Curtains up, forks down – it’s showtime for your tastebuds. Here’s your guide to pre-theatre dining in Newcastle city centre before the spectacle begins.
Musicals, ballets, plays, opera, dance – Newcastle’s theatre scene is brimming with all kinds of captivating performances.
The Theatre Royal on Grey Street is one of the most popular venues in the city centre, and if you’re planning on enjoying a delicious meal before your next trip here, you’ll find plenty of restaurants waiting in the wings.
I’ve curated my top pick of places to eat, spanning a range of cuisines. This isn’t designed to be a definitive list of all the restaurants within walking distance of the theatre – that’s one for Google Maps! But, hopefully, one of these eateries will be right on cue.
So, let’s satisfy your cravings and take a look at these culinary showstoppers.
Marco Polo
Walking distance to the theatre:
5 minutes from Dean Street
Vibe:
A stylish, contemporary Italian restaurant that’s been around for more than 50 years. It gets busy, so definitely pre-book if you can.
On the menu:
Marco Polo’s pre-theatre menu is great value, with 2 courses priced at £15.95 and 3 for £19.95. Expect classics like gnocchi, pasta, pizza, and pan-fried chicken and fish dishes. Be sure to take advantage of the ‘buy one get the same one free’ deal on its luscious cocktails, too.
Côte
Walking distance to the theatre:
2 minutes from Grainger Street
Vibe:
A modern French restaurant inspired by the brasseries of Paris, perfect for a classy sit-down meal. Très agréable!
On the menu:
On Côte’s weekday and weekend prix fixe menus, you’ll find the likes of French onion soup, poulet au bacon and steak frites. Plus, flash your theatre ticket for a free glass of sparkling wine.
Pleased to Meet You
Walking distance to the theatre:
2 minutes via High Bridge
Vibe:
Pleased to Meet You serves up an elegant yet unfussy dining experience, and its food is consistently top notch.
On the menu:
The menu features a mix of home comforts and classics such as scallops, chicken supreme, beer battered cod and pork belly alongside a good selection of steaks. And don’t forget to check out its extensive gin and cocktail list.
Lola Jeans
Walking distance to the theatre:
2 minutes via Market Street
Vibe:
A popular bar and eatery boasting a vintage-inspired setting with pops of pink and floral furnishings.
On the menu:
Its burgers are award-winning (topping the Battle of the Burger contest 6 times!), but it’s the chicken sharing platter that’s always my go-to – think Buffalo wings, Nashville tenders, warm pittas and triple cooked chips.
Cafe Andaluz
Walking distance to the theatre:
1 minute via Grey Street
Vibe:
A Spanish tapas restaurant combining a warm and lively ambience with a vibrant Andalucian-inspired interior.
On the menu:
Enjoy three tapas dishes from £19.95 per person from Cafe Andaluz’s pre-theatre menu. Pork cheeks, Serrano ham croquettes, padron peppers, lamb tagine, meatballs, baby squid – there’s plenty to mix and match to build your perfect meal.
The Muddler
Walking distance to the theatre:
Seconds – it’s across the road
Vibe:
A swanky pan-Asian restaurant with flourishes of black and gold in its decor and striking Art Deco influences.
On the menu:
Choose from dim sum, sushi and favourites such as Chicken Katsu, Thai Red Curry and Crispy Pork. You’ll also find a mouthwatering selection of platters featuring everything from spring rolls to dumplings.
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*Please check current prices, menus and deals with individual restaurants as these are subject to change.
