What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Cafe Lilli
Review
About
Features
CUISINES
International, European, British
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Gift Cards Available
Highchairs Available
Live Music
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Wheelchair Accessible
Does this restaurant have live music
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed today
Sunday
12:00 - 16:00
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
12:00 - 14:0017:00 - 21:00
Wednesday
12:00 - 14:0017:00 - 21:00
Thursday
12:00 - 14:0017:00 - 21:00
Friday
12:00 - 14:0017:00 - 21:00
Saturday
12:00 - 23:00
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4.5
571 reviews
Excellent
365
Very good
133
Average
55
Poor
11
Terrible
7
Julie A
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • couples
Came with my husband for dinner on Friday, hadn’t been in some time and now cannot wait to go back!! The food was outstanding, I had the cod which was superb such a large portion and beautiful presentation, cooked to perfection! The staff were very friendly and welcoming especially the young man who was working who was very polite and attentive, highly recommend this restaurant for anyone visiting Norton by far the best food I’ve had in a while can’t wait to come back 😊
Written 27 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mr W
188 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
Always pleasing to find an establishment where the owners and staff take immense pride in what they do. There is a solid regular menu but the 'specials' board shows off their creativity. Food is cooked to order and is worth the (short) wait.
Highly professional and knowledgeable staff are on hand and the ambiance is just right. Also worth noting is how well they cater for the gluten-free diner.
Would highly recommend for a leisurely lunch in the upmarket Teesside town of Norton.
Written 28 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James7001
County Durham192 contributions
Oct 2023 • couples
Superb Italian food
We had the Lindisfarne oysters big and fat nutty and juicy excellent value for money compared to what you normally pay for fine dining.
The seabass was beautiful and crisp. There is always an excellent choice on the special menus of the day.
Written 28 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim E
5 contributions
Jul 2023 • friends
Very much a tale of 2 halves.
Firstly the food. As ever very nice, tasty and great presentation, no issues at all.
However our night was completely spoilt by a group of 6 who were very, very loud and completely inappropriate. Shouting, screeching and industrial strength swearing constantly. We made the waitress aware of our concern whilst ordered our first drinks but absolutely nothing was done. It was obvious other tables were doing the same. When the waitress came to take the food order we could not hear her or us her, we had to agree she'd come back in 5 minutes assuming there would be management action to ask the table to be a little quieter, didn't happen.
Anyway, the table left after an hour, the whole atmosphere changed to that of a busy, buzzy bistro.
When paying the bill we again mentioned the table and were told 'yes everybody is mentioning it, I'll let the manager know' , too little too late.
Very disappointed by the manager/owners lack of response or care for the majority of his customers.
Written 2 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
somapal_25
Billingham72 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
Lovely personalised service at this restaurant. Always a great vibe and a good choice on the menu. Food comes in good time without being too quick and staff are there to ask if you need drinks/ anything else.
Written 11 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roberto pittalis
What a lovely review, thankyou for taking the time to give us feedback!
Written 12 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark G
Whitley Bay26 contributions
Jul 2024 • friends
Lovely atmosphere and excellent food. The staff were very friendly and attentive. I had beef bourguignon which was superb, so many large pieces of beef it was unbelievable. I highly recommend this beautiful little restaurant, it appears unassuming from the outside but the experience inside packs a punch!
Written 10 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca W
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • couples
This restaurant delivers what it promises. A beautifully fresh menu, superb atmosphere and fantastic food. We had the best time, everyone in this restaurant is dedicated to delivering great food, atmosphere and service. 10 out of 10 from me and my husband.
Written 3 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roberto p
Thankyou Rebecca for sharing your opinion with us, we love hearing about your experiences in Cafe Lilli. We try our best to give you the best customer service we can! Thankyou again on your 10/10 rating!
Kind Regards,
Shannon
Assistant Manager
Written 20 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Margaret B
North Yorkshire51 contributions
Jul 2022 • none
My husband was given vouchers for his birthday, so of course we had to use them or lose them!!! So glad we used them, we had a fabulous meal. Great selection of starters and main courses. Hubby had the cray fish I had the goats cheese croquettes, followed by a seafood pancake, which was overflowing with delicious fish and mussels and I had beautifully cooked belly pork. Followed by one of my favourite deserts, a lemon posset. Couldn’t fault a thing, excellent menu, very pleasant staff and so great that they serve from 5pm. We live near Northallerton so its not exactly on our doorstep but it will not be our only visit, we will be back!!! Thank you.
