Where to Eat in Newcastle City Centre (2026): My Go-To Restaurants by Budget & Type

Wondering where to eat in Newcastle Upon Tyne city centre, read on.

I have lived in Newcastle city centre for years, and I still get asked the same question every time someone visits: “Where should we eat?”

These are the food places I actually go to in the city centre, also lots of them are local favourites and recommend to friends.

The great thing is most of these restaurants on this list are Independent restaurants or started in the North East. You have street food vendors at Grainger Market to Michelin star restaurant, my favourite places cover the full spectrum.

I will keep this post updated as new places open.

Where to stay in Newcastle Upon Tyne

If you are visiting overnight and want to be able to walk to most of these restaurants without needing a taxi or a metro, these are my picks.

⭐️⭐️ Easyhotel (By the Quayside, my friends have stayed here before, and it’s actually not bad, clean, and easy access to Quayside and walk to the city centre) Click here for rates & availability

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Motel One (Heart of City centre and Dog friendly, it’s lovely (I stayed in the Manchester one), my other friends have stayed here as well, the room is great, and literally in between Bigg market and Grey street, next to Laneway cofffee Click here for rates & availability

👉 Check latest Newcastle Upon Tyne hotel prices here, especially important on match days when everything books out fast.

While you are in Newcastle Upon Tyne, you can do a walking tour of the city centre and get to know the history. Or a summer activity with bikes and booze:

• Take a Guided Walking tour of Newcastle City Centre
• This is a fun experience especially in the summer : the Newcastle Beer and Prosecco Bike Tour

Where to eat in Newcastle Upon Tyne (My Quick Picks)

If you want…	Go to	Why
The best cheap lunch	Grainger Market	Nan Bei dumplings, Bagels, Mac & Cheese, Slice pizza, Acropolis gyros all under £10
Best value & delicious burger in the city	Burgz and Friez	North East smash burgers, fries included, under £10
Best noodles, full stop	Master Wang	Handmade biang biang noodles nad Roujiamo. Nothing in the North of England comes close in my opinion.
SE Asian food that tastes like home	Chilli Padi	Come for their smoked chicken, but their nasi lemak will make you miss Msia if you grew up on this food
Spanish tapas	El Coto	Run by Spanish staff, the wine list is entirely Spanish, and the lunch deal is good value
Korean fried chicken (KFC)	Stix	So crispy, different toppings, and the kimchi fried rice is so nice. Best KFC in Newcastle.
Special occasion splurge	House of Tides	Newcastle’s only Michelin star. You will have to book months in advance I was told.
Brunch with delicious coffee and vibes	Tiny Tiny	Behind the old fire station, lovely coffee, Turkish eggs, and excellent vibes

Sunday roast	Blackfriars	In a 13th-century friary. The roast is amazing and also the restaurant itself is highly regarded. Lovely desserts too.
Hidden gem most people miss	Jasmine Chinese Bakery	Hong Kong egg tarts, fresh buns, beef flank noodle soup. The local community knows this spot very well.

Where to eat in Newcastle Upon Tyne city centre:

I have broken this down with Budget friendly, mid range casual spots, buffet, fine dining and also casual spots, and places you can work in. Different types of cuisines as well.

Best Cheap Eats in Newcastle (Under £10)

Grainger Market for Best Cheap Eats & Street Food

Address: Grainger St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5QQ

I’m starting with Grainger Market in the city centre.

If you are visiting Newcastle even for a day and are not sure where to eat in Newcastle city centre, Grainger Market is your answer. A Victorian building from 1835, named Britain’s Favourite Market in 2020, and the best starting point for a day in the city.

Some stalls have their own seating area, or you can get them to go and eat together in the benches dotted around the market or outside.

Some stalls include:

Nan Bei Dumplings serves one of the best dumplings in Newcastle. They make theirs by hand in front of you. Get the soup dumplings (the soup inside is boiling hot, fair warning), and they have a deal of dumplings plus a bao or just 3 bao for around 5.

