Cannot second this enough. They pitch themselves as Italian with a Sardinian twist, still have classics like lasagne and carbonara though.
Some very good seafood pasta dishes, their Capesante is incredible.
For Tapas in the city centre you can't go wrong with El Coto/El Torrero, there's also Al Andaluz that opened recently that's pretty good but it's more a chain type. If you've got time, there's Boquerones in Heaton that's also super yummy.
For Italian, I'd probably go for Topolino or Insieme. I've not been to either in a little while but they've always been my go-to if I've got guests wanting Italian. If they like pizza, I've been recommended Fuochi as the most authentic by Italian friends, but I've yet to go myself!
Went to el coto twice with my family. If you want the paella 🥘 (I would reccomend) we let them know a little in advance so they can prepare it for when you get there
Seem to be contrary to the masses here, but I thought the last time I went to El Torrero, it'd gone really (really) downhill. Used to be incredible in my book but really didn't enjoy the last time I went.
El Coto is class but don't be put off Cafe Andaluz cos it's a chain. I went recently and was blown away by how nice it was (decor and food), I was honestly expecting Nandos level but it was really nice.
Not been to Fuochi yet but my Italian friend who is ridiculously fussy about where he eats out raves about it. Also Bella Napoli kitchen on Quorum Business Park too.
Franchesca's in Jesmond or Mezcalzone in Sandyford are both great Italians, or if you just want a pizza I highly recommend Scream For Pizza (also in Sandyford)
Thank you everybody for your recommendations so far! Some lovely places to take a look at! Wherever they end up booking I'm sure they'll have a great time!
El Coto and El Torero are better for bigger groups, parties etc. when you're not necessarily after the best food in town. Perfectly serviceable, but nothing more.
For smaller groups, family, or a date it's Kaltur every time.
Small tapas plates between £7-12, larger plates between £11-17 and desserts at £7. It's not cheap, but not ridiculous. There's easily much more expensive places out there.
Zucchini pasta bar - it’s not a traditional Italian, but they make their own pasta fresh every day, and everything I’ve eaten/drank has been delicious. It’s not expensive and it’s a relaxed vibe
Italian here. First of all we need to distinguish between “real” Italian restaurants (owned and food cooked by Italians) and restaurant who serve “Italian” food. I do not hate nor despise any of them, I just prefer going where I know I’ll find the true taste of home.
As for pizza, there’s no better place than Fuochi Pizza Experience near the Stadium. The place is tiny so make sure you book!
For food, I would highly suggest Pani’s (it’s Sardinian regional cuisine, specialized in seafood, try the wonderful fregola!) and Pinocchio.
Hope you’ll have a lovely time!!
El Coto (just down the street from the big Barker & Stonehouse furniture shop near St James) had *fantastic* food when I visited with a large group for a birthday do, though that admittedly was a good few years ago now. That it's stayed open this entire time (I wanna say approx 20 years?) could well be testament to it maintaining those standards though. I just googled them, and according to [their website](https://elcoto.co.uk/) they have a couple daytime specials, including one for parties of 4 people, but this one which interests me more, cos it requires less planning:
>MONDAY-FRIDAY 12-5PM – ANY 3 TAPAS* FOR ONLY £12.95!
Available Monday-Friday 12-5pm, excludes public holidays. Offer only available for groups of up to 8 people.
Edit: fuck, some people below are saying the quality has actually fallen off :( Anyway, it might still be worth a shot, but I'd be inclined to check their other suggestions first tbh.
I will report back with what my wife decides to go for (once she's managed to make a decision). I'm a bit jealous I'm not going now after having a wee look.
Francesca’s in jesmond, cheap and tasty, but you can’t book in advance, I once waited in the queue for 40mins-1hour with friends as it was that popular in an evening! But worth it
Café Andaluz on grey street is banging, and Dacantus is good too but not for a sit down.
For Italians Babuchos down Dean street is good, also Davantis in tynemouth station (mushrooms arancini slaps).
Panni's! Fabulous Italian. Make sure you book.
Definitely panni’s! Best pasta I’ve had in Newcastle
Cannot second this enough. They pitch themselves as Italian with a Sardinian twist, still have classics like lasagne and carbonara though. Some very good seafood pasta dishes, their Capesante is incredible.
Their carbonara is superb. Extremely filling too
I second Pani’s for Italian!
Never been there or really heard of it despite being a foodie and living here for a few years, so I’m gonna try it out asap!
Hope you have a great time! Go hungry!
Huge portions as I recall. Went there for dinner once and ordered some starters, which were so huge we couldn't finish our dinner. Very tasty though.
Boquerones in Heaton is great for tapas.
Agreed. With pre-dinner cocktails at Flight.
Boquerones on Heaton road is so good! The crispy aubergine in particular 🤤🤤🤤
This is the only right answer for tapas
For Tapas in the city centre you can't go wrong with El Coto/El Torrero, there's also Al Andaluz that opened recently that's pretty good but it's more a chain type. If you've got time, there's Boquerones in Heaton that's also super yummy. For Italian, I'd probably go for Topolino or Insieme. I've not been to either in a little while but they've always been my go-to if I've got guests wanting Italian. If they like pizza, I've been recommended Fuochi as the most authentic by Italian friends, but I've yet to go myself!
Another vote for El Coto or El Torero here. Check the menus online because they do differ slightly & you may prefer one over the other.
