Sanco, which opened its doors inside The Forge on Forth Banks in October last year, offers its guests authentic Neapolitan pizza
Sanco, in The Forge, on Forth Banks, in Newcastle(Image: Chronicle Live)
When I saw that Sanco was opening in Newcastle, I was immediately intrigued by what the dining concept promised prospective customers. The ‘roulette’ experience involves turning on a light at your table, which is the signal for the staff to continuously bring you different kinds of pizza.
You can then switch off the light when you’ve had enough, or just temporarily if you want a little break, before carrying on. The idea of this would be tantalising to most, but as a firm fan of Italian food, I got together with a couple of friends and we headed there for what would be a filling lunch.
Situated inside luxury apartment building The Forge on Forth Banks, Sanco is perfectly places inbetween the Quayside and Newcastle city centre. We were greeted by the illuminated sign, and stepped into the restaurant itself, with its modern decoration and art adorning the walls, including a black and white painting which is a nod to Newcastle United.
The low light inside made the lamps on our table, the ones used to signal if we want more food, stand out straight away. We got our drinks, just Sprite and Coke Zero given the time of day, and waited for the first of our decadent Italian delights to arrive.
The lights at Sanco which you keep turned on if you want more pizza(Image: Chronicle Live)
Soon after, we were given the first slice, with a beautiful Cheesy Garlic Bread acting as a great start to the proceedings. The melted cheese was the perfect texture, with the slice still able to keep its shape, meaning I could use my hands in classic pizza fashion.
That was then followed up with another classic, the Margherita, which was when I first realised just how good this experience would be. The pizza itself was exquisite, and knowing that this was just the first in a long line of different slices was an exciting prospect.
A Pancetta and Roasted Red Pepper offering was next, with the small pieces of pork belly adding an amazing texture and meaty taste to the amazing base, and the red pepper bringing a sweetness which did not go unnoticed by anyone who gave it a try.
We were then offered something entirely different, a Spicy Nduja Sausage pizza which was unique and gorgeous in equal measure. That was then followed by an Italian Sausage pizza on a white base, which was incredible decadent and tasted as expensive as it probably would be if not within this format.
Pizza from Sanco on Forth Banks in Newcastle(Image: Chronicle Live)
Then came another staple of Italian cuisine, a Ham and Mushroom pizza, with those two toppings complimenting one another perfectly. A vegetarian option was up next, with the Red Pepper and Red Onion pizza being incredibly flavoursome and showing the versatility that Sanco offers.
My favourite flavoured pizza was the next offering, Pepperoni, and I loved just how big the slices were, covering almost the entire base of the slice. This has always been my personal number one pizza, and I think Sanco do a fantastic version of a true classic.
It was a meat feast with the next option, as a Pancetta, Italian Sausage and Ham pizza slice was brought over to us. The best part of this was that there was a distinct difference in the taste of each meat, meaning every bite offered a different but equally positive experience.
I could tell that I was struggling to fit much more, so for my 10th and final slice, I was given a Ham, Asparagus and Brie pizza, which is another that I had never previously tried. The asparagus gave a different but not unwelcome change, while the gooey brie was such lovely addition.
Pizza from Sanco on Forth Banks in Newcastle(Image: Chronicle Live)
When it came time to pay for my dining experience, I wasn’t disappointed with the price, which is £22 for the food. I feel like, given the amount that you can eat, this price point doesn’t feel unreasonable, and I was delighted with the overall experience.
Sanco prides itself on being a unique dining experience, and that’s exactly what it is, with the authentic Neapolitan pizza as moorish as it needs to be make you keep your light on. I would definitely visit the restaurant again, as I feel as if it could still offer many more flavour combinations that I am yet to try.
If you are as big of a pizza fan as me, Sanco is ideal, and it is also perfect for those who never know what to order at a traditional restaurant. Here, you can have a bit of everything, and if you ask me, that’s exactly what you should do.
Scores:
Service – 5/5
Atmosphere – 4/5
Value for money- 4/5
Food quality – 5/5
Sanco, The Forge, Forth Banks, NE1 3AA, Newcastle upon Tyne
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