Off The Ground - Carta

Alkaline Kitchen

➤ 15 Albert Rd, Middlesbrough, England, TS1 1PQ, United Kingdom

Carta • Kebab • Cafés • Pizza • Healthy

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"We started with the Alkaline Nachos (£10.95), which featured nachos topped with marinated baked quinoa, fried beans, cashew cream, guacamole, pineapple salsa, and pickled red cabbage. The dish was drizzled with smoked cashew cheese. They were delightful, sweeter than any nachos I had before, and had a nice tangy twist. Next, we tried the BBQ Tacos (£9.50), which included shredded carrot in an alkaline BBQ sauce served in a crispy corn shell filled with fried beans and guacamole, along with pineapple salsa and pickled red cabbage, accompanied by a side salad. These were hands down the best BBQ tacos I've had in the north. The Thai Buddy Bowl (£10.95) was another standout dish. It featured orange teriyaki chickpea tofu, surrounded by pineapple "fried" quinoa, purple coleslaw, a Thai side salad with almond and ginger dressing, and quinoa falafels with mango chutney. The blend of flavors was incredible, and this was my favorite dish—something I could happily eat several times a week. I plan to return just for this dish! We also tried the Thai Wrap (£9.95), which contained quinoa and drippy butter falafels wrapped in a soft tortilla with mango chutney, coleslaw, and kimchi—served with a Thai side salad, almond and ginger dressing, and pineapple quinoa. The combination of ingredients in this falafel wrap was unexpected but fantastic. Once again, it was sweeter than I had anticipated. For dessert, we enjoyed the Pink Pitaya Acai Bowl (£5.50), a fruity and smooth blend with celestial blueberries, bananas, kiwi, and coconut—perfect for breakfast! It was a real power breakfast. We paired our meal with Immunity Boost Juice (£4.00 each) made from strawberry, pear, apple, and lemon juice—it was refreshing and invigorating. The Tropical Sunrise Smoothie (£4.50) blended papaya, mango, orange, banana, coconut, maple, and cashew, maintaining the unique flavors of each fruit beautifully. Lastly, we had the Peanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie (£4.50), featuring strawberries, banana, peanut butter, maple syrup, and lemon balm. It might sound odd, but it worked perfectly— the earthy peanut butter provided a lovely texture and taste that complemented the sweetness of the fruit. Overall, it was a fantastic experience that was well worth the wait."

The Zetland

➤ 9 Zetland Road, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom

Carta • Vegan • British • Breakfast • Vegetarian

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"There are numerous reasons to visit the Zetland. The food is exceptional, with a creative and thoughtful menu that showcases the chef's expertise. My wife and I savored every bite of our three-course meal and would highly recommend the Zetland based solely on the quality of the food. It is undoubtedly the top choice in Middlesbrough. Additionally, I suggest stopping by for a drink or meal to admire the stunning decor, especially the impressive Victorian tiling in the back room. The Zetland is truly a hidden treasure. Finally, Philip Christie is a delightful host, offering a warm and accommodating experience. I highly recommend this restaurant."

The Southfield

➤ Southfield Road, TS1 3BZ, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom

Carta • Tea • Pubs • Cheese • Burgers

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"quite the outlier experience for bottomless brunch. we were told that we had to order a drink at a time and that the waiter would regularly come by to take over our order. this did not happen, however, the service was incredibly slow and we have. always asked if our order could be taken. at the end we only have 3 drinks in the 90mins of the underless, for which we have paid. eating was at the level of quality of a weatherspoons breakfast, nothing special. will not return."

Eliano's

➤ 20-22 Fairbridge Street, Middlesbrough, TS15DJ, United Kingdom

Carta • Pizza • Seafood • Asiatic • Fast Food

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"Excellent food, lovely people, so relaxed. We first came years ago, visiting friends in Middlesborough (came from Bolton) and couldn’t find anywhere open to eat, then we followed our noses (and the heavenly scent of garlic) and found our favourite restaurant. We tell everyone...about it! Tonight we returned on our final night of a stay in Saltburn. We booked and travelled the min journey to eat at this gorgeous corner of Italy hidden away in the town. There weren’t many people in with it being mid-week but there was a steady stream of deliveries being collected (oh to live close enough for that and a gentleman eating at the bar. Really felt authentic. I love that this place has none of the pretentiousness you find in some places. The welcome is always warm, you never feel rushed, and nothing is too much if you have a question, ask it. You’ll feel like you’re chatting to old friends. The host (Rosetta) made us feel like the kitchen was cooking just for us and the waitress (who we remembered from last time too) was so warm and friendly. I had the antipasti starter wow! What an impressive collection of fresh flavours. See the pic! So simple but so tasty. My mum wolfed down the pâté with chunky rounds of gorgeous baguette toasts, and our friend had the potato skins. The waitress commented we had ordered good sharing options but we were each very protective of our plates! Mains came and they were equally as fantastic. I had the pizza Elianos Parma ham, rockette, Parmesan, fresh basil, and added olives. The crust looked thick at the edges but it was light, and thin beneath the toppings: just perfect. My mum loved her pasta dish with chicken in a spicy tomato sauce; there wasn’t much evidence there had been anything in the bowl when she was done! Our friend ordered the lasagne. Having sampled many, and judged whether she would return to a restaurant based on its quality, she is quite a critical diner. She loved it. The part she couldn’t manage, she boxed up and her daughter had eaten it within ten minutes of it crossing the threshold! We ended our evening with a chat with our host, smiling and content. We left with our tummies and our hearts satisfied. We can’t wait to come back!"

Cleveland

➤ 458 Linthorpe Road, TS5 6HX, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom

Carta • Pub • Lunch • Drinks • Karaoke

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"This pub is quite the experience. It offers a little bit of everything, literally. It may not be suitable for those easily intimidated. It may seem a bit rowdy for some, but I had a fantastic time chatting with the staff and other patrons. Definitely not a place to bring children in the evenings."