Where to Eat in Newcastle

Lucky you. If you're reading this, it means you're likely planning a trip to (or just curious about) one of the nation's hidden treasures. Although I was born and raised in Newcastle, I can promise you I'm not biased. The city's beloved football team might be widely known for its recent resurgence in form but I'm here to tell you that Newcastle has much more to it than its sporting capabilities (and I'm not just talking about Newcastle Brown Ale). This feature is dedicated to some of the very best restaurants in Newcastle. The cream of the crop. The places you need to visit if you find yourself in Newcastle anytime soon.

Newcastle is rich in arts and culture, architecture, and Angels. But it's also rich in flavour. So, if you're wondering where to eat in Newcastle, this little guide of the best restaurants in Newcastle should help direct your appetite. Let me pre-warn you, though, this is just a small taste of what is to be uncovered in The Toon.

Howay, get yourselves along.

The Small Canteen fits its name in many ways – small space, small menu, small team. However it’s safe to say the flavours boasted on their menu fall nothing short of grand, and the portions nothing less than generous with impeccable attention to detail.

The warm and welcoming feel that emanates from the Small Canteen is what has made this a local favourite since it opened its doors, and with an expert wine menu that has been tailored to blend with their ever changing seasonal menu, it’s no doubt that you will feel in safe hands. If you’re up north, make sure to give Sam and the team a visit.

17 Starbeck Ave, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1RH

Nestled in the bustling Ouseburn valley, Miso is a beautiful recently-opened space inspired by Japan’s izakaya bars. Serving up an ever-changing menu of small plates of locally sourced produce and the most flavourful ramen. Expect good music, expertly-mixed cocktails and stellar food, tied together in the most chilled atmosphere. Here’s a few lovely words from Miso’s manager Jack:

'From 10 hour chicken bone ramen broths to frequently changing overnight clarified cocktails, Miso have learned a lot in their first 8 months since opening in Newcastle’s Ouseburn valley.

With a penchant for all natural, low intervention wines, locally sourced seasonal ingredients, authentic Japanese cooking methods and an ever changing roster of detailed drinks all powered by an authentic Japanese vinyl sound system, there’s a lot of boxes being ticked in our small independent repurposed gig venue.

A fully charcoal powered konro grill means we produce beautiful yakitori meats, grilled and dressed seasonal veg dishes and delicious ramen toppings all the while. Keep an eye on our blackboard specials; frequently changing fish dishes, locally sourced steaks, and beautiful mushrooms (sourced from a local natural-growth farmer, supplying all types from lion’s mane to chicken of the woods), grilled over charcoal and dressed with our signature shio tare seasoning.'

Sounds good, right?

Ouseburn, Unit 1 Ford St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1NW

If you're looking for a low-key spot to enjoy authentic Mexican scran in Newcastle, Chucho's hits all the spots. Extremely affordable and blessed tonnes of choice, the menu here boasts a range of tacos generously served up on gorgeous homemade corn tortillas. I’m pretty sure every time I go here, I end up ordering extra. It’s just too good. Don't forget to wash them down with one of their unreal cocktails too (it’s 2 for 1 on Thursday's!).

Their unassuming location, sitting on the roundabout at the top of the lengthy Shields Road, has meant that Chucho's has managed to stay a fairly hidden gem for years, known only to the hungry locals and bargain-hunting students that reside in the area. And you now, of course.

279 Shields Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1DQ

The Grainger Market is an institution of Newcastle, operating since 1835 as one of the biggest food markets in the city and consisting of 123 meat, veg, fish, bakery, cheese and wine stalls. Known for its iconic beige and red interior, the pure variety of cuisine and culture crammed under one roof is bliss. It's this reason that The Grainger Market is home to some of the best food spots in the city. Here are just a few of our faves:

@acropolisgraingermarket
@dumplingandbun
@slice_newcastle
@fedsfriedchicken
@snackwallah (see our article on the UK's Best Vegan Restaurants for a deeper look into Snackwallah)
@baodownnewcastle
@redheadsmacncheese
@cubanosncl
Biang Biang Noodles

Grainger St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5QQ

Fairly new to the toon food scene (but making a name for themselves already) is Pranzo, a family-owned Italian eatery in the heart of ever-growing coastal Whitley Bay. With initial humble dreams of opening a small deli on the bustling Station Road, Tuscan-born owner Pablo soon found his ambition growing (and his kitchen inventory), and now after being open for nearly two years, Pranzo has become a neighbourhood favourite. Serving up authentic Roman style-pizzas, fresh and homemade pasta dishes as well as small plates (stuzzichini). Pablo and his wife Louise have truly injected the life of Italy into every inch of Pranzo, from the Tuscan colour-washed walls, to the award-winning wine menu, complete with the best atmosphere. It is staple in the coastal Whitley Bay community. Ci vediamo presto!

