Best Places to Eat in Newcastle-under-Lyme: 10 Unmissable Restaurants

Capello Lounge (Mediterranean & International, Bar)

Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Eclectic, relaxed | Menu: (click here)

What started as a quirky café-bar has evolved into one of Newcastle’s most beloved spots. The eclectic mix of vintage sofas and retro furniture creates an atmosphere that feels like you’re hanging out in your coolest friend’s living room.

Their brunch menu is legendary – the Turkish Eggs are a revelation, with perfectly poached eggs swimming in chilli butter and served with thick-cut sourdough.

→ Insider Tip: They keep a stash of board games behind the counter – just ask the staff. Nothing beats a lazy Sunday afternoon here with coffee, cake, and Scrabble.

The lunch menu changes seasonally, but their halloumi fries with sweet chilli jam are a permanent fixture for good reason. It’s ideal for everything from casual coffee catch-ups to laid-back dinner dates.

Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★4/5 | Google Map Rating: ★4.5/5
Opening times: Sun-Thurs 9am-10pm, Fri-Sat 9am-11pm

Pasta di Piazza (Authentic Italian)

Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Romantic, traditional | Menu: (click here)

Housed in a stunning Georgian building, this family-run Italian institution has been part of Newcastle’s food scene for over two decades.

The smell of fresh pasta being made upstairs hits you the moment you walk in. I opted for the wild mushroom and truffle risotto, it was absolutely sublime.

This is perfect for date nights, celebrating special occasions with family, or for satisfying that craving for an authentic Italian meal.

Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★4/5 | Google Map Rating: ★4.5/5
Opening times: Mon-Sat 12-3pm and 5-10pm, Sun 12-9pm

Art Of Siam (Authentic Thai cuisine)

Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Authentic, warm | Menu: (click here)

Along with its elegant exterior and opulent, golden Thai and Buddhist interior decor, Art Of Siam serves some of the most authentic Thai food you’ll find outside Bangkok (and we’ve explored Thailand several times so can attest to this).

The kitchen is run by Mama Suu, who still makes all the curry pastes from scratch every morning. Their Massaman curry is an absolute masterpiece that takes two days to prepare – rich, complex, and with beef so tender you could eat it with a spoon.

It is a little on the pricy side but we really recommend Art Of Siam for a truly memorable dinner on a special occasion. It’s great for group dinners where you can share multiple dishes.

Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★4.1/5 | Google Map Rating: ★4.5/5
Opening times: Wed-Thurs 12-2:30pm and 5-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 12-2:30pm and 5-11pm, Sun 12-2:30pm and 5-10:30pm (closed Mondays)

Amore Italian (Authentic Italian)

Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Family-friendly, authentic | Menu: (click here)

Fransesco and his family have been feeding Newcastle for over 15 years, and there’s a reason they’re still going strong.

Their wood-fired pizza oven (imported from Calabria, as Fransesco will proudly tell you) turns out perfectly blistered pizzas with that characteristic leopard-spotted crust.

→ Chef’s Secret: Order your pizza “Fran’s way” – it’s not on the menu, but he’ll add a mix of wild mushrooms and truffle oil that elevates any pizza to new heights.

The homemade tiramisu might look simple, but it’s the result of Francesco’s grandmother’s recipe and years of perfecting the coffee-to-mascarpone ratio. It’s a great spot for casual family dinners.

Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★4.6/5 | Google Map Rating: ★4.7/5
Opening times: Wed-Sat 6-9pm (closed Sun-Tue)

The Milehouse (Steakhouse, bar)

Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Traditional pub, relaxed | Menu: (click here)

This isn’t just another pub serving food – The Milehouse has seriously upped its game in recent years, boasting authentic, handmade pies, beetroot gnocchi, and their signature beef-dripping steak burger.

The Sunday roasts have achieved near-mythical status locally, with Yorkshire puddings that rise like hot air balloons and roast potatoes that somehow manage to be crispy on the outside and fluffy as clouds inside.

→ Hidden Gem Alert: They keep a few “locals only” ales that aren’t listed on the main beer board – ask for the landlord’s recommendation of the week.

Their beer-battered fish and chips give the seaside a run for its money, and the portions are generous enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetite. The Milehouse is great for family gatherings or watching the match with mates over quality pub food.

Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★4.6/5 | Google Map Rating: ★4.4/5
Opening times: 12pm-12am daily

Peony Restaurant (Authentic Dim Sum, Chinese)

Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Contemporary, sophisticated | Menu: (click here)

This place goes miles beyond your typical Chinese restaurant. As a Hong Kong native born and bred, I can attest that the authentic dim sum dishes served at Peony are vastly superior to the sub-par standard food you find in most Chinese takeaways.

The dim sum lunch service is something special – each delicate dumpling is made fresh that morning, and you can watch the chefs at work through the glass kitchen partition.

→ Chef’s Hack: Order the “lucky bag” dessert – it’s not on the menu, but if you ask nicely, they’ll make you a mystery dessert platter with some traditional Chinese sweets you won’t find anywhere else in town.

Their crispy aromatic duck is a masterclass in texture and flavour, and the pancakes are so thin you can practically see through them.

The evening menu ventures into some exciting territory with dishes from different Chinese regions – the Sichuan sea bass is a particular highlight that’ll make your lips tingle in the best way possible.

Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★4.4/5 | Google Map Rating: ★4.6/5
Opening times: Thurs-Tue 11:30am-10pm (closed Wednesdays)

Marloes Restaurant (Authentic Italian)

Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Fine dining, special occasion | Menu: (click here)

Tucked away in an old townhouse, Marloes is where Newcastle goes to celebrate.

The chef’s European menu changes with the seasons, but his beef Wellington has become such a local institution it’s always available (though regulars know to pre-order it).

And its the small detail in the dishes here that reflect its high standards – the vegetables are extremely tasty and the roast potatoes some of the best I’ve ever eaten.

→ Insider Knowledge: Book for 6:30pm on a Thursday – that’s when they test new menu items and often invite regular diners to sample them for free.

The tasting menu is a proper experience – allow at least three hours to really do it justice. Marloes is perfect for milestone celebrations or when you want to really push the boat out.

Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★4.7/5 | Google Map Rating: ★4.7/5
Opening times: Mon-Sat 12-3pm and 5-10pm, Sun 12-9pm

Monsoon (Indian cuisine)

**Travelers Choice Winner 2024**

Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Modern Indian, stylish | Menu: (click here)

We couldn’t complete this list without an Indian restaurant, and with a 4.9 rating on Google and a perfect 5/5 on TripAdvisor, Monsoon tops this list when it comes to reviews.

Their railway lamb curry (inspired by the dishes once served on India’s colonial railways) is rich, complex and totally different from your usual curry house fare.

→ Top Tip: If you like it hot, ask for “Singh family spicy” – they’ll adjust any dish to the heat level the family actually eats at home.

The tandoor section of the menu is a highlight – the marinade recipes are closely guarded family secrets, but whatever they’re doing with those spices works magic. Even the plain naan here is something special.

With absolutely amazing food, exemplary service and impressive decor, its easy to see why Monsoon garners rave reviews and promises a truly memorable dining experience. Brilliant for group dinners or takeaways when only proper Indian food will do.

Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★5/5 | Google Map Rating: ★4.9/5
Opening times: Sun-Thurs 5-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 5-11pm

85 Secret Garden (British, healthy)

Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Secret garden, peaceful | Menu: (click here)

True to its name, this place feels like stumbling into someone’s private garden party. Though a small restaurant, trust me when I say the food is incredible, which is also echoed by its rave reviews – with an impressive 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor.

The outdoor space is magical (heated and covered in winter), while inside is all exposed beams and vintage finds.

→ Garden Gossip: They have a secret “sunrise menu” from 8:30-10am on weekdays – half price coffee and pastries, but you won’t find it advertised anywhere. Just ask for the “early bird special.”

Their seasonal menus are a love letter to local produce – the breakfast menu is particularly special, with eggs from a farm just outside town and sourdough from their own bakery.

The homemade jam selection changes daily, and they sell out of their afternoon tea spots days in advance. Perfect for breakfast meetings or catching up with friends.

Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★5/5 | Google Map Rating: ★4.8/5
Opening times: Tue-Thurs 12-10pm, Fri-Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-9pm (closed Mondays)