It’s Friday night, and I’m heading to review Osters in Gosforth, a Michelin Guide restaurant known for its global cuisine
I would be lying if I said I hadn’t heard of Osters before. But the Gosforth restaurant recently retained its listing in the Michelin Guide, and with exciting news like that, I knew I had to try it for myself.
The end of the month is always incredibly busy for me, but what makes it better is having a foodie review to look forward to. So, with a friend by my side, we’re heading to the never-sleeping Gosforth.
Osters at Gosforth: atmosphere and first impressions
Even from the outside, the restaurant looks impressive. The first thing I notice before entering is the huge window with a couple of stools, perfect for sipping wine and people-watching.
Once we step in, the atmosphere feels like casual fine dining – my favourite kind, might I add. It’s warm, elegant, and without the formality that comes with a white-tablecloth restaurant. We take our seats, and I get a chance to take Osters in: brick walls, dim lighting, and most importantly, calm. It feels like a little nook to escape the busy Friday scene outside.
Menu and Ordering
We’re presented with Osters set menu. It’s £25 for two courses and £30 for three, which, I mention to my friend, is a very reasonable price considering we’re in the heart of Gosforth. As I glance over it, a couple of menu options immediately grab my attention, each sounding better than the last.
The overall theme of the set menu seems to be seasonal, mostly seafood dishes, although I think there are some great options for meat-lovers too. As someone who appreciates seafood, I’m excited about what’s to come.
My honest review of food and drink at Osters, Gosforth
I start my Friday night with a mocktail (guess who’s driving). It’s the Apricot & Thyme Spritz, and it’s truly summer in a glass. The notes of apricot and thyme are very present and delightful – a perfect blend.
For starters, I opt for my all-time favourite, Caesar salad. Only this time, instead of chicken, it comes with cured salmon and dill. It’s quite different from what I’ve tasted before, but so incredibly savoury and delicious. The fried bread adds a nice crunch, and as I devour my salad in what seems like seconds, I notice it’s quite filling, yet not too heavy.
My friend opts for tempura soft-shell crab with gochujang, lime mayo, and pickles. The presentation is stunning, and the colours really make this dish stand out. While the crab is soft and beautifully cooked, my friend compliments the gochujang and lime mayo, which is a delightfully fresh addition.
For mains, we both can’t resist the corn-fed chicken breast with leek mash and chicken velouté. It’s certainly the star of the show. Juicy, tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken paired with sweet and savoury leek mash is exactly what the doctor ordered. The dish is warm and comforting, with the buttery leek mash really surprising me – this combination is not something I’ve tried before, but I can tell I will be craving it ever since.
I finish my dining journey with an affogato: amaretto, coffee, and biscotti, while my friend opts for blood orange crème brûlée. Mine is the perfect treat to wake me up for the drive home, and having tried the crème brûlée too, I can safely say it does not disappoint. Upon the first bite, it’s light and fluffy, and the aftertaste is an explosion of orange flavours.
Osters in Gosforth review: service and overall experience
You know what they say – the restaurant is only as good as its service. And Osters? Impeccable. Manager Christina is delightful and incredibly warm – she’s truly an asset to the Osters team. We’re fully taken care of from the moment we step in to the moment we wave goodbye. Staff members Josh and Thomas are just as wonderful, checking in with us and making us feel like part of the Osters family, even if only for a couple of hours.
During our stay, Osters feels like a wonderful oasis of astonishing food, superb service, and a stunning environment. It’s perfect for those looking for a bit of spring escapism this season, especially in the midst of a busy Friday or weekend night. Go here for celebrations, casual catch-ups, or romantic dates – Osters in Gosforth is the place to be, no matter the occasion.