11 of the best Italian restaurants in Newcastle

Unos Trattoria – Hidden underground on the Quayside Unos is a small, family-run, classic Italian restaurant, with a cracking Happy Hour deal (£7.25 any pizza or pasta before 7pm!).

It’s cosy interior and relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect place for those laid-back nights.

Pani’s - An Italian with a Sardinian twist, Pani’s first opened in 1995 and was the first Italian street café in Newcastle.

Since then, they have continued to offer a dining experience as authentic as you can get without going to Sardinia.

This family run café on High Bridge is friendly and informal, and the owners promise to take you away from your hectic everyday life with their home cooked dishes.

Marco Polo - In the heart of Newcastle city centre, Marco Polo on Dean Street just a stone’s throw from the Quayside offers Italian food using traditional ingredients with an imaginative twist.

Somewhat of an institution, Marco Polo has stood the test of time and been a favourite in the city for decades. The venue has recently been renovated with modern stylish touches added to the grand historic building. And if that’s not enough Marco Polo is now offering 2-4-1 cocktails all day. Saluti.

Mascalzone - At the end of an unassuming street of houses this family-run restaurant with a warm and cosy atmosphere serves up amazing food which never fails to impress.

High quality ingredients, with many imported from Sardinia are used to make authentic Italian food with a modern twist.

Mascalzone brings a true taste of Italy to Sandyford with reviewers praising the restaurants high quality dishes and reasonable prices.

Sabas – Beloved Quayside restaurant Sabatini and bar Signor have now merged to create Sabas, Newcastle’s very own Cicchetti restaurant - that’s Italian tapas to you and me.

The family behind Sabas ran Sabatini for over 25 years and know a thing or two about making crowd-pleasing Italian food.

This Italian restaurant is located right on the River Tyne at the Quayside, so not only do you have some of the best food in the city you also have some of the best views.

Pizzeria Francesca - Located in Jesmond Pizzeria Francesca is a rustic and charming family run restaurant that had truly stood the test of time.

Generations of hungry locals have queued out the door for huge portions of pizza and pasta served in a traditional Italian restaurant setting, with many customers opting for a classic half pizza, half pizza dish.

Adriano’s and Fortuna – Adriano’s has been a staple on Gosforth High Street for years, with a great reputation for Italian dishes with clever twists and excellent pizza cooked in a wood-fired pizza oven in the middle of the restaurant’s dining room.

More recently the front of the restaurant and terrace have been renovated and turned into the swanky Fortuna lounge and kitchen serving tapas and small plates including food cooked on the terrace grill.

Alongside the delicious Italian food Fortuna also offers two-for-£10 cocktails to be enjoyed on the heated, weatherproof outdoor seating area that will make you forget you’re still in Newcastle.

Antico - What would you do if I told you, you could experience a real Italian dining experience without having to travel all the way to Italy? Well, it’s true!

Antico restaurant pride themselves on offering an authentic Italian dining experience, and the motto “good food, good wine, good times” is at the heart of everything they do.

Based on the bustling Osbourne Road in Jesmond there is also plenty of choice for a pre- or post-meal drink closeby.

Babucho- Babucho describes itself as a New York inspired bustling cafe and brasserie during the day before turning into a hip restaurant and lounge bar by night.

Large booth seating makes Babucho an excellent choice for groups and aside from Italian classics, the restaurant is a very popular choice for Sunday lunch.

Located on lower Dean Street next to the Quayside, this is the perfect place to enjoy an Italian meal with a perfectly crafted cocktail.

Fratellos- Situated in the Holiday Inn, Jesmond, Fratellos is a stylish and contemporary Italian restaurant that is dedicated to bringing a piece of the laid-back Italian lifestyle to the Northeast.

Using local ingredients, they provide a menu full of classic flavours you know and love whilst also offering you the freedom to choose your favourite pasta shapes and pizza toppings.

Fratellos also offers a weekend bottomless brunch, with two courses and two hours of unlimited prosecco for £30.

BiancoNero

BiancoNero is a popular traditional neighbourhood Italian restaurant in Heaton, popular with family groups of all ages.

Diners highly praise the restaurant’s quick service, ‘top-notch’ food and reasonable prices.

If you’re planning a visit keep an eye out for their popular live music evenings .