Restaurants in Newcastle

[AmyD123]

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone can recommend any good restaurant/bars in newcastle. I do not know the area at all, but it would have to be fairly central and I would something a bit special. Any suggestions much appreciated.

[thedelbwa]

Amy - I suggest you get to a restaurant called El Torero, it's more or less under the Tyne Bridge, close to the Quayside, is traditional Spanish tapas (as opposed to the new, glass-fronted, corporate 'Spanish' restaurants popping up here, there & everywhere), great atmosphere, great staff, food is delicious and the price is a bonus too! I rarely pay more than �20-�23 inc drinks, tips and food. If there's a few of you, try a set menu (think there's 3 options) - this way you get to try loads more than if you and a partner pick 3 dishes each (which is still more than enough). Obviously, if you don't like Spanish food, then steer clear!
If that is the case, try The Big Mussel (nr to the Quayside, look at their website) for a great selection of seafood, quite a laid back place, pretty cheap too. If Italian is your thing, then Azzuri (guess what? also close to the Quayside) is a great restaurant, not cheap, but again great service, superb food, and really quite smart inside too!
Hope this helps! Enjoy!

[thedelbwa]

Bars depends on what floats your boat I guess, but some smart bars include Revolution (stunning interior) but you do get your typical Friday / Saturday night crowds in there - get a seat and you should be fine. Tokyo just over the road is also a tidy place, but I've only really been when it's quite quiet - it doesn't seem the biggest of places, so when busy may be a bit of an ordeal. If you want a quick drink before hitting the town, I suggest going to the Centurion bar at the train station (honestly, believe me on this one) - the decor inside is unbelievable, was also included in the Observer good bar guide in recent years. Good beers too! Hoko 10 on Dean Street is also good for some cocktails, great little booths to hide away in. The Trent pub, close to St James' Park (if you're at that end of town) is one of the best pubs in Newcastle as far as I'm concerned. Traditional boozer with great beers, free jukebox with so much good music on (think classic soul, groove, dance) - great laid-back atmosphere too. It's all down to personal opinion, but I would avoid the (in)famous Bigg Market - full of young chavs & tarts (sorry to offend anyone there) - the best bars do seem to be around the Central Station area - also of note is Camp David, a gay bar also close to the station which is very straight-friendly, not too in-your-face, and great music too! Oh, and for possibly the best views from a bar in the city, try the Pitcher & Piano. OK, it's a P & P, and they're everywhere (I think), but it's located at the Newcastle end of the Millennium bridge, right on the river with huge glass windows (well, being windows, they would be made of glass) and great for an early evening drink. The roof terrace may be off-limits in the current weather however. Enjoy, and let me know how you get on with you trip.

[sarahjackson]

The Black Door - in the town - restaurant is lovely - small, quite expensive but ideal for a treat and they do lovely champagne cocktails on black leather sofas before or after eating

[AmyD123]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Might try the Big Mussel or Azzuri I think. Thanks!

[neesy]

Another really good one is the King Neptune in Stowell Street (Chinatown) if you like Chinese food. It has a great selection of seafood dishes too yum!