16 Station Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2RA

If you are/have been a student in Newcaslte (or you just love food), you will have undoubtedly experienced the joys of Chilli Padi. This bustling little gem specialises in Malaysian cuisine ranging from assortments of rendang, curries, noodles, rice and more. Their vast menu will leave you spoilt for choice, and BYOB policy happily quenched.

6-10 Leazes Park Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4PF

Cosily situated in the arches of Westgate Road, the French Quarter is a true gem in the Newcastle restaurant scene. Loved for its informal and vibrant atmosphere, the FQ boasts an extensive wine list, handpicked and curated to be enjoyed on their own or with the small plates on their menu. It's safe to say the efforts of the French Quarter haven't gone unnoticed, with OpenTable ranking them in the 'Top 100 restaurants in the UK', as well as notable northern publications such as Living North mag, High Life North and Northern Insight all singing its praises.

Arch 6 Westgate Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1SA

The minds behind Khai Khai are masters of technique, using the oldest methods of Indian cooking, rooted in culture and heritage, to fuel their stunning menu. Authenticity plays a huge part here, as each dish on the menu is traced back to its original recipe. These archival recipes are then prepared over hot stones, coals and woodfires in the josper or in an age-old tandoor oven.

29 Queen St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3UG

It's not the first time we've given the Cook House and their fabulous owner Anna a shoutout on Mob, but she deserves it. The three-time Michelin Plate winner started out as two humble shipping containers down the street from its current home. The Cook House has blossomed into two floors, equipped with a dining terrace, shop, garden and plan for bees on the roof. Ethics and sustainability are at the heart of the Cook House, with local produce and a seasonal menu making this one of the busiest and sought after spots in the Ouseburn. Mob aren't the only ones shouting about the Cook House though. Cook House and its sister space Long Friday (coming up below) have entered the Good Food Guide for 2023, and Anna was named one of Hospitalities Women of the year 2023 by Code Hospitality.

Foundry Lane Studios, Foundry Ln, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1LH

Sister spot to the Cook House, Long Friday is all about taking things slow. With a menu rooted in locally sourced ingredients, expect bold and natural flavours served through small plates of snacks, meats, fish, vegetables and desserts. They pride themselves on their wine list and creative cocktails, which definitely shouldn't be missed when you pay them a visit. Long Friday's interior takes the experience to a whole new level, with burnt orange tones and tiled benches making you feel like you've stepped out of a Wes Anderson film.

46 Brentwood Ave, West Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 3DH

Riley's is a coastal favourite and loved by many, and after having won countless awards since opening its doors on King Edwards Bay in 2015, it has become one of the most famous food spots in the North East. Owners Adam and Lucy are passionate about sustainably sourcing their line-caught seafood from the North sea that is the shacks stunning vista. This creates an intensely special connection between the surroundings and the delicious food that exits their fiery kitchen. Happen upon it from spring, and you'll be situated on deck chairs with a fire pit and umbrella.

Being named by Conde Nast as one of the best beach shacks in the UK, Riley's have also achieved outstanding reviews from the likes of GQ, The Guardian and Appetite Magazine. Despite the international love making Riley's a name known by many, its clear that their roots are embedded in the local community, and will remain that way.

King Edward's Bay, Tynemouth, NE30 4BY

Having started its extensive and eventful journey as a pottery studio called High Bridge Pottery, Kiln now exists as a pottery studio/restaurant/bar/cafe, where diners enjoy a full view of the pottery studio and in-house artist Jun Rhee crafting away while eating from the bowls and plates that come from within. Kiln and Jun supply bespoke ceramics to restaurants and bars all over the country. The food speaks for itself, too.

4 Hume St, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1LN

For authentic Thai food in Toon, it has to be Thai House Cafe. Their BYOB policy and warm and friendly atmosphere makes this place a low-key favourite for many, whether its a post-work dinner with a friend, a family lunch or a quick bite before a night out. You'd be lucky to stumble upon Thai House Cafe when there wasn't a queue out the door. What is unmatched, however, is the sheer quality and care that goes into every dish that leaves their kitchen. You know it's good when you choose your dish from a laminated booklet.

93 Clayton St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5PZ

Last but certainly not least is Ernest, a funky little space that has been at the physical centre of all things cool that happen in the Ouseburn for years. It's one of those places that you'll naturally gravitate to at the beginning of the night. You'll enjoy some of their amazing small plates, have a dance with your pals, and stumble out of there around midnight to have a much less civilised (but fun nonetheless) time at the neighbouring Cobalt Studios, one of the best music venues in the Newcastle scene at the moment. Then get ready to do it all again when you join them for their Sunday Sessions or Margarita Mondays.

1 Boyd St, Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1AP