Despite the challenges of the pandemic, there has been an influx of new bars and restaurants opening up in Newcastle over the last 12 months.
From Greek and Spanish chain restaurants to show bars and fast food joints, one thing that's undeniable is the variety of drinking and dining options available in the city centre. But for all the excitement that comes with the opening of a new venue, the question remains: do the businesses themselves live up to the hype?
We've taken a look through the most recent reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, and Facebook to see what customers are saying about their experience at 10 of Newcastle's newest establishments. This is what they said:
READ MORE: Inside the Grey Owl as stunning new bar opens on Newcastle's Grey Street in time for Jubilee weekend
The Real Greek, 8 Eldon Square, Newcastle
The Greek chain opened in the former Big Lukes site in April.
Suzanne Koumpanaki said: "Very friendly staff who explained the menu and portion sizes. I can't fault the staff.
"The food was OK. We personally weren't keen on the way food was served as we ordered meze for two and plates were all mixed up and we were a big group.
"Restaurant was modern and clean but just seemed to be missing something. No atmosphere or authenticity. Nothing made it very special for a restaurant in town."
Helen McKenna wrote: "First time here and the food was amazing. The staff were great.
"I will be coming back. This is the place to eat."
Andrea Fleming said: "All food was delicious and very well presented. I thought they had decent portion sizes as they are mezze so you have the choice how much or little you order.
"Would definitely recommend and will revisit again."
Cafe Andaluz, 87-89 Grey Street, Newcastle
The tapas bar and restaurant opened in October 2021 in the former site of Italian restaurant Carluccio's.
Atque Iter said: "I went to cafe Andaluz with a large group and we were very impressed with the service. The food, while not cheap, was really delicious.
"We had many dishes which all arrived promptly, hot, and well presented, including Calamares Scallops and anchovy. Absolutely fabulous."
Shelley R wrote: "Fantastic meal, great service. Will definitely be back next time I'm in Newcastle."
Patricia Montgomery said: "These past six months, my husband and I have frequented this restaurant at least once every time we’ve stayed in Newcastle for work, and we love it. We always sit at the bar because it’s the best place to sit but no one gets it.
"The food, drinks and service are superb at this place."
Grey Owl, Grey Street, Newcastle
The owners of Newcastle's popular Hibou Blanc restaurant opened a new cafe bar over the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend.
Stefan Andrewartha said: "I had an amazing time here. The staff were absolutely brilliant with the customer service and the food was spot on.
"[There was a] wide scale of choice for drinks and the cocktails are to die for! I will definitely be attending the venue again."
Teresa Nelson wrote: "I had a fabulous time sitting in the outdoor area. The French Martinis are amazing and the staff are fabulous.
"Definitely my new favourite."
John Davison said: "Lovely place[but] Moretti was a bit flat."
Purple Peacock, 55 Degrees North, 55 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle
The venue reopened as a show bar in May following a revamp that cost more than £350,000.
976brogans said: "My experience was excellent from start to finish! From the cocktails to the food and the entertainment, I was blown away by it all.
"The singers were great and the entertainers came round to talk to everybody once their performances were finished. There was a wide variety of cocktails on the menu which was great.
"We certainly got our value for money when we visited The Purple Peacock."
Z1937LEmatthewf said: "I had been previously and the venue has been given an amazing facelift and is definitely one of the places to visit in the area now! We visited as a party of five and were treated to a fantastic evening of entertainment including their current show 'The Greatest Show' with two fabulous singers, dancers acrobats, and fire breathers.
"We sampled from their new menu with a delicious three-course meal and all agreed it was fantastic. I had the chicken which was beautifully cooked.
"At £75 it may seem a little expensive, however, for the price we got a three course meal, welcome drink and an amazing show right by our table with a new stage going right through the restaurant. An amazing experience and we'll definitely be back!"
READ MORE: Hola to Cafe Andaluz as Newcastle welcomes a new taste of Spain
Jollibee, 111 Northumberland Street, Newcastle
Eager customers waited outside the new restaurant from as early as 5.45am to be among the first to get their hands on its crispy chicken when it opened in November.
Food lover wrote: "It's our first time here and all the crew are friendly. It's worth the visit."
ZFG said: "Best chicken ever. Do recommend this place. Best customer service."
Sinéad O’Hare said: "I ordered a hotdog, chicken tenders with gravy and spaghetti. The guy taking my order was amazing and when he realised it was my first time ever trying Jollibee he added a selection of complimentary items to my order so I could really get to know the menu.
