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Hidden gems, Foodie adventures & Travel guides

8 BEST PLACES TO EAT IN NEWCASTLE (when you can’t Travel)

13/09/2020 · In: Newcastle Upon Tyne, Places to eat

 50           

Struggling to find good places to eat in Newcastle Upon Tyne? I got you! On this list, we have Malaysian food, authentic Chinese, Spanish, Korean, and more.

As you know, food has always been a huge part of travel, it’s what personifies a city or a country and you get the feeling of their culture. Travel might not be on your cards at present, so what does one do? Travel within your city and eat food from around the world! And if you are planning to stay or visit Newcastle Upon Tyne for a weekend or a week or more, there are plenty of things to do in Newcastle, and also you have to visit Tynemouth, the coastal part of the North East.

In Newcastle Upon Tyne in England, we are blessed to have a plethora of delicious food from around the world! Here are my suggestions for the best places to eat in Newcastle upon Tyne. Come aboard and let’s eat!

Just a heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Your support helps me continue provide the best information to help you with your travels. Thank you!

Don’t have time to read yet? Grab my quick recommendations below!

Here are my top picks Hotels in Newcastle Upon Tyne if you are planning to stay:

⭐️⭐️ 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, my other friends have stayed here as well, the room is great, and literally in between bigg market and grey street) : Click here for rates & availability

⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ Dakota Newcastle (By the Quayside, this one is new to the scene and from what I have seen so far, its the poshest one but looks very nice if you feel like splashing out) : Click here for rates & availability.

If you have a day or two, You can get a Guided Walking tour of Newcastle City Centre.

or have a fun experience especially in the summer and take the Newcastle Beer and Prosecco Bike Tour

🗺️ Insurance: Protect yourself on your trip with Travel Medical Insurance.

📱 Connect: Always stay connected, and do so seamlessly, with a UK eSim!

🚗 Traveling around the North East and rest of UK? Discover Affordable Car Rentals here!

1. Chilli Padi (Malaysian)

Oh to go back to Malaysia specifically to Kuala Lumpur or Penang! Chilli Padi will satisfy your cravings of Ayam Laksa (Chicken curry laksa), Char kway teow, or Nasi Lemak! Their sambal belacan is delicious. Come here and have your Malaysian food fix, portions are great, affordable prices and get their Ice Lemon tea which is probably the best in town, or Teh Tarik, and have the full proper Malaysian experience in Newcastle!

Explore further and try their mango duck and Kangkung Belacan or garlic from their main menu, and Salad You Teow and Roti Paratha from their appetizer section. You can certainly thank me later! I suggest it’s best to book in advance as they tend to get quite busy and you won’t regret it.

People love coming here before or after a match at St James Stadium, or for special occasion or that weekend brunch. It’s also hala and they have amazing vegan and vegetarian selections.

Open Tuesday to Sunday Phone: 0191 230 1133  Website

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

A bowl of Chicken Laksa with fried chicken, veg and vermicelli
Chicken Laksa
Duck with mango sauce from Chilli padi in Newcastle Upon Tyne, it's one of the recommended best places to eat in Newcastle Upon Tyne
Duck with mango sauce

2. El Coto (Spanish)

El Coto has been on the Newcastle Upon Tyne food scene for years and their food is delicious. I remember visiting once, and the lovely waiter introduced us to a dish with pork and blue cheese sauce, and this was the moment I am forever going to trust the waiter’s suggestion. The dish was beautiful! Order it next time you’re visiting!

Their soft lighting, chocolate brown interior with wooden essence gives off the air of comfort and relaxation. Perfect setting for a romantic dinner or a relaxed meal with friends. Try the stew, paella, and potato revuelto, it’s divine!

Open Monday to Sunday from Noon. Phone: 0191 261 0555

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

3. Dosa Kitchen (South Indian)

Have you tried Dosa? No? Oh my goodness, we have to change that ASAP! How best to explain this dish, it’s visually crepe-like with a crunch, usually made with chickpea flour, and a filling of masala potato. You have to have it! It’s so good, and of course use your hands to eat it (wash hands first of course).

