Cool restaurants in Newcastle

Honestly, there is nothing more that the team at ResDiary love more than an emporium. It just conjures up images of magic, crowded rooms stuffed with treasure, and twinkly-eyed, mysterious proprietors. And thankfully Colonel Porter’s one doesn’t disappoint. The menu takes inspiration from 1920’s dishes with classics like fish and chips sitting alongside the Geordie favourite, chicken parmo. But quite honestly, it’s the drinks that take centre stage. They serve Newcastle Brown Ale “as it’s supposed to be served”, with a huge cocktail list that includes the Grey Lady, a Zombie, and the obligatory delicious Old Fashioned. What ho! Get yourself down here for a jolly good time.

If you’re a local and you haven’t checked out Six, you’ve been missing out on one of the best views the city has to offer. Giving amazing vistas over the river, we recommend heading along at night and nabbing a window table to really get the full effect. But it’s not just the view that’s fantastic, the food here is pretty great too. Modern-British inspired cuisine takes centre stage on the menu with sustainability being a huge focus. It’s a great place to head with pals as they have a range of small plates to share like lamb scrumpet and tomato tartare, alongside big dishes if you’re feeling hungry. If you go before 6pm, you can even check out some of the cool exhibitions taking place in the Baltic Centre. Food and culture? Now that’s cool.

Describing themselves as “Newcastle’s most decadent playhouse”, Bonbar go out of their way to ensure you have the time of your life when visiting them. A truly opulent space, Bonbar features a restaurant and a bar, meaning you can spend your whole night here. There’s really something for everyone on this menu, with a whole grill section and plenty of choices for any veggies in your group. Afterward dinner, head to the bar areas where the mixologists will whip you up some great cocktails and you can dance the night away. If you’re looking for cool restaurants in Newcastle, Bonbar has to be on your shortlist.

Just when you thought the craft beer trend was getting a bit old, Hop and Cleaver come along and shake everything up. Situated right on the Quayside, these guys smoke their own meats for incredible barbeque meat and serve a huge range of micro-brewed beers. Oh and did we mention they do alcoholic shakes and slushies? Yup, and not those gross super sweet things served with a glug of vodka (we know you used to do it too), but properly mixed, delicious slushy cocktails. If all this isn’t enough for you, come down for the decor alone. Think stripped back walls, wooden barrels, and ropes hanging from the walls. It really makes you feel like you’re in a Western.

When you think of Chinese restaurant, you may be picturing overcooked meat in greasy sauces and wondering why we’d add that to the list. Well, don’t worry because La Yuan is no ordinary Chinese restaurant. Firstly, it focuses on flavours of Sichuan, perfectly balancing sweet, sour, and spice. The venue itself is beautiful, stripped back decor of blacks and whites, really emphasising the colours you will get on your plate. One thing that really makes this trendy Chinese restaurant stand though, is the staff. They really know their stuff when it comes to the dishes, recommending favourites and explaining the flavours of each meal. Wash everything down with some of La Yuan’s authentic teas, showcasing the flavours of China using genuine pottery from the area.

If you’re looking for cool restaurants in Newcastle, you won’t get much cooler than PTMY. With a third of their menu devoted to vegetarian dishes, and an entire “gin palace”, these guys are so on trend it hurts. With their stunning bar, and huge windows overlooking the street, this is the perfect place to while away an evening or afternoon, people watching and eating tasty food. Oh, the food. Think refined comfort food, like roast seabass or pork chop with fennel and apple, and you’re on the right path. Best of all, they have a whole section dedicated to dessert cocktails, with treats like an orange espresso martini and a Cherry Bakewell. If you head here, you’ll definitely be pleased you did.