Although the Gino D’Acampo restaurant is located within INNSiDE by Meliá on Newcastle’s Quayside, it is entirely its own entity. As you’d expect from an Italian, the interior is very swish and sleek. Laid out in an L-shape, the Pizza station and open kitchen are on the junction, affording most diners a bird’s-eye view of all the action.
Our server got us sorted with table water and large glasses of Gavi di Gavi for us both, and then left us for a few minutes to decide what we fancied to eat. I opted for the Burrata with Salsa Rossa Piccante and Pane Carasau (£15.50), and The Man had his favourite: Calamari Fritti with Courgette, Red Pepper, and Garlic Mayonnaise (£12.95).
Served on beautiful white crockery, the colours shone...as did the flavours in our mouths. My Salsa Rossa Piccante turned out to be halved yellow- and red-Cherry Tomatoes, rather than a blended, smoother sauce, though it still had a brilliant pop of Chilli fieriness. I loved the distinct fruity note that came via the drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil; it added a bit of depth to the creamy Burrata itself. As far as starters go, this serves up a hefty dose of flavour without spoiling your appetite for what’s to come.
The Man’s Calamari Fritti was deliciously crisp on its outer, with no trace whatsoever of any grease on the light batter. The seafood was soft to the bite and gently fragrant on the palate, and both the Red Pepper and Courgette were nicely crunchy and clean in their taste. This starter could’ve been a bit bland, but the punchy Aioli soon put paid to that notion, bouncing in the mouth like a Magpies fan when their striker’s sent one whistling past Sunderland’s keeper! Howay the lads!
Whilst we were waiting for our mains, I took in the decor a little more in-depth. Each pale marble-effect table had a comfortable gap between it and its neighbour, and was paired with either linen-upholstered- or Aquamarine-hued mid-back chairs. This pale blue was picked up by scarves or pocket squares donned by the serving team, pinging against their otherwise monochrome uniforms. The highlight for me was the multitude of fancy filament bulbs in smoky glass baubles that hung in clusters from the ceiling. I do love me some stylish lighting, and even more so when it creates a relaxed, intimate ambience.
Before long, our dishes were being placed before us, and we were offered grated Pecorino to dress them. I had chosen the Ravioli All’Aragosta (Lobster Ravioli, £26), and an Insalata della Casa (£6.25); His Nibs fancied the Polpette Al Sugo (Beef and Pork Meatballs, £20.50). Neither dish looked particularly generous at first glance but, my goodness, they were more than satiating!
Cooking pasta perfectly al dente is a serious skill, and one that Chef at Gino D’Acampo has well-and-truly mastered. With its definite ‘bite’, the Ravioli was gently chewy without being tough or raw, and the Lobster filling was certainly generous. My palate was clapping happily as the sweetly fragrant Lobster made its presence known, partnered ably by a Chilli and Basil-pimped baby Plum Tomato sauce. The side salad was cool and crisp with a superb mix of leaves that were roughly chopped and lightly dressed, accompanied by finely sliced Fennel, Cucumber, and Cherry Tomatoes.
At home, I tend to make my meatballs between 2–3oz each as I have a flock of Hungry Horaces, and at Gino D’Acampo in Newcastle’s Quayside restaurant they do them the same size! By the time His Nibs had scoffed the quartet of Polpette, he knew he’d done it – that’ll be the 12oz of protein, fella! Meatballs just HAVE to come with an unctuous, comforting sauce and the one here was fashioned from juicy San Marzano Tomatoes with Basil and, whaddya know, slices of griddle-charred Garlic Bread to dunk in and mop it all up with.
Happy campers (or should that be d’acampo’s?!), we most certainly were... which is why we ordered a portion of the Ferrero Rocher-topped, baked Fondant (Tortino al Cioccolato) to take back to our room for supper. How naughty is that! Very, as it turned out, but sooo worth it.
Throughout our evening, the staff checked back regularly and were friendly, attentive and professional, making for a thoroughly pleasant experience. Hot Wings awarded here.
Gino D’Acampo Quayside is located within INNSiDE by Meliá Newcastle, River View, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BE. To book, call 0191 933 6994 or visit the restaurant’s website.
We were invited to dine here as part of our press trip organised by Experience North East England, supported by NewcastleGateshead, Visit Northumberland and Visit County Durham.
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