Usually at this time of year I’m putting together my picks for NE1 Restaurant Week, but with the launch of the government Eat Out to Help Out Scheme, the entire month of August seems to be one big extended restaurant month. So many places are taking part, and it’s natural to usually look at your favourites because you know they’re good, but it’s worth having a bit of a browse and taking the opportunity to try somewhere new, while it’s slightly cheaper. With that in mind here are my picks for Eat Out to Help Out in Newcastle this month.

These are a mix of places I love and will keep going back to, and a couple of new ones I really want to try based on recommendations or good reviews. I think now is the time to stop putting off places we’ve always wanted to try and just get on with trying them.

Of course the scheme is designed to help the hospitality industry and particularly independent businesses survive the Corona curse that has fallen on us all one way or another, but I really don’t like this whole idea of shaming anyone who uses it for McDonald’s, Nando’s etc.

I saw a great tweet the other day that said in our intention to support local, which is obviously needed, also to remember that those big chains have staff working for them too, who are all people and all have their own circumstances and need a livelihood. So if all you fancy is a McDonald’s or a Nando’s then there’s no judgement here, you’ll probably see me in the queue at some point.

Aside from that, here are the places I’m fancying, would recommend or have had great experiences at.

Eat Out To Help Out In Newcastle Upon Tyne

Where I’ve Ate Before

Lola Jeans Newcastle. Frequent Battle of the Burger winner and I had the pleasure of trying them for the first time during lockdown. I will absolutely be going back for another.

Sushi Me Rollin. Great sushi here, and sometimes a bit pricier than other places it’s a good opportunity to get it while the offer is running, if you can get a table at Stack that is.

Fuego. One of my favourites in Fenwick’s food hall I just love a bit of a shop followed by lunch sat up at the bar here. Get the meatballs they’re amazing.

Mason & Rye. Another Fenwick’s food hall hotspot for coffee, cakes, pastries etc, they’re well sorted I had coffee with my mum here the other day. You can’t book but I’d recommend getting there early.

Kaltur. I really love this place, authentic Spanish tapas and great wine too which I know isn’t part of the deal but if you’re saving on food might as well splash out on some wine to go with it.

Pizza Punks. A bit of a different pizza place with some whacky creations. I go for the Mexican that comes with nachos on top.

The Muddler. Very good Asian food, I love the sushi here and the skewers. I think we might go here one of the days Kieran is off.

Zaap Thai Street food. I forget about this place because it’s up by The Gate but I really enjoyed it the couple of times I’ve been here. It’s crazy inside as it’s as though you’re on a street in Bangkok, but the food is great.

Turtle Bay. I’ve got to be honest I’m not a fan as it’s always SO spicy it blows my head off but people who like spicy food love this place.

Where I’d Like To Try

The Biscuit Factory. I’ve heard good things about their breakfasts, and I love the venue too for somewhere a bit different.

Banyan. I have only enjoyed cocktails here but they are taking part so it’s a chance to try the food.

RedHeads Mac & Cheese at Grainger Market. I am dying to try this place, it’s always been difficult for me when I’ve been working due to the opening hours of the Grainger Market but it looks so good.

Horticulture. I’m actually eating here on Friday night so not part of the scheme, but I’ll report back how the food is.

Leila Lilys. I’ve only had drinks here so far but the food looks fabulous. A bit pricey so a good opportunity to try it with the discount. (Hannah Jane Taylor shall we go on your day off?!)

Eat out To Help Out On The Quayside

I’ve ate at all of these before – some favourites in here

Hotel Du Vin. A lovely location and restaurant to match, I think this one would be nice for a treat or if you’re staying in Newcastle.

Gusto. An Italian I very much enjoy, especially their summer menu’s which are sometimes a bit different. I went to try it last summer and I dont know if the menu is the same but the food and cocktails were great.

Malmaison. Always a favourite especially for brunch or the steak, you can’t beat the Mal for location either. Enjoy a walk along the quayside afterwards.

Six. Perhaps offering one of the best views of Newcastle, Six is another fine dining option for a treat.

Tomahawk. Possibly one of the best steaks in town, I love it here and the mac and cheese side is divine. Pricey usually so make the most of it while the offer is on.

21 Newcastle. Often voted the best restaurant in town, and it really is fabulous. Go for date night or an occasion, it’s just so lovely. I recently reviewed their takeaway afternoon tea which was also fabulous.

Dobson & Parnell. One of my go to places usually for restaurant week, portions are smaller but somehow I always leave feeling full. Food is excellent so are the gin cocktails.

Bridge Tavern. Proper comfort food in my favourite pub in Newcastle, you cant beat it.

