Where to Eat in Jesmond, Heaton and Sandyford
There's always something new to discover in Newcastle's chicest neighourhoods
Aidan’s Kitchen
11 Starbeck Avenue, Sandyford, Newcastle NE2 1RH
0191 261 6852
Little Aidan’s
2 Newlands Road, Gosforth, Newcastle NE2 3NT
0191 261 6852
aidanskitchen.co.uk
The brunches and lunches on offer at this Sandyford café proved so popular they had to open another branch, Little Aidan’s, in Gosforth. As well as locally-roasted coffee, brunch classics and fluffy pancake stacks, you’ll find options like a Korean short rib sando, Moroccan eggs and Biscoff French toast. If it’s just a sweet treat you’re after they have plenty of cakes to choose from, and make sure to head over on the first Friday of every month for their head chef’s Drum ’N’ Thigh fried chicken pop-up.
Burds
The Gatehouse, Fleming Business Centre, Jesmond, Newcastle NE2 3AE
instagram.com/burdscafe
Tucked away in a Grade II-listed gatehouse on Burdon Terrace, this all-day brunch spot serves imaginative dishes created with ingredients from local producers and has a sun-trap terrace that is the perfect place to head for some sweet or savoury treats on a sunny day. Open Wednesday to Sunday, it’s Jesmond’s go-to for a chilled-out start to the day.
Chakh Dhoom
127 Osborne Road NE2 2TB
0191 307 7300
chakhdhoom.co.uk
This restaurant serves authentic Indian street food in the heart of Jesmond and the carefully-curated menu is inspired by the diverse flavours of India. A big hit with locals, they now offer a special Indian Sunday roast, and be sure to check out their wine list when you visit too.
Cantina
107 Heaton Park Road NE6 5NR
Instagram.com/cantina_ncl
Finally setting down permanent roots in Heaton after running several successful pop-ups, the plant-based menu at this contemporary Mexican restaurant is perfect. Small and pared-back inside, it’s a proper neighbourhood haunt with an excellent cocktail menu.
Dabbawal
69–75 High Bridge Street, Newcastle NE1 6BX
0191 232 5133
1 Brentwood Mews, Jesmond
NE2 3DG
0191 281 3434
dabbawal.com
Dabbawal restaurants bring an authentic take on Mumbai’s vibrant street food to the North East with incredible success. Their restaurants have a relaxed atmosphere that is true to their roots, with plenty of small plates for sharing. Don’t miss their most popular dish, Bombay Bomb.
Flint Pizza
218a Chillingham Road, Heaton NE6 5LP
07858 149970
flintpizza.co.uk
This restaurant and takeaway on Heaton’s buzzy Chillingham Road might be compact, but their authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza delivers big on flavour. Take your pick of tasty toppings and be prepared to be wowed by their delicious dough. They have recently added a few more tables inside, but space is still tight. For those craving something meaty, check out their new younger brother Burts on Heaton Road, a vibey new burger joint we recently visited.
Hide
237–239 Chillingham Road, Newcastle NE6 5LJ
0191 429 5219
hideinthenorth.com
A new addition to Chillingham Road’s collection of dining destinations, Hide is the sister restaurant to Nest. A cosy and atmospheric spot that’s recently been added to the Michelin Guide, here you’ll find four-, six- and 10-course tasting menus which highlight local, seasonal produce, and there’s a good choice of wines, cocktails and mocktails available too.
Jesmond Dene House
Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle NE2 2EY
0191 212 3000
jesmonddenehouse.co.uk
This hugely popular hotel is home to Fern, the neighbourhood dining room and bar where the cooking is both skilful and generous. The team of chefs produce non-fussy, contemporary food that reflects the seasons and renowned Geordie hospitality to deliver a relaxed but memorable dining experience. Fern Dining Room & Bar is a great meeting place, with an enticing range of cocktails, beers and spirits, and a newly introduced à la carte menu of changing seasonal dishes from new executive chef Gareth Rayner.
Long Friday
46 Brentwood Avenue, Jesmond NE2 3DH
0191 281 5626
longfriday.co.uk
The younger sister of Cook House, this popular neighbourhood restaurant specialises in imaginative small plates using the best local ingredients, as well as desserts and creative cocktails. Recently named the Best Local Restaurant in the North East and Yorkshire by the Good Food Guide, we recommend booking in advance.
Lovage
115 St George’s Terrace, Jesmond NE2 2DN
0191 429 3750
lovagejesmond.co.uk
This Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant in the heart of Jesmond use foraged and local ingredients to create Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Menus change frequently, but Sunday lunch here is something of a must.
Nest
258–260 Chillingham Road, Heaton NE6 5LQ
0191 276 1112
nestinthenorth.com
As cosy and comforting as the name would suggest, much like its sister restaurant Hide, the focus here is on seasonality and locality. Expect tasting menus, bistro menus and Sunday lunches that tell a story with each dish. Fine dining with the warmth of a neighbourhood restaurant, for the full monty sign up to a wine flight too.
Pizzeria Francesca
134–136 Manor House Road, Jesmond NE2 2NA
0191 281 6586
francescasjesmond.com
At this family-run Italian restaurant in Jesmond, big flavours meet big personalities and the friendly staff are always ready with a recommendation or two. Offering an impressive range of pasta, pizza and more, they make the decision simple with a half-pizza half-pasta option. Something of an institution, it’s popular with locals and students but be prepared to queue as you can’t book here.
Rebel
150 Heaton Park Road NE6 5NR
0191 691 2720
restaurantrebel.co.uk
With a spot in the Michelin Guide, the tasting menus and small plates served in this intimate restaurant in Heaton bring a playful (but always seasonal) approach to fine dining. We recommend opting for the wine pairing, which usually includes some interesting organic and biodynamic selections. Open Thursday to Saturday for dinner, and for Sunday lunch.
The Small Canteen
17 Starbeck Avenue, Newcastle NE2 1RH
07816 524826
instagram.com/smallcanteen
As small and straightforward as the name would suggest, the food here is a knockout every time. Expect seasonal produce and classic flavours cooked exceptionally well, with a constant rotation of dishes on the streamlined, chalkboard menu.
Smoke & Sear
182 Heaton Road, Newcastle
NE6 5HP
0191 276 3081
smokeandsear.co.uk
A popular spot for locals, this restaurant serves smoking hot takes on our favourite brunch and lunch dishes. They do have vegetarian options – their smoked aubergine and halloumi sandwich is a great combo – but in-house smoked sausages and strips of bavette steak are the show-stoppers here.
