurants and with good transport links. There is also plenty of parking, free after a certain time at night.

The restaurant is in one of the relatively old quayside buildings so first impressions are good. Once inside it is light and airy with rectangular and square wooden tables and chairs dotted round the large room. We sat at a table at the window which was pleasant as we could see what was going on outside. There are some interesting pictures on the walls and the bar is clean and modern looking, and serves a good range of drinks. The restaurant apparently holds 110 people, but because parts are sectioned off, it didn't look huge although there is seating upstairs where the toilets are also situated.

We were greeted immediately by a friendly member of staff who took us to our table and handed us menus. Not being especially familiar with Turkish food, we didn't know what some of the dishes were, and when we asked the waiter, he took the time to explain some of the dishes and to make suggestions based on the type of food we said we enjoy.

**The menu...**

Everything on the menu is apparently freshly made and prepared in the traditional manner and we were told that a clay dome oven had been specially made for the restaurant.

Plenty to choose from off the menu, starting with the cold and hot mezzes (starters). These start at £3.25 for Humus or cakik (explanations are given under the names). I started with Sigara Boregi which was delicious- aubergines stuffed with pepper onion, tomato and garlic, and roasted in a sauce. Costing £4.00 this came served in a rustic type dish, lovely and hot, and with great flavours. My dining partner chose Hellin, at £4.00 which is chargrilled goats chees, and whilst it didn't appeal to me, it was pronounced as very tasty

For my starter I selected Guvec; chicken or lamb which was cooked and served in a clay dish with aubergines, courgettes, garlic tomato, onions. All topped with another tomato sauce and with rice, this cost £8.45 which seemed about average for the main dishes. I seemed to be going heavy on the vegetables (similar ones) but this again was nicely presented and one of those dishes where you wish you weren't so full and could have more. The other dish ordered was a Vegetable Moussakka which was served with rice and cost £7.45. There are a few vegetarian options which didn't surprise me given the abundant use of vegetables in all the dishes.

The menu also features pizzas, sea food barbeque dishes and something called Pides, which I don't know what they are.

A bottle of house wine is £12 and bottled beers are £2.95, which is very average for city centre dining.

**Opening times...**
The restaurant is open 7 days a week, from noon till 11.30pm.

**Contact details...**
Address: 46 Sandhill Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 3JF
Tel : 0191 2322 122
E mail: www.sevenhillsrestaurant.co.uk

**Verdict...**

I enjoyed my meal here and would certainly return. The food is delicious, very flavoursome and the staff friendly and helpful. The décor is stylish and modern with traditional bits and pieces.

Recommended for anyone wanting to try something a bit different.

Thanks for reading

Daniela xx