After an expensive festive period dominated by Christmas parties, endless gift-giving, meals out, and expense after expense, it’s no wonder that - come January - everyone is just looking to save a bit of cash.
Following the splurge of Christmas and with new year’s resolutions to eat cleaner, drink less, and save more surely now in full swing, January can often be a month of relative parsimony.
But that doesn’t mean that it has to be a boring month as well.
With the weather offering up a concoction of everything cold, dreary and inconvenient, we surely have to look elsewhere for our optimism and enjoyment this time of year, which is where restaurants and takeaways come in.
We decided to put together a list of some of the top recommended cheap restaurants and eateries in the county based on TripAdvisor reviews - it’s a selection of excellent local spots which are sure to leave you with a warm feeling this January without breaking the bank.
In addition to all these sites, Newcastle Restaurant Week returns in January with over 100 restaurants signed up to the city-wide event.

1. Monsieur Crepe Cafe
Monsieur Crepe Cafe on Newton Place near Jesmond has a five star rating from 309 reviews. | Google

2. Thyme Square Café
Gosforth's Thyme Square Café, which sits on Station Road, has a five star rating from 392 reviews. | Google

3. SnackWallah
SnackWallah in Grainger Market has a five star rating from 229 reviews. | Google Maps

4. Aidan's Kitchen
Aidan's Kitchen on Starbeck Road, Jesmond has a five star rating from 351 reviews. Photo: Google