Slice does thin-crust pizza by the slice for £3.5 each run by Italians. They are very popular, and big slices too! The queue moves fast and two slices make a great lunch or a Calzone for about 3.5. You can get a full pizza for about 20, and share with family or friends or yourself.

Acropolis is my partner’s favourite (he’s Greek, so that’s high praise) and mine too. Their gyros are £7 to £9 with massive portions. One could honestly feed two people.

Greggs

Don’t judge me for saying this but you are in Newcastle Upon Tyne, and it’s from the North East. Steak Bake, Vegan Sausage roll (to me is nicer than the normal one, less salty), pizza, their potato wedges are so good, and download the app, you get a freebie when you sign up and for your birthday too.

The one in Eldon Square has sit in area or if you fancy the Greggs pub second floor to Fenwicks which is seasonal.

Frankie & Tony’s Sandwich Bar

Address: 19 Ridley Pl, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8JN

Frankie and Tony’s sandwich bar has been around for many years and it’s quite the staple for everyone around the city centre. They also have giant jacket potatoes, and also you can choose your filling as you like. Great sarnies!

Burgz and Friez

If you want a proper smash burger without paying an arm and a leg. Friez and Burgz is where you go. This North East-born brand has built a loyal following across Newcastle, I’m not surprised. I probably gained a few pounds since they opened in the city centre.

Their beef smash burgers are so good and the price comes with fries for a total of 8.95 which is unheard of these days.

They also have chicken tenders and burgers and every week they do a special burger be it a beef or chicken. And they just open up for breakfast during the weekends and also a meal deal with a burger, fries, side and a drink.

Address: 99 Percy St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RT

Best Mid-Range Restaurants in Newcastle (£10–£20 per dish)

China Town Express

Address: 63-65 St Andrew’s St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5SE

Love China Town Express. They are located on the corner of Stowell Street, China Town Express opposite the Chinatown Gate, and has been serving affordable, authentic Chinese food for years.

It’s not fancy but the portions are great and decently priced. And I have been going for years, their Thai style fried rice, Sweet and sour pork are so good!

Davey’s

Address: 26 MARKET STREET , Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Davey’s started during lockdown and has become a Newcastle success story. Their breakfast smash burgers are yummy (around £8 to £12), and they’ve just opened a sit-down restaurant in the city centre at 26 Market Street.

They also do Davey’s Mexicano at St James’ Stack now, serving their famous birria tacos (so so good, one of my favs here). These slow-cooked beef birria tacos that you dip in their gravy are genuinely some of the best tacos I’ve had, priced around £10 to £12.

Stix

Address: St Andrew’s St, Newcastle upon Tyne

Hands down the best Korean fried chicken in Newcastle. Seriously! They are incredible! They are located just by Stowell St, 15 steps from the Chinatown Gate.

Their Korean Fried chicken is perfectly crispy outside, juicy inside, and you can get different sauces like Gochujang spicy, cheese and more. Get the half and half if you can’t decide if you order 10 pieces or more. Around £10 to £15 and the portions are generous.

Their kimchi fried rice is excellent too. And serves ramen as well. Just know you’ll leave smelling a bit like smoke because of the open kitchen, but it’s so worth it!

Master Wang Noodle Newcastle

Address: 36 St Mary’s Pl, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7PQ

My absolute favourite noodle spot! Opposite Civic Centre near Northumbria University, Master Wang serves authentic handmade biang biang noodles and other Shaanxi specialties. Their hand-pulled noodles are delicious and everything is mostly under £15.

They have 2 sizes, small and large. Most small dishes are about 10 and large costs bit more, about 12 to 15 range. They also have rice dishes, my favourite is the beef and potato stew with rice, and kung pao chicken rice.

Oh and don’t get me started with their broths! Each soup noodles they have, I truly don’t know how they do it, but their broth is so full of flavour. All their noodles are handmade, they have the thick wide flat ones, the normal thinner noodles and you can hear the chef pounding them.

