(Image: Will Foxx)
Newcastle Quayside already has plenty going for it, but on a warm September evening it felt more like a holiday destination than the North East.
That made it the perfect setting for Nipo, the city’s brand new Japanese-Brazilian dining experience, which officially opens to the public this week - on Wednesday, September 23.
My friend Claire and I were invited to a VIP preview, and the evening got off to a sparkling start with a complimentary glass of champagne and a warm welcome from the friendly team.
Within minutes, a live DJ was setting the mood, a complimentary Japanese cocktail had appeared for us both, and chefs were preparing sushi in the open kitchen beside the bar.
Nipo takes inspiration from the Japanese-Brazilian culture of São Paulo, combining Japanese precision with Brazilian warmth, flavour and hospitality.
It is a stylish and unusual concept, so I already suspected we were in for a treat.
After catching up with owner Rodrigo, I went for the lychee and lavender martini which I would highly recommend to anyone with a sweet tooth, although it was so generously sized that it almost became a dinner guest of its own (not complaining).
A lavender and lychee cocktail (Image: Will Foxx)
For starters, Claire and I ordered a selection including lobster dragon roll sushi, duck spring rolls, prawns and chicken yakitori skewers.
Considering it was the restaurant’s first night, the food arrived remarkably quickly.
The duck spring rolls were wonderfully substantial, packed with quality meat and finished with a satisfying crunch.
The chicken yakitori skewers were another highlight, served with kimchi and coated in a sweet and savoury sauce.
Duck spring rolls, tiger prawn tempura, and chicken yakitori skewers (Image: Will Foxx)
Then came the lobster dragon roll, which combined two of my favourite things in one beautifully presented dish.
The lobster was fresh, the ingredients tasted high quality, and I briefly considered hiding the plate from Claire.
I did share it, but only because I am a good friend.
For mains, Claire opted for a medium steak, while I chose the slow-cooked lamb shank with mash, crispy onions and silky yuca aligot.
It was not a small portion.
Slow-cooked lamb shank with silky yuca agilot, crispy onions and mash (Image: Will Foxx)
In fact, I am not sure I have ever seen so much meat on one lamb shank.
The meat fell from the bone, while the sweet glaze turned every mouthful into a small party.
It was easily the best lamb shank I have ever eaten, and nobody paid me to say that.
The service remained excellent throughout the evening, with staff smiling despite the excitement and pressure of a busy launch preview night.
They were also knowledgeable and happy to offer recommendations, which made the experience feel personal rather than rehearsed.
By the time Claire had to leave to catch her train, we were too full for another course, but dessert was too tempting to skip.
She chose the passion fruit pavlova, while I went for the banana and doce de leite, a brûléed banana dessert with coconut and white chocolate crumble.
We had them boxed up and took the desserts home, meaning that by the time I was in bed and Claire was back on her train, we were still texting while eating them.
Nipo is stylish, lively and refreshingly different, with food that brings Japanese technique and Brazilian flavour together without taking itself too seriously.
It certainly made a strong first impression, and I will certainly be back for another taste of everything they have to offer very soon.
The details
95 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DH
Ratings (out of ten):
Food quality 10
Surroundings 10
Value for money 9
Service 10