Anyone thinking of eating out in Newcastle could well end up spending longer pondering where to go than they would enjoying a slap-up three course feast then lingering over coffee.

The city is spoiled for choice and towards the end of last year we looked back at some of the new restaurants which joined the scene in 2018.

Our list of 14 - highlighted below - join the vast number of already-established venues which contain some old favourites which have truly stood the test of time in an ever-changing city centre.

Many of them will be taking part in the NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week which will be offering diners special meal deals this January.

That promises a fine start to 2019 for North East diners but, with the rest of the year to follow, there is plenty more to explore on the food scene.

So, for those who have made a new year resolution to try somewhere new, here our a list of 12 suggestions which are broken down into general price categories to suit a range of pockets.

And, as further food for thought, we'll be adding to it over coming weeks so watch this space.

Top treats

The House of Tides

Chef Kenny Atkinson, in the kitchen of the House of Tides, Newcastle
Chef Kenny Atkinson, in the kitchen of the House of Tides, Newcastle

A top end restaurant, it has prices to match but the old adage that you get what you pay for clearly rings true.

Kenny Atkinson was quick to establish his first ever restaurant on Newcastle quayside - after it opened in 2014 in its restored historic Buttress House premises - and just to quick to follow was a Michelin star plus a flurry of other awards.

Kenny, who started out at a fruit and vegetable in the Grainger Market, talks about his delight at that Michelin success here.

For menu details see  here.

Blackfriars

Blackfriars in Newcastle city centre
Blackfriars in Newcastle city centre

Housed in another historic building - this time a series of them in the city's medieval quarter once inhabited by the famous Dominican 'black' friar monks - the restaurant owned by Andy Hook, who runs the equally good Dobson & Parnell on the quayside, serves up set and a la carte menus in unrivalled surroundings, including what's said to be the oldest dining room in the UK.

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In 2017, it expanded into more of those 13th Century friars' rooms with the opening of an adjoining Parlour Bar and upstairs cookery school and tasting rooms.

See here.

21

The newly refurbished 21 at Trinity gardens, Newcastle
The newly refurbished 21 at Trinity gardens, Newcastle

The flagship restaurant in Newcastle restaurateur Terry Laybourne's 21 Hospitality Group is a fine dining experience with a vibe capturing more of a 'stylish bistro' than a fussy formality.

Laybourne's restaurants include nearby newcomer St Vincent as well as The Saltwater Fish Company in Fenwick Food Hall which harks back to the chef's roots which saw him build his reputation in seafood and fish dishes in Newcastle in the eighties to become the region's first Michelin star winner.

The original name - shortened from the original Cafe 21 and transported from its initial Queen Street home further along the quayside to Trinity Gardens where it underwent a revamp in 2015.

But the ethos remains the same and the food quite simply speaks for itself.

See here.

Peace and Loaf

Peace and Loaf in Jesmond, Newcastle
Peace and Loaf in Jesmond, Newcastle

This one, in Jesmond, marks another restaurant first - this time for former Master Chef the Professionals finalist Dave Coulson.

Durham-born Coulson, who last year was back on TV in The Great British Menu, is part-owner as well as the inspiration behind a menu of British classics which feature his special signature touch.

See here.

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Mid-range

Aveika

Food at Aveika Restaurant on Newcastle's Quayside
Food at Aveika Restaurant on Newcastle's Quayside

Back on the quayside, this restaurant - also a late-night bar - offers a modern interpretation of traditional Japanese cuisine - so expect an afternoon tea to alongside a sushi bar.

See here.

Simply Greek

Simply Greek
Simply Greek

A feature of the Bigg Market for donkey's years, this not-too-expensive tucked-away downstairs restaurant, serving traditional Greek food, is worth a reminder to those who may have forgotten about it or who might be longing for a sunshine holiday - as our reviewer who recently visited it felt like he was in a scene from Mamma Mia.

See here.

The French Quarter

The French Quarter, Westgate Road, Newcastle
The French Quarter, Westgate Road, Newcastle

A little corner, or perhaps more accurately an arch, of Newcastle has been turned into a taste of France and this Westgate Road restaurant's tapas-style menu - accompanied by a fine selection of wines - is an opportunity to sample the kind of classic cuisine the country is famous for.

See here.

The Bridge Tavern

Exterior of The Bridge Tavern
Exterior of The Bridge Tavern

Locally-sourced and seasonal comfort food is high on the agenda of this quayside pub which, nestled under the Tyne Bridge, contains a micro-brewery too.

Besides the menu's imaginative mains, snacks and Sunday roasts are meat or fish sharing planks which seem to go so well with the pick from the wide-ranging drinks list.

See here.

Value-for-money

Beirut Lounge

Food at the Beirut Lounge
Food at the Beirut Lounge

Slightly outside the city centre again is this Lebanese restaurant which has been making a name for itself with a menu of varied tastes and textures.

And, as an added bonus for those keeping an eye on their wallets, customers can take along their own alcohol without paying a charge.

See here.

Uno's

Uno Trattoria in Newcastle
Uno Trattoria in Newcastle

Back down on Newcastle quayside is this old favourite, serving up Italian staples that can't fail to please.

It's a cosy basement set-up with the the kind of ambiance which makes it easy for diners to while away an evening with friends.

See here.

Pani's

General View of Panis, High Bridge, that has been voted one of the top 10 Italian Restaurants in Newcastle on Trip Advisor.

In High Bridge, this popular haunt has a laid-back cafe vibe and an Italian menu which adds a Sardinian twist.

If you can hear anything over the chatter - and we're not sure if it's the building's acoustics but voices can reach mega decibels  - then it no doubt will be only good stuff as it regularly wins praise from regulars and newcomers alike.

See here.

Zucchini Pasta Bar

Zucchini Pasta Bar, 55 Degrees North
Zucchini Pasta Bar, 55 Degrees North

Yep, pasta again but we're not apologising as who doesn't love the Italian staple?

Even rare exceptions who might fret about carbs could find themselves seduced by this addition to the scene, at 55 Degrees North, which claims to be the first in the region to served traditional fresh pasta.

And affordability is high on its menu too.

See here.