So at this time of year everyone is eating and everyone is also looking back at the past year so I’m combining the two and have come up with my five favourite places to eat, in Newcastle based on my 2016 eating out habits. Narrowing it down to five is actually really difficult, and I’ve shocked myself that there isn’t an Italian on the list. Newcastle has seen a huge increase in restaurants, my list of favourites for all types of occasions is constantly getting longer, but if I really had to choose here’s my five go to restaurants in Newcastle from the past year.

The Broad Chare

For a Sunday dinner I really don’t think you can beat it. Go for a pint downstairs before heading upstairs for one of the best Sunday dinners in Newcastle. I hadn’t ate here until this year, and now I’m a frequent visitor. I always have the beef, but I’ve heard the lamb is good too if you’re a fan and theres a few of you wanting it. I could write an entire post on the Broad Chare actually, (which I may well do come to think of it) and their bar snacks are also mouth watering and perfect as a starter too. I really love the pub atmosphere downstairs as well for bar snacks and an Aspalls cider. For now just take my word for it that it’s been a big hit for me and anyone I’ve gone there with this year.

Bealim House

I tried Bealim House at Christmas last year and had the steak which was really good, but every time I’ve been this year I’ve gone for a selection of tapas off their eat small menu. The chorizo is divine, the prawns are tremendous and the pulled pork nachos were a very pleasant surprise the last time we went. That is also sweet potato fries with feta in the photo – divine. I like going here for lunch on a Saturday, or some tapas after a day session, or even on match day for a slightly classier pre or post pint. They also serve fabulous gin cocktails, and you can now buy their on site distilled Newcastle Gin. Winner.

Osaka

Probably the nicest restaurant sushi I’ve ever tasted. We’ve been a few times and it is unreal, it’s the place where Kieran tried sushi for the first time and converted into an avid fan, and it’s also really good value for money. We’ve ate there on plenty of occasions and stuffed our face with sushi, tempura prawns, noodles and a bottle of wine and the bill has never been more than £55 for both of us.

The Botanist

I know everyone raves about the hanging kebabs, which are very good but last time I went they had changed the menu and the prawn kebab wasn’t an option – gutted. Having said that their steak pie and chips is my favourite and I think I’d even go for it if the prawn kebab was available. The sharing platters to start, scotch eggs and hanging kebab deserts are definitely also worth a mention but the steak pie is the winner for me. Washed down with their signature cocktail I’ve enjoyed many times the past year, most recently on Christmas Eve.

Marshalls

This is obviously technically in Tynemouth at the coast, and yes it’s also a take away but I’ve rediscovered my love of good old British fish and chips and nowhere in the world that I have ever experienced does them better than Marshalls. Not even Whitby, or Scarborough and granted I’ve not tried them yet but Amble has a seriously strong fight on its hands if it expects to take the crown. I remember being outside a fish and chip shop when I was in uni in Leeds (donkeys ago) and scribbled on the wall outside was a note that said ‘not as good as Marshalls’. Nobody knew why I was so excited by this but whoever wrote that was right. Well worth a trip to the coast for if you don’t live that way.

Tynemouth Front Street

Like I said before I’ve actually surprised myself with this list, especially the lack of Italians on there. A few that spring to mind that I’ve not elaborated on are Cafe Vivo and Jamie Olivers (prawn linguine every time), but also places like Landmark Chinese for a four course banquet, Miller & Carter for a cracking steak, Chez Mal brasserie and Zaap Thai restaurant which is full of character as well as good food.

The five above are just my stay safe go to restaurants in Newcastle that I’ve been back to again and again and they have been consistently good. The only bad experiences I’ve had are Turtle Bay (wayyyyyy to spicy), and Viva Brazil (just not that great for the price). I’m really looking forward to restaurant week this January to try some of the newer ones, and also the launch of Snapsaver to save 50% off the food bill for the rest of the year!

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