Newcastle Restaurants

  1. Big Mussel

    Mussels and other shellfish - all served with chips - are a very popular choice at this informal diner. There are pasta and vegetarian options as well, and students get 15% off everything. There's another branch (261 8927) on Leazes Park Rd, close to St James' Park, that does a roaring trade on match days.

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  2. Blake's Coffee House

    There is nowhere better than this high-ceilinged café for a Sunday-morning cure on any day of the week. It's friendly, relaxed and serves up the biggest selection of coffees in town, from the gentle push of a Colombian blend to the toxic shove of Old Brown Java. We love it.

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  3. Paradiso Café Bar

    Hidden away in a small alley off Pilgrim St is one of the city's most popular spots. Good food, a mellow atmosphere and a fabulous little balcony for alfresco action keeps this place full almost all the time.

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  4. Pizzeria Francesca

    This is how all Italian restaurants should be: chaotic, noisy, friendly, packed cheek-to-jowl and absolutely worth making the effort for. Excitable, happy waiters and huge portions of pizza and pasta keep them queuing at the door - get in line and wait because you can't book in advance.

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  5. Secco Ristorante Salentino

    Top-notch food from Salento in the Italian heel of Puglia makes this place an easy contender for best Italian restaurant in town. Some punters have been disappointed with the slowish service, which, for the price, should probably be a little snappier.

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