Indian street food, casual fine dining, classic Italian and Korean favourites are just some of the eclectic mix of cuisines which will be on offer from this weekend as Sunderland Restaurant Week gets underway.

Around 50 eating outlets – from restaurants to cafes – have signed up to take part in the first event of 2024, which runs from 16-24 March.

Newcomers include Koji at High Street West opposite the Sunderland Empire which has a menu packed with Eastern favourites from ramen to bao buns to Korean fried chicken.

Others taking part for the first time are Seaglass Café at Sunniside which offers breakfast and lunch favourites along with its own special afternoon tea and a range of sweet treats.

Those with special dietary requirements will not miss out either, with a range of gluten free and vegetarian options on offer.

These Things Happen at Roker, Keel Tavern, Saba Maison De Luxe and Italian Kitchen Bar and Restaurant at Thompson Road are also first timers, bringing an exciting range of options to diners wanting to take advantage of the week’s special deal.

Regulars including City Bistro, Spent Grain, Diego’s Joint and My Delhi are participating once again in the popular event, which is organised by Sunderland BID.

All the participating restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars offer £10, £15 or £20 deals, with all of the information – and the vouchers available at www.sunderlandbid.co.uk/restaurant-week

Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID said that the variety of restaurants taking part reflected the city’s fast growing dining scene.

“We are seeing more and more restaurants opening across the city and we’re delighted that so many of the new ones have signed up to take part in restaurant week,” she said.

“There are now so many choices of styles of food, representing so many international cuisines, that there really is something for everyone and this week is a great opportunity to try out something new, without breaking the bank.

“Sunderland Restaurant Week is always one of our most popular events and we see no reason why this will not be the case once again this time round.”