Just moments from the famous Tyne Bridge in the heart of the city sits a unique establishment whose alluring sophistication and excellent modern Japanese menu have brought it to the attention of Newcastle’s discerning foodie set.
Aveika offers a modern take on the Japanese tradition of the izakaya – an informal tavern for after-work drinks serving complementary snacking food. Here, the concept has been taken to a more stylish and glamorous level. The decor could be likened to that of a high-end nightclub, with banquette and booth seating, an atmospheric lighting design that features stunning chandeliers, and Japanese motifs. As well as being a restaurant, this is a late-night bar where a DJ plays until late every night of the week.
The contemporary Japanese menu utilises fine ingredients and has been built with harmony in mind. There are sushi and sashimi dishes aplenty, designed with the aforementioned snacking of the izakaya in mind, all of which are simply presented to allow the quality of the produce to do the talking. There’s super fresh fish, displayed on ice before being incorporated into sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls; and organic vegetables, poultry, meat and other seafood used to create dishes prepared on the robata grill. All of this is complemented by speciality sauces and marinades. Tuck into three pieces of maki – vinegared rice rolled up in Japanese seaweed with a choice of raw and cooked fish and vegetables – and sip a glass of sake or Champagne. If something more than a tasty accompaniment to your drink is in order, opt for a three-course feast and sink your teeth into a starter of shio and kosho squid – crispy salt and pepper squid served with chilli, coriander and sesame – to be followed up with seared beef fillet sautéed with garlic, shallot, soy and lemon.
Unique menus are introduced for events such as New Year’s Eve, giving special celebrations a sense of occasion. Indeed, any visit to this plush Japanese hideaway has more than a touch of class.