Where to dine out in Newcastle upon Tyne
Anyone thinking of eating out in Newcastle is spoilt for choice.
There are some old favourites which have truly stood the test of time combined with a plethora of traditional and modern restaurants in an ever-changing city centre dining experience.
The restaurants, cafes and gastro pubs cater to all types of food gurus ranging from traditional English to Italian, Asian, French, Greek, Indian, and South American. So there should be something for everybody.
Most of the restaurants are scattered across the city centre within easy walking distance of one another. The most popular ones are located on the Quayside and on or nearby Grey Street.
There’s also a great selection just outside the city centre, in Jesmond, West Jesmond and Gosforth.
Oriental Cuisine
Chinatown on Stowell Street is the place to visit if you are considering a more traditional oriental meal. There are numerous Chinese restaurants in the area, one of the top picks probably being King Neptune. And if you prefer the cheaper self-service buffets at a set price, there are several to choose from, the most established being Lau’s 202 just around the corner on Newgate Street.
If you are looking for Asian inspired dining, consider a trip to Sohe, an elegant Asian restaurant with a chic cocktail bar. Indulge in food inspired by dishes from Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, Indonesia and beyond. The Asian inspiration and cosmopolitan vibe of Jesmond should prove to be a great dining experience.
Chaophraya, in Newcastle, is a Thai-themed restaurant on the top floor of the food mall in Eldon Square overlooking the impressive Grey’s Monument. The rooftop dining experience has an impressive mix of Thai inspired dishes and an amazing selection of cocktails. So whether you are on a date night, business lunch, celebrating a special occasion, or just looking to escape the hustle and bustle after shopping in Newcastle city centre why not pop in.
For those looking for something with a Japanse flavour, why not try nearby Wawagamamas with a great range of food in a relaxing atmosphere.
Italian dining
For Italian cuisine, Newcastle has lots of restaurants to wine and dine in; several of my favourites include Marco Polo on Dean Street, Gusto on the Quayside, Adriano’s off Gosforth High Street.
If you are looking for a more traditional down-to-earth Italian restaurant, that provides great food for a reasonable price, why not pop into Francesca’s on Manor House Road in Jesmond. Always popular with the locals and the resident students.
The fine dining experience
For those with a higher level of sophistication or looking for a restaurant for a special occasion, top ones include the Six Restaurant, House of Tides, Blackfriars and Peace & Loaf.
The Six restaurant is a rooftop restaurant at the top of the Baltic Mill with a panoramic view of the River Tyne, overlooking the iconic Millenium bridge and Sage arts venue.
Diners can relax and absorb the surroundings while enjoying the delicious food, drinking champagne and cocktails, or just enjoying an afternoon tea. With the choice of set menus or a la carte, I highly recommend booking here whether it’s for an intimate meal or a private function.
House of Tides is a Michelin-rated restaurant, with prices to match, set in the restored historic Buttress House premises on the Quayside. Set up by Kenny Atkinson in 2014, a former fruit and veg seller in the market.
The venue provides a range of gourmet meals and tasting menus comprising of fish, meat and vegetarian dishes. Kenny Atkinson’s menus rarely falter.
Blackfriars is housed in the former Dominican’ black’ friars monks dwellings in the medieval quarter of Newcastle, adjacent to Chinatown and behind the city walls, serving set meals and a la carte menus in unusual surroundings, including what’s said to be the oldest dining room in the UK.
Peace and Loaf is a bistro restaurant, in Jesmond, is run by former Master Chef the Professionals finalist Dave Coulson who provides some fantastic intensely-flavoured dishes.
Indian restaurants
If you a looking for something a little spicier, Newcastle has several Indian inspired curry houses.
While there a few to name my favourite has to be Simla on the Quayside, serving modern Indian cuisine in relaxed surroundings.
Another worthy of mention is Sachin at the top of Forth Bank, just up from the Quayside. This a stylish Indian restaurant serving Punjabi and Indian specialities.
The premium burger alternative
Fat Hippo is the premium burger restaurant to visit in Newcastle. With venues in the city centre and Jesmond, their signature beef burgers and are simply divine. Forget about calorie counting for the day and just enjoy the food.
Get out there and indulge in the culinary delights of Newcastle
Hopefully one of these great businesses in Newcastle upon Tyne will provide you with a great dining experience and an enjoyable meal to remember, whether you are out with your partner or socialising with friends and family.
And for those who are vegetarian, vegan or are gluten intolerant, most restaurants now have alternative options on their menus. So just get out there and enjoy yourself.
Up until Covid-19, the food and drink sector in Newcastle was booming. Let’s just wait and see happens after everything calms down. Hopefully, all our favourite restaurants will still be trading and preparing their culinary delights for years to come.
