Excitement is continuing to build ahead of Elton John’s gig in Sunderland on Sunday (June 19) night.

The iconic musician is expected to play to around 30,000 fans at a packed-out Stadium of Light as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.

With concertgoers being encouraged to arrive in Sunderland early with queues expected and roads closed before the gig, many will want to make a day of the event.

Read more: Elton John in Sunderland: Last Metro trains to Newcastle and South Hylton

The Northern Echo has rounded up eight of the best rated food and drink spots near the Stadium of Light, according to TripAdvisor.

Apertif

Only a 20 minute walk away from the stadium is the 5 star rated Apertif.

Currently holding the top rated spot in Sunderland, this is an Italian restaurant and bar offering all the classic Italian dishes and Sunday lunches so there should be something for everyone.

Address: 7 High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 3EX
Phone: 0191 514 6111
Opening hours: 12pm – 11.30pm

Spice Empire

Just around the corner from Apertif is another of Sunderland’s highest rated restaurants, serving Indian inspired cuisine.

It has a 4.5 star rating from 386 reviews.

Address: 3 Church Lane, Sunderland, SR1 3PT
Phone: 0191 565 7750
Opening hours: 4.30pm – 11pm

Read more: Elton John in Sunderland: Opening and start times

Karbon Grill

For those who would rather stay near the venue, Karbon Grill is located in the Hilton Garden Inn hotel right next door to the Stadium of Light.

It has a 4 star rating on TripAdvisor from 172 reviews including 91 excellent ratings.

Address: Vaux Brewery Way, Hilton Garden Inn, Sunderland, SR5 1SN
Phone 0191 500 9494
Opening hours: 12pm – 9.30pm

Asiana Fusion Restaurant

This Chinese, Asian, fusion restaurant is just under 15 minutes away from the Stadium of Light and is one of the highest rated in the city.

One reviewer who said they visited before the Ed Sheeran concert in Sunderland earlier this month said: “An excellent restaurant, clean with first class views of the River Wear and serving fantastic food. The best Chinese resturant in Sunderland.”

Address: 2 West Wear Street, Echo Building, Sunderland SR1 1XD
Phone: 0191 510 0099
Opening hours: 5.30pm – 12.30pm

Roma Italian Restaurant

Roma is a traditional Italian restaurant and one of the highest rated 12th of over 300 restaurants around Sunderland with 708 excellent reviews.

Address: 13 Mary Street, Sunderland, SR1 3NH
Phone: 0191 565 8569
Opening hours: 12pm – 10pm

Read more: Elton John in Sunderland: What songs will be performed at Stadium of Light

Mexico 70

This Mexican taco restaurant is just a 20 minute walk from the Stadium of Light over the River Wear.

One recent reviewer on Google said: “We went for lunch prior to attending a concert at the Stadium of light. Everything was outstanding, from the staff to the food and drinks.”

Address: 312 High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 3ET
Opening hours: 1pm – 9pm

ENFES Restaurant

Again just a 20 minute walk from the venue, ENFES is a Mediterranean-Turkish restaurant.

It is the winner of a TripAdvisor 2021 ‘Travellers Choice’ award and is the ninth highest rated in the city with over 350 excellent reviews.

Address: 3 Derwent Street, Sunderland, SR1 3NT
Phone: 0191 514 7375
Opening hours: 5pm – 10pm

Italian Kitchen

A 25 minute walk away from the stadium, Italian Kitchen is another 4.5 star, ‘Travellers Choice’ rated restaurant with many reviewers mentioning the service.

On a Sunday, before the concert, it also offers roast dinners as well as the usual Italian cuisine.

Address: Thompson Road, Sunderland, SR5 2SQ
Phone: 0191 548 6004
Opening hours: 12pm – 6pm