10 Best Places for a Sit-Down Lunch in Newcastle
If you’re looking for a sit-down lunch in Newcastle, then you’ve come to the right place...
Sometimes, the supermarket meal deal just doesn’t cut it! So if you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of the office, why not escape to one of these fantastic venues, and treat yourself to a sit-down lunch?
Not only do these venues have some incredible interiors to make your dining experience all the more special, but their delicious menus promise to leave you feeling refuelled and recharged so you’re ready to tackle that afternoon meeting. Besides, what better way to brighten up the week than treating yourself to some good grub?!
Dobson & Parnell, Queen Street
Prioritising the very best seasonal produce, Dobson & Parnell has been bringing fresh flavours to Queen Street since 2016 – and with a Michelin Guide feature and AA Rosette under their belt, they certainly know their stuff. Their cosy venue is perfect for luxuriating over a long sit-down lunch, full of cushioned booths by the window, snug armchairs, and low-hanging lights for an intimate dining atmosphere that you can’t really find anywhere else. That’s not forgetting that they offer a fantastic lunchtime offer too, with a set menu available from Wednesday to Saturday (12pm-2pm) including two courses for £23.50, or three courses for £29.50.
Kafeneon, Bigg Market
For a slice of Greek paradise in the heart of Newcastle, it’s got to be Kafeneon. This Greek kitchen and cocktail bar has been open since 1998, winning the hearts of the Toon with their lunchtime meze platters, pita toasties, souvlaki and gyros. There’s something to be said for the interiors here too, as white-washed walls are adorned with eye-catching murals and artwork, so if you can’t get a spot on their ever popular outdoor terrace, fret not - the interiors are almost as good as the food!
DOOD, Quayside
Since first opening their doors late last year, DOOD has made a splash on the Quayside dining scene, serving up a taste of ancient flavours from Persia and The Levant. Inside, the restaurant houses three luxurious dining rooms, each inspired – just like the menu – by the ancient Silk Road trade route that linked the East with West. Translating to “smoke” from Persian, it’s no surprise that DOOD’s menu offers an abundance of grilled and charcoal grilled dishes, including jujeh kabab and ash roasted vegetable mechouia. If you’re booking a table for your next sit-down midday meal, then why not make the most of their lunch deal, which includes a starter, main, and side for just £20 per person.
Gino D’Acampo, INNSiDE By Meliã Newcastle
Overlooking the River Tyne, Gino D’Acampo Quayside is the ideal spot for those midday summer meals. Their open-plan restaurant features impressive floor to ceiling windows, allowing natural light to flood the venue as you dine on some delicious Italian food. And as if their venue wasn’t impressive enough, there’s a brilliant lunchtime deal to enjoy too! Available Sunday to Friday (12pm-5pm), guests can dine on two courses for £26 or three for £31. Alternatively, if you’re short on time but still fancy relaxing over some good food, their Italian Express menu offers one selected dish and drink for £15.75, from Monday to Friday from 12pm-3pm.
Mantra Thai Dining, Forth Banks
With over thirty years of experience between their chefs from Thailand, Mantra Thai Dining offers an authentic dining experience just a stones throw from the city centre, down on Forth Banks. They underwent a gorgeous makeover back in 2023, creating an atmospheric interior that’s perfect for enjoying a relaxed sit-down lunch. Grab a seat on one of their teal, gold-trimmed bar stools while digging into some chicken satay, or take a seat under the statement lighting at one of their sleek dining tables with your pals and some massaman lamb curry. Either way, there’s a set lunch menu to enjoy from throughout the week (12pm-5pm), featuring a starter, main and side for £25.50 per person.
Gaucho, Market Street
Fancy indulging in some delicious Argentine delicacies during your lunch break? Gaucho might not be your first guess, but this Market Street staple is an ideal spot to enjoy a luxurious long lunch. Their Grade II listed building houses a wide-plan restaurant with an open kitchen, with modern and sophisticated interiors that’re hard not to love. Plus, their set lunch menu offers two courses for £17.95, or three for £19.95, and it’s available every day (12pm-4pm) with vegetarian and vegan options too.
Victors, Quayside
Winner of ‘The Best Restaurant in Newcastle 2023’ at The British Restaurant Awards, Victors on the Quayside is well worth a lunchtime trip, with a gorgeous menu and interiors to match. Their contemporary Asian-inspired menu is served up under the mesmerizing flowering wisteria that hang from the ceiling. Take a seat in one of the colourful booths to dine on everything from padrón peppers and crispy panko squid, to thousand layer potatoes and teriyaki salmon. If it’s a special occasion you’re celebrating, why not book their afternoon tea offer, and treat everyone to a delightful selection of handmade finger sandwiches, brioche buns and sweet treats from £32.50 per person.
The Broad Chare, Broad Chare
Nothing beats a proper pub to nestle down in on a lunchtime, and The Broad Chare makes for an excellent option. Blending everything you’d expect from a traditional ale house with modern touches, they’re big on warmth and low on fuss – making their intimate interiors an ideal sit-down lunch spot. They’ve been listed as one of the top 100 cosiest pubs in the nation by Mailplus, so you’re guaranteed to feel comfortable as you kick back with their delicious menu! Home-cooked pub food is the priority here, with “fiercely seasonal” offerings like roast cod and bubble and squeak – to name just a few.
Chaophraya, Grey’s Quarter
There’s no denying that Eldon Square is jam-packed with fantastic eateries, whatever your cuisine and budget. This time around, we’re recommending Chaophraya for those lunchtimes where you fancy something a little more luxurious. Their team of expert chefs offer classic Thai meals and distinct signature dishes in an incredible venue overlooking Grey’s Monument – making it an ideal lunchtime spot for anyone who loves a spot of people watching! Their stunning rooftop terrace is covered too, so even if the weather’s not looking up, you’re still in a prime position to watch the world go by. There’s a couple of lunch offers here, ranging from £20 to £25, but you’ll get a good taste of Thailand, from the north to the south, regardless of which option you choose.
City Tavern, Northumberland Road
For our last choice, we’re ending with an award-winning Newcastle classic; City Tavern. You’ve probably spotted their unique Tudor façade building walking down Northumberland Street – but this eye-catching exterior houses some incredible interiors. Downstairs, their statement eclectic lighting highlights their well-stocked bar, while upstairs you’ll find plenty of snug booths and seating to make yourself home in. Their kitchen is open from midday until 7pm every day, and serves a daily menu, gluten free menu and vegan menu, so there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy.
Newcastle is so lucky to play host to loads of incredible restaurants, so whether you book in at one of these venues for your next midday meal, or look elsewhere, we’re sure you’ll have the best time. But if you need more inspiration, then why not check out our pick of the top lunch deals, as well as lunch on a budget for £15 and under in the Toon?
Main Image: Dobson & Parnell
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