I’ve lived in Newcastle Upon Tyne for 10 years now. Although my time here may have started off eating cheesy chips after nights out as a student, you’ll be pleased to hear I’ve eaten much nicer things over the years too! Here are some of my favourite places to keep going back to.
Where to go for Brunch in Newcastle Upon Tyne
1. Butterfly Cabinet
The Butterfly Cabinet is reknown for its delicious breakfasts – so much as you’ll often find a queue out the door for tables. Don’t let this put you off, it’s definitely worth the wait! Portion sizes are generous and they cater well for veggies and vegans too.
The quirky cafe, isn’t too far from the centre of Newcastle. You can find the Butterfly cabinet in Heaton, just on the edge of Armstrong Park and Heaton Park – ideal for walking off your brunch!
Where to go for Lunch in Newcastle Upon Tyne
2. Zapatista
Popular amongst students, Zapatista serves up burritos and fajitas in a Subway-esque style where you can pick and choose your own fillings. My favourite is the sweet potato chilli!
3. Frankie & Tony’s
A Geordie-favourite – Frankie and Tony’s sandwich shop also often has a queue out the door around lunch time.
4. Grainger Market
Grainger Market is a huge indoor market built in the heart of Newcastle in 1835. It houses lots of independent shops and eateries including Meat:Stack, Redhead’s Mac and Cheese, Pet Lamb Patesserie and more. One of my favourite places is Slice where you can get a huge pizza slice for less that £2!
Where to go for Dinner in Newcastle Upon Tyne
5. Fat Hippo
In recent years, Fat Hippo’s burger restarants have grown from their humble beginning’s in Jesmond to include a city centre underground restaurant and have begun popping up in other cities too. Their burgers are some of the best in Newcastle and they also have a growing vegan menu too!
6. Dabbawal’s
Authentic indian street food paired with a laid back atmosphere. Dabbawal’s is tucked away behind Brentwood Avenue, along the metro line in Jesmond.
7. The Brandling Villa
Perhaps a little out of the way but if you’re looking for a casual pub dinner with a bit different, the Brandling Villa might just be the place. Their sense of humour has gotten them in trouble in the past as they once offered a Cherly Cole Burger topped with a sausage roll. Suprisingly it wasn’t Cherly that didn’t enjoy the joke but Gregg’s. Their name has been redacted from the menu although the burger remains the same, they can no longer confirm the source of the sausage roll!
Other menu items include “daft shit on chips”, the “Greeky Blinder” burger and some of the best fake-meat burgers I’ve ever had the pleasure of consuming. They’ll also super dog-friendly.
8. The Ship Inn
Set in the heart of the arty Ouseburn Valley, the Ship Inn, the ship inn offers a fully vegetarian and vegan menu. Not only is the food delicious but the location is fairly special too – tucked under the Byker Bridge, just next door to Ouseburn farms. Sit outside to admire the spectacular murals painted on the pub and under the bridge arches.
Bakeries to visit in Newcastle Upon Tyne
9. Cake Stories
I may be bias here as I used to work as a baker at Cake Stories when they first opened in 2015 – but their cakes truly are delicious! Their extra special hot chocolate is also so good that I may have had one every day on my break whilst I worked there…
10. Pink Lane Bakery
If you’re a fan of sourdough, go grab a loaf from Pink Lane! Their specialities are more bread and pastries that cakes – which isn’t usually my thing but their bread is fantastic.
11. Great British Cupcakery
Tucked away under the Tyne Bridge, this cake shop might be easily missed, but if you’re on the Quayside, its definitely worth a visit. Famous for its giant milkshakes and beautiful flower wall, its an incredibly instagram-able cafe!
12. Greggs
Although I’ve tried to include mostly independent businesses, I couldn’t possibly leave Greggs of the list as their originated in Newcastle back in 1939. Over 80 years later, their still a firm Geordie-favourite. You’ll soon spot this after a wander around Newcastle will reveal a Greggs on almost every corner!
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