Newcastle is quickly becoming well-known for its vast array of restaurants and cafes that serve up some of the best eats in the North. Whether you want something cheap and cheerful, or a memorable evening out, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive list of the best restaurants in Newcastle for students.
Affordable £ (and no booking needed)
Francesca’s, 134 Manor House Road, Jesmond – everyone’s favourite Italian is located in Jesmond, the heart of Newcastle student life. With happy hour and half pizza half pasta for less than £5, this is a great option for lunch with your housemates.
Shijo, Unit 4 Haymarket Hub- a student essential if you’re going to campus or popping to town, Shijo in Haymarket Metro has the best affordable ramen and noodle bowls around. Shijo creates delicious Japanese street food including sushi- so there’s something for everyone. With comfy seating and takeaway boxes, you can eat in or take to go.
Butterfly Cabinet, 200 Heaton Road- nestled amongst wine bars and butchers in Heaton is the incredibly popular Butterfly Cabinet, serving huge all day breakfasts, delicious smoothies and affordable lunches. With a quirky interior design and fast service, this is popular with students and locals alike. The ‘create your own’ breakfast includes everything you could need to make the perfect Full English. Be prepared to queue for a few minutes if you go at a peak time!
Dot Bagels, 5 locations around the city, including Acorn Road, Jesmond and Chillingham Road, Heaton- born out of lockdown, this local bagel chain brings American bagels to Newcastle. With bagels inspired by American cities, there is something for every taste, and many bagels can be made vegan to suit your needs. Make sure you try the PB&J for pure American goodness!
For when the student loan drops ££
Fat Hippo, St George’s Terrace, Jesmond and Shakespeare Street, City Centre– this North East original chain is famous for its huge burgers and delicious flavours. There are also plenty of vegan and veggie options too. The portions are huge, but if you have room for dessert, the Cookie Dough Pie is a must!
Dabbawal, 1 Brentwood Avenue, Jesmond and 69 High Bridge, City Centre- this Indian street food restaurant serves up the best curries, share plates and naans in the city. There are vegan, dairy free and gluten free options on every menu ensuring the restaurant is inclusive of everyone. The takeaway menu also means you can have a curry night with your housemates whilst enjoying the restaurant standard.
Panis, 61 High Bridge, City Centre- this is an Italian restaurant with a Sardinian Twist. Loved by locals, and recommended by countless Geordies I know, the food is incredible, with calamari and antipasti boards for starters and spicy Sardinian sausage risotto for a main. The options are well made and the restaurant is constantly full- so make sure to book!
For when your parents come to visit £££
Branches, 9 Osborne Road, Jesmond- this beautiful restaurant in the heart of Jesmond serves up all sorts, from melted Camembert to lamb tagine. The best part of their menu, though, is the Sunday lunches that are perfect for when the family come to visit, or even for graduation lunch. Much of the menu includes food from local farms and butchers, so everything is fresh. The sticky toffee pudding is also an absolute winner!
Geisha, 133 Sandyford Road, Jesmond- this relatively new Pan-Asian restaurant has everything from sushi to bao buns, ramen and beef skewers. The sushi platters are great for sharing, and the small plates make a great grazing board. The interior is insta-friendly and the atmosphere is great- definitely somewhere your parents would enjoy.
Brunch (varying prices)
Arlo, Brentwood Avenue, Jesmond- a favourite with students and locals, Arlo has been a staple Newcastle restaurant for almost a decade. The breakfasts are always a winner- with the waffles being a favourite. Traybakes are served all day long and are great with an enormous hot chocolate.
Aidan’s Kitchen, 11 Starbeck Avenue- £8.50 smashed avo on toast- what more is there to want? This independent coffee house has a cosy feel and is great for brunch with friends.
Cafe 1901, various locations including New Bridge Street (by Manors station) and St George’s Terrace, Jesmond- this ever-popular local chain of coffee shops has something for everyone, including bacon butties to take away and great sweet treats.
Flat Caps Coffee, Carliol Square, City Centre- this study cafe is the perfect environment to grab some brunch and get some work done. With free wifi and plenty of plugs, many people come here to ‘work from home’. The meals are a great size with plenty of options, and really good coffee too!
These are just some of the best restaurants in Newcastle if you are a student but we hope you agree it is a pretty extensive list.
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