The Best Restaurants in Newcastle upon Tyne

Set back from the quayside, in a former warehouse, you’ll find this real gem of a pub, which is pleasingly free of fuss and pretence. The ground floor bar is full of character and is the perfect spot for the serious ale drinker, while the first-floor dining room is where the kitchen works its magic. Wholesome, hearty plates are packed with flavour and a touch of nostalgia, with the fresh fish coming from North Shields market just up the river. There's superb value to be had at this Bib Gourmand awarded restaurant too.

To the northeast of the city sits the Ouseburn Valley, once known as the cradle of the industrial revolution. With the river running through it's centre, today it's an oasis of calm, transformed into a creative, cultural hotspot that plays host to several artisan producers and the pop-up-turned-permanent known as COOK HOUSE. Conceived by local food blogger Anna Hedworth, this is cooking that puts a smile on your face. Lunch tends to be a lighter offering, with more substantial dishes at dinner, although there's always plenty of choice, from British classics to those with more international influences.

It's a fitting tribute that this restaurant is named after the two Victorian architects who designed the building – along with several other magnificent properties that still stand in the city today. The décor blends original features with a comforting, cosy, somewhat clubby feel, and the kitchen adopts a no-nonsense approach to the cooking. The range of menus suits all pockets, with the traditional Sunday roasts and the cocktails being firm favourites.

Occupying a prominent spot close to the River Tyne, this former merchant’s house goes some way towards illustrating the wealth of Newcastle's port in times gone by. In contrast to the surroundings, the cooking takes on a thoroughly modern and – at times – creative approach, and the desserts are always a highlight. Owner Kenny Atkinson, a proud Geordie, is greatly respected in the locality.

Proof that neighbourhood dining continues to get stronger certainly applies at Lovage, which opened in super smart Jesmond towards the end of 2022. Albanian Chef Kleo Tabaku worked his way around Italy before making Newcastle his home, and the influences of the Mediterranean – along with the occasional Middle Eastern slant – show through in the vibrant, fragrant dishes which are designed for sharing. A carefully curated wine list offers a good selection by the glass and some sensible pricing too.

Ophelia occupies a building that, for more than 120 years, was a well-known bicycle shop, M Steel Cycles. A recent and welcome addition to the suburb of South Gosforth, it's certainly hard to miss with its brightly painted exterior. A roll-call of French brasserie classics feature on the menu, from Fillet Au Poivre to Moules Marinière. Be sure to have a drink in the bar before taking your seat at a table where the kitchen team are in full view.

Not content with just one restaurant in the city, Kenny Atkinson opened this cosy, intimate dining room comprising just 6 tables, alongside the famous Tyne Bridge. Sitting comfortably in his role as Chef-Owner, every part of the service and cooking is overseen by Kenny himself. The lengthy tasting menu showcases a keen eye for presentation, along with sound technical skill and some fine contrasts of harmony and flavour.

Terry Laybourne has been the driving force behind several of the most successful restaurants in Newcastle over the years, but it's 21 that's regarded as the flagship of the group. Tucked behind the Law Courts, close to the river, it’s often seen as a place for celebrating, thanks to its smart brasserie de-luxe look and an adjoining bar with its notable selection of gins. Assured dishes show respect for the ingredients of the season, with the perfect amount of modernity to keep things interesting.