A man with curly dark hair and a beard, wearing a chef's coat and apron, standing next to a woman with blonde hair and a tattoo on her right arm, posing in front of a wooden slat wall.

ABout Us

Lovage is the creation of partners Kleo Tabaku and Lisa Hide, bringing together a shared love of great food and warm, genuine hospitality in the heart of Jesmond.

Chef Patron Kleo originates from Albania, later living in Greece and Italy before settling in the UK. His love of cooking began with his late father, growing up around their own livestock and home-grown and foraged produce – foundations that continue to influence his approach to food today. With more than 25 years in professional kitchens, his cooking draws on his Mediterranean heritage, celebrating seasonal, carefully sourced ingredients with simplicity and flavour at its heart.

Alongside him, Lisa leads front of house with the warmth and personal approach that have become an integral part of the Lovage experience. Together with their small team, they have created a restaurant that feels refined yet relaxed.

Since opening on St George’s Terrace, Lovage has established itself as one of Newcastle’s distinctive dining destinations, earning a place in the MICHELIN Guide within months of opening and retaining its recognition ever since.

At its heart, Lovage remains a personal neighbourhood restaurant built around exceptional food, good wine and genuine hospitality.

OUR ETHOS

Seafood dish with a poached egg, surrounded by shells, rocks, and flowers on a green ceramic plate.

Quality Ingredients

“Great food begins with the best ingredients – always fresh and as local as possible. Our menu takes inspiration from the seasons, small batches and full of flavour.”

Our fish supply comes from Hodgson Fish based in Hartlepool and our meat is sourced from R&J butchers in Ripon, Yorkshire. We are also very lucky to receive fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs from our friends in the community grown from within their allotments 

A slice of lemon-flavored cake topped with edible purple and green flowers, served with a dollop of cream or soft cheese on a white plate.

PRESENTATIONAL EXCELLENCE

“We eat with our eyes first – presentation is as important to us as the flavour”

Scenic view of our olive groves. Dry grass trail surrounded by green bushes and trees, with mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

HERITAGE & TRADITION

Chef Patron Kleo originates from Albania. Having lived in Greece and Italy before settling in the UK. His inspiration to cook came from his late father and using their own livestock & home grown or foraged produce were the foundations of Kleo’s career as a chef. The olive oil in our dishes is imported regularly from Kleo's hometown Sheze, Albania using the oil pressed from the family's olive trees, all of which were hand sewn, nurtured and grown by his father.

Front of house team serving our customers.