Fall head over heels for these romantic dining spots in Newcastle, perfect for toasting Valentine’s Day and other special occasions with your partner.

What defines a restaurant as ‘romantic’?

Is it the intimate setting and ambience, characterised by soft lighting and cosy nooks? Or is it the indulgence of the occasion, enjoying flavours and ingredients that rarely make an appearance in your own kitchen?

Maybe it’s the chance to get glammed up, spend time together without any day-to-day distractions and connect over a shared love for good food?

For me, it’s a fusion of everything listed above, with the restaurant promising a unique and memorable dining experience. 

Whatever your expectations, here are a few of my favourites in Newcastle that might just fulfil your foodie desires on Valentine’s Day, your next date night or for a special anniversary.

Bon appetit!

Gaucho

Argentinian steakhouse, Gaucho, is located on Market Street and it’s the place to go if you love steak. 

The restaurant is super swish inside, and by night, the lights dim to create an intimate backdrop. Expect prime cuts of beef alongside a selection of seafood dishes and vegetarian options, not to mention a creative cocktail list. Top tip: use the menu’s ‘cocktail grid’ to find your perfect match based on your preference for sweet, delicate or intense flavours. 

A classy destination that is sure to impress.

gauchorestaurants.com/restaurants/newcastle/

Gaucho newcastle
Gaucho bar
Gaucho steak

Salparo

Tucked along Side on the Quayside (in what was formerly Route), Salparo is a contemporary Greek restaurant.

It’s small but brimming with lots of charm. It serves a range of authentic sharing dishes and the team recommends between 4 to 5 plates per dining couple. Greek Spanakopita (spinach and feta pie), slow cooked Beef Stifado casserole and Chicken Souvlaki skewers are just a few of the standout dishes on the menu.

A minimal, understated setting paired with top notch, traditional Greek food. 

www.salparorestaurant.co.uk

Salparo interior
Salparo Greek cuisine

Kaltur

Kaltur has two city centre restaurants, but you could say it’s the High Bridge one that stole my heart! The location evokes that ‘hidden gem’ vibe and I love their window tables, where you can watch people sauntering along the cobbled street outside.

It’s a Spanish-run business and they serve a fantastic selection of tapas dishes, deli boards and wines. And the sangria is the potent kind that you can’t stop glugging!

A sophisticated foray into Spanish cuisine. 

www.kalturrestaurant.co.uk

Kaltur High Bridge
Kaltur tapas
Kaltur decor

Dobson & Parnell

Situated on Queen Street on Newcastle’s Quayside, Dobson & Parnell (a sister restaurant to Blackfriars) describes itself as ‘casual fine dining’ and it certainly hits that sweet spot between the two.

On the menu, you’ll find a mix of British and European inspired classics – think ham hock terrine, confit duck leg and roasted halibut.

A stylish, award-winning restaurant that champions seasonal produce – what’s not to like?

www.dobsonandparnell.co.uk

Dobson and Parnell interior
Dobson and Parnell food
Dobson and Parnell fizz

The Muddler

Pan-Asian cuisine meets smart Art Deco vibes at The Muddler, which sits on a prime location along Newcastle’s Grey Street.

Choose from a variety of small plates, large plates, platters and sushi, with the menu featuring popular dishes such as Chicken Katsu, Thai Red Curry and Teriyaki Salmon. The restaurant’s black and gold decor really does set that romantic date night mood, too.

A swanky spot with plenty of flavourful dishes on offer.

www.themuddlernewcastle.co.uk

The Muddler interior
The Muddler katsu chicken

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