They opened over a year ago, and their dishes have a variety of vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, and meat. Try their Thali tray, a tray with over 6 small dishes from curry to fish, potato, and vegetarian dishes, and they replenish your dishes if you and your party are having it as well. It feels like you’re visiting friends home and their mum cooked these dishes for you, a home cook feel mix with a restaurant vibe if that makes any sense! Located at leafy west Jesmond area, visit and tell me what you think in the comments!

Open Monday to Saturday 5pm to 9pm. Phone: 0191 250 9725

Address: 7 Osborne Rd, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2AE

This is a Thali tray, an array of 10 little options of chicken, fish curry and sauces with dhal and rice, all of the little bowls are refillable if everyone on the table is having the dish. Dosa Kitchen is one of the best places to eat in Newcastle Upon Tyne if you are visiting or even a local here.
Thali Tray
Masala dosa, a chickpea flour based Indian crepe with masala potato filling with a thali tray
Masala Dosa

4. Albufeira Cafe (Portuguese)

Now closed

Albufeira Cafe is bringing Portugal to Newcastle with their premise on the bottom of Westgate Road, and their Pasteis de Nata! It’s truly a delicious little tart, make sure to have it with some cinnamon and icing sugar! While you’re here, grab a Bifana for lunch, a sandwich with soft crusty bread, and marinated pork slices. It’s likened to a Portuguese bakery as they have a number of delicious traditional pastries such as Bolo de Arroz, Pao com Chorizo, and Bacalhau.

Open from Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm Phone: 0191 447 0700

Address: 179 Westgate Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6AA

A pan of pasteis de nata (portuguese custard tarts)
Pasteis de nata

5. Infusion 2018

A Chinese restaurant like no other! You will probably not recognise half of the dishes on their menu but trust me on this – their dishes are authentically Chinese, fresh (not like those takeaway grease – those are not proper Chinese food) and Delicious!

Very relaxed setting with tables catering to big groups or the normal 4 tables, and friendly staff who will help you choose your dishes. Try their Kung Pao chicken, Sizzling Bull Frog legs (Yes, it’s good and tastes like chicken if you haven’t had it before), Sliced Pork belly stirfry is a comforting classic, and their Farmer style Pork Knuckle is saucy, full of meat and moreish!

If you fancy noodles, their spare rib noodle soup is one to try – the ribs are massive and very meaty! And for those who can handle their spice, get their House Special Spicy pot – it’s a fiery one!

2025 edit: The previous owners and chef have changed and it’s not bad at the moment, but it is catered more towards the locals more than the taste of Chinese cuisine as it was before. It’s still very popular, and the menu has changed a bit if I am not mistaken.

Open Monday to Sunday 10am to 10pm. Phone: 0191 261 8896

Address: Unit 1, Strawberry Pl, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4SF

A plate of Kung pao Chicken and another plate of braised pork knuckle from Infusion 2018 Chinese restaurant in Newcastle Upon Tyne, one of the best places to eat in Newcastle
Kung Pao Chicken and Farmers style Braised Pork Knuckle

6. Dojo (Japanese)

Can’t have a list of places to eat in Newcastle without adding Japanese cuisine! Dojo on Stowell Street in Newcastle Chinatown has one of the better Tonkotsu Ramen in Newcastle. Their interior is like entering an Anime and Jpop world – Japanese music playing in the background and anime figurines dotted around – it’s sooo much fun!

Their food is a serious matter, try their Takoyaki (octopus balls) and ask for extra mayo – Japanese mayo is somehow better than normal mayo – agree to disagree. They have an array of bento boxes from the usual katsu curry to Teriyaki and both delicious, comes with sushi, and miso soup. If you are feeling soupy, get their sukiyaki.

Opens Monday to Sunday Noon to 9pm. Phone: 0191 903 8582

Address: 26 Stowell St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4XQ

A table of Japanese food including Teriyaki chicken bento, a plate of sushi roll, Okonomiyaki and tempura rice, try this at Dojo  Japanese restaurant, one of the best places to eat in Newcastle Upon Tyne
Teriyaki Chicken with Okonomiyaki and Tempura don

7. Kimchi Planet (Korean)

Started out at the Quayside market and recently moved into their new premise, Kimchi Planet is such a gem! Serving authentic Korean street food like Kimpap, bulgogi, and oh their amazing Jap Chae!

