We asked ChatGPT to give us the best restaurants in the city – and why
19:28, 29 Nov 2025Updated 19:33, 29 Nov 2025
Solstice restaurant was opened in Newcastle by Kenny Atkinson and his wife Abbie(Image: Barbara Hodgson)
Being based around Newcastle means I’m never far away from a high-quality meal. There are many places I know to offer this in the city, but even more that I’m yet to discover, which is when ChatGPT comes into the equation.
I asked it for the best restaurants in the city – I was hoping that a chunk of its 700 million users had been to the North East before, and would guide the AI in the right direction.
The exact prompt that I put into the service was the following: “Can you give me a detailed list of the 10 best restaurants in Newcastle, explaining why each one makes the list?” With that, I waited for just over 30 seconds for my response, and began reading to see how successful it had been.
The AI gave an extensive response, describing Newcastle’s dining scene as having ‘exploded’ in the last few years. It claims to have chosen the restaurants for “a mix of culinary ambition, consistent high reviews, standout concepts, and local/seasonal sourcing”.
If you’re intrigued to know if your favourite eatery has made the list, continue below to find out for yourself.
House of Tides – Newcastle Quayside
House of Tides restaurant on the Newcastle Quayside.(Image: LDRS)
What the AI says: Kenny Atkinson’s flagship is Newcastle’s most internationally-recognised restaurant, Michelin-starred and widely praised for precise, modern-British tasting menus that celebrate local seafood and produce. The building (a beautifully restored riverside merchant’s house) adds a memorable setting.
My thoughts: The AI has started strong here, with the renowned restaurant, Michelin star and all, more than worthy of a place on this list. It is definitely focusing heavily on awards and achievements, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing at all, especially because there’s always a good reason for receiving these.
Solstice – Newcastle Quayside
What the AI says: Solstice is Atkinson’s high-concept tasting-menu venue, theatrical, highly curated multi-course service that’s earned Michelin Guide attention and rave critical reviews for creativity and technