Where to Eat in Newcastle upon Tyne

Summary

The article provides a personal recommendation of top restaurants in Newcastle upon Tyne, showcasing a diverse range of cuisines from sushi to Thai food, and emphasizing the high quality and variety of the city's dining scene.

Abstract

The author, a resident near Newcastle upon Tyne, challenges the stereotype of British food being unappetizing by sharing their favorite dining experiences in the city. They highlight six distinctive restaurants, each offering a unique culinary adventure. Sushi Me Rollin' is praised for its fresh, high-quality sushi and original rolls with exceptional condiments. Blackfriars Restaurant, set in a historic friary, is noted for its refined local cuisine and magical atmosphere, also offering cooking classes and event hosting. Miso is commended for its authentic Japanese small plates and ramen, with a special mention of their yuzu and garlic tenderstem broccoli. Proven Goods, a weekend-only donut shop, earns a spot for its hand-made, seasonal donuts. Peace and Loaf impresses with its creative British-inspired tasting menu and stellar service. Lastly, Chaophraya is recognized for its top-floor view of Newcastle and a menu of fresh, authentic Thai dishes. The author acknowledges the subjective nature of taste and the vast number of excellent dining options in Newcastle, inviting readers to explore and discover more.

Opinions

The author believes that British food can be interesting and delicious when done well.
They express a personal preference

Moving past the clichés about British food

The Newcastle Castle (photo by author)

I have been lucky to live near Newcastle upon Tyne, in the Northeast of England for the past almost two years. During this time, I have learned that the idea that British food is not good is wrong. In fact, some of my favourite meals ever have been in England.

Not only can British cuisine itself be interesting when done well, England is also home to a wide variety of different cuisines and it is possible to sample delicious food from all over the world.

Here are some of my favourite restaurants in Newcastle upon Tyne, keeping in mind that I haven’t eaten at every single restaurant in the city and that taste is very personal.

Sushi Me Rollin’

This small restaurant near the centre of Newcastle serves some of the best sushi I have ever tasted. It’s one of my favourite places to go when I go in town. The sushi is made fresh when you order it and the ingredients are high quality. They have an assortment of classical and more original rolls, which are served with different condiments, including delicious miso-sesame mayo and perfect pickled ginger (I always ask for extra because it’s that good!).

Blackfriars Restaurant

Located in the former refectory of a friary dating from 1239, the setting of this restaurant is magical and stepped in history. That alone would be a sufficient reason to visit but the food is also incredibly delicious. This restaurant serves refined, tasty, local food. They also do cooking lessons and there is a banquet hall where weddings and other events can be held. It’s an incredible place for a special meal.

Miso

Miso serves delicious small plates and ramen with incredible Japanese flavours. The atmosphere of the restaurant is chilled and it’s obvious that they care about their food and service. I still dream of their yuzu and garlic tenderstem broccoli and of the chilli beansprouts. This restaurant also offers a fun cocktail list.

Proven Goods

Proven Goods is not exactly a restaurant but it deserved its spot on this list. Only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, this donut shop is definitely worth the trip. Their menu changes monthly and includes local, seasonal products. The donuts are hand-made in small batches and we can taste the difference.

Chaophraya

This restaurant, situated on the top floor of the Eldon Square Shopping Centre offers a great view of downtown Newcastle and serves incredible Thai food. There is a large variety of tasty Thai dishes made with fresh ingredients.

It is difficult to pick my favourite restaurants in Newcastle upon Tyne as there are many, many incredible restaurants in this city. This small lists highlights some of my favourite places but I would love to discover new ones that I might have missed!