Top 10 Spots for a Fancy Lunch in Newcastle

Gaucho, Market Street 

Steak aficionados will already be familiar with Market Street’s Gaucho – the premium restaurant that serves up delicious Argentinian steak inside its timeless Grade II listed building. But as if gorgeous food and interiors weren't enough of an excuse to book your next visit, then their lunch menu will definitely get your gang on-board, with two courses for £17.95 or three for £19.95. It’s available every day from 12pm-4pm, so whether you fancy impressing your colleague or treating the family, it’s an offer worth taking advantage of.

The French Quarter, Westgate Road 

Meanwhile over on Westgate Road, The French Quarter are challenging our perceptions of French dining as “fussy” or “formal” with their cosy venue and authentic food. That doesn’t make their dishes any less classy though, with everything from mushroom casserole to crème brûlée on the menu. Check out their lunchtime offer, and enjoy two courses for £22.95 or three for £27.95.

Blackfriars, Friars Street

Housed inside a historic 13^th century Friary – and believed to be the oldest dining room in the UK – Blackfriars offers a uniquely luxurious dining experience that you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Of course, there’s an incredible menu to match, with dishes like slow-cooked spiced pork belly, beetroot gnocchi, and rhubarb pavlova on offer. And that’s not forgetting that you can enjoy an indulgent Blackfriars lunch with two courses for £23.50, and three for £29.50 from Monday to Saturday. Incredible food, incredible interiors… what’s not to love?

3SIXTY, Rutherford Street

3SIXTY offers the unique chance to experience Newcastle from new heights… and enjoy some delicious dining while you’re at it! Sitting above the skyline at twenty-six stories high, there’s loads of options on their a la carte and brunch menu to enjoy, including indulgent dishes like akaushi lasagne, crispy duck salad, and mushroom benedict. Or, if you’re celebrating during the lunch break, why not book their afternoon tea in the sky? You’ll graze on delicate finger sandwiches and handcrafted treats like mango-passionfruit cheesecake and rich chocolate brownies while overlooking the city.

Mantra Thai, Forth Banks

“Food is an art, cook from the heart.” That’s the ethos behind Forth Banks’ Mantra Thai – which resonates in every one of their delicious dishes, making it next on our list of fancy dining without the fuss. Their talented chefs from Thailand have over thirty years of experience between them, and are passionate about creating bona fide meals for diners. Mantra Thai’s lunch and early evening menu is the perfect way to experience just that, offering a starter, main and side for just £25.50 per person. Plus, there’s a wide range of vegetarian and no-gluten-containing-ingredients options, so no-one has to miss out.

Hibou Blanc, High Bridge Street

Situated within Sunlight Chambers – a Grade II listed building designed in 1902 – Hibou Blanc offers an impressive dining experience in the heart of the city centre. Their dishes are locally-led and flavour driven, so you’ll find everything from smoked Yorkshire duck breast to jersey royal and truffle agnolotti on the menu. Plus, Hibou Blanc’s lunchtime offer makes fancy dining even easier to enjoy, with two courses for £25 or three for £30.

Sachins, Forth Banks

Head Chef and Owner, Kulmeet "Bob" Arora has been heading up Sachins for over twenty-three years, so their claim to the “finest Punjabi cuisine” is pretty well-founded. This former New Orleans jazz club boasts mesmerising colourful murals, hand-drawn by talented North East designer, Beth Travers, as well as views overlooking the stunning Quayside. The trendy location has a menu to match, including traditional favourites and even an “Angel Of The North” curry! If you fancy an extra level of indulgence, there’s offers ranging from £55-60 that’re ideal for exploring even more of their menu.  

The Muddler, Grey Street

Alternatively, just down from Grey's Monument, The Muddler’s beautifully designed venue and Pan-Asian menu is ideal for indulgent lunching. And being just over the road from the Theatre Royal makes this a prime place to watch the world go by too! Their main menu offers the likes of hand-rolled sushi and sharing platters to enjoy, or to get a wider taste of their cuisine, The Muddler offers three small plates for £25.95 from Sunday to Friday until 7pm.

Dakota Bar and Grill, Newcastle Quayside

Boutique hotel Dakota opened on Newcastle’s Quayside earlier this year, and its signature blend of contemporary elegance and relaxed luxury has certainly made a splash! Their Bar and Grill is a far cry from the “standard” hotel restaurant, offering a Dakota twist on classic dishes and seasonal flavours, making it somewhat of a hidden gem for lunchtime dining. Their bar menu is served daily from 12:30pm, and includes a selection of premium steaks, salads and charcuterie classics.

21, Trinity Gardens

21’s flavour-first food philosophy has garnered the Quayside restaurant plenty of accolades over the years – so we could hardly write about luxury lunch dining without mentioning them! Never one to bow to fads or fashion in the food world, you’ll find seasonal staples across the menu, like spring mushroom cappuccino, chalk stream trout, and coconut panna cotta, available to enjoy as part of their lunchtime offer with two courses for £30, and three for £36.

And there you have it! Whatever the occasion, there’s plenty of restaurants to enjoy some indulgent lunchtime dining at in Newcastle. After more inspiration? Check out our top picks for sit-down lunches, and the best lunchtime deals in Newcastle.

Main image: Gaucho

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