The Ultimate Foodie Guide for the North East and Yorkshire
From casual cafés to fine dining restaurants, cosy pubs and worldly flavours, whatever you're in the mood for there is a foodie hotspot to head to
Fisherman’s Bay
6 East Parade, Whitley Bay NE26 1AP
0191 447 4774
At Fisherman’s Bay their goal is to make the British classic of fish and chips to absolute perfection. They only use sustainable fish and British-farmed potatoes, resulting in the freshest flavours every time. With over 25 years of experience they’re a traditional fish and chip shop serving all the classics you know and love, as well as a few welcome additions such as chicken goujons and a vegan pea fritter for those who want to mix it up from time to time.
Scream For Pizza
21–25 Starbeck Avenue, Sandyford NE2 1RJ
31 Quayside, Newcastle NE1 3DE
After training at the famous La Notizia restaurant in Naples, Alex and Victoria returned home to create mouthwatering pizza worth shouting (or screaming) about. Eight years later, the team are still creating exceptional wood-fired pizzas which the North East just can’t get enough of – they’ve even opened a second venue on Newcastle’s Quayside where you can order pizza by the slice alongside an artisan soft ice cream.
Blakes Coffee & Co.
Pontefract Road, Crofton, Wakefield WF4 1LW
07834 837414
Blakes, based inside Spring Green Nurseries, launched in the first lockdown. The name came from owner Lauren Morgan’s first born, Blake, while the floral decor is inspired by her second born, Daisy. What started with one follower on social media now has almost 9,000 and the business is growing in popularity daily. Blakes is open seven days a week, with the kitchen open from 9am to 3pm. Stop by for a coffee or delve into their sweet treats – their Ferrero Rocher pancake stack looks delicious. While you’re there, explore the garden centre which is filled with plants and garden furniture.
Kommune
Castle House, Angel Street, Sheffield S3 8LS
Kommune is a social all-day dining and retail experience. Come inside and you’ll find messy burgers at Fat Hippo, authentic Korean food at Yoki and the flavours of Brazil at Kbom – plus, don’t miss The Greek Village. There’s something to please all tastebuds. Kommune also host events, and have their own shop which celebrates independent creators.
Restaurant Pine
Vallum Farm, Military Road, East Wallhouses NE18 0LL
01434 671202
It takes a very special restaurant to win a Michelin star so soon after opening, and Restaurant Pine is just that. It’s the debut of Northumberland-born Cal Byerley and partner Siân Buchan, and together with their tight-knit team they’ve also received a prestigious Michelin Green Star in recognition of their sustainable practices. In the evenings, exquisite cooking makes the most of the local produce (much of it home grown or foraged) which fills the extensive tasting menu. Look out for the intelligent wine pairings, carefully designed by the restaurant’s very own sommelier. Their afternoon tea is a heightened take on the traditional offering – think local duck egg mayonnaise with radish cress, roast garlic crumpet with North Sea crab, and rowan shoot custard tart with Yorkshire rhubarb.
1901 Steak & Seafood
Spanish City, Spanish City Plaza, Whitley Bay NE26 1BG
0191 691 7090
Just a stone’s throw from Whitley Bay’s coastline, 1910 sits within the renowned Spanish City and is one of the only North East fine dining restaurants that specialises in steak and seafood. It’s named after the date that Spanish City was originally built. Stand-out dishes include lobster Thermidor, Lindisfarne oysters and 28-day aged sirloin steak, all made with the freshest seasonal ingredients. End your meal with the decadent chocolate and salted caramel sphere as you gaze out across the North Sea.
No.1 York by Guesthouse
1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA
01904 644744
This building is a Regency townhouse which is simply stunning – think sash windows, high ceilings and a sweeping central staircase. Inside you’ll find hard-to-beat food in the restaurant and delightful drinks at the bar (there’s a spa too if you’re staying beyond your meal). The restaurant has a relaxed but elegant vibe and meals are made with ingredients from nearby farms, dairies and hives. Start with the York smoked venison with rhubarb relish before trying the whole grilled native lobster, hand-cut chips, bloody Mary butter and aioli. Or indulge in afternoon tea in the Marmalade Lounge. Their Sunday Lunch is a hearty one too.
