Dinner and a Show: Restaurants near Theatres in Newcastle Gateshead

The stage is set for an enthralling night at one of NewcastleGateshead's theatres - you are back in the midst of culture and performance in Newcastle from comedy to drama, musicals and dance to a fascinating 'in conversation' with your favourite expert, author or celebrity. Stretch out the evening's fun in the city by making the most of excellent places to eat in Newcastle within easy reach of the theatre. Not all the restaurants featured in this guide will have a specific pre-theatre menu or deal but they all serve food from early evening to allow you time to dine out and still make your show. We've also got some suggestions for after you watch your performance of choice... why not grab a cocktail and nibbles to help you digest the show in the all-important, post-performance debrief? 

We have chosen five of the region's top theatres and paired each one with a selection of nearby restaurants to ensure your night at the theatre is a real showstopper.  

Known for its eclectic programme of performances - Tyne Theatre and Opera House in Newcastle city centre is a brilliant night out for comedy, entertainment and has a nostalgic feel for the more traditional variety act-style show. Get yourself ready for the night by starting your evening with a visit to nearby China Town - the home of bountiful all-you-can-eat restaurants and popular Nudo Noodle House. The range of small eats and sharing platters at Nudo Noodle House would make a great addition to a group night at the theatre. 

A short distance from Tyne Theatre is award-winning, fine dining restaurant Blackfriars which has a choice of set menu and an a la carte; both are available from 5.30pm for any early diners who are keen for a sophisticated meal but are also itching to get to their show.

Sunderland Empire is a firm favourite for West End productions on tour and with a stellar progamme packed with shows like Dreamgirls, Chicago and Mamma Mia! there is a wealth of options for theatre-lovers this year alone. Make the most of your trip to the theatre with a meal out in Sunderland before the curtain call.

Mexico 70 is an intimate bar and restaurant directly opposite Sunderland Empire. Open from 5pm for authentic tacos and some pretty swanky cocktails, you'll be right in the mood for an evening of live theatre. It's highly recommended that you pre-book a table but if you are struggling to get in before your show - why not make a night of it and head over for some post-show tunes and margaritas while you relive the moments from the theatre.

Sunderland Empire's neighbour, The Engine Room at the Fire Station, has a rustic pub vibe sharpened up for a modern audience by its edgy, bare-brick and industrial interior decor. You can expect firm favourites from any pub grub menu such as fish & chips (with mushy peas of course), Engine Room Burgers or north east traditional dish - Wearside Panacalty (Google it!)... and if you're in a hurry, stock up on a selection of small plates to stave off hunger until the interval.

Serving food until 7pm on Tuesdays - Sundays, The Rabbit in Sunderland is another popular choice for theatre-goers. Gaining momentum on TripAdvisor, The Rabbit promises to provide plenty of atmosphere to get you hyped for your evening of live entertainment at Sunderland Empire.  

Producers of their own shows, Northern Stage located on Newcastle University campus is an advocate for innovative and original theatre. Their year in theatre is diverse, creative and provocative - so make sure you check out their programming next time you visit Newcastle. There is a Cafe-Bar on site at the theatre which is open on performance days until the interval and serves a range of refreshments from local suppliers including beers from neighbouring Wylam Brewery, coffee from Ouseburn Coffee Company and cakes from Pink Lane Bakery.

Northern Stage is well situated at the north end of Newcastle where the boundaries begin to blur with Jesmond and Sandyford, so if you're looking for something more substantial before your show, head to The Valley Junction for an Indian meal inside a quirky train carriage. You might not immediately think of it but Northern Stage is less than a 15-minute walk from theatrically named As You Like It where you can either share a charcuterie board or hunker down with a hearty venison hot pot (open Thursdays & Fridays from 5pm, Saturdays & Sundays from 12noon). Alternatively, head down Newcastle's Northumberland Street to City Tavern for a relaxed dinner of wholesome pub grub in a friendly setting - the independent pub serves its daily menu until 7pm.

If you are looking for restaurants near city centre venue, Newcastle Theatre Royal then you're in luck. Situated at the top of Grey Street and not far from Grey's Monument, Theatre Royal is surrounded by a brilliant array of restaurants. 

Look no further than The Muddler where keen beans can squeeze the last moments out of their lunch deal (which runs until 5pm every weekday). Whatever time you arrive, The Muddler's flavour-filled menu of Pan-Asian tapas, sushi and dim sum lends itself to a quick and easy pre-show meal.

Continuing our journey around the world and all before you've settled into your fold-down chair - try Spanish restaurant Café Andaluz which is within sight of Newcastle Theatre Royal. Cafe Andaluz has a dedicated pre-theatre menu bursting with authentic Spanish dishes available every weekday until 6.30pm (6pm on Fridays). I

f a properly dirty burger is more your vibe - pop down to Fat Hippo Underground before your performance or keep it classy along High Bridge Street at Pleased to Meet You where you can get a 2-course pre-theatre meal for £16.  

Tucked along Newcastle Quayside is Live Theatre - fans of independent theatre, more edgy programming and closer proximity to the stage will love this cultural venue... and where better for a night out than dinner and a show on the Quayside? Take your pick of one of the many excellent restaurants on NewcastleGateshead Quayside including The Broad Chare which keeps on gaining more accolades and awards with every year! Evening dining at The Broad Chare starts from 5.30pm which will suit theatre-goers well.

If you're in the market for sociability and variety before you settle down to be entertained, then head to Indian street food restaurant Khai Khai and choose from sharing platters, small plates and excellent Indian cuisine. A short walk further along the Quayside from Khai Khai is Dobson and Parnell, a modern bistro with a set menu that changes with the seasons and is available from 5.30pm to allow you plenty of time to attend the theatre afterwards. Fans of Italian classic cuisine will enjoy starting their night at Gusto where elegance over two floors will add to the cultural experience. 

People's Theatre is a small but perfectly formed, volunteer-run theatre in the bustling suburb of Heaton. If you're looking for creative productions by exceptionally talented amateurs then head along to sample their impressive programme. Heaton's Chillingham Road and Heaton Road are fast becoming home to a world of cuisines, some of the best in independent dining and certainly some of the most intimate settings. Pull up a chair in Boquerones Tapas and Cocktail on Heaton Road or discover the best in Italian food at L'Ulivio on Chillingham Road. Currently, the hottest ticket in Heaton goes to Nest Dining which recently opened and has barely had time to breath since! Settle down for rustic tasting menu carefully paired with a wine flight and served in the home-from-home-style, neighbourhood restaurant.