El Tio Latin Restaurant
If you're strolling along Ocean Road in South Shields and craving bold Latin flavors, El Tio Latin Restaurant is the place to be. Nestled at 174 Ocean Rd, this lively spot brings a true taste of Latin America to the heart of the UK. Whether you're after a hearty lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a quick solo bite, El Tio serves up vibrant dishes and an atmosphere that makes you feel like you're part of the family.
From the moment you walk through the wheelchair-accessible entrance, the energy is unmistakable-warm colors, upbeat vibes, and the aroma of sizzling fajitas and grilled meats dancing through the air. The layout is accommodating too, with wheelchair-accessible seating and parking available, so everyone’s invited to the fiesta.
Let’s talk about the food, because that’s where El Tio really shines. Their Burrito is a crowd-favorite, generously stuffed with tender meat, rice, beans, and that rich, smoky sauce that’s hard to resist. If you're more into hand-held bites, the Quesadilla De Pollo delivers layers of cheesy, grilled perfection, while the Tacos come soft or crunchy with fresh toppings that pack a punch.
Feeling hungry for a feast? The Smoke Platter is a flavor bomb-think ribs, wings, and grilled chicken all coated in tangy barbecue glaze, perfect for meat lovers or a group to share. Speaking of wings, the Chicken Wings here are crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and offered with a spicy twist that’s addictive.
Vegetarians aren’t left out either. The Vegetable Enchilada and Quesadillas are packed with hearty fillings and just the right amount of spice. Add a side of Mexican Garlic Bread or Garlic Bread with Cheese and your table’s complete.
Now, if you're the type who eats dessert first (no judgment here), the Fried Ice Cream is a must. It’s creamy, crunchy, and drizzled with sweet syrup-a playful way to end the meal or even start it. There’s also Stacked Skins and Jalapeños Poppers for those who like to snack while sipping on a Strawberry Daiquiri or an ice-cold beer.
El Tio also caters to various dietary preferences. You’ll find halal food, healthy options, and vegetarian dishes on the menu, plus small plates for lighter appetites and late-night bites if hunger strikes after hours. And yes, they’ve got a solid cocktail list, so pair your Steak Fajitas with a tropical drink and you’re good to go.
Whether you dine in and soak up the lively ambiance, opt for takeaway, or get your Latin fix delivered to your doorstep, El Tio makes it easy to enjoy bold, flavorful cuisine your way. It’s the kind of place that keeps things fresh and fun, with a little spice and a lot of heart.
Reviews
Absolutely love Mexican food to start with it’s one of my favourite cuisines and can’t Recommend this place enough. We tried many things multiple times we have been here and every time we have came the service and the food have been impeccable. Staff are so welcoming and happy to help and customising your order to fit your pallet is no issue here. My partner struggles with spice and they were more than happy to tone down the spice levels on her food as everything is cooked fresh and made to order.
Friendly service, flavourful food! There are vegan options (vegan chicken and vegan cheese) but they aren’t listed, you’ll need to ask. Vegan enchiladas were delicious and medium spicy. They don’t take card payments, but there’s a cash machine outside Halifax about 5 minutes walk away.
We found this little gem of a restaurant last night, and it was just a brilliant experience from start to finish. Nothing was too much trouble for the fantastic staff, and they made us feel so welcome, especially our 2 year old! They were amazing with her. As it was a Sunday night, it was quite quiet, but the atmosphere was still really lovely. Excellent choice of Mexican music at just the right volume, and great decor. Food came in good time, and it was all incredibly hot, fresh and so tasty. Can’t wait to use this restaurant much more often now we know it’s here! Thank you for a wonderful experience.
Such a beautiful little place! Thee food was absolutely amazing, the staff were super lovely and they gave us a fried ice cream ball with a candle for my partner's birthday and they sang happy birthday to us! I love that you can wear sombreros while you eat too. What a fantastic place, we can't wait to come back! Thank you so much! :)
El Tio is one of my all time favourite restaurants in South Shields. The staff are very friendly, the food is amazing and the atmosphere and music is utter vibes. It makes me very happy. Very good prices too! I highly recommend the burritos & pasta. The garlic bread is lovely too. I’ve tried most items on the menu and everything is so delicious.