The new year is a time to make resolutions, so why not make yours trying as many new restaurants as possible?
Especially since the North East is a fabulous destinations for foodies and Northumberland is no exception to that. The county may not have the same range of options as you get in Newcastle city centre - it still doesn't have a single Japanese restaurant, for example - but what it does, it does very well.
Fresh locally caught seafood, flavoursome curries, country pubs, and traditional tearooms and cafes all make for welcome places to stop when you're exploring England's most northerly county. Here are ten of the best places to eat in Northumberland in 2023, according to TripAdvisor reviews.
Read more: 10 best restaurants in the North East to try in 2023 according to Tripadvisor reviews
Rocking Horse Café & Gallery
5.0 stars from 663 reviews. Rock Midstead Farm, Rock Moor, NE66 2TH
To be top of the list in any county, you must be doing something right. The Rocking Horse Café and Gallery opened in 2017 and has become the go to place for food on the road to Rock, north of Alnwick. At the "Rocky", as it's known locally, you'll find locally sourced produce and homemade food, all prepared to order - and it's dog friendly too.
One reviewer wrote: "Lovely little café, very welcoming and super dog friendly. Food was spot on, we had the omelette and a breakfast, both very tasty. The staff were all very friendly and welcoming and obviously proud of their café."
Another wrote: "Another great visit to the best and friendliest café in Northumberland, great freshly prepared food which is locally sourced in an effort to support local business."
Zyka Boutique Restaurant
4.5 stars from 702 reviews. 44 Priestpopple, Hexham, NE46 1PQ
ChronicleLive found in May 2022 that Zyka was one of the top ten curry houses in the entire North East, and its TripAdvisor score puts it at number 2 for any type of restaurant in Northumberland (no. 1 in Hexham). Aiming to offer a stylish but cosy ambiance, Zyka offers food inspired by several regions of India and Bangladesh cooked up by award-winning chef Khaled Miah on Hexham's Priestpopple.
One reviewer wrote: "Food and service excellent, nothing was too much trouble. Certainly the best ever Indian cuisine I have ever eaten! Khalid the chef and Rashid front of house were the perfect hosts."
Another wrote: "Our first impressions of Zyka this evening were excellent. The food was beautifully prepared with a wonderful combination of spices. The staff were so welcoming and polite throughout. The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated and has a very 'classy' feel to it."
Hjem
5.0 stars from 128 reviews. Front Street, The Hadrian Hotel, Wall, NE46 4EE
Northumberland's first Michelin Star restaurant, 28-cover Hjem is the most exclusive restaurant on this list and aims to combine the North East's local and regional produce with Scandinavian values and cooking techniques. Alex Nietosvuori and partner Ally Thompson run the restaurant in Wall, near Hexham, and cooked for the Hairy Bikers (who returned the favour) on The Hairy Bikers Go Local in January 2023.
One impressed reviewer wrote: "Amazing. Everything is done with the care and attention that you would expect from a Michelin starred restaurant run by a Scandi/Geordie team. Blimey, even the bread takes 3 days to make! This is a special place in a special part of the country, you may be far from home, but here you are Hjem."
Another wrote: "Simply exceptional, from start to finish each dish was perfect. Service was professional, and friendly. Visited based on reviews and this was 100% accurate. I do feel based on the quality of the food and service it’s excellent value. Cannot wait to return."
Jaspers Bistro
5.0 stars from 824 reviews. 8 Bridge Street, Amble, NE65 0DR
Northumberland is known for its fresh seafood and Jaspers is the first on this list that's right by the sea, in the village of Amble. The snug restaurant on Bridge Street has a range of fish dishes among other things.
One reviewer rated it up with the best meals they've had, writing: "We decided to come to Jaspers for our anniversary meal having never been before. Was difficult to choose a meal as everything looked (and smelled) amazing. Couldn’t fault the meal or the amazing service. We will definitely be back."
Another wrote: "We were greeted with a warm welcome, the service was excellent and the food was superb. Our party tested all aspects of the menu and from start to finish it was faultless."
The Riverside Café
5.0 stars from 183 reviews. 7 Main Street, Tweedmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed
At the time of writing, The Riverside Café is the top ranked budget eat in Northumberland according to TripAdvisor. Its regular menu has a range of sandwiches, paninis and cakes while it also offers a Sunday Roast.
One reviewer, who had travelled all the way from the Scottish capital, wrote: "First visit and definitely not our last on a day trip from Edinburgh. Loved the breakfast, haggis was so nice and very reasonably priced. We took cakes away and were so impressed with the lovely baking and again so reasonably priced."