Written 2 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roberto p
A gift voucher is the perfect excuse to come and dine with us and I am so glad you enjoyed your experience! We try our very best to provide a variety of options to choose from and with our menu changing so often it gives the opportunity to try new things. Our seafood pancake was a hit earlier in the year when we served it for the first time at our charity night for Ukraine and since then we love to bring it back now and again as its became a fan favourite! I hope to see you again soon and glad its been worth the travel. Thankyou for taking the time to write your review.
Kind Regards,
Shannon
Assistant Manager
Written 20 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David A
Middlesbrough160 contributions
Jul 2024 • friends
Met a friend for lunch, and had yet another fantastic meal, this one however was one of the best meals I have had in a while and I do eat well. The slow cooked beef was outstanding and would grace the table of any fine dining restaurant in the UK, done to perfection accompanied by some great tasting veg and potato's, sadly it was on the specials board or I'd be back more often if it was on the regular menu. Service is always good, friendly staff and not rushed (but please do away with the we want your table back by .... on the booking most off putting)
Written 25 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig Ian Irving
Stockton-on-Tees1 contribution
May 2024 • family
Went to cafe Lilli for an anniversary dinner last night. The manager and wait staff were excellent and the recommendations they made were perfect. We can highly recommend the ragu, sea bass and beef bourguignon. We were told the menu changes fairly often so are looking forward to going back and trying the rest of the menu. If you want great food, service and ambiance - go to Cafe Lilli.
Written 9 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HJW2012
Middlesbrough13 contributions
Mar 2022 • couples
Been meaning to visit for a long time as had a recommendation. The booking was made confirming that I was coeliac and need to eat gluten free. I was very impressed that when we were passed the menu, the waitress pointed out which options were available and pretty much most of the meals were!! We shared the gluten free pasta as a starter which was delightful.
Food was delicious, service was excellent and lovely buzzy atmosphere. Will most definitely return, thank you for a really lovely evening
Written 22 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lillicafe
Helen seeing that you had a 5-Star experience is the best thing we could hope for! Your review means a lot to us.
Our pasta is all homemade, gluten-free, organic and vegan to cater for people like yourself. Thank you for choosing Cafe Lilli. We look forward to serving you again in the future!
Shannon
Assistant Manager
Written 24 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark W
Kirkby88 contributions
May 2022 • none
Was told I'd like this place so took my Mam today for a late lunch. Was a little disappointed it was just a Sunday lunch menu but that's my fault for not checking, and we'd have gone anyway.
Ordered the roast beef option and I have to say, the beef was perfectly pink and so tender. The service was attentive and friendly. Will have to return to try the a la carte menu.
Written 1 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lillicafe
I remember you booking with us last minute after we had a cancellation so I am so glad that you were able to experience our Sunday Lunches by chance! As we are only open the first Sunday of the month we only serve Sunday Lunch.
We do however serve lunch and dinner tuesday-saturday so please don't hesitate to pop in again and we look forward to seeing you and hopefully making your second experience just as good as your first!
Kind regards,
Shannon
Written 5 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ashley Wearne
3 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
Two of us went for lunch, fairly quiet when we went in but soon became busy. After ordering our two meals we had to wait a long time for them to arrive, it was also noticeable that some people who arrived after us were served before us. The meal was fine, however I would recommend that they speed up the service and serve customers in the correct order.
Written 5 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lillicafe
Good evening,
I very happy to hear you enjoyed our food.
I’m sorry you felt the service was a little slow, but we like not to rush you and we cook everything from fresh and to order so some dishes may take longer to cook than others hence why you may have seen others being served before yourselves.
I hope you enjoyed the rest of your experience.
We hope you to see you again!
Kind regards,
Sacha Orlandini
Written 5 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lynne F
Durham71 contributions
Feb 2024 • family
First time at this lovely restaurant in Norton. We all ate different and not disappointed with any of it. The menu changes each day but can highly recommend the Anti-pasto to share for starters, my partner had the featherblade which was tremendous and my salami, chill pasta was very good too. Desserts were all yum! Nice atmosphere in this lovely high street restaurant and great customer service. Definitely be back
Written 17 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roberto pittalis
Thankyou for this lovely review, we hope to see you back soon to try some more! Kind regards,
Shannon
Written 2 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John F
50 contributions
Apr 2024 • family
Fantastic Sunday Lunch - great food, great service and great music from Last Anthem. This legendary restaurant remains at the top of its game after first shaking up the regions foodie scene nearly 20 years ago. Roberto and his team consistently deliver - booking recommended.
Written 21 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roberto pittalis
Thankyou John, so nice to hear your thoughts! see you again soon.
Kind regards,
General Manager
Written 9 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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