Nestled along the classic curves of the River Tyne, Newcastle isn't just a city; it's a culinary carnival.
Geordies lovingly refer to their food as ‘scran’ and there are hearty English breakfasts to tickle your taste buds, wholesome classics to fill your boots, as well as international flavours to dine for in this amazing cosmopolitan city.
So if you’re food-curious and clamming (Geordie-speak for hungry!) and searching for cheap places to eat, Newcastle will deliver adventurous meals that won't take a big bite out of your wallet. Pack an appetite for foodie adventure and join us to explore the gastronomic delights of this great city.
1. Knights by the Burn Coffee House
What is it? A cosy little coffee shop that specialises in homemade grub.
Where is it?
Newburn High Street, around 5 miles from the city centre.
Why go?
Knights by the Burn has a huge range of meal options, not to mention a fine selection of cakes. Their Facebook page recommends booking early to avoid disappointment though coffee and cake is walk-in only.
If you fancy a Newcastle breakfast, we particularly recommend the Croque Monsieur, served with salads, crisps and homemade coleslaw. Add a fried egg to make it into a Croque Madam for just £1 extra.
2. Zaap Thai Street Food
What is it? Authentic Bangkok cuisine comes to Newcastle. Walk-ins only.
Where is it?
On Newgate Street, outside the gate, next to Chinatown.
Why go?
Zaap has an incredibly extensive menu, including plant-based options including a vegan spin on
Pad Thai and
Tom Yum soup (yum indeed!).
The restaurant's currently offering a number of winter specials. Don't miss out on the
Sai Oua : authentic Northern Thai sausage served with sweet chilli sauce, fresh ginger and sticky rice.
This restaurant is also an excellent option for foodies on a budget : chow down on a filling
Khanom Pang Na Gai (Chicken toast) for just £5.95.
3. Panis Cafe
What is it? Traditional Italian food with a Sardinian twist.
Where is it?
High Bridge.
Why go?
For almost 30 years this family-run business has been knocking out authentic Italian and Sardinian cuisine.
If you'd like to taste an authentic slice of Sardinia, make sure to try out Tapas or Bottarga con Spaghetti. If you fancy something more mainstream, try Panis on twist on bolognese, served with Malloreddus pasta for just £10.95.
Panis encourages diners to tell them about any dietary requirements and can make specific dishes e.g. vegan on request.
4. Peace and Loaf
What is it? A neighbourhood restaurant serving British, European and contemporary cuisine.
Where is it?
Jesmond.
Why go?
Headed up by Chef and Proprietor Dave Coulson, Peace and Loaf signature style is seasonal tasting menus with meals sourced using local ingredients. Vegetarian options are available, though meat-lovers shouldn't miss out on the "Peace of Beef" : a fine-aged rib served with herb salad, sweet potato, french fries, chimichurri and peppercorn.
5. Simla Restaurant
What is it? Modern and traditional Indian dishes served in a cosy and relaxed atmosphere.
Where is it?
Quayside
Why go?
The original Simla restaurant opened in 1981 but underwent a revamp in 2016. While it may have a refreshed look, its flair for tasty authentic Indian cuisine is very 'simla' to that of days gone by!
The carefully crafted main menu includes classid dishes like Masala and Korma, as well as chef's specials like Lamb shank kashmiri rogan josh, slow-cooked in its own bone marrow juice. If you're looking to save without sacrificing on quality, check out the 4-course set menu for just £30 (pre-order only).
6. Rio Brazilian Steakhouse
What is it? Traditional Brazilian Churrasco dining, served by experienced Gaucho chefs.
Where is it?
Jesmond and Quayside.
Why go?
Two branches of this popular restaurant chain are based in Newcastle : the Jesmond location was even recently awarded No. 1 in the UK & Channel Islands on TripAdvisor for the Everyday Eats category.
Come here for the best lunch in Newcastle. In fact, both lunch and dinner selections are available for a fixed price, starting at just £22.95 for the veg, vegan and fish option. (Salad bar included). If you're visiting the Steakhouse because you actually want a steak (and what better reason is there?), then you can also munch on traditionally prepared ones like
Picanha
or
Alcatra.
Chefs will keep bringing you all the Churrasco meat, then continuously carve it right there at your table until you tell them to stop!
7. Snackwallah
What is it? Authentic Indian vegan street food
Where is it?
Grainger Market
Why go?
If authenticity and veganism is your thing then Snackwallah might just be your foodie Shangri-La.
The cuisine is in the tradition of chaat (snack) dishes you can find in any street stall all across the subcontinent while remaining 100% vegan. Even meat lovers will find it hard to resist Snackwallah's signature Bhel Puri: A symphony of spicy taste with dozens of ingredients including home made chutneys and fresh veg for just a fiver. This makes one of the most cheap restaurants Newcastle has to offer.
8. Sushi Me Rollin'
What is it?
Clean, fresh hand-rolled sushi plus a killer cocktail menu.
Where is it?
Grey St (Right in the City Centre).
Why go?
Opened by two friends in 2018, Sushi Me Rollin' is one of the most happening restaurants in Newcastle. There are no bookings - hungry Geordies and others can just rock up 7 days a week. Special mention should go to the chef's platters : a fine selection of tasty fish like teriyaki salmon and soy glazed seared tuna. Vegan platters are also available, as well as meat dishes.
9. Turtle Bay
What is it? Amazing Caribbean cuisine along with enticing cocktails
Where is it?
Newgate Street
Why go?
Are you tired of those morning post-breakfast hunger pangs? If so, fill up as much as you want with Turtle Bay's bottomless brunch.
This includes 2 hours of unlimited cocktails and prosecco, draft beers, mocktails plus any brunch dish, burger or wrap. Brunch options include smashed avocado and eggs with grilled roti and tomato. All from just £34.20 per person! Although staff will always try to accommodate people who just want a drink in the bar, given the huge variety of tasty Caribbean dishes on offer, the restaurant recommends booking tables in advance.
10. Kafeneon
What is it? A friendly, family run restaurant serving tasty Greek & Mediterranean dishes
Where is it? Bigg Market
Why go? The French say 'Bon Appetit'. In Greece, we say 'Kali Orexi!'
Kafeneon is one of the best restaurants Newcastle has to offer that really has something for everyone. Not only is there a dedicated Lunch & Dinner menus but a special one for vegans too.
Dinner options include both chicken & pork souvlaki, as well as slow-cooked lamb kleftiko served with lemon potatoes.
Vegan offerings include yemista peppers, stuffed with traditionally seasoned rice
and vegetables. You can also munch on authentic Mediterranean pasta, which includes sautéed vegetables tossed with Linguine, then topped off with a tomato, garlic and red wine sauce.
You don't need to empty your wallet here either : two course meals start at £15 per person.
All this talk of food got you licking your lips for a foodie adventure in Newcastle? Kabannas is located just a stone's throw from all of the purveyors above - get in touch to book your stay in Newcastle today!
