Family-friendly restaurants Gateshead: a Persian twist on lunch at The Imperial
Being a new mum over 40 means family meals out are more of a logistical feat than a treat. Between work, gym, and a toddler clinging to my leg, we don’t get around the table as often as I’d like. When we recently managed it at The Imperial Restaurant in Low Fell, Gateshead, it was worth every effort, stories were swapped and bonds strengthened.
For those new here, our family dinners usually happen via video call, the in-laws live 4,000 miles away and time zones don’t exactly cooperate. But with two family birthdays that week, Pesar Khaleh came over from London to celebrate. And anyone familiar with Persian culture knows hospitality comes first, everything else second.
Skipping the home feast (for once)
Traditional Persian fare is my happy place, but cooking a full spread with a toddler underfoot wasn’t on the cards. After the Imperial Restaurant was recommended by a friend as family-friendly and toddler-equipped. I was curious to see if oriental cuisine could match the comfort of a Persian table.
Colourful dishes for all tastes
The menu catered to every palate, A la Carte, hot pots, noodles, European options, vegetarian dishes, even bird’s nest specials. Like Persian cuisine, the dishes were vibrant, healthy, and packed with superfood ingredients, perfect for older parents like us trying to sneak in nutrition without fuss.
A warm welcome
Upstairs, we were greeted by manager Steve and shown to our table. A basket of prawn crackers, nostalgia in a crunchy bite sat waiting. Little C’s first taste was a tentative sniff, a nibble, and then he was hooked. Childhood memories and toddler approval? Tick and tick. I went for chicken and sweetcorn soup (£3), H and Pesar Khaleh shared a quarter duck (£8.20) and some seafood soup (£4.30) just in case.
Fast, friendly service
Our waitress Steph was charming, efficient, and genuinely interested in Little C’s prawn cracker obsession. The soup arrived piping hot, perfectly balanced with chicken and veg. The crispy duck was divine, especially with the tart plum sauce. Seafood soup was colourful, flavoursome, and clearly a hit.
A true family atmosphere
The restaurant was buzzing with families, kids happily munching, just like our little man. Our mains, Duck Centenary (£11), Chicken with Ginger and Spring Onions (£8), and King Prawns in Citrus Cointreau Sauce (£11.10)arrived promptly, beautifully presented, and utterly delicious. Fried rice accompanied each dish, tying it all together. Pesar Khaleh’s prawns were tart and tangy, my chicken was fragrant without overwhelming, and H’s duck was full of flavour.
Ending on a sweet note
By dessert, Little C was ready for his nap, so I polished off his ice cream while H reintroduced prawn crackers. Manager Steve surprised us with a takeaway bag of crackers for C. A small gesture, but it made the experience feel personal and thoughtful.
Our verdict
The Imperial Restaurant is ideal for families looking for a tasty meal in Gateshead. Friendly staff, quick service, and food that appeals to adults and toddlers alike earn it a solid 5/5 from us. Little C already approves of the prawn cracker stockpile at home.
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