Eddie Howe's men were well on top in the first half but, for all their domination, were held by their newly promoted opponents.
Newcastle, who handed debuts to Nick Pope and Sven Botman at St James' Park this afternoon, did manage to break the deadlock in the second half, though, thanks to a screamer from Fabian Schar before Callum Wilson put the gloss on an impressive win.
Here's how Lee Ryder rated the players.
READ MORE: Newcastle 2-0 Nottingham Forest as Fabian Schar and Callum Wilson goals seal dominant victory
Nick Pope 8
A clean sheet and made some important claims. Great start. Had fans chanting "England number 1" by the end.
Kieran Trippier 8
Relentless down the right-hand side. Had a phenomenal 102 touches and pumped in 11 crosses.
Fabian Schar 9
Played his part at the back to help net clean sheet. And then showed the forwards how to do it with a wonder strike. Edged man of the match on a field full of contenders.
Dan Burn 8
Justified selection with a towering display at the back. Won almost everything in the air.
Matt Targett 8
A hard working shift and offered a genuine threat going forward.
Joelinton 9
Rock solid. May have missed a big chance first half but made up for it after the break with important steal then assist.
Joe Willock 7
Put in some good tackles. And had a couple of openings.
Bruno Guimaraes 9
Another Rolls Royce display. The guy is a workaholic.
Miguel Almiron 7
Lacked some sharpness and wasted a couple of openings. Worked hard enough.
Allan Saint-Maximin 8
Had a hand in both goals. A constant threat to Forest.
Callum Wilson 8
Always probing and grabbed the insurance goal when it mattered. Did what a number 9 should.
Subs
Sean Longstaff (for Willock 80)
Ryan Fraser (for Almiron 81)
Chris Wood (for Wilson 89)
Jacob Murphy (for Saint-Maximin 89)
Sven Botman (for Bruno 90)
*Subs must play 15 minutes.
READ NEXT
Wor Flags see in new season at Newcastle United with superb 'feeling good' display at St James' Park
Newcastle United notebook: PIF's 'long-term success' message amid transfer plan
Chris Sutton questions Newcastle United' James Maddison move after Leicester decision
Newcastle United transfer news LIVE: Kamaldeen Sulemana latest and Eddie Howe deal
Newcastle United supporters all say same thing after Eddie Howe team selection v Nottingham Forest
