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5 new local dining destinations serving cuisines from around the world

From a steak lovers' haven to a street food spot bringing Chilean food to the North East for the first time and an Instagrammable Middle Eastern fine dining restaurant.

Written by Rachael Nichol
Published 21.02.2023

ATEESH, PONTELAND

After serving us the finest Mediterranean cuisine Instagrammable South Shields restaurant BunBun, now Geordie Shore star Sophie Kasaei’s family has opened a new chic fine-dining restaurant in Ponteland. Ateesh brings us the taste of the Middle East with artisan dishes made from the best British produce, from lamb moussaka to truffled chicken and juicy steaks.

And why not explore Ateesh’s cocktail creations too? Sit back, relax and let your hair down surrounded by a sleek and sophisticated space with flowers hanging over your table – a perfect photo opportunity for the ‘gram.

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GAUCHO, NEWCASTLE 

Steak lovers, listen up. Introducing this new upmarket, Argentine steak restaurant that is set to open on 11thMarch which will be the first to serve impeccable and carbon-neutral beef in the North East.

This new dining destination features a glamourous cocktail bar bringing us the finest organic wines and signature sustainable cocktails. Gaucho’s decor is inspired by Newcastle’s heritage as the birthplace of railways, shipbuilding, electric lighting and turbine power,  from suspended jewel-like pendant lights to elegant interior touches.

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LA CHILENITA, BYKER

We all have our favourite go-to foods, but if you’re wanting to try something new La Chilenita is the newest street food spot bringing the city’s first taste of Chile. Serving authentic family recipes passed down through generations, La Chilenita offers a real taste of South America.

From breakfasts, hot dogs, sandwiches and the signature dish of Chilean empanadas, this mother-daughter duo has brought a menu with the finest of dishes of Chilean cuisine to the toon and we’re so here for it.

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GEISHA ASIA AND GEISHA ITALIA GRILL, BENTON

Serving exquisite pan-Asian food everything from breakfast to late-night dining, Geisha has become a hotspot on Sandyford Road to get your taste buds tingling. But now this modern, Instagrammable Japanese garden-inspired restaurant and bar’s success continues as it’s now set to open two new restaurants on the former Casa Antonio’s site.

If you’ve already been lucky enough to try their Asian menu filled with the finest of sushi, dim sum and Thai curries, you’ll already know how delicious their dishes are. But now we’re so excited to try (and have high expectations of) Geisha’s new Italian menu.

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NGON, NEWCASTLE

If you’re a Vietnamese food addict, then you’ll probably notice the lack of restaurants serving these delicious dishes in the Toon. Well, now you’re in luck. Ngon has just opened its doors ready to serve the finest flavour fusions that Vietnamese street food has to offer.

We’re talking a spicy king prawn noodle soup, delicious vegetarian spring rolls and a Vietnamese-style slow-cooked beef stew. From traditional hanging lanterns to exposed brickwork and intricate oriental crockery, soon as you step inside Ngon, you’ll feel transported to the tranquil ambience of Vietnam.

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