Black Door
This charming restaurant, which offers a twist on classic French cuisine, has picked up a number of awards for its outstanding food. And rightly so. Diners can expect flavoursome, lovingly presented food, friendly service and elegant and intimate surroundings.

32 Clayton Street West
Tel: (0191) 261 6295.
Price: $$$$

Blackfriars Restaurant
Tucked away in a peaceful square that was formerly used by the Black Friars, this elegant café serves a great menu at reasonable prices. Blackfriars is the oldest purpose-built restaurant in the UK, with its origins dating back to 1239. On offer is excellent British food made of fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Friars Street
Tel: (0191) 261 5945.
Website: www.blackfriarscafebar.co.uk
Price: $-$$

Café 21
Generally regarded as one of the very best restaurants in the North East, Café 21, situated near the Tyne Bridge, serves classic bistro style dishes in bright and stylish surroundings. The food is fresh and flavoursome, prepared and presented with flair and assurance. The excellent service is attentive and friendly. Well worth visiting.

19-21 Queen Street
Tel: (0191) 222 0755.
Website: www.cafetwentyone.co.uk
Price: $$$

Jesmond Dene House Restaurant
This restaurant offers fine dining in two separate areas that both exude classic elegance. The cuisine is classic Continental combined with some more local elements. Only the best seasonal and local produce is used, and the emphasis is on bringing out the very best in the ingredients. Classic.

Jesmond Dene Road
Tel: (0191) 212 3000.
Website: www.jesmonddenehouse.co.uk
Price: $$$$

Secco Ristorante Salentino
Focusing on a menu from the Salentino region in southern Italy, this fine restaurant oozes charm and contemporary sophistication. Top quality ingredients, great staff and a wonderful setting make this one of the best restaurants in town.

86 Pilgrim Street
Tel: (0191) 230 0444.
Website: www.seccouk.com
Price: $$$

Tai Pan
An excellent Chinese restaurant featuring a separate Japanese sushi bar, Tai Pan is a popular place both among locals and tourists. It is very spacious, and the Chinese décor is striking. The dim sum are wonderful in flavour and variety, and the sushi conveyor belt constantly brings bright, colourful and delicious dishes to the appreciative guests.

Unit 1, Thornton House, Thornton Street
Tel: (0191) 261 8883.
Website: www.taipanuk.com
Price: $$

Uno's Restaurant
A near legendary quayside restaurant with a vibrant feel and great food. Everythingis very reasonably priced and the happy hour pizza and pastas are astonishing valuefor money. Uno's is also known as a popular haunt for visiting celebrities.

18 Sandhill
Tel: (0191) 261 5264.
Price: $-$$