Super popular with Chinese students, and now I see more locals visiting which I’m pleased about. Just note they’re closed Sundays. And ask which are spicy if you cannot handle it. The owners who work there are super friendly.

Chilli Padi

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

Ask anyone in Newcastle Upon Tyne, and they’ll know about Chilli Padi and their smoked chicken. One of the best Malaysian food near St James’ Park. Their portions are massive, and prices are reasonable between 10 to 20 pound range.

Everything is halal and they have loads of vegan and vegetarian options which are delicious. My best friend is vegan and we had tried some, their aubergine claypot is so bloody good, and of course Kangkung in garlic sauce.

The smoked chicken has become something of a cult favourite: crispy, coated in a smoky, slightly sweet sauce that is so addictive. Char Kway Teow, chicken laksa, beef rendang are my top recommendations also their paratha and Salad You Tiao.

El Coto

Address: 21 Leazes Park Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4PF

El Coto has been serving tapas in Newcastle since before tapas was trendy. Tucked away up Leazes Park Road (one of Newcastle’s hidden medieval lanes), this place is cosy and serves over 30 different tapas options.

Traditional Spanish tortilla, patatas bravas, grilled chorizo, gambas al ajillo. The wine list is entirely Spanish and the staff are also Spanish and will be able to recommend the best options. Tapas are £4 to £8 each, and my partner and I do 4 tapas with drinks and it was filling for us.

The lunch menu is excellent value for about 20 to 25 pounds for 3 tapas between noon and 5pm weekdays.

Chop Chop

Address: 147 Northumberland St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7DQ

One of the best spots located on Northumberland street by the Haymarket metro, come here for their roast duck and roast meats.

They have proper Chinese BBQ with the ducks and meats hanging in the window.

The roast duck is crispy-skinned and flavourful, around £12 to £15 with rice or noodles. The portions are generous. It’s so hard to get good roast duck in the North East, London is still the place to go but Chop Chop is pretty good!

Jasmine Chinese Bakery & Restaurant

Now Jasmin is a hidden gem to a lot of people here in Newcastle. Those in the know, knows this place very well and visits every weekend, me included. They don’t do advertising because the students know, the community knows and some local people do too.

Jasmine, for me is the best Chinese bakery in Newcastle. Their Hong Kong-style egg tarts are amazing, and they do proper Chinese bakery items for £1 to £3, their options of bread are limited compare to bread point, but their buns are big, fluffy and far more delicious in my opinion.

The restaurant serves Hong Kong dishes including excellent noodle soups like beef flank noodle soup wantan noodles, and you can choose the meat, the noodle type and the sauce. They have rice dishes as well around £8 to £15. This is where the local Chinese and Hong Kong community actually goes. They get the bun with spam and egg inside or pork chop which is so so good!

Address: 24 Fenkle St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5XN

Little Lobo

Address: 31-35 Starbeck Ave, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1RJ

Little Lobo is along Sandyford Road, just bit outside of the city centre but close enough to walk.

They do excellent Mexican food like a texmex of sorts. They are the little sister to their main restaurant in South Shields. Love their carnita burrito which is massive, like size of my arm. They use freshly made tortilla, and also their steak sandwich is generous,

Portions are huge and everything is around £10 to £20. Perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner.

Filto

This is a new addition to Newcastle City Centre food scene. They are popular, and serves Breakfast and brunch spot in Sandyford. Instagram-worthy dishes aimed at the student crowd. Great for brunches, avocado toast, loaded pancakes. Around £8 to £18 and the portions are good. Try their matcha drinks!

Redhouse

Address: 32 Sandhill, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3JF

When you want proper comfort food, Redhouse delivers. Their pies are made fresh daily with flaky pastry and generous fillings. Steak and ale, chicken and leek, seasonal game pie in winter. They are located at the Quayside in an old quirky building that feels like you are back in time.

Pie and mash is £12 to £15, Sunday roast £16. The sticky toffee pudding is brilliant too.

