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Dining Guide Section: Dining Guide for City Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle City Centre offers a vibrant mix of modern British fine dining, global street food, and lively brunch spots. Dine by the Quayside at Solstice, enjoy tapas at Kaltur, sample French dishes at The French Quarter, or grab fast, affordable bites in the Grainger Market. The area is packed with options from morning to late evening.
Specialties
- Michelin-starred modern British tasting menus (House of Tides)
- Seasonal fine dining (Solstice)
- Authentic Spanish tapas (Kaltur)
- Creative brunch plates and cocktails (Horticulture)
- Neapolitan pizza and fresh pasta (Pizza Punks, Zucchini)
- French small plates and wines (The French Quarter)
Popular Dishes
- Tasting menu with local produce (House of Tides)
- Small plates like Iberico pork at Kaltur
- Skillet shakshuka and espresso martinis (Horticulture)
- Fresh pasta like nduja rigatoni (Zucchini Pasta Bar)
- Double cheeseburger with house sauce (Meat:Stack)
- Artisan pizza with unlimited toppings (Pizza Punks)
Dining Tips
- Book well in advance for House of Tides and Solstice—reservations can fill up weeks ahead.
- Grainger Market is ideal for a quick, affordable lunch on the go.
- Horticulture gets busy for brunch—arrive early or book ahead for weekends.
- Many Quayside restaurants offer pre-theatre menus ideal before shows at the Theatre Royal or Sage Gateshead.
- Look out for weekday lunch deals in the city centre's independent restaurants.
Local Insights
The city centre's food scene balances heritage and modernity—fine dining by the historic Quayside, relaxed bistros near Grey Street, and bustling food stalls in Grainger Market. Independent restaurants have thrived alongside national chains, creating a vibrant, ever-changing dining scene.
Atmosphere
Expect everything from elegant period buildings by the Quayside to lively industrial-style brunch spots. Newcastle City Centre offers cozy bistros, sleek fine dining rooms, informal street food stalls, and energetic bars—making it perfect for both relaxed afternoons and celebratory nights out.
Price Insights
Street food in Grainger Market costs around £5 to £10 per person. Brunch and casual dinners average £15 to £30. Mid-tier restaurants are £30 to £50. Fine dining tasting menus run £100+ with wine pairings. Many restaurants offer early evening menus from £20 to £25 per person.
Seasonal Notes
Summer brings Quayside pop-ups, outdoor terraces, and rooftop bars. In winter, cosy interiors like House of Tides and The French Quarter are popular. Newcastle's Christmas Market and Restaurant Week (January and August) offer great value dining experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about dining in City Centre