
It's World Pasta Day and we're celebrating at NE1 by picking out some of our favourite spots in town to slurp up spaghetti, lust over lasagne, cool off the cannelloni cravings and take a pop at some perfect penne. It's a day dedicated to the much-loved carb, and the perfect opportunity to celebrate wholesome, Italian soul food.
Zucchini Pasta Bar
Zucchini is the perfect spot in the centre of town to celebrate World Pasta Day. It’s a cool new hangout on the 55 Degrees North roundabout serving beautiful, hand rolled, fresh egg pasta to the people of NE1. Diners will be wowed by the pasta-filled menu, learning snippets of Italian history as you flick through. Did you know the humble noodle was first recorded as early as 1154 by an Arabian geographer called Al-Idrisi, while staying in Trabia in Sicily? You do now, and you’re in for more where that came from if you hit up Zucchini.
Portofino
Perched on a corner just off Dean Street, Portofinos has a stunning 19th century interior with vaulted ceiling and lavish tiling throughout and its extensive Italian menu offers excellent value for money. Our favourite pasta dishes are the Francesca with parmesan and cream sauce, chicken, pancetta and sundried tomatoes and the Calabrese (g) (v) - pasta tubes cooked with Mediterranean vegetables and a tomato sauce.
Babucho
Combining sleek, moody interiors with Brasserie-style plates and perfet pasta dishes, Babucho is one of NE1’s shiniest, most sophisticated bars and restaurants. It’s nestled on the doorstep of the Quayside, making it the perfect pre-party pitstop for hungry party people wanting a hearty bowl of pasta this World Pasta Day. With it's very own 'healthy choices' menu, it's a good spot for clean eaters who want their pasta fix too!
Puccini
Puccini is a little treasure on Pudding Chare. It's about as traditional as it gets, serving real good-for-the-soul food and pasta to die for! It's set in the heart of the oldest part of the city just off the Bigg Market and is run and owned by Linda and Trevor, who have been behind the business for 25 years. The menu is inspired by the timeless elegance of an wholesome Italian comfort food and brings a real taste of Italy close to home. Go here for the Happy Hour and try the Mexicana for that subtle spicy kick!
Panis Cafe
Panis Cafe is an authentic family run Italian restaurant in the heart of NE1. Perfect for a pre-theatre dinner with friends or a catch up with the family, it's definitely one to pop on your pasta eating list! With its informal and friendly atmosphere, Panis Cafe is the ideal place for a spot of lunch or a cosy dinner for two. A little piece of Italy in the city - we love it here!
Don Vito's
Don Vito's is an uber cool hangout on Pilgrim Street where authentic Italian flavours meet charming North East hospitality. This pasta-lovers heaven serves Italian-inspired cuisine that balances relaxed dining with the irresistible taste. It's great value too - pop in for Happy Hour where you'll enjoy a terrific two course dinner for just £9.95 (Monday-Thursday 12pm - 7.30pm / Friday - Saturday 12pm - 5pm). Pop this one on your foodie to-do list this World Pasta Day!
Piccolino
Piccolino a vibrant Italian neighbourhood restaurant serving perfect pasta dishes to you and your pals! Go here this World Pasta Day for everything you'd wish for and more! Piccolino brings a true taste of Italy to its customers; with a broad menu offering something irresistible for everyone. The chefs here bring only the finest seasonal ingredients with everything freshly prepared and made on the premises. It's cool, it's classy and you quite simply can't miss out on this one!
www.individualrestaurants.com/piccolino/newcastle
Marco Polo
Theres nowhere quite like the Marco Polo. As one of Newcastle's premier places to east pasta, if you've not been before you simply must add this one to your foodie to-do list! Why not pop in this evening to celebrate World Pasta Day in style? With an imaginative menu and delicious dishes on offer, this is the perfect place to indulge and celebrate our love of carbs!
Sambuca, Quayside
Go to Sambuca this World Pasta Day and you know you'll be getting good food and service with a smile - all for a great price! With a wide range of pasta dishes on offer - whether you prefer spicy chicken dishes or a creamy carbonara - this is the perfect place to celebrate with friends and family.
www.sambucarestaurants.co.uk/restaurants/quayside
Are you celebrating World Pasta Day? Let us know about your favourite pasta spots in the city. Tweet us at: @NewcastleNE1, tag us in your snaps on Instagram at: @NewcastleNE1 and get in touch on Facebook at: @GetIntoNewcastle. We can't wait to hear from you. Enjoy your pasta!