Fat Hippo

Newcastle-born burger chain that’s become a local success. The burgers are massive, messy, and delicious. Double patties, loads of toppings, brioche buns. Burgers are between £10 to £16. And they occasionally do lunch deals too.

Loads of veggie and vegan options that are actually good. The loaded fries are damn good and you’ll have to get their milkshake.

Thai House Cafe

This is one of the best authentic Thai places to go. This is literally the spot most Thai people here told me to go, and who am I to disagree.

It is delicious. Their portions are massive, its a casual sit down place. My go to is their Pork Knuckle rice and egg, and I am telling you, the pork is so tender, meaty, and oh so perfect with rice, and you can get Thai crackers for extra crunch to go with it, washed with Thai milk tea.

Address: 93 Clayton St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5PZ

Tonkin

Address: 89 Clayton St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5PZ

If you fancy Vietnamese Food, this independent spot in Clayton Street, actually next to Thai House Cafe, is a beauty.

Their Beef Pho is so good, light, full of flavour and their spring rolls both summer spring rolls and the crispy fried ones are so so good, also get their salted egg tofu, its delicious. They have vegetarian options too.

Meat Stack

Address: 41-43 Groat Market, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1UG

Located on Bigg Market, they started at Grainger Market and went out on their own.

Serving amazing burgers and beef dripping chips/fries. It’s become quite the favourite amongst the locals. Cost between £10 to £20 depending on the burger and set menu.

Aiden’s Kitchen

Address: 11 Starbeck Ave, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1RH

Also on Sandyford road, about 10 minutes walk from Haymarket Metro.

They are serving more bistro style, limited seating so you might have to queue during busy times.

They have brunch food, cakes and coffees. Pancakes, fry ups, had their korean fried chicken sandwich in milk bread once and it was really good.

16. Tiny Tiny

Address: 9, 11 Carliol Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6UF

I adore this place, they are located behind what used to be a fire station, it’s not far from Northumberland st. And they are huge inside, plenty of seating though it gets so busy during the weekend.

You will find people on their laptops, groups having a chilled afternoon with coffee and cakes or couples with food. They have a great selection of speciality coffee, cakes and tea. But also their food is delicious. It’s a good brunch spot.

I can highly recommend their Mexican Bean Rancheros and Turkish Eggs, and Continental club sandwich. I seen their French toast walk by and it looked so good, will have to try next time. Their portions are very good size. It’s a chill vibe inside with plants around.

My Dehli

My Delhi on Clayton Street was crowned the nation’s Best Indian Street Food Restaurant at the English Curry Awards, and it’s also very much loved by the locals.

Their menu is built around Delhi-inspired street food and the portion sizes are good for the price, so it is one of the better value spots in the city centre. This place can be both casual or a special occasion place, lively warm restaurant and lovely food.

FED’S Chicken Shop

Feds have been dishing out some seriously top-tier fried chicken at Grainger Market since 2020.

Their team has a new restaurant on Newcastle’s iconic Grey Street, using the change of scene to refresh their brand with subtle influences from 90s music, skate culture, and the experiences that inspired them early on.

They serve everything chicken, wings, tenders and sandwiches made with sweet tea brined chicken for extra flavour. 

The Stack

STACK Newcastle is a social spot in the city centre, with one venue on Pilgrim Street and another at St. James’ Quarter.

It brings together a mix of street food, bars and a lively atmosphere, making it a great place for a casual bite, drinks or a relaxed night out with friends.

Food-wise, you’ll usually find burgers, Gyros, fried chicken, loaded fries, pizza, bao and other easy crowd-pleasers, so there’s something for everyone. It does get busy especially during match days and they do show sporting events occasionally. Also great for a casual nightout.

St Sushi

St Sushi is a great shout if you’re after fresh Japanese food without it feeling too fussy. It’s on Westgate Road, and I’d go there for the sushi, sashimi or a bento box.

The sushi starts at around £6.50, and bento boxes are roughly £17.50, so it feels pretty decent value for the quality. It’s the place I’d recommend if you want something reliable, fresh and easy for lunch or a casual dinner.

