7 fantastic Italian restaurants in Newcastle ranked by Google Reviews as Sandro Tonali sparks debate

Tyneside has a buzzing foodie scene and getting stuck in at a local restaurant is always something that Newcastle United signings love to do.

When Bruno Guimaraes arrived at St James' Park last year Rio's Steakhouse, famous for its Brazilian meat experience, sent out a welcome message and it didn't take long for the midfielder to be spotted at the venue tucking him to some home comforts.

Meanwhile, Swedish striker Alexander Isak was soon spotted enjoying a luxury meal at Miller & Carter Steakhouse in Newcastle shortly after completing his move to Newcastle United and that's a chain sought out by Eddie Howe too.

The latest maruqee arrival at the club is of course Italian stallion Sandro Tonali, who completed a bumper £55 million move earlier this month from AC Milan.

Shortly after touching down on Tyneside, the midfielder was seen dining out at Italian restaurant Fratelli in Ponteland, where many Magpies stars are known to live.

The image of Tonali in the venue with staff prompted debate among Newcastle United fans about what truly is the best Italian in the area to get a pizza and pasta fill.

NewcastleWorld looks at Google Reviews to rank the best Italians in Newcastle in honour of the hungry debate started by Tonali.

Zizzi

42 Grey St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6AE

Google Reviews rate Zizzi 4.2 stars with 1,300 people giving their opinion. One recent diner said: "I booked a table here for my graduation meal and I am so glad I did. They accommodated a party of 10! The restaurant took my present and cake too and brought them out for me which was lovely. Our server Erin was absolutely amazing, very attentive and helpful - thank you Erin! The food was amazing. I recommend the prawn starter and the meat Sofia pizza. The pizza was soo delicious and fresh! Thank you Zizzi for making my graduation really special."

Prima Restaurant

40-46 Side, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3JA

Google Reviews rate Prima 4.3 stars with 1,300 people giving their opinion. One recent diner said: "The food has always been amazing quality but the prices have gone up over the years and it has turned from a good deal to quite expensive. It can get a bit rowdy with large drunk parties dining who are shouting over each other. I wish there were more vegan options too, and that allergens were better/consistently marked on the menu."

Marco Polo

33 Dean St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1PQ

Google Reviews rate Marco Polo 4.4 stars with 771 people giving their opinion. One recent diner said: "Attended as a large group for a work social. Really nice restaurant and decor. They were really geared up and well-staffed for our group. Attentive and served food and drinks quickly. The calamari starter was lovely and the pasta dish really different to anything I've had before and was delicious. Would come back to Newcastle just for that dish. Very well done."

Sambuccaa Quayside

Watergate Buildings, 57-60 Sandhill, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3RG

Google Reviews rate Sambucca Quayside 4.4 stars with 1,200 people giving their opinion. One recent diner said: "Food was delicious, me and my friends had half pizza and half pasta which is a great idea if you cannot decide between the two. It was a Monday evening so understandably not very busy and felt slightly rushed out towards the end. But funny and attentive staff."

Portofino Restaurant

12A Mosley St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1DE

Google Reviews rate Portofino 4.5 stars with 1,300 people giving their opinion. One recent diner said: "A superbly designed restaurant offering a superb Italian atmosphere to enjoy food and wine. Impeccable service by staff. Nice menu covering all Italian basics with some intriguing dishes of the day showcased on chalkboards. Good list of Italian wines. Portions normal. Prices good value. Risotto good. Stake and chicken Diane good meats average sauce. Spaghetti Bolognese ok. Meatballs (starters) superb. Deserts ok. In general, food lacking a bit on taste but definitely worth a visit for the vibe and excellent service."

Babucho

Tyne House, Lower Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3JD

Google Reviews rate Babucho 4.5 stars with 1,700 people giving their opinion. One recent diner said: "Great service here, they really go the extra mile and considering service has really taken a dive in restaurant trade in recent years these people pride themselves obviously in training staff well. Food great, def go back."

Uno's Trattoria

18 Sandhill, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3AF

Google Reviews rate Uno's Trattoria 4.6 stars with 1,300 people giving their opinion. One recent diner said: "The food was great, had enough portion, great in taste! The drinks were nice. The staff were very friendly. Laura was very welcoming and kind.. she even took a moment off her work to click pictures for us and talked to us about the city and the places we could explore within Newcastle. Overall, a very nice experience and would recommend dining here, if you come to Newcastle."