Best Italian Restaurants in NewcastleGateshead

Over the last few years, NewcastleGateshead's restaurant scene has continued to grow, allowing the North East to become one of the UK's best places to eat out and enjoy a drink with friends.

With so many great restaurants to choose from, it’s almost impossible to narrow down which type of cuisine to opt for, though for many, Italian always wins! Whether you're craving pizza or have a passion for pasta, Newcastle and Gateshead have a fantastic choice of authentic Italian restaurants, from family-run and independent local eateries to well-known chain restaurants.  

Take your pick of casual, lunchtime Italian tapas or a big dish of fresh pasta to set you up for a night in Newcastle. Here is our guide to the best Italian restaurants to try in NewcastleGateshead.

Celebrity chef and TV favourite, Gino D'Acampo opened a stylish restaurant in 2021 at four-star hotel INNSiDE by Melia Hotel on Newcastle Quayside. Gino D'Acampo Restaurant serves up a menu of Italian dishes taken from Gino's award-winning books and TV shows. Whether you fancy a quick coffee on the outdoor terrace overlooking the River Tyne or more intimate meal indoors in the contemporary riverside restaurant - Gino D'Acampo, Quayside is a must-visit for any fans of Italian dining.

Opened in 1995 by two Sardinian brothers, Pani's Cafe has left its stamp on the NewcastleGateshead culinary scene to become one of the city's favourite Italian restaurants. Located in the heart of Newcastle city centre, Pani's is a handy choice for shoppers and theatre-goers alike and arguably what makes the restaurant so special is its slightly different approach to Italian cuisine. Pani's takes its influences from Sardinia which is reflected in the new and interesting Mediterranean-inspired dishes on the menu.

Choose from tapas style platters, unique pasta medley’s and robust salads full of flavour which use classic Italian ingredients for a taste of Italy with a twist! Throw in some good service, beautiful décor, a truly relaxed continental atmosphere and you're onto a winner.

Portofino's Restaurant and Pizzeria in Newcastle certainly has one of the grandest settings for an Italian meal out in the city. The independent Italian restaurant is located at the bottom of Grey Street and a short, 6-minute walk from Newcastle Central Station - so in the thick of all the action. Pick your favourites from a packed menu which consists of traditional Italian dishes including antipasto, lasagne, gnocchi dishes, pizza and pasta options. 

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Sabas (formerly Sabatini) is an Italian tapas bar which can be found on Newcastle Quayside and a firm favourite for well over 25 years. Overlooking the iconic Quayside, on the Newcastle side of the Tyne; Sabas lives up to its reputation for bringing delicious and authentic Italian cuisine to the North East, with a Sardinian flair! This family-run restaurant offers a cosy yet modern setting that reflects its elegant and refined cuisine, including bistro style dining, wallet-friendly lunch menus and an extensive wine list!

Sabas, who have recently refreshed their restaurant and menu, invite you to experience their Italian tapas or tuck into a range of Italian street food. The Quayside restaurant also continues to serve a delicious selection of Italian classics with a twist - from stonebaked pizzas to freshly made pastas.

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Zucchini Pasta Bar is another great independent restaurant in Newcastle, which also has a restaurant within Gateshead's Metrocentre. They pride themselves on their hand rolled sheets of pasta which are made fresh each day and ensure you eat only the best! The trendy and informal venue has an excellent menu which is fresh, authentic and filling. Zucchini is the perfect choice for chilled lunchtime catch ups or early evening meals. 

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Located at The Side on Newcastle's Quayside, Prima Ristorante has a fantastic reputation for amazing, freshly made pizzas and Italian dishes. This spacious three-floor restaurant features original stone walls and most notably, a lofty and beautiful stone arch, which provides an authentic atmosphere which will instantly transport you to the shores of Sicily or the quaint eateries of Naples.

Perfect for larger parties or celebratory meals thanks to its three function rooms that can seat anywhere between 20 to 120 people, Prima is a great choice for a special occasion; Italian style!

Sorella Sorella in Sunniside, Gateshead is an award-winning, family-owned Italian restaurant with a contemporary Italian-inspired interior. The menu celebrates the authentic flavours of great Italian cooking with a choice of pastas, pizzas and risottos as well as a dessert menu which will get your mouth-watering. Whether or not you have space for a Tiramisu or would like to accompany your Spaghetti Polpette with an Espresso Martini - we're sure the whole family will find something to enjoy when they visit Sorella Sorella.

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Babucho on Newcastle Quayside describes itself as an New York style Italian brasserie. There is an infectious night time buzz at Babucho's too which makes it a brilliant restaurant for celebrations, catch ups and getting you set up for a night out in Newcastle. 

Formerly known as Adriano's, the recently refreshed and renamed - Fortuna - can be found in the leafy Newcastle suburb of Gosforth. If you’re keen for a quieter dining experience outside of the city, Fortuna is the place for you. Housed behind Gosforth High Street, this Sardinian influenced Italian restaurant is the perfect place to grab lunch or an evening meal and serves up classic Italian dishes and tapas using all fresh and authentic ingredients. An attractive feature at Fortuna is their outdoor courtyard which is perfect suntrap in summer for dining alfresco.

Finish your evening with a refreshing glass of Aperol or Italian wine, and try out the creamy gelato pudding for a true taste of Italy!