Newcastle’s food scene is as diverse as the city itself. There’s a restaurant for every occasion, from fine dining destinations to stylish bistros and cosy gastropubs. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve rounded up ten of the city’s best restaurants.
Blackfriars
Enjoy a taste of history at Blackfriars, an award-winning restaurant situated in a 13th century medieval friary. Diners can enjoy gutsy British cooking in one of the oldest dining rooms in the UK – think fillet of beef, crab-stuffed sole, and pork belly with crispy black pudding. There’s a Little Monks menu for the kids, so bring the whole family along.
LIU Dining
This popular Quayside restaurant is the place to go for authentic Chinese food. Winner of multiple Diners’ Choice awards, it continues to receive rave reviews from OpenTable diners. The seafood dishes are particularly good – try the spicy salt and pepper king prawns or the fragrant steamed sea bass with soy, ginger and spring onion.
Saltwater Fish Company
Seafood lovers and hungry shoppers are in for a treat at this fish bar and fishmonger at Fenwick Newcastle. Where better to enjoy freshly prepared fish or a few oysters? You can pop in for a few small plates or a prawn and scallop burger or splash out on one of their stunning plateau fruits de mer. If you don’t fancy fish, Fenwick Foodhall has plenty more to offer. Head to Fuego for pizza and tapas or satisfy your steak cravings at Porterhouse Butcher & Grill.
Dobson & Parnell
With OpenTable diners praising its ‘phenomenal food’ and ‘highly attentive’ service, it’s worth booking ahead at this buzzy Quayside gem. The chefs use ethically sourced local produce in dishes like smoked duck with pickled walnuts and roast pork fillet with braised cheek and langoustine jus. At lunchtime, you can enjoy any two small plates for a tenner.
Peace & Loaf
For fine dining without the fuss, head to Peace & Loaf for modern British cooking from MasterChef: The Professionals finalist Dave Coulson. The dining room is elegant and understated – perfect for special occasions or a mid-week treat.
21
Offering classic bistro cooking in stylish surroundings, 21 is one of our most booked restaurants in Newcastle and winner of multiple Diners’ Choice awards. Expect European dishes with contemporary flair, alongside an excellent selection of wines by the glass.
The Broad Chare
This traditional ale-house has all the right ingredients for a good night out – well-kept beer, welcoming staff, and a menu that’s a cut above standard pub grub. It’s place on this year’s Top 50 Gastropubs list is richly deserved.
House of Tides
For a truly unforgettable dining experience, look no further than the multi-award-winning House of Tides. Here, chef-patron Kenny Atkinson showcases seasonal ingredients from across the North East in his inventive and ambitious tasting menus.
Harissa
With its relaxed vibe and vibrant Mediterranean flavours, it’s easy to see why this Sandyford eatery is so popular. The menu changes with the seasons but you’ll always find a selection of chargrilled meats, homemade flatbreads, fresh salads, and mezze dishes. Bring your veggie mates along – they’ll love the crispy okra and harissa-glazed halloumi.
The Bridge Tavern
There’s a lot to love about this Quayside gastropub, from the friendly staff to the ales from their on-site microbrewery. The menu has something for everyone, from light bites and sharing planks to pub classics like beer battered fish and chips, flat iron steak, and wild rabbit pie.
Still hungry? Try Indian street food at Dabbawal, messy burgers at Fat Hippo, or wine and small plates at hot new opening St Vincent. Visit OpenTable to discover and book more restaurants in Newcastle.
