Uno's Trattoria, a family-run Italian restaurant on Newcastle Quayside, has remained a constant presence for 37 years, keeping its original look and atmosphere while building a loyal customer base and a reputation for attracting celebrities. General manager Antonio Mauriello, who has been with the owners since 2015, says the restaurant itself has not changed much over the years.
Authentic feel and nostalgic atmosphere
The restaurant opened on Sandhill in 1989, with its entrance leading down steps from street level into a bar and dining room. It was taken over by the current owners in 2000. Mauriello said: "The restaurant itself hasn’t really changed much at all over the years. We have tried to keep the same look and atmosphere as the customers note it has an authentic feel and for some also gives them a nostalgic feeling from past visits."
While the à la carte options and blackboard specials are popular, pizzas and pastas remain the most requested dishes, particularly the folded calzones. Mauriello said: "A memorable dish for our customers definitely seems to be our calzones as they give a bit of a ‘wow factor’ as they arrive at the table - one that’s definitely worth the wait!"
Celebrity visitors and loyal regulars
Uno's is known for attracting football stars and celebrities, with signatures from Newcastle United players displayed on an autograph wall. The idea for the wall came from the previous owner, according to Mauriello, who said it began with accommodating Newcastle players regularly. Some former players returned for a reunion last year.
Past visitors have included rock icon Blondie, Ant McPartlin, children's author Jacqueline Wilson, and actors Tamer Hassan and Geoff Bell. This year's guests included Peter Andre, former Toon defender John Anderson, and Doctor Who actor Christopher Eccleston, who signed the wall. In August, the team had a picture taken with Game of Thrones actor Iain Glen, who was in Newcastle filming scenes for new ITV drama Bad Blood.
Regulars and tourists make up a large share of the customer base, with local events like the Great North Run providing a boost. Mauriello said the business has been affected by rising bills and the cost of living crisis, but customer loyalty and reputation have helped. He attributed the restaurant's survival to "the standard and quality of our food and customer service," noting that staff turnover has been low, especially among kitchen staff.
Celebrating occasions and memories
The restaurant is a popular choice for birthdays, first dates, anniversaries, baby showers, and families marking the start of university life. "We have even had wedding meals here!" said Mauriello. He recalled that the restaurant was trendy in the nineties and early 2000s when there was less competition, and many customers met there and began relationships, later returning to retrieve happy memories.
Uno's has announced its Christmas menu, available on its Facebook page.
