Known for its friendly northern charm, Newcastle upon Tyne has a bustling, up-and-coming restaurant scene. Foodies on the hunt for places to eat in Newcastle will find some stellar gems serving all types of cuisine from around the globe. Many popular restaurants in Newcastle city centre and beyond put a strong emphasis on sourcing local British produce and creating seasonal menus that showcase the freshest ingredients, but expect to find plenty of spots serving world cuisine in this city on the Tyne.
There’s a stylish French wine bar that celebrates relaxed fine dining that’s perfect for a date night, and a rustic gastropub serving up British classics alongside top-notch pints and lively vibes. Treat yourself to pan-Asian food served in sumptuous surroundings or indulge in hearty Italian fare with gorgeous riverfront views. Elegant cocktail brunches are perfect for a weekend treat, while a historic medieval friary is the perfect place for a whisky and cheese tasting.
Read on for 10 of the best restaurants in Newcastle upon Tyne for an unforgettable meal out and book your table on OpenTable.
The best restaurants in Newcastle – read on for a guide
For special occasions – try Dobson and Parnell in Newcastle upon Tyne
Located in Newcastle’s stylish Quayside area, Dobson and Parnell offers upmarket fine dining based around regional and sustainably sourced British produce. The restaurant was listed in the MICHELIN guide and was awarded two AA rosettes for culinary excellence in 2023. Diners at Dobson and Parnell can enjoy an ever-changing seasonal menu, that features popular dishes like Hereford beef with pureed potatoes and roast halibut with BBQ leeks. You can also settle in for a classic Sunday roast served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, and red cabbage. The drinks menu features a range of unique gins – including a modern twist on sweet Victorian Old Tom gin and pink apple botanicals – and signature cocktails, like a toffee espresso martini and a Northumbrian whisky sour. The wine list also boasts an impressive selection of European and New World bottles. Perfect for special occasions, the dining room offers a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe.
For one of the best steak restaurants in Newcastle – visit Gaucho in Newcastle upon Tyne
Known for its succulent Argentine steaks, Gaucho Newcastle is one of the best steakhouses in the city for a romantic evening out. The menu is inspired by traditional Argentine cuisine and uses premium British produce to ensure outstanding quality on every plate. Meat lovers will adore the selection of sustainably sourced steaks, such as the spiral cut Tira de ancho served with chimichurri herb sauce and the Chorizo sirloin steak. Vegetarian and pescatarian diners are also catered for with dishes like the miso aubergine and the whole grilled seabass. On Wednesdays, the restaurant offers a date night special, with sharing steaks up to 600g that are perfect for couples or groups out on a double date. A punchy Argentine red is the perfect wine to pair with any steak. You can also choose a signature cocktail from the bar’s creative list.
For one of the best Italian restaurants in Newcastle with stunning riverside views – don’t miss Gino D’Acampo in Newcastle upon Tyne
Gino D’Acampo Newcastle is known for serving incredible Italian food and for its scenic location on the bank of the river Tyne. The dining room is chic and modern, and huge panoramic windows offer gorgeous riverfront views. The antipasti selection is a great way to kick off your meal, with popular classics like tuna tartare or burrata. Indulge in sharing platters loaded with Italian charcuterie, Italian bread and oil. Main course options include a super spicy salami and ‘nduja pizza and a range of pasta dishes, like fettuccine with king prawns or lobster spaghetti. Close your meal with an espresso coffee and a traditional Italian liqueur from the Amari selection. When the sun comes out, diners can eat alfresco on the riverside terrace. The restaurant also offers a prosecco afternoon tea for £36 per person and champagne afternoon tea for £45.
For a Middle Eastern feast to remember – visit Kiln in Newcastle upon Tyne
Kiln is one of the best restaurants in Newcastle to feast on traditional Middle Eastern food. The lunch menu is built around small plates, while the evening menu features a range of well-known Middle Eastern dishes. Tuck into a hot lunch sandwich made with sourdough pita and choose from fillings like grilled seabass or lamb kofta meatballs. You can also book in for brunch and enjoy a small plate starter, like freshly made hummus or banana bread with vanilla yogurt, followed by shakshuka. Popular evening dishes include the Joojeh chicken thigh kebab skewer or the chargrilled flat iron steak. You’ll also find a great range of vegetarian-friendly dishes on the menu, alongside liqueur coffees and coffee-based cocktails that are perfect for a nightcap after your meal. The vibe at Kiln is friendly and inviting, cementing this restaurant’s place as a longstanding neighbourhood gem.
For mouthwatering pan-Asian cuisine – try Sohe in Newcastle upon Tyne
Situated in the scenic, Victorian Jesmond area, Sohe is a luxurious pan-Asian restaurant with a menu that’s sure to get foodies excited. The sumptuous decor and proximity to Town Moor and Exhibition Park gives diners a chance to escape the bustle of the city, while still staying close to Newcastle’s centre. Experience a sophisticated blend of pan-Asian cuisines, with dishes like Korean fried chicken boa buns or Thai green curry with jasmine rice. The main sharing platter for two includes a feast of sirloin steak, tiger prawns and Korean sticky ribs cooked on a traditional Japanese BBQ. If you’re in the mood to celebrate, Sohe also offers an incredible bottomless brunch spread for £35 per head. This deal includes a choice of prosecco or summery cocktails, along with a selection of starters and a curry course. It’s a great spot to visit with friends for a fancy brunch.
