Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson's remarkable quayside venture is set within a handsome 16th-century merchant's townhouse with exposed beams, roaring fireplace and immaculately crisp decor and table settings. Seasonal produce is crafted into exquisite-looking, imaginative dishes. Expect top-quality food and drink in an informal and unstuffy setting.

In a quiet, woodland setting, this award-winning restaurant offers classic continental dining combined with the very best seasonal and local produce. The restaurant is split into two so diners can eat in either the dramatically decorated former music room or the Garden Room with its outdoor terrace in the summer.

Backed by the celebrity chef, this restaurant situated within a 4-star boutique hotel offers grilled and roast meats, fish and pies all within glam surroundings. It also has an extensive cocktail menu, plus wines, champagnes, ales and ciders. The restaurant is a short hop from the city's Central Station. A great bet if you want to dine somewhere special.

Tucked away in a peaceful square, this elegant restaurant serves excellent locally sourced British food including aged beef, old breeds of pork and lamb, award-winning cheeses and ice creams, walnuts from the trees in the courtyard and organic vegetables from their own allotment. Its dining history dates back to 1239 when it served as the monks' refectory.

Generally regarded as one of the very best restaurants in the north east, Café 21 is situated near the Tyne Bridge and it serves modern British and classic bistro style dishes in bright and stylish surroundings. The food is fresh and flavoursome, prepared and presented with flair and assurance. The service is attentive and friendly.

An excellent Indian restaurant beloved of Toon celebs and locals alike, LuigiKhan's delivers punchy Punjabi cuisine, warm hospitality and relaxing, rustic yet stylish surroundings. Expect mismatched chairs, leather sofas, spicy classics and enormous naans. The KunnaGosht, a warming rich lamb curry, and the haleem stew are as good as anything you'll find in Lahore.

Set in a gracious Victorian building on Newcastle's most handsome street, Barluga is one of the city's most striking bars with an award-winning interior and some excellent-value modern European food. This gastro-pub also has some fantastic wines to go with the burgers, thick rib-eyes and steak and ale pies.

Those looking to stretch their budget should turn their attention to Royal Emperor, one of Newcastle's best Chinese restaurants. Resist the mountains of food on the buffet and plump instead for the Cantonese specialities, like the king prawns. It also gets monstrously busy, so arrive early or book if you can.

Uno's Trattoria is a legendary quayside restaurant with a vibrant feel and great food. Its darkened dining room, with Botero portraits and chequered plastic tablecloths, brings a little touch of the Italian Rivier to Newcastle. Everything is very reasonably priced and the happy hour pizza and pastas are astonishing value for money.