"He added a chicken burger, more chicken tenders, a portion of chicken joy (coated drumsticks), a mango ice cream and a coke! So generous!"
Ayla at Grey Street, 17 Grey Street, Newcastle
The family-run Indian restaurant that was formerly known as Tandoori Nights opened with a new name and menu in September.
K Chappie said: "Outstanding food. Thoroughly enjoyable experience thanks to the wonderfully courteous staff."
Mark Burton said: "This was our first visit here and it wasn’t busy being a Monday evening so we had a good choice of seats. The staff were great, with just enough eye contact without being overbearing.
"Our waiter really knew his menu and helped choose our starters and then helped me create my own vegetarian main from what was in the rest of the menu. Every dish was fantastic, full of flavor and aromatic fragrance.
"You could really tell the difference as they were making the meals with fresh ingredients. Ayla is really worth a visit for the food and the friendly staff."
Alistair Fimister wrote: "First visit to this new restaurant. My lamb Rogan was off the scale delicious!
"My wife had the tandoori mixed grill and this too was excellent! The owner was very friendly. Highly recommended give it a go!"
3SIXTY Champagne Lounge, 27 Rutherford Street, Newcastle
The bar and restaurant at the top of Hadrian's Tower opened in May last year. covering impressive views of the city.
Andrew Palmer said: "Absolutely beautiful views from every angle can see for miles and the staff are lovely."
Richard Ryan (Richy) said: "Amazing night and great place with excellent staff."
Andrea Harrison wrote: "Great view as weather was good and we were given a decent seat. Took way too long to serve the drinks considering we had to book a time slot, we’d expected to be served quicker so they could get us to spend as much as possible.
"The beer my husband ordered wasn’t available and we were not told at the point of ordering which then took longer. No nibbles/snacks were available when afternoon tea was served and so we went elsewhere for those!
" Management needs to improve service as some aspects are really letting down what could potentially be a five star experience."
READ MORE: New Indian restaurant Ayla opens in former Tandoori Nights curry house on Newcastle's Grey Street
German Donner Kebab, 2B Newgate Street, Newcastle
The chain opened in November promising Geordie diners "game-changing" kebabs.
Michael Harrison said: "Food was fantastic but took a while to gey our order. Wouldn't stop me from going again though."
Graham Orr wrote: "Absolute rip-off. Can't understand why everyone raves about this place.
"Distinctly average food at very expensive fast food prices which aren't clearly stated on the price list."
Fozia Haroon said: "Me and my husband thought we go try to sit in and have meal as on previous orders we made delivery orders.
"We ordered two large German Donner Kebabs. First the meat was not cooked, secondly, it had a very strong smell, and third, it was full of oil. [We were] very disappointed [and the] portions were extremely small.
"I will defo not be going Newcastle store again I rather travel to a different German Donner Kebab."
Burger. Eat. Shake. Repeat! 42 Dean Street, Newcastle
The burger chain opened in March after its Consett takeaway proved to be a hit during the pandemic.
David Moon wrote: "Interesting looking menu but really poor execution. The chili chips presumably made with leftover chips reheated because they were cold in the middle and the burgers seemed to have been bought in. [The] mint twist equaled a dollop of mint sauce from a jar. I enjoyed the red cabbage slaw."
Jasmine Ali said: "Went to this amazing restaurant recently and I loved it. The food was spot on, the ambiance was perfect, great for taking my family, and also a quick stop off for lunch. The friendly staff made the visit comfortable for us too. Loved it."
Carl Stacey said: "One of the most unique burger menus I've seen since first visiting Fat Hippo years ago. Everything was spot on in terms of taste and presentation and the overall vibe of the restaurant is chill and enjoyable."
Sushi Me Rollin', 25 Grey Street, Newcastle
The independent Sushi bar opened its own restaurant in the city last August after being hit at the Stack.
Marta M-y said: "Wonderful sushi choices for even the picky eaters! Definitely would go there again."
Samantha Beaney said: "Delicious as always! Great for vegan options. The portions are huge - I even had enough to take away for my dinner the next day!"
Zhenichka Soloschenko wrote: "The most delicious sushi in town! The fish is really fresh and literally melting in your mouth.
"The range of cocktails is amazing. Cool atmosphere and most importantly, such a friendly and welcoming staff.
"People working there really like their job and you can actually feel it with the service they are performing. Thanks a lot!
"A definite recommendation."
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