The Man Behind The Curtain
68–78 Vicar Lane, Lower Ground Floor Flannels, Leeds LS1 7JH
0113 243 2376
Michael O’Hare is a big name on Yorkshire’s culinary scene and a visit to The Man Behind the Curtain will explain why. Theatrical tricks, inspired presentation and out-there flavour combinations have earned this restaurant a well-deserved Michelin star. Some of the dishes you can look forward to include tuna tartare with watermelon Sriracha and furikake, wasabi with wagyu fat and toast gravy, and pineapple, coconut and oyster.
The Rabbit Hole
17 Hallgarth Street, Durham DH1 3AT
0191 386 5556
Fall down the rabbit hole and enter this Oriental speakeasy where you’ll be richly rewarded with deliciously different pan-Asian dishes and perfectly-paired cocktails, wines and beers.
Nudo Noodle House
54–56 Low Friar Street, Newcastle NE1 5UE
0191 233 1133
In the heart of Newcastle’s China Town, this unique noodle house epitomises the best of regional Chinese cooking. They serve healthy, quality dishes in a comfortable atmosphere, and you’re always guaranteed a friendly welcome. All ingredients are freshly prepared and made to order to provide a nutritious and sumptuous meal. Soup noodles are a must-try but the wok noodles are always a good choice. You’ll also find exquisite sushi, ramen and rice dishes on the menu.
Frango Eduardo
Supersonic Café, 9 The Stonebow, Stonebow House, York YO1 7NP
07774 341417
Having recently moved to a new premises on Stonebow in York, Frango Eduardo are offering their range of Portuguese-influenced dishes in contemporary surroundings, along with a selection of Portuguese beers, wines and ports. Their menu gives customers a rounded experience of the many culinary delights Portugal has to offer, with traditional sides and sharing dishes accompanied by some classics with a twist. They are open to take bookings, larger events, and also offer a collection service for takeaways.
Mowgli Street Food
631 Ecclesall Road, Sheffield S11 8PT
0114 266 0069
Mowgli serves up Indian street food dishes that are packed with flavour. Think prawn curry, green ginger and rhubarb dahl and sticky sweet wings. Their tiffin boxes form a food roulette – four tiers of meat, veg and carb chosen by the chef for you to sample. Whatever you choose, pair your meal with one of their creative cocktails.
Barrasford Arms
Hexham NE48 4AA
01434 681237
The Barrasford Arms is a traditional pub serving homely meals we know you’ll love, all using home-grown ingredients from the polytunnel in their back garden and local suppliers across the region. Their menu changes seasonally, but there’s something to suit everyone from burgers and steaks to seafood and risotto – and their Sunday lunch is always delicious.
The Lamb & Lion
Horsley, Newcastle NE15 0NS
01661 852952
Chris Allison, owner and Executive Head Chef at The Lion & Lamb, has more than 25 years experience in the hospitality industry – and it shows. This, his newest venture, is an exposed stone and wood-beamed 1700s pub where you will find real ale and hearty fare. Offering an elevated take on delicious pub grub, the main menu includes a broad range of dishes created from classic fresh ingredients with a unique twist to make them his own. Not to mention a top quality Sunday lunch menu complete with carefully-selected dessert options which complement the mains perfectly and cleanse every palate. There’s also a great beer garden here and plenty of space for the children to play.
The Plough
21–23 High Street, Scalby YO13 0PT
01723 362622
This friendly village pub mixes a comforting atmosphere with excellent food, and has recently been awarded an AA-Rosette for its fantastic dishes. Dogs are welcome too, so it’s perfect for a quick craft ale pit stop after a long walk. The Plough even offer their own Yorkshire take on tapas, with dishes such as Northern fried buttermilk chicken, potted Scarborough crab, and salt beef hash cake.
