The Best Places to Eat on the North East Coast
Where to eat beside the seaside
Marshall’s Café
Scremerston, Berwick TD15 2QT
07843 781841
Instagram @marshallscafe
Off the beaten path, this dog-friendly spot regularly has a line out the door. The menu covers breakfast, brunch and lunch, but they’re most famous for their amazing sandwiches and seasonal specials. Enjoy everything from loaded chicken Caesar fries and wagyu beef brisket toasties to caramelised leek, cheddar and paprika sausage rolls, and Italian meatball focaccias. They don’t take bookings, so arrive early!
The Lord Crewe
Bamburgh NE69 7BL
01668 214243
lord-crewe.co.uk
You’ll fine this elegant restaurant in the shadow of Bamburgh Castle. Stylish and dependable, they have a loyal following, and from the menu you can expect options across breakfast, lunch and dinner from talented head chef Steven Thomas. The emphasis is on seafood, but there’s plenty to enjoy besides.
The Landing
Benthall, Beadnell NE67 5FD
01665 524005
northcoastcollective.co.uk
A vibey spot, The Landing’s seafood bar and grill is hugely popular and the venue is walk-ins only, so get there early. In the evening, enjoy a range of small and large plates including Lindisfarne oysters, beef short ribs and pan-seared scallops.
The Potted Lobster
3 Lucker Road, Bamburgh NE69 7BS
01668 214088
thepottedlobster.co.uk
This seaside bistro is much loved for its fabulous seafood. Dog friendly in parts and with some outside seating too, there’s a diverse à la carte menu and always plenty of seafood specials on the blackboard.
Bamburgh Walled Garden
The Gardens, Radcliffe Road, Bamburgh NE69 7AE
01668 263933
bamburghwalledgarden.co.uk
Perfect for families, and ideal for a midday stop and coffee, this light and airy café overlooks the playground in the middle of the walled garden where kids can safely let off steam. Tuck into hearty breakfasts and lunches made using Northumbrian produce, and there’s always a tempting choice of homemade cakes.
Jasper’s Bistro
8 Bridge St, Amble, Morpeth NE65 0DR
07853 449465
Instagram @jaspersbistro
Jasper’s is a small and much-loved bistro in Amble, turning out exceptional seafood. It’s always worth checking the blackboard specials before you order, and what’s on the menu changes with what is fresh and seasonal. Their special seafood platter is truly indulgent.
Bertram’s
19 Bridge Street, Warkworth NE65 0XB
01665 798070
bertrams.co.uk
Bertram’s is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, but head inside and you’ll find the most welcoming space serving great food. A great spot for light bites and breakfasts by day, Bertram’s becomes a thriving bistro by night. We especially love the small courtyard to the rear, perfect for al fresco dining.
Embers
Embleton, Alnwick NE66 3DW
emberswoodfired.co.uk
Wood-fired pizza may not be your first thought at the coast, but this hidden gem near Embleton Bay is worth seeking out. The team like to keep things simple – expect great slices made fresh, alongside beer and music from the on-site radio station. Keep your eyes peeled for opening times as they can vary.
The Ship Inn
Low Newton, Northumberland NE66 3EL
01665 576262
shipinnnewton.co.uk
Come for the food, stay for the view – it doesn’t get much more coastal than this. A family-run institution keeping locals happy for decades, food at The Ship Inn is hearty, local and fuss free. Don’t miss Saturday pie night, and their award-winning on-site brewery turns out exceptional pints.
The Jolly Fisherman
Haven Hill, Craster NE66 3TR
01665 576461
thejollyfishermancraster.co.uk
You’ll find this friendly spot in Craster, where the beer garden looks out over the harbour and Dunstanburgh Castle in the distance. The streamlined menu includes options from the sea and farm such as moules frites, fillet of sea trout, and the Jolly steak burger.
