Another one of those hidden gems is that great discoveries in life, more often than not, are accidental.
That was definitely the case when my girlfriend, Rachel, and I stumbled across Lewis's restaurant in Middlesbrough's Linthorpe Road.
Having never even noticed the place before, we came across the homely-looking establishment while looking for somewhere to eat.
What a discovery it was – exceptional value, great food and outstanding service made for a wonderful dining experience.
Some punters may be put off when they enter Lewis's. It only has around a dozen tables and is not as extravagant as some of the restaurants in the area.
But give it a try and it certainly won't disappoint.
We were shown to our table by staff who went out of their way to tend to our every need.
As we looked through the menu there was plenty to choose from such as steak, salmon pizza, lasagna, parmesan, chicken dishes and pasta.
For a starter I went for garlic mushrooms (£3.95). They were deep fried and oozing in garlic butter and I made full use of the creamy garlic dip that accompanied the dish.
Meanwhile Rachel was feasting away on a plate of potato skins (£3.75) that were garnished with side salad and served with barbecue dip.
After being given enough time to enjoy a drink and take in the comfortable surroundings, our main courses arrived.
I ordered penne arrabiati (£6,50). It consisted of a huge plate of penne pasta with pepperoni, black olives, garlic, hot peppers and tomato sauce.
Rachel went for peppered chicken (£9.95), which saw a generous helping of chicken breast topped with creamy pepper sauce and accompanied with home-made chips and steamed vegetables.
Both meals were delicious and the size of the portions meant there was no way either of us could manage dessert.
Lewis's may not be as flashy looking as some restaurants. But the quality of the food and the polite service knocks spots off most places.