The Fox & Coney
52 Market Place, South Cave HU15 2AT
01430 471050
A modern take on a country pub, The Fox & Coney has roaring log fires for winter, a fabulous outdoor patio for summer, and serves pub classics in the restaurant and pub snacks in the bar. Nibble on a freshly cooked Scotch egg with wholegrain mustard mayo, followed by pan-fried scallops, steak and ale pie or sausage and mash.
Signals
1A Station Square, Saltburn TS12 1QA
01287 623319
Found in the heart of Saltburn, this bright, modern and welcoming café and bar has been around since 1986, serving delicious food and speciality drinks. Their breakfast and brunch dishes are not to be missed – smashed avocado bagels, strawberry fool porridge and breakfast loaded flatbreads are just some of the dishes on offer – whilst their famous parmo loaded fries are also a popular choice for many. Don’t miss out on their home-baked cakes and pastries which can be ordered from their Side Hatch and taken away for a walk along the coast.
Dil and The Bear
18 Front Street, Tynemouth NE30 4DX
07709 178721
Metro Station Whitley Bay NE26 2QT
0191 447 1313
This great little café is open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, and has a great menu for the kids too. Sit outside when the weather allows (there are blankets provided for those who get chilly) and watch the world go by, or head to their recently renovated location at Whitley Bay Metro Station, perfect for grabbing a hot drink before hitting the beach.
DYLS Café Bar
Skeldergate Bridge, York YO1 9WJ
Overlooking the River Ouse and Clifford’s Tower, this contemporary café and bar inside the iconic Motor House serves delicious breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes. When the weather is fine, take a seat in the large riverside terrace and order one of the speciality cocktails to sip on – our favourite is the clementine spritz – and if you get a little peckish order a few of the light nibbles to snack on too.
Olive & Rye
18–20 Briggate, Queens Arcade, Leeds LS1 6LF
0113 318 1233
Take a seat in this cosy city-centre café and browse the all-day menu, as well as the chef specials which feature some interesting takes on classic dishes. From homemade granola with mixed berry compote to buttermilk pancakes topped with poached strawberries, white chocolate and pistachio crumbs, as well as hot smoked salmon bagels and sweet potato and chorizo hash bowls, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Caboose at Blyth Boathouse
Quay Road, Blyth NE24 3PA
01670 359851
Situated on the riverside in Blyth, Caboose is a family-run café, bistro and restaurant offering fantastic food at affordable prices. Their carefully-crafted menus are a mix of classic and contemporary locally-sourced, seasonal dishes and with a breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner offering, they’re a great dining destination at all times of the day. A children’s menu for each mealtime makes it an ideal place for all the family (even the four-legged members), as well as being equally good for drinks, with a well-stocked bar and beer garden.
Love Lily
1 Pier Point, Marine Walk, Seaburn SR6 0PP
0191 565 6329
Known for their delicious pancakes stacks, Love Lily is an all-day brunch restaurant which attracts foodies from all over the region. If you prefer a savoury breakfast, there is everything from toasted sourdough with slow-cooked pulled smokey beef to eggs Royale and brunch bruschetta on the menu.
Hustle & Co
71 Station Parade, Harrogate HG1 1ST
01423 552844
Hustle & Co is a new independently-owned café founded by two best friends. Here you’ll find an innovative menu using the best ingredients from local suppliers. The meals are perfect comfort food but served in style – think pancakes, wraps and bagels and bakes and cakes. Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free dishes are available.
Grön Kafe
454 Roundhay Road, Leeds LS8 2HU
07715 657733
3 Royal Parade, Harrogate HG1 2SZ
01423 529002
Born from a love of healthy living, feel-good food and great coffee, Grön Kafé opened its doors in 2018 offering balanced breakfasts, energy-boosting brunches, and late afternoon pick-me-ups. Now with two award-winning cafés (and a third opening soon in Leeds) Grön welcomes everyone, including your four-legged friends, for delicious and healthy meals, snacks and drinks.