Dojo

Dojo on Stowell Street is better if you want a bigger, more varied Japanese meal and a nicer sit-down feel.

The menu has everything from sushi and ramen to gyoza and tempura, okonomiyaki and their dishes are usually around 10 to 20 pounds each, depending on what you order. I’d steer someone there if they want more choice and a cosy spot for a proper meal rather than just a quick bite.

Soju & Gogi

Soju & Gogi is a great option if you’re after a fun Korean BBQ spot in Newcastle Upon Tyne rather than a standard sit-down meal. It’s on Dean Street in the city centre, close to the Quayside and Grey’s Monument, and the main draw is the tableside charcoal barbecue, where you can grill your own meat.

The menu has plenty of choice beyond BBQ too, with Korean favourites like Bimimbap, KimBap, vegetarian options and a good range of drinks, including soju, sake and other Asian beverages.

Best Restaurants for Special Occasions (£20+)

House of Tides

Newcastle’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, situated in a stunning 16th-century merchant’s house on the Quayside. The tasting menu is £95 per person, £145 with wine pairing.

Owner chef Kenny Atkinson has created something genuinely special. The menu changes seasonally and showcases the best of North East England produce. Lindisfarne oysters, Northumberland lamb, locally foraged ingredients. The building itself is gorgeous with original exposed beams.

This is where you go for anniversaries or milestone birthdays for me, or if you fancy dining in a Michelin restaurant. Booking is essential, sometimes months in advance.

Blackfriars Restaurant

A 13th-century former friary that’s now one of Newcastle’s most atmospheric restaurants. This Grade I listed building has original medieval features throughout.

I have come here for their sunday roasts, and it’s so nice, you get the trimmings and beautiful yorkshire puddings. The Sunday roasts are legendary at £24.50. Mains are £18 to £28.

What I love about Blackfriars is how it manages to feel both fancy and welcoming. The staff are incredibly lovely, and so accommodating.

If you are coming in the summer, they have lovely outdoor space, and sometimes they do events like cooking, wine tasting and more, check out their website for events.

Cook House

Started in a shipping container and grew into one of Newcastle’s most exciting restaurants. Located in a converted Victorian engine house in the Ouseburn, the industrial setting is cool with exposed brick and steel beams.

The menu focuses on seasonal, sustainable ingredients. Tasting menu is £55, Sunday roast £35. They’re opening a butcher shop next door where you can buy their aged meat.

Peace & Loaf

Relaxed neighbourhood restaurant in Jesmond serving inventive small plates. Chef Dave Coulson creates dishes that sound simple but deliver complex flavours.

Beef tartare with smoked bone marrow, roasted scallops with black pudding, their famous cheese and onion pie. Small plates are £8 to £15, larger plates £20 to £25. Their Sunday lunch is incredible value at £28 for three courses.

Gaucho Newcastle

This is a chain I do admit, but it is popular here. It is an Argentinian steakhouse serving some of the finest steaks in Newcastle Upon Tyne. It’s very atmospheric inside, lots come here for dates, or special occasions. Did come here for a company Xmas party. Expect to pay £25 to £45 for a main with sides (sometimes more).

Rio Brazilian Steakhouse

If you want proper Brazilian rodízio experience where they bring different meats to your table, this is it. You use a red and green light system to tell them when you want more or when you’ve had enough.

They’ll keep coming with different cuts until you physically can’t eat anymore. Around £35 to £45 per person. They have two locations, one on Osborne Road in Jesmond and one on the Quayside. And Newcastle United footballers love this place.

Pleased To Meet You (PTMY)

Located in the Bigg market, one of the alleyways near Laneway coffee. This is a lovely gin bar with a beautiful restaurant. They serve wonderful British food and an excellent Roast Dinner. Perfect for a great occasion or a drink, or have food.