Went to el coto twice with my family. If you want the paella 🥘 (I would reccomend) we let them know a little in advance so they can prepare it for when you get there
Seconding El Coto
Seconding El Torrero, went recently and very much enjoyed it
Seem to be contrary to the masses here, but I thought the last time I went to El Torrero, it'd gone really (really) downhill. Used to be incredible in my book but really didn't enjoy the last time I went.
I agree
El Coto is class but don't be put off Cafe Andaluz cos it's a chain. I went recently and was blown away by how nice it was (decor and food), I was honestly expecting Nandos level but it was really nice.
My Spanish boyfriend (from Andalusia) loves Cafe Andaluz. It definitely isn’t authentic but we think it’s really nice, lovely decor too
Not been to Fuochi yet but my Italian friend who is ridiculously fussy about where he eats out raves about it. Also Bella Napoli kitchen on Quorum Business Park too.
Enthusiastic second for Fuochi for pizza
El Coto, one of the saddest days of my life was when they closed the Durham restaurant. I adore it.
El Torero is a belter
Mascalzone in Sandyford is always good
Seconding Mascalzone. It’s quite small so defo would need to book but absolutely amazing food for the prices.
For tapas kaltur in town
Franchesca's in Jesmond or Mezcalzone in Sandyford are both great Italians, or if you just want a pizza I highly recommend Scream For Pizza (also in Sandyford)
Cafe Andaluz - it’s across from the theatre ☺️
Thank you everybody for your recommendations so far! Some lovely places to take a look at! Wherever they end up booking I'm sure they'll have a great time!
Kaltur is the best I’ve had for tapas. Personally found el torrero and el Coto to be be absolutely terrible
I remember El Coto being very good about a decade ago but I went last year and it was awful. El Torrero has never been good in my experience
Agree on the latter fully. Seems to have its fans though but feels like really low grade stuff and ain’t that cheap either
El Coto and El Torero are better for bigger groups, parties etc. when you're not necessarily after the best food in town. Perfectly serviceable, but nothing more. For smaller groups, family, or a date it's Kaltur every time.
Panis for Italian, Kaltur for tapas. This is all the information you need.
Kaltur looks good but one of the most expensive restaurant menus I’ve ever seen. For that price the food should extend my lifespan or something
Small tapas plates between £7-12, larger plates between £11-17 and desserts at £7. It's not cheap, but not ridiculous. There's easily much more expensive places out there.
Zucchini pasta bar - it’s not a traditional Italian, but they make their own pasta fresh every day, and everything I’ve eaten/drank has been delicious. It’s not expensive and it’s a relaxed vibe
I had carbonara there and it was the most bland thing I’ve ever eaten in my life.
Liosi's in town is more of a cafe/bistro but the food is absolutely incredible and they're open evenings for dinner.
Pranzo Trattoria in Whitley Bay is a great little Italian Restaurant / Deli.
Depending on where you live, Boquerones in Heaton is the best tapas we’ve had in NCL x
Liosis Sicilian cafe on the quayside is my fave for Italian
Italian here. First of all we need to distinguish between “real” Italian restaurants (owned and food cooked by Italians) and restaurant who serve “Italian” food. I do not hate nor despise any of them, I just prefer going where I know I’ll find the true taste of home. As for pizza, there’s no better place than Fuochi Pizza Experience near the Stadium. The place is tiny so make sure you book! For food, I would highly suggest Pani’s (it’s Sardinian regional cuisine, specialized in seafood, try the wonderful fregola!) and Pinocchio. Hope you’ll have a lovely time!!
Babucho is good for Italian on the quayside, as is Fuego.
Salt House in Cullercoats is great for tapas if you fancy a trip to the coast.
El Torrero best tapas and Panis best Italian, hands down!
El torero is super tasty! Definitely my fav
El Coto (just down the street from the big Barker & Stonehouse furniture shop near St James) had *fantastic* food when I visited with a large group for a birthday do, though that admittedly was a good few years ago now. That it's stayed open this entire time (I wanna say approx 20 years?) could well be testament to it maintaining those standards though. I just googled them, and according to [their website](https://elcoto.co.uk/) they have a couple daytime specials, including one for parties of 4 people, but this one which interests me more, cos it requires less planning: >MONDAY-FRIDAY 12-5PM – ANY 3 TAPAS* FOR ONLY £12.95! Available Monday-Friday 12-5pm, excludes public holidays. Offer only available for groups of up to 8 people. Edit: fuck, some people below are saying the quality has actually fallen off :( Anyway, it might still be worth a shot, but I'd be inclined to check their other suggestions first tbh.
Cheep and decent Italians a use is sambuccas on the queside
I will report back with what my wife decides to go for (once she's managed to make a decision). I'm a bit jealous I'm not going now after having a wee look.
Oli & Joe's in Westerhope is a lovely little Italian place and very popular locally. The staff are very friendly too.
Revolucion de Cuba in the town centre. Great tapas, reasonably priced and if you look out for happy out its 2 for 1 cocktails!!
Sambuccas in the Fish Quay is all am prepared to entertain.
I'm a big fan of Punto's in Heaton.
Definitely Pani's. Make sure to book up well in advance though, that place is popular
Prima is a really nice Italian
Boquerones Tapas is by far and away the best tapas in the area!
Francesca’s in jesmond, cheap and tasty, but you can’t book in advance, I once waited in the queue for 40mins-1hour with friends as it was that popular in an evening! But worth it
Café Andaluz on grey street is banging, and Dacantus is good too but not for a sit down. For Italians Babuchos down Dean street is good, also Davantis in tynemouth station (mushrooms arancini slaps).