1910
Spanish City Plaza, Whitley Bay NE26 1BG
0191 691 7090
spanishcity.co.uk
This coastal fine-dining gem can be found on the second floor of Whitley Bay’s iconic Spanish City. The floor-to-ceiling windows give the restaurant panoramic views of the coastline and the menu is influenced by the sea, with dishes such as gin-cured salmon, and sea trout with clam and mussels. Sunday lunch is taken seriously here, as is afternoon tea.
Trenchers
Spanish City Plaza, Whitley Bay NE26 1BG
0191 691 7090
spanishcity.co.uk
Beneath Spanish City’s white dome, Trenchers is the place for classic seaside options like their award-winning fish and chips and is somewhere the whole family can enjoy. Expect live entertainment on selected days.
Riley’s Fish Shack
King Edward’s Bay, Tynemouth NE30 4BY
07934 410093
rileysfishshack.com
Having become as synonymous with Tynemouth as the Priory itself, Riley’s has an excellent reputation across the UK for its seafood. Sit on the terrace for the best views, or grab deckchairs on the sand (with a fire pit) if they’re available. The menu is a regularly rotating blend of inventive seafood – think whole spiced mackerel with whipped feta, orange halibut chop with bouillabaisse, and hand-dived scallops with shredded wild leeks.
Fred’s
Union Road, Tanners Bank, North Shields NE3 01JH
0191 257 7507
fredsfishquay.co.uk
Taking over from The Ship’s Cat, Fred’s is right by the harbour in North Shields. With a great outdoor terrace and distinctly coastal vibe to its decor and menu, tuck into everything from fish kebabs and lobster fries to battered fish spice bags and pan-fried sea bream. The cocktails are good too.
Colmans Seafood Temple
Sea Road, South Shields NE33 2LD
0191 511 1349
colmansseafoodtemple.co.uk
An undisputed staple in the North East, this year marks family-run Colmans’s centenary birthday. A favourite destination for seafood locally, there’s an extensive main menu featuring their famous fish and chips, and a cocktail and oyster bar.
The Uncommon
Harbour House, Little Bedford Street, North Shields NE29 6NW
07460 533821
the-uc.co.uk
This new restaurant has popped up inside Harbour House and is an ultra-cool destination for small plates, nibbles and cocktails. The miso-charred cabbage is a real winner and their Sunday lunch service is hugely popular.
Marsden Grotto
Coast Road, South Shields NE34 7BS
0191 455 6060
marsdengrotto.com
A truly unique dining destination, you’ll find this restaurant set within the historic caves of Marsden Bay. Indulgent seafood, classic fish and chips and sharing platters are all on offer here.
Blacks Corner
The Tram Shelter, Cliffe Park, Whitburn Road Seaburn SR6 8AB
0191 500 2233
blackscorner.co.uk
Charcuterie and wine is the name of the game at this seafront spot within a restored Grade II-listed Victorian tram shelter, where the space has retained plenty of historic charm. The team work with more than 25 artisan cheesemakers so there’s always something new and delicious to try.
North
Whitburn Bents Road, Sunderland SR6 8AD
0191 529 4320
Instagram @north_seaburn
Named in The Good Food Guide’s Top 100 Local Restaurants, if North was any closer to the beach it would be in the sea. Expect brunch options by day and small plates by night, informed by what is fresh and local. Enjoy whatever you choose with a crisp glass of wine overlooking the waves.
The Lookout
The Waterside, Seaham Harbour Marina SR7 7EE
0191 581 4087
thelookout-seaham.co.uk
Grab a coffee and something light and sit high above Seaham Harbour Marina soaking in the view. Everything here is homemade and the menu is updated regularly. What sets The Lookout apart is the service, which is always warm and welcoming.
The Seaview Restaurant
The Foreshore Building, Lower Promenade,
Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS12 1HQ
01287 236015
theseaviewrestaurant.co.uk
This is an extraordinary setting for seafood at the coast, and the restaurant has ample nautical charm. The team of chefs work with master fishmongers meaning everything on the menu is fresh and seasonal. Options like Thai scallops, lobster linguine and seared tuna steak can be found on the all day menu.