A second wrote: "I met an old friend for the day and we visited The Riverside Café for an early lunch. The food was delicious and homemade, the service was friendly and efficient and the scones were to die for! What a brilliant find."
Danielle's Bistro
4.5 stars from 670 reviews. 12 Eastgate, Hexham, NE46 1BH
Hexham town centre's second entry onto the list, no wonder it's one of the happiest places to live in the UK. Danielle's Bistro has been serving up Mediterranean and British cuisine since 1996 and says that it combines classic dishes with seasonal produce.
One reviewer wrote: "Tucked away in a side street, just off Priestpopple, is this special little bistro. We have been to Danielle’s in excess of 10 times and it has never failed to delight."
Another dubbed it a rare gem, writing: "Danielle’s Bistro is one of those rare gems of a restaurant that completely exceeds your expectations. The rustic charm of the interior, attentive friendly service, simple yet exceptionally delicious food make for an extremely pleasant dining experience. We heartily recommend a visit to Danielle’s."
The Horseshoes Inn
5.0 stars from 466 reviews. 6 Rennington Road, Rennington, NE66 3RS
A traditional pub dating back to 1841, The Horseshoes Inn at Rennington has been family owned for more than 30 years. It's known for huge portions, a beer garden, and the pub claims to use as many locally sourced ingredients and produce as seasonally possible.
One visitor wrote: "Well worth a trip away from the gastropubs on the coast. A traditional pub serving top quality hearty meals at very reasonable prices. You won’t be disappointed."
A second wrote: "Just visited this quintessential "Olde Worlde" English village pub, thank goodness that there are still places like this, especially in such a picturesque setting as Rennington. Very friendly staff, a welcoming fire roaring, dog-friendly and absolutely delicious food in plentiful portions, plus a good choice of beers. Highly recommended, we'll certainly be returning soon."
Mumbai Flavours
4.5 stars from 728 reviews. 15 Narrowgate, Alnwick, NE66 1JH
The highest-rated restaurant in Alnwick town centre, Mumbai Flavours has been serving up Indian food from its home on Narrowgate in Alnwick since 2012. The 50-seater restaurant also offers takeaway six nights a week if you live or are staying nearby.
One five-star review read: "Absolutely superb meal, authentic flavours, the most charming and hospitable host with attentive staff. Highly recommended."
Several dishes are named as the best ever in the restaurant's reviews, such as: "We booked last minute, and were greeted warmly before being served an excellent meal. The best paneer Balti I’ve had in a long while, and it wasn’t even on the menu!"
Stalida Greek Taverna
5.0 stars from 311 reviews. 9A Battle Hill, Hexham, NE46 1BA
The third and final entry from Hexham's town centre on the list, Stalida Greek Taverna is a "little corner of Crete in Northumberland". Try traditional Greek dishes such as moussaka, kleftiko, and mezze platters and for those who aren't driving, a Mythos or maybe even an ouzo.
One visitor called it a real, proper taverna, saying: "We stumbled on Stalida when we arrived in Hexham for an overnight stay. It has been a long time since we had found such a great Greek taverna. The welcome was so warm and we happily settled in for a lovely meal."
Another who had travelled extensively in Greece said: "Wow just wow. Having spent quite a chunk of time this year in the Greek Islands what an absolute find this was. Even the size of the restaurant was typical Greek. The food was authentic-tasting which is a rarity in itself in the UK as far as Greek cuisine goes. I think I ate the entire menu!"
Piper's Pitch
5.0 stars from 500 reviews. Craster Quarry Car Park, NE66 2ND.
ChronicleLive visited Piper's Pitch in 2022 and found a charismatic Scottish bloke playing bagpipes between serving up his "famous" Auchtermuchty sandwiches and Craster kipper rolls. Located in the Quarry car park at Craster, the food van is considered one of the best budget eats in the whole county, and is recommended for fuelling up before a walk to Dunstanburgh Castle, or as a reward once you've made it to the village from Beadnell or Howick.
One delighted reviewer said: "What a gem of a place to eat. Andy is such a lovely bloke and provides a wonderful menu of food. I had his 'Auchtermuckty' after reading many tremendous reviews and I have to say it was wonderful. Next time I am up Craster way I will be indulging again!"
Another said: "We especially liked the 'Auchtermuchty' Scottish Cuisine sandwich. What a legend of a sandwich! This also became our holiday saying... If something was great it would simply be 'Auchtermuchty!' The owners were spot on too."
Where is your favourite restaurant in Northumberland? Let us know!
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