6 Hottest New Food Spots Open Summer 2026 in Newcastle and Gateshead

The North East of England is often hailed as the friendliest place in the UK, but it’s not just the hospitable locals that put it on the map as a must-visit destination. The food scene of Newcastle and Gateshead has been cooking up a storm over the last couple of years and recently shot into the limelight of the silver screen thanks to TV chef Neven Maguire’s latest TV series ‘Neven’s English Food Tour’ which featured the likes of Blackfriars, home to the UK’s oldest dining hall, former pottery-turned middle eastern eatery, Kiln and bistro-style indie haven, The Small Canteen.

The quality of Newcastle and Gateshead’s restaurant offering is nothing new, with an array of well-established Michelin guide restaurants such as House of Tides, Dobson and Parnell and Cook House now staples of the culinary scene.

At the heart of the city, Grainger Market has formed a melting pot of street-food style excitement which offers diners the choice of locally made dishes from around the world. The recently renovated Victorian covered market is nothing short of a foodie haven, with a huge selection of independent restauranteurs such as Acropolis, Redheads Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Cubanos and many more.

So, what’s next for this booming scene?

As we look ahead to the summer season, a whole host of brand-new openings are on the menu, from rooftop hangouts bringing bold flavour to sought-after spice bags that are the latest tasty trend, Newcastle and Gateshead is the place to be for foodies.

Here’s our run through of the newest food spots in NewcastleGateshead this summer.

Atop of Fenwick, one of the most iconic department stores in the UK, Roof Thirty Nine is the jewel of the Fenwick crown, bringing with it a brand-new alfresco dining experience. Launched on 1st May 2026, the rooftop diner is a partnership between Fentimans and Fenwick with added flair from in-house eatery Fuego and offers a sun-drenched dining destination with panoramic views and mediterranean flavour. Diners can expect delicious small and large plate menus, paired perfectly with craft cocktails bursting with signature Fentimans flavours. Open until late September, this is the perfect hangout spot for summer celebrations in the city.

Sun-worshippers and food lovers unite, as the hottest spot on the Tyne is back with a scorching new offering. Nestled under the legendary Tyne Bridge on the Gateshead side of the river, no visit to the North East is complete without a pint and a bite to eat at Summer on the Southside. This year food is brought to you street-style by BagHead, the latest viral trend of self proclaimed ‘spice bags with extra craic’. Think spicy chips, chicken, roasted veg and whole lot of flavour. Grab a bag, get a pint, and sit out on the terrace with unmatched views of the River Tyne.

Opened on one Newcastle’s most famous locations, Grey Street, Flat Iron is one of the latest newcomers to the North East foodie scene. Its menu is led by a signature ‘Flat Iron’ steak and is accompanied by ever-changing specials including Wagyu, green chilli cheeseburgers and bone marrow garlic mash. The new venue is beautifully designed with an industrial feel and serves up high quality food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Translating to ‘cooked over embers’, KÖZLE is a new Turkish grill bringing the traditional art of charcoal grilling to Newcastle. The restaurant promises deep, smoky flavours and combines authentic Turkish cooking techniques with unique fusion dishes, creating a dining experience to remember.

These bao bun legends have already made a mighty name for themselves across the North East with fun twists on traditional bao’s including an all day breakfast bao, New York style chicken buns and plenty of vegan alternatives for plant-based fans. Well-known for big flavours and bold ideas, Pablo Eggs Go Bao's latest opening will bring the bao bun fun straight to the heart of Newcastle city centre this summer.

The biggest hospitality opening of the year in Newcastle, Freight Island will offer 60,000 sq ft of beautifully designed space to eat, drink and dance your way through summer. Food is at the heart of Freight Island, and the venue brings the latest openings for local food legends such as Scream for Pizza, Miso, Meat:Stack and FAB Bakery. This promises to be a destination like no other, with a rooftop setting, local DJ’s and the tastiest food in town.