As soon as you walk into Bazaar, it’s the delicious aroma of the charcoal grill that hits you first.

Shown to our table near the giant copper-coloured pizza oven and the impressive open kitchen, it’s easy for imaginations to drift – we could have been convinced we weren’t in Middlesbrough on a dreary and wet evening after all.

Despite it being our first visit, We are Middlesbrough’s family of four – with two children, aged five and nine – were welcomed as old friends on a busy Friday evening.

The Captain Cook Square restaurant was packed with couples out on dates, families celebrating special occasions and groups of friends but despite it being busy, the attentive staff made a fuss of the kids and were always on hand.

The giant copper pizza oven inside Bazaar

Our waiter brought bread and checked if we had allergies or dietary requirements – an encouraging sign for my wife, who is coeliac. Such a simple move can calm the anxiety felt by lots of people with food intolerances when eating out.

Another member of staff took us through the a la carte menu, recommending dishes that she could try and suggesting alternatives to some, as well as confirming that separate fryers were used for cooking the restaurant’s chips (which were crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle, perfect for this reviewer).

We shared king prawns, shells blackened on that charcoal grill, and the mezze selection of hummus, tzatziki and garlic yoghurt with freshly baked moon bread.

Our nine-year-old was feeling adventurous and enjoyed getting his hands messy while tucking into the prawns, while the dips were delicious.

The star of the show, though, was the moon bread. Soft, chewy and perfect for dipping and red hot straight from the impressive pizza oven, which is said to be the largest in Europe.

The blackened king prawn starter at Bazaar

For our main course, I managed to overcome the Teesside trait to instinctively order a parmo.

Instead, I held my nerve and went for the Bazaar Mixed Grill – a lamb chop, koftas, chicken with tabbouleh salad and more of that moon bread.

A neighbouring table did order the parmo, though, so I can confirm first hand that they look very good indeed.

My wife had a trio of seafood dishes to choose from which could be made gluten free, and she opted for pan roasted sea bass.

Helpfully, during a slight wait for our main courses, a staff member explained they’d double checked for allergens and started the dish again from scratch. Another small touch that really helps build confidence in a restaurant.

The kids tucked into a tasty margherita pizza and the New York chicken parmigiana – crispy chicken breast with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, served with chips.

Portions were large and the food was top quality, fresh and a million miles away from frozen nuggets and fries.

Both left full and happy, with some leftover pizza boxed up for dinner the next day.

When it came to dessert, we were stuffed but managed to find room. And we were glad we did.

The restaurant’s dedicated dessert station, built in the shape of a giant cupcake, served up tiramisu for me and ice cream and sticky toffee pudding for the kids.

My wife had the choice of two dedicated gluten free desserts and chose a rolled meringue with cherries and homemade ice cream.

The meringue and cherry dessert at Bazaar

All four hit the spot.

From the friendly and helpful staff to a menu that features both Teesside favourites and dishes you’re unlikely to find elsewhere in Middlesbrough, we had a wonderful meal.

It didn’t feel like a stressful tea out with the kids, more like a special occasion or even a holiday.

We’ll definitely be back – and maybe next time we’ll try the popular Sunday lunches, which have moved over from the former Oven restaurant.