15 Favourite Family Restaurants in Newcastle
A round-up of restaurants perfect for a family meal out
There's nothing better than a family meal in a great restaurant with tasty food, but finding somewhere to suit everyone from pint-sized picky eaters to choosy teenagers can be quite a task.
Luckily, there's a wealth of family-friendly restaurants to choose from in Newcastle whether you fancy some crowd-pleasing pizza, a hearty burger or introducing your little ones to some brand-new flavours. Check out the list below to get some inspiration on where to treat your family with some tasty food.
Bella Italia, Grey's Quarter, Eldon Square
This bustling Italian restaurant located in Grey's Quarter in Eldon Square is the perfect place to dine after a day of shopping or a trip to the cinema. It’s open daily and serves delicious dishes made with fresh, top-quality ingredients - from mouth-watering bowls of pasta to pizzas and luscious desserts. Their range caters for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diners so whether you’re getting together as a family or treating someone to a birthday dinner, it always feels special.
DoughDaze, Ridley Place
Fancy an authentic slice of 90s New York in Newcastle? DoughDaze promises just that! Not only have they perfected the softest dough, tastiest sauce and toppings to create the best pizza experience, but you get to eat in a real throwback of a restaurant setting too - just like the traditional New York pizza houses, with black and white chequered flooring and vinyl seating. One family favourite on the menu is their pepperoni with honey drizzle – a number one seller!
Fat Hippo, Shakespeare Street
This hidden gem of a restaurant is found underground smack in the city centre just off Grey Street. The quirky interior and relaxed vibe makes it a great central location - just minutes from Grey’s Monument - and an ideal pit-stop for the best burgers around. Vegetarian and vegan options of their traditional loaded meat options are packed with flavour and are a firm favourite with customers. There’s also a wide dessert selection if you still have room after your main meal!
Zucchini Pasta Bar, 55 Degrees North, Pilgrim Street
With their signature pasta made daily on-site, Zucchini’s couldn’t get any fresher – they even let the pasta dough rest overnight, so it’s rolled, cut and cooked before your very eyes. They like to keep things simple with a concise menu, and that means they’re able to provide the freshest plates of pasta in Newcastle! All ingredients are either imported from Italy or locally sourced through trusted suppliers too, so you know you’re eating the very best and most authentic dishes.
I Scream For Pizza, Quayside
We’ve heard some people don’t want a whole pizza and instead prefer it by the slice, but we know this tactic just means trying lots of different toppings! Enjoy I Scream For Pizza’s relaxed surroundings, with the aroma of cooking dough everywhere, as you happily take your time tasting your way through a menu of pizza choices, milkshakes, sundaes and classic cones all with a personal I Scream touch.
Hard Rock Café, Sandhill
Another restaurant offering classic American fare with plenty of family-friendly eats, Hard Rock Cafe delivers satisfaction in every bite. You cannot pass up the chance of grabbing a Legendary Burger and some delicious sides, and wash them down with a thick milkshake or soda – stronger beverages are available for the adults!
COOP Chicken House, Collingwood Road
How do you like your chicken cooked? Barbecue, British, American, grilled? All styles are offered at this dedicated restaurant along with a very warm welcome, where you can experience some of the tastiest, most succulent chicken in town. Think plates full to bursting with wood-fired chicken, wings and strips teamed with sides like charred corn, sweet potato fries and homemade slaw. Their terrific food is full of flavour and its charming ambience makes COOP Chicken House a real delight to visit with the family.
Kafeneon, Bigg Market
Escape the wintry days outside and instead dream about tastes of the Mediterranean - specifically the mouth-wateringly authentic flavours of the Greek islands. Be transported as a family to sun kissed beaches, eating the freshest dishes, all lovingly prepared in this cosy Greek townhouse. The staff are hugely knowledgeable, helpful and attentive. Greece is definitely the word!
Wagamama, Eldon Square
With a laidback vibe and menu that offers everything from ramen and hot pots to donburi, curry and teppanyaki, Wagamama is ideal for family dining and has something to suit everyone. Its kids menu features plenty of smaller portions of its classic dishes that won't break the bank and are great for introducing little ones to authentic Asian flavours.
Pitcher & Piano, Quayside
There are always a few corners to relax and take in the views, away from the bustle of city life and Pitcher & Piano offers that in spades. Let the whole family enjoy the iconic landscape of Newcastle’s Quayside, whether you’re having brunch or Sunday roast with all the trimmings. Chill out and catch your breath, together.
Umai Mi, Grey’s Quarter, Eldon Square
If you’re seeking out food that will take you on a culinary journey longing for the next bite, Umai Mi - with its fusion of traditional and modern Pan-Asian cuisine - is the perfect place. Whether it’s a snack, a quick bite at lunchtime or a more leisurely lunch or evening meal, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste. Their children’s menu is packed with flavour and nutrition and you can select one Big Eat dish (noodles, katsu curry, tempura fish and chips or fried rice) and a dessert for just £6.50.
Meat:Stack, Groat Market
The team here are extremely passionate about their food, especially the meat in their name! Everything is cooked to order and served fast-food style with no bookings taken, so you can turn up and take a seat. Their bespoke rubs, sauces and seasonings add even more punch to the best quality beef available. Watching them smash, grill and stack their famous patties to steam on the raging stove is pure theatre, so you get incredible flavour and entertainment served fast.
Las Iguanas, Grey Street
Latin life moves to a different beat, and this is perfectly expressed at Las Iguanas with all of its sizzling Latin American food favourites and more! Their restaurant is the ideal place to enjoy lunch, a family-friendly meal out and a cosy corner, while their skilled chefs take over. It’s a celebration of family, rhythmic music, boldly spiced flavours and a laid-back lifestyle.
Lane7, St. James’ Boulevard
When you want a family bite to eat with a difference you can combine your food with a host of entertaining activities at Lane 7. Alongside their signature ten pin bowling they also offer arcades, karaoke, ping pong and pool. The great tasting fast food meal options gives this diner experience the best of both worlds when it comes to enjoying a family meal out.
Chiquito, Grey’s Quarter, Eldon Square
Chiquito has long been a crowd pleaser in the city and it's famous for bringing its Mexican classics and all-round good vibes to a family meal. Taco night takes on another dimension when you relax in welcoming surrounding and dive in to their epic selection of fillings, spices and sauces. Of course, there also the tortillas, fajitas and tamales to entice the taste buds – mild or wild depending on your heat preferences…and don’t even get us started on the desserts!
We know sometimes pleasing everyone can be difficult, but with the vast array of restaurants on offer in Newcastle there really is something for everybody in your family. The question is, where are you taking your family for your next meal out in Newcastle?
Main image: COOP Chicken House
