North East couple have two restaurants in Michelin Guide
Lovage in Jesmond and Osters in Gosforth, led by head chef Kleo Tabaku and front-of-house manager Lisa Hide, both appear in the Michelin Guide 2026.
Mr Tabaku said: “The Michelin Guide is the gold standard in our industry and for both our restaurants to retain their listings β especially in such challenging times β is a great vote of confidence, in us and in our customers.”
Lovage, which opened in 2023, showcases Mr Tabaku’s Albanian heritage and Mediterranean influences.
Osters focuses on seafood and global inspirations, with menus rooted in sustainability and seasonality.
Mr Tabaku is known for using non-processed ingredients and works closely with suppliers across Newcastle and Northumberland to ensure produce is locally sourced, sustainable and seasonal.
The Michelin Guide is compiled through anonymous inspections and uses five core criteria: quality of ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavours, expression of the chef’s personality, and consistency.
Final selections are made following confidential inspector meetings.
The chef added: “We never rest on our laurels and we work very hard to ensure that every single customer at each restaurant has the finest food, service and experience possible.”
Both restaurants secured their first listings in the Michelin Guide within months of opening.