Dabbawal

This is a contemporary Indian restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Tyne. They go beyond standard curry house fare with regional Indian dishes like railway curry, Goan fish curry, Kerala beef fry. And locals adore this spot, they really do.

The thalis are excellent if you want to try everything. Mains are £12 to £18, thalis £15 to £20. Great value set lunch menu Monday to Friday.

Khai Khai (Could be both mid range and higher side)

This is a modern Indian restaurant at the very bottom of Grey Street by the Quayside focusing on Indian street food and small plates.

The menu includes pani puri, lamb curry, and Kerala fried chicken. Small plates are £5 to £8, larger dishes £12 to £16. Best to do family style so everyone can share and have a taste.

The cocktails are excellent with Indian-inspired twists, and the space is gorgeous with moody lighting. Fun fact: Tom Cruise and Harrison Ford have both visited and many more celebrities somehow. The food was nice, I had a tasting menu for 2 as a present, it is nice but I wouldn’t come too often.

Butakun

Japanese spot that is indepedent and sourced their produce fresh, from Japan and prides with their authenticity.

They have a variety of ramen, rice dishes and an amazing selection of sashimi and sushi that is incredibly fresh, paired with Sake. Great for a date or a casual lunch or a special occasion too.

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Quick Bites & Casual Spots in Newcastle

Olive & Bean

Address: 17-19 Clayton St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5PN

I have been coming to Olive and Bean for ages, it’s great for brunch or chill with friends.

While technically a cafe, Olive & Bean deserves a spot for their consistent food. Their Turkish eggs for breakfast are so nice, and they do proper sandwiches, love their soups and hot dishes for lunch. Oh and cakes! They have an immense selection of cakes, brownies and tiffins which you can choose from at the bar entrance area.

Breakfast is £6 to £10, lunch £7 to £12. There’s usually a queue during weekends. Get there before 11 am on Saturdays to avoid the rush. They also have outdoor area for sunny days, and upstairs too, so if they busy on the ground floor, head up.

Weatherspoons

I mean you cannot go wrong with a Weatherspoons, yes it is a chain but it is familiar and you can get reasonably priced food. There’s one inside the Gate, the Miles end by the Central Station, one at Newcastle Uni (behind Student Union), and Five Swans by St Mary’s place which has a outdoor seating area (come here when its hot and sunny).

Buffet at Newcastle Upon Tyne

Little COSMO | All You Can Eat World Buffet Restaurant

Address: 92-98 Newgate St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5RQ

Located in front of The Gate, Little Cosmo is a relatively new addition to the Newcastle city centre food scene. It’s a buffet serving Italian, Chinese, Indian, Carvery, Japanese, Deli and desserts. Price wise is about £21.99 to £23.99. Great for families and those who loves a buffet.

Aneesa’s Buffet Restaurant

Address: Forster St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2NH

Aneesa is an Indian buffet located on Forster Street at the Quayside, it’s a very popular spot loved by locals. They serve a variety of snacks, starters, curries and desserts and they also serve other dishes such as pizzas, noodles and a carvery every Sunday afternoon.

What do you think are the best restaurants in Newcastle Upon Tyne? Have I missed any of your favourites? Let me know in the comments! Appreciate you

Courtney xx

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Want to explore more of Newcastle Upon Tyne and the North East?

Here are some guides that will help:

Complete Guide to Grainger Market : Deep dive into Britain’s Favourite Market with all the best food vendors

25 Things to Do in Newcastle Upon Tyne : My complete guide to the city including more food recommendations

Newcastle Match Day Guide : Where to eat and drink before NUFC matches (trust me, you need this)

9 Best Bakeries to try in Newcastle Upon Tyne : Find out the bakeries to get the best croissants, pastries, doughnuts, and sourdough

Things to Do in Tynemouth : Including Riley’s Fish Shack, one of the best seafood spots in the North East

Climbing up Grey’s Monument : Climbing Grey’s Monument: Is it worth it and the Costs?

Riley’s Fish Shack Review: The Famous Riley’s Fish Shack in Tynemouth: Is it worth it?