Their portions are just right, not too much or little and they cater to vegans well! If you have never visited, then you have to fix that right now! (Especially when you are craving Korean food)

Open Monday to Saturday 11.30am to 9pm. Phone: 07594 379176

Address: 24 Wretham Pl, Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1XU

A table filled with Korean dishes from Kimchi Planet including Jap Chae, 2 plates of Kimpap, kimchi and a bowl of rice and meat
Kimpap and Jap Chae plus Kimchi

8. Rio Brazilian Steakhouse

A Rodizio in Newcastle Upon Tyne and a proper one that my Brazilian friends approve of! It came highly recommended by them, and they were not wrong. A rodizio is a system per se where the staff comes to you with a variety of meat on swords ranging from steaks, lamb, chicken, chicken heart, and more. It’s a buffet with a twist. They give you a coaster, turn it to have green facing up means a green light for meat to continuously come, or red for stop.

They serve other Bralizian delights such as Coxinha, Feijoida which is a bean stew and amazing! Have it with fafa and rice. Delicious!

It’s quite the experience here!

Open Monday to Sunday Noon to 10 pm (Sunday till 8 pm). Phone: 0191 244 9333

Address: 61 Osborne Rd, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2AN

The interior of Rio Brazilian restaurant in Newcastle Upon Tyne
Interior of Rio

Eat, enjoy and explore more around your hometown!

Note: Opening times and other information are accurate as of Sept 2020, do check their website for updates.

Courtney xx

More Newcastle Upon Tyne Travel and Food Adventures:

Want to explore Newcastle’s food scene further? Here are some guides that might help:

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

30 Places to eat in Newcastle Upon Tyne City Centre 2025 : Street food, vegan, kid friendly, buffets, Michelin, carvery places in Newcastle City centre

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

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

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?

If you’re visiting from abroad, grab an eSIM before you arrive so you can easily look up bakery opening hours and directions while you’re exploring.

If you are travelling abroad to Italy or Japan, find my Travel Guides on WhatsupCourtney below:

Lake Como Travel Guide: Como City

Best things to do in Varenna, Lake Como Italy 2025 + One Day Itinerary

4 Days in Kyoto Itinerary: Complete First-Timer’s Guide

8 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD STAY AT CANDEO HOTELS ROPPONGI TOKYO

10 GREAT THINGS YOU MUST DO AND EAT AT ROPPONGI TOKYO

10 Must-Know Japan Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors (2025)

a view of the kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion Kyoto from the main viewing area

WhatsupCourtney

Owner/ Traveller / Content Creator

Hey! I’m Courtney, I set out to create a blog that brings a whole lot of adventure to our readers. Instead of the traditional influencer and Instagram travels that you normally would see, I am trying instead, to show you the real, raw, and exotic side of travel and a whole lots of food that goes with it. Because I believe food is part of the country culture and needs to be tried and shown proudly.

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 50           

By: Sarah Courtney HeyWhatsupCourtney · In: Newcastle Upon Tyne, Places to eat

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ibtissam says

    02/11/2021 at 4:08 pm

    I haven’t been to Newcastle yet, and I’ve heard only great things about this place! I’ve read the few posts you’ve written about the city and somehow you’ve really made me want to discover it. I already had Manchester, Birmingham and Bath on my list – adding this one now too! Thank you for taking the time to share with us 🙂

    Reply
  2. Samuel Hunter says

    22/05/2021 at 10:24 pm

    Thanks a lot for making such a blog post that suggests us the best places to eat in Newcastle.
    I would like to add our cafe Hunter Espresso. Visit to get the best quality food and coffee from us.

    Reply

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Hey! I’m Courtney, UK-based travel and food traveler, writer and this website explores hidden gems, popular travel destinations and foodie finds.

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