Eat Out To Help Out In Heaton

Khans. A good Indian restaurant on Heaton Road, if I remember rightly they operate a BYO alcohol policy anyway.

Butterfly Cabinet. Always popular with a big queue outside, but they serve good breakfasts, brunch and milkshakes.

The Naked Deli. If you’re being good or just fancy a healthy lunch I love the Naked Deli bowls, and the desert bars. I’ve heard they do good brownies too.

Eat Out To Help Out In Jesmond

Where I’ve Ate Before

Beach Box. The newest place in Jesmond that is proving very popular, my full review is here, I’m not sure if it applies to the food trucks on site but it definitely does for the Beach Box menu that comes from Holy Hobo.

Valley Junction. An Indian restaurant that get’s very good reviews, I’ve only been once but it was very good.

Francescas. I just dont think you can beat Francesca’s for an Italian anywhere in Newcastle. Cheap, cheerful, family run and so reasonably priced.

Jam Jar. Another favourite on Osborne Road, I thoroughly enjoy their Bottomless brunches but as they are only available weekends I’d probably go for the burger through the week on the deal.

Where I’d Like to Try

Holy Hobo. I’ve never actually been in but I have very much enjoyed Beach Box the couple of times I’ve been and it’s their menu that’s available there. I’d like to try it to sit in.

Rio’s Brazilian Steakhouse. On Osborne Road a few people have mentioned this place to me now. I’ve not been but would possibly give it a go.

Don’t Forget Ouseburn

Where I’ve Ate Before

The Cluny. Another good option for pub grub, and there’s always a great atmosphere in there.

Kiln. I enjoyed visiting Kiln for takeaway coffee and the most amazing lemon cake a couple of weeks ago, so I’d really like to go back and sit in.

Where I’d Like to Try

Thali Tray. I haven’t been here yet but after seeing the photos another local blogger Melis shared (check her out here) I really want to as it looks fab.

Under the Bridge. I’ve not been here yet either as I only heard about it at the end of last week and haven’t been able to get a table booked, but it looks another cool outdoor spot.

And finally North Tyneside

Closer to home for me so I’ve ate at most of these:

Red House Pub. As much as I love their Sunday dinners, they do have plenty of other things on the menu too for through the week. Their little outside terrace is looking very nice at the moment too if you fancy a table outside.

Ahar. The best Indian restaurant I’ve ever ate at, and the staff are so nice. I have a review on their tapas option but I dont think it’s part of the Eat Out deal, but I promise you the curries are amazing.

Kith & Kin. Quite possibly my favourite place for brunch in the whole of the North East, so really pleased that they are taking part. Here’s all my thoughts on Kith and Kin in this blog post, but good luck choosing off the menu as it’s all worth trying.

Spanish City. A few places are taking part including award winning Trenchers, which as much as I like takeaway fish and chips it’s nice to sit in here under the Dome. And 1910 the steak and seafood restaurant. I’m actually going here in a few Friday’s time and I’m really looking forward to trying it.

Dil & The Bear. Such a cute little cafe in Tynemouth I love their fish finger sandwiches and their cakes.

Allards. You just cant beat their tapas, and I think this one will be really popular so probably best to book a table if you fancy going.

Rene’s. Another little cafe in Tynemouth that’s very cute and serves really nice food. I always go for the jacket potato with loads of tuna filling.

Lobo Rojo. Tacos and margaritas was another of my go to’s during lockdown. I’ve ate in once before and I saw people sitting outside with margaritas the other week which sounds pretty good to me. They’re popular so again go early or book if you can.

Where I’d Like to Try

The Boatyard. Dannielle of While I’m Young went here last week and I actually can’t believe I’ve not been myself. It looks delicious. See pic below.

Salthouse. My parents like it here and if the weather is good they open the front windows, giving a lovely view over Cullercoats bay.

So loads of choice for the Eat out to Help Out in Newcastle, far more than I’ll actually be able to go to myself but I’ve just included all the places I know are good, or ones I would highlight to try sometime. If you’ve had an experience of any of them, good or bad let me know as I’m going to have to choose a couple so want to get it right! This list obviously doesn’t cover everywhere taking part, but if you put a postcode into the government website here it will give you a list of all the ones within 5 miles for you which is quite handy.

Of course if you are eating in anywhere check with the restaurants for their Covid policies, booking options and be safe, but happy scranning.

Other posts you might like:

The Best Bars & Pubs in Newcastle with outdoor terraces

Where to go for Bottomless Brunch in Newcastle

Afternoon Tea from 21 Newcastle

12 Places to get Tapas in Newcastle

Holiday Homes and UK Breaks that have availability for August Bank Holiday