The Best International Restaurants in the North East
From fabulous curry houses to French bistros and Greek hideaways, the North East has it all
Zyka
Serving delicious Indian cuisine in Hexham for more than a decade, tuck into an array of refined and vibrant dishes like crab aloo, railway lamb curry and Keralan-style duck. The dishes are influenced by regions across India and it remains a firm favourite in the Tyne Valley.
44 Priestpopple, Hexham NE46 1PQ
01434 600333
zykahexham.com
Dood
A relatively new addition to Newcastle’s international food scene, Dood offers the delicious flavours of Persia and the Levant. Serving a great range of hot and cold small plates plus plenty of delicious grilled kebabs, stop by for lunch, dinner or a unique take on a classic Sunday roast.
63 Quayside, Newcastle NE1 3DE
0191 429 8382
thedood.co.uk
Salparo
An intimate Greek restaurant set a stone’s throw from Newcastle’s riverfront, every dish here is fresh, light and delicious. Best shared between fiends, the small plates are difficult to choose between, but we can never say no to anchovies.
35 Side Street, Newcastle NE1 3JE
0191 243 9648
salparorestaurant.co.uk
The Rabbit Hole
The must-visit destination for Cantonese-fusion dining, this restaurant in Durham tends to fly under the radar, hidden on a casual residential street. Step inside though and guests are transported into a maze of moody lighting, sleek interiors and delicious food.
17 Hallgarth Street, Durham DH1 3AT
0191 386 5556
therabbitholedurham.co.uk
Haveli
Earning a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide for excellent quality food at reasonable prices, Haveli in Darras Hall serves some of the best Indian dishes in the North East. Bright, colourful and lively, this is not one to miss.
3–5 Broadway, Darras Hall, Ponteland NE20 9PW
01661 872727
haveli.uk
Mambos
This family-owned restaurant in South Shields has a great menu of Mediterranean-influenced dishes – think marinated hanging skewers, classic pasta dishes, stone baked pizzas and chargrilled salmon.
Winchester Street, South Shields NE33 2PS
0191 454 1618
mambowinedine.co.uk
Elif
Bringing the authentic flavours of Turkey to the North East, this Norton gem is wildly popular and is set to open its second location in Yarm very soon. We love the smoked aubergine, and the rustic interiors add to the atmosphere.
68A The Green, Norton, Stockton TS20 1DT
01642 051077
elifturkishcuisine.com
Gussto
Tucked into the heart of Durham city centre, this Spanish tapas restaurant is a real hidden gem. We can never say no to marinated chorizo, and the grilled seabass is a real crowd-pleaser.
32 Silver Street, Durham
DH1 3RD
0191 384 0911
gusstotapasbar.co.uk
Cilantro
A popular Indo-Latino tapas restaurant with a new venue near Newcastle’s riverfront, Cilantro offers a delightful mix of culinary influences, with dishes like paneer quesadillas, keema burritos and masala fish bites.
19 Market Place, Hexham NE46 3NX
01434 601234
15 Side, Newcastle NE1 3JE
0191 429 8920
cilantrotapas.com
Ember
A culinary stand-out at Sheepfolds Stables, this bright and airy restaurant loves to reinvent its menu. Most recently, diners have been enjoying a journey through the flavours of Mexico – think prawn soft shell tacos and grilled pomegranate salad.
Sheepfolds Stables, Easington Street, Sunderland SR5 1BA
0191 535 9191
theember.co.uk
Lobo Rojo
A relaxed and vibrant Mexican restaurant (with a distinctly Californian influence), the fish tacos are our favourite here, and no visit would be complete without a margarita and a heaped bowl of guacamole.
40 Fish Quay, North Shields NE30 1HB
0191 257 6986
loborojo.co.uk
Nikos
A charming spot for authentic Greek food in Morpeth, guests can tuck into everything from stuffed vine leaves and fresh salads, to traditional lamb dishes and gyros.
61 Bridge Street, Morpeth NE61 1PQ
01670 514618
nikostabernamorpeth.co.uk
Omni Cafe
A family-run café in a quiet area, the Vietnamese dishes at Omni really pack a punch, whether you’re tucking into a fragrant coconut broth, squid salad, pork shoulder or crispy oyster mushrooms.
12 Front Street, Monkseaton NE25 8DF
0191 251 2819
omnicafe.co.uk
Namaste
A popular little spot in Spennymoor, this Indian restaurant has been open for less than two years but has a loyal following nonetheless. We recommend turning up the heat with their delicious jalfrezis.
53 Cheapside, Spennymoor DL16 6QF
01388 304318
namastespennymoor.com
Mowgli
Delicious, vibrant and thoroughly Instagrammable (complete with exotic swing seats, fairy lights and twisting trees), Mowgli is the new place to go for authentic Indian street food inspired by the sights and smells of the country. Tuck into tiffin boxes packed full of delicious dishes like chat bombs, roti, gunpowder chicken and more.
8 Nelson Street, Newcastle NE1 5AW
0191 917 4850
mowglistreetfood.com
Bouchon Bistrot
Take a trip to the French countryside at Hexham’s Bouchon Bistrot. It doesn’t get more authentically French than this – think herby, buttered escargot, cheese soufflé and moules marinière served with frites. For dessert, there’s vanilla crème brûlée, chocolate orange fondant with Grand Marnier creme Anglaise and apple tarte tatin.
Gilesgate, Hexham NE46 3NJ
01434 609943
bouchonbistrot.co.uk
The French Quarter
A cosy little eatery with oodles of French charm, this restaurant-cum-deli serves a refined menu of French classics as well as stocking everything you could need for a night out in Paris at home. Beef bourguignon, steamed mussels and ratatouille – what could be better?
Arch 6, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SA
0191 222 0156
frenchquarternewcastle.co.uk
