- Play Hard
- 18th Jun 2025
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9 top lunch spots in Newcastle
Let’s be honest – we’re all guilty of wolfing down a soggy sandwich between meetings or shovelling salad in front of a laptop.
But what if your lunch break could be, well, an actual break?
Newcastle’s thriving food scene is full of indie gems and a few bigger names that make sitting in for lunch not just worthwhile, but something to genuinely look forward to. Here’s our pick of the best spots to slow down and savour.
Kaltur
19 Dean St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1PQ
Small plates, big flavours. Kaltur’s Spanish-inspired menu is made for grazing, even during a lunch hour. Their set lunch menu is a delightful way to sample their tapas-style dishes without committing to a three-hour siesta. Sit at the bar or tuck into a window seat and let jamón and Manchego transport you straight to Seville.
Meat:Stack
41-43 Groat Market, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1UG
Burgers done brilliantly. Located in the vibrant Bigg Market (with another venue at Grainger Market), this independent smashburger joint serves up juicy, charkissed patties, beefdripping fries and outrageous loaded concoctions. It’s fast – but not fast-food – so you can take a seat, savour every bite, and still make it back to the office.
Olive and Bean
17-19 Clayton St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5PN
A cosy Clayton Street independent café and deli serving hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, soups, and in-house baked cakes alongside top-notch coffee – ideal for a relaxed sit-down lunch or a slower-paced treat midday. With generous portions and a friendly, bustling vibe, it’s the kind of place where locals queue up – whether you’re after a savoury baguette or a slice from their epic cake counter.
Gino D’Acampo
The Quayside, INNSiDE by Melia Hotel, Bridge Court, Riverview, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BE
For when you want to up your lunch game, Gino D’Acampo on the Quayside serves up Italian classics in a bright, stylish setting with epic Tyne views. Their lunch menu strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and quick service – think king prawn bruschetta and tender chicken scaloppine, all with that warm, welcoming vibe that makes it feel like a mini escape from the office grind.
Social Bird
2/8 Fenkle St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5XU
New on Newcastle’s foodie scene, Social Bird brings laid-back vibes, next-level chicken dishes, and slick cocktails to Fenkle Street. From brunch to schnitzels and everything in between, it’s the perfect spot to perch for a bite with friends or colleagues.
Earthlings – The Healing Café
94 Buckingham St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5QR
A sanctuary for the soul and the stomach, Earthlings offers a nourishing menu inspired by Ayurvedic principles. From vibrant smoothie bowls and hearty curries to inventive specials like moonglet and vegan ramen, each dish is crafted with love and packed with plant-powered goodness. Perfect for a lunch break pick-me-up.
The Factory Kitchen Café
The Biscuit Factory, 16 Stoddart St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1AN
Tucked inside Newcastle’s contemporary art gallery, The Factory Kitchen is a hidden gem for a laid-back, sit-down lunch. Expect seasonal dishes, great coffee and rooftop views – ideal for a midday pause with a little extra flair.
Ernest
1 Boyd St, Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1AP
A laid-back independent café in the heart of Ouseburn, Ernest offers a cosy spot to take it slow over a hearty lunch. Expect delicious wraps, loaded burritos and shakshuka – all served up with friendly vibes and a community feel, perfect for a sit-down bite that feels like a breather from the day-to-day!
Uno’s Trattoria
18 Sandhill, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3AF
A Newcastle classic since 1989, this family-run Italian sits snug under the Tyne Bridge and delivers warm, welcoming meals – from hearty pasta and stone-baked pizza to fresh salads. With weekday lunch ‘Happy Hour’ deals and a friendly dine-in vibe, Uno’s is the perfect place to park yourself for a well-paced, indulgent midday break.
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