Two North East restaurants have been crowned as winners in the Travellers' Choice Best of the Best 2023 guide by Tripadvisor.

Under the UK Everyday Eats category in the best restaurants section, Rio Brazilian Steakhouse in Middlesbrough and Lezzet Turkish Restaurant in Newcastle upon Tyne were named.

Other categories such as Fine Dining, Date Night, Family-Friendly, Hidden Gems, Quick Bites and Vegetarian also featured establishments in the UK and across the world.

Tripadvisor commented: “Every year, we award travellers’ favourite destinations, hotels, restaurants, and things to do around the world, based on reviews and ratings collected over the past 12 months.

“So our Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best winners are decided by you: real travellers from all over, sharing real opinions and stories.”

You can see how Tripadvisor rated each place here.

Rio Brazilian Steakhouse in Middlesbrough named one of the best restaurants

On Tripadvisor, Rio Brazilian Steakhouse’s profile says: “Let us take you on a culinary journey into the Tijuca Urban Forest that surrounds Rio de Janeiro, with planted walls and flowered ceilings towering high above a traditional Brazilian Churrasco dining experience, right here in Middlesbrough.

“Our specially trained Gaucho Chefs are on hand to serve our exquisite meat cuts that are continuously carved at the table in a traditional Rodizio style.”

The steakhouse has a current high rating of 5/5 out of 1,811 reviews.

One customer left this review: “This place was recommended to me by my son and I can see why he loves it. So much choice and friendly staff. Who work so hard. The food is amazing very well worth a visit and would definitely go again.”

Another added: “Great food and great staff, nothing too much trouble. Gareth was great , nice easy place to eat, every piece of meat we tried was delicious.”

Location: 93-101 Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2PA

Lezzet Turkish Restaurant in Newcastle named one of the best restaurants

Part of Lezzet Turkish Restaurant’s profile on Tripadvisor reads: “Ever since we opened our doors for the first time, it was always our priority to offer the best of Anatolian Turkish cuisine has to offer, while making sure we reach people from all walks of life.

“We are rigorous about the use of quality ingredients, cooked to perfection, served with a smile.

"Our menu features authentic Turkish cuisine, prepared with the freshest and finest ingredients, and served in a style that is both traditional and contemporary.”

They are also rated to a high standard on Tripadvisor with a current 5/5 rating out of 2,878 reviews.

This visitor wrote: “The food was very exquisite and the staff were brilliant, lovely service can’t wait to come again loved the chocolate cake and can’t wait to try the soufflé as recommended by the staff.”

Location: Front Street Benton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7XE