Our Top Italian Restaurants and Cafés for a Taste of La Dolce Vita in Newcastle
You'll want to try them all…
Mascalzone
238 Helmsley Road, Sandyford NE2 1RD
0191 261 6661
mascalzone.co.uk
Offering a taste of Sardinia in the heart of Sandyford, Mascalzone (meaning scoundrel) serves everything from authentic Italian pasta to pizza made with Napoletana flour, San Marzano tomato and fior di latte mozzarella. You’ll also find chicken and fish dishes, and Mascalzone classics such as seafood fregola. Aperitif time with an Aperol Spritz and nibbles on the outdoor patio is highly recommended.
Fuochi Pizza Experience
211 Westgate Road, Newcastle NE4 6AD
0191 691 2220
instagram.com/fuochi_pizza_experience
The key ingredient to tasty Italian food is simplicity, so don’t let yourself be fooled by the laid-back look of this little corner restaurant. Fuochi (meaning fires) provides the complete package for an authentic Italian meal, with delicious, thin and flavourful pizzas made to perfection by the restaurant’s two Neapolitan chefs. Desserts are either made in-house or imported from bakeries around Sicily. Pair your pizza with a Crodino (a popular non-alcoholic aperitivo) for that Italian summer vibe.
Pani’s Café
61–65 High Bridge, Newcastle NE1 6BX
0191 232 4366
paniscafe.co.uk
A Sardinian family moved to Newcastle in 1995 and the rest is history. From its origins as a street café, Pani’s has evolved to become a household name in Newcastle, and is now an institution in the city centre, with its vibrant atmosphere, friendly staff and delicious food. Take a seat in this informal and cosy restaurant, and take your pick of Italian dishes enriched by imported Sardinian delicacies such as carasau bread and Carignano wine, or enjoy sharing smaller plates with friends and family.
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Pizzeria Francesca
134–136 Manor House Road, Jesmond NE2 2NA
0191 281 6586
francescasjesmond.com
As with any respectable family-run restaurant you would find in Italy, Francesca is unpretentious, friendly and serves delicious food. It’s a welcoming setting in which to enjoy traditional Italian pasta and pizza (or the local favourite, half pasta/half pizza), all served in generous portions. The speedy service is just the cherry on top.
Scream for Pizza
21–25 Starbeck Avenue, Sandyford NE2 1RJ
31 Quayside, Newcastle NE1 3DE
screamforpizza.com
After training in Naples, Alex and Victoria returned home to create mouth-watering pizza, which nine years later the North East still can’t get enough of – so much so that they opened a second venue on Newcastle’s Quayside (I Scream for Pizza) where you can order pizza by the slice alongside artisan soft ice cream.
Liosi’s Italian Bistro
5 Saville Place, Newcastle NE1 8DQ
0191 261 5950
liosibistro.co.uk
From the chefs behind Liosi’s Sicilian Café Bar on the banks of the Tyne, Liosi’s Bistro in the city centre already has a crowd of loyal customers (many of whom are Italian, which is always a good sign) despite opening only a year ago. Pasta and wine are the stars of a menu filled with traditional dishes from across Italy, from Sicilian seafood risotto to Milanese mushrooms and sausage fettuccine. Food at Liosi’s is made with care, using authentic products imported from Italy and available for sale to customers.
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Prima Restaurant
40–46 Side, Newcastle NE1 3JA
0191 233 1011
primarestaurant.uk
Another fixture of Newcastle’s foodie scene, Prima is a large restaurant conveniently housed in a railway arch on Newcastle’s Quayside. With an extensive menu of mouth-watering pasta, pizza and meat dishes, there is something for everyone here. Its two floors and external dining area are always full of happy customers, and the newly opened third-floor lounge bar is perfect for cocktail lovers.
Gino D’Acampo Quayside
River View, Newcastle NE1 3BE
0191 933 6994
ginorestaurants.com
Gino D’Acampo may be a big personality, but he keeps the simplicity of his small hometown’s cuisine at the heart of his restaurants. The Southern Italian flavours and soul are reflected in the classic menu staples, bursting with flavour and cooked to perfection. Have your pick of pasta, pizza and steak, or enjoy an Italian-themed afternoon tea (see our review here) on the scenic riverside terrace.
Flint Pizza
218a Chillingham Road, Heaton NE6 5LP
07858 149970
flintpizza.co.uk
Step inside this cosy restaurant and enjoy authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza made the right way. The restaurant has only a handful of tables (most of which are at the bar), but you’ll thank us once you’ve tried the pizza. Take your pick of tasty toppings and be prepared to be wowed by their delicious dough.
Di Meo’s Riverside Ouseburn
1 Riverside Walk, Byker NE6 1LX
07958 561817
dimeos.co.uk
Enjoy authentic, award-winning gelato only a short walk from the busy Quayside. Nestled on the vibrant bank of the Ouseburn, Di Meo’s offer a whopping selection of 27 flavours of ice cream, so follow-up visits to try them all are a must. Besides the famous gelato (still made following Di Meo’s family recipe from 1925), the menu includes freshly made pizzas and organic coffees. Di Meo’s also have a café and a kiosk in Whitley Bay to add a taste of Italy to your beach walks.
Adriano’s Deli
84 High Street, Gosforth NE3 1HB
0191 284 0000
fortunagosforth.co.uk/adrianos-deli
Conveniently located in the heart of Gosforth, Adriano’s Deli is the place to go for an Italian-style lunch break bite. Head to the counter to admire the display of homemade classics, from arancini to lasagne, or try their Sardinian-inspired malluredus pasta. Add freshly ground coffee and a slice of cake for the perfect dessert.
Café Corsaro
84 High Street, Gosforth NE3 1HB
0191 284 0000
cafecorsaro.com
Another gem found in Gosforth, Café Corsaro offers Italian-style breakfasts and lunches. Start your day with a freshly made croissant and a delicious cappuccino, or pair a colourful seafood soup with a glass of white wine. Pizzas here are also highly rated, with new toppings frequently added to the specials menu. Corsaro also stocks up on produce imported from Italy, should you fancy testing your Italian cooking skills at home.