For one of Newcastle’s best pubs – visit The Broad Chare in Newcastle upon Tyne
The Broad Chare is one of the best restaurants in Newcastle to visit if you’re looking for classic British food and rustic pub vibes. The menu is inspired by seasonal produce and traditional British cooking techniques and features a sit-down dining room option and a range of bar snacks. If you’re just popping in for a quick pint, you can tuck into pork crackling served with Brambley apple sauce or Lindisfarne oysters. Or, if you want to relax with family over a meal, the restaurant menu includes British delicacies, like Cornish Ray wing served with mussels or a Hereford T-bone steak with peppercorn sauce. Choose from a selection of unique Belgium beers and order a large bottle to share. A platter of British cheeses is the perfect rustic snack to complement a bold, Flanders ale. The restaurant is located near the Quayside, close to Newcastle city centre.
For one of the best French restaurants in Newcastle city centre – book at The French Quarter in Newcastle upon Tyne
Putting a bold, unfussy spin on French fine dining, The French Quarter near the Quayside is one of the best restaurants in Newcastle city centre for a special meal out. With its charming, bistro-style decor and stylish wine bar, it’s a perfect spot for a weeknight outing with friends or a family celebration. Dine out on French classics, like beef bourguignon and confit duck in an orange sauce. The moules mariner – mussels cooked in a garlic and white wine cream sauce – is a must-try dish for seafood lovers. To find the perfect pairing for your meal, peruse the wine list, which is helpfully divided into easy-drinking wines and more complex vintages. You can also enjoy a traditional French aperitif before your meal, such as a Kir royale – sparkling wine mixed with fruit liqueur – or a glass of champagne.
For one of the best restaurants in Newcastle with a seasonal menu – try 21 in Newcastle upon Tyne
Warm, welcoming service and a classy modern European fine dining menu based around seasonal produce make 21 one of the best restaurants in Newcastle upon Tyne. Located in Newcastle’s stylish Quayside area, 21 showcases the best in UK ingredients and prides itself on creating simple, flavour-led dishes. Open your meal with Lindisfarne oysters or Provençale fish soup served with garlic croutons and topped with gruyere cheese. For a main meal, you can enjoy a 220g fillet steak from the grill or try the roasted roe deer with goat’s cheese croquettes. The Sunday lunch menu also includes a 40-day aged sirloin served with Yorkshire pudding. To enhance the flavours in each course, 21 offers a high-quality wine list, with bottles from Europe and a few select New World wines. The charming decor and sophisticated vibe give 21 a great ambience for a romantic date night.
For award-winning food in historical surroundings – don’t miss Blackfriars Restaurant in Newcastle upon Tyne
Blackfriars Restaurant in Newcastle Upon Tyne blends award-winning food with a truly unique cultural experience, making it one of the best restaurants in Newcastle. The restaurant is situated inside a stunning 13th-century friary and has two AA rosettes for culinary excellence. The a la carte menu is built around locally sourced ingredients, with dishes like the fish market catch of the day and the haunch of local venison. You can also book in for a Sunday roast or a traditional English afternoon tea at the friary. As well as the restaurant, Blackfriars also hosts regular cheese, whisky and wine tastings. Diners at these events can sample local wines, premium malts and artisanal cheeses. The Blackfriars Culinary School located above the restaurants offers cooking classes for kids and adults, with classes focusing on global cuisines, breadmaking and a whole host of other culinary topics.
For one of Newcastle’s best British restaurants – book at Branches in Newcastle upon Tyne
Winner of the 2020 Global Hospitality Award and a 2019 Restaurant Award in the Northeast of England, Branches is one of Newcastle’s best places to eat and celebrates regional produce and best of British cuisine. The kitchen team at Branches sources produce from local farms and suppliers to ensure high-quality and seasonal turnover. The cooking style is modern British with classical French influences and fine dining flair. Pan-seared scallops with granny smith apple puree or chicken liver parfait with black truffle dressing are luxurious starter options. The seafood linguine on the main a la carte menu is made using locally caught fresh fish, while the tagliatelle carbonara is made with a wild mushroom sauce. Experienced pastry chefs whip up fantastic creations for the dessert menu, meaning you won’t want to skip the sweet. The house cocktail menu perfectly complements the restaurant’s refined, smart casual vibe.
Newcastle Upon Tyne is known for being a vibrant and welcoming city. Now it has a burgeoning food scene to match. With a huge range of places to eat on offer, from fine dining to classic gastropubs, you’ll be spoiled for choice whenever you visit.
Make sure you get a seat at the best restaurant in Newcastle and book your spot on OpenTable today.
Want to find more places to eat in Newcastle and beyond? Check out these UK city guides:
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- The 10 best Asian restaurants in London to book right now
- 12 of the best dog-friendly restaurants in London
- 15 dazzling fine dining restaurants in London
- 10 of the best Japanese restaurants London loves right now
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