5 Michelin Guide Restaurants in Newcastle
Where to book for Michelin Guide-approved fine dining in the city
Originally designed as a guide for French motorists, the Michelin Guide today is a definitive source for fine dining hotspots boasting refined cuisine and exquisite service.
As a city home to many amazing independent restaurants, it’s unsurprising that we’re lucky to have several fine dining restaurants in Newcastle which feature in the guide. As well as providing amazing food and an exceptional dining experience, they each offer a wonderful place to enjoy a special meal for a date, graduation or celebration of any kind.
Here, we shine a light on the city’s finest restaurants and discover why they’re worthy of inclusion in the celebrated guide.
House of Tides, The Close
There are only two restaurants in Newcastle that hold a coveted Michelin star and a recommendation as a places that excel at high quality cuisine, and they're both owned by acclaimed local chef Kenny Atkinson. First up is his debut restaurant House of Tides which opened its doors on Newcastle's Quayside in 2024. Located in a historic merchant’s building on Newcastle’s Quayside, it’s a space filled with character – from its wonky ceilings and carved wooden beams to the sloping floors and exposed brickwork.
One of the things that sets House of Tides apart is the team’s attention to detail; every dish is a real work of art, with playful touches and flavours which complement each other perfectly. It may have a Michelin star but that’s not to say it’s a stuffy or formal place: the emphasis here is on the food, so dining is informal and casual and the welcome warm.
There’s great importance placed on sustainability and seasonality with North East produce at the fore. Diners experience the food through tasting menus which feature a variety of dishes showing off the region’s exquisite larder with each item inspired by modern flavours while also paying homage to Kenny’s classical training in the kitchen. A tasting menu for lunch costs £115 per person while dinner tasting menus cost £125 per person, with £85 per person for additional wine pairing, and it promises to be a meal that you'll remember. As you may expect, reservations are sought after and it pays to book well ahead.
Solstice, The Side
House of Tides' sister restaurant and fellow Michelin star holder Solstice is relatively new to Newcastle’s dining scene having opened in 2022. It places as much emphasis on the story of the dish and the provenance of the ingredients as it does on the amazing flavours contained within it. Chefs offer detailed explanations alongside the multi-course tasting menus, meaning diners get a real insight into the passion behind the food.
Once again, sustainability and seasonality are key, and diners can expect 12 to 15 servings at lunch (£125) and 15 to 18 servings at dinner (£175) which range from snacks to savoury dishes taking in both the land and the sea, finishing up with desserts and petit fours. While the menu itself simply lists a single ingredient, you can be certain of taste explosions and pairings that will have your taste buds in rapture.
Reservations open on the first of every month at midday, three months in advance. Set your calendars!
21, Trinity Gardens
Another of Newcastle’s celebrity chefs, Terry Laybourne is an award-winning and well-respected restaurateur with a fine pedigree in the North East. 21 is his flagship restaurant and affords the diner a superb location on the Quayside, boasting exemplary service and a menu which delights.
With food which is influenced by classic French cuisine and cooking techniques, flavour is king; while it may be a ‘white tablecloth’ restaurant on first glance, dining at 21 is also a casual affair with welcoming staff and a comfortable atmosphere.
On the lunch and early evening menu expect dishes like minute steak and roasted pheasant (2 courses £30/£31 3 for £36/£37) and on the a la carte the likes of Lindisfarne oysters, Corrèze veal T-bone or roasted Kielder roe deer (vegans and vegetarians are well looked after too!). Splash out on a five-course tasting menu for £70 per person (with accompanying wine flight an extra £55), showcasing seasonal flavours.
The Broad Chare, Quayside
Don’t let the ‘proper pub grub’ stance fool you: Broad Chare’s chefs are serious about their food and you’ll also find a superb and well-curated selection of real ales. Expect starters likes Dorset crab salad, hearty main courses like Northumbrian game pie, bubble and squeak and slow-roast lamb shoulder, and old-fashioned puddings if you have room! Bar snacks are equally as tempting, whether you go for hand-raised pork pies, cauliflower fritters or melty Scotch eggs.
The Broad Chare is the result of a great partnership between Terry Laybourne and the neighbouring Live Theatre, making it an excellent spot for a pre- or post-theatre meal.
Dobson & Parnell, Queen Street
Part of local restaurateur Andy Hook's Hooked On group of restaurants, Dobson & Parnell offers casual fine dining and an elegant dining room in which to try food that pushes the boundaries of British and European cuisine.
Seasonal dishes dominate its set and a la carte menus with tempting fare like ham hock terrine, North Shields market fish and apple tarte tartin - all complemented by an excellent and extensive wine list. For a truly fantastic dining experience, book up for one of their wine dinners.
There’s no doubt that these restaurants will offer diners a superb experience, from impeccable service and stunning decor to awe-inspiring food. So next time you’re looking for a venue for that special occasion in Newcastle, these Michelin Guide restaurants are guaranteed to hit the right spot!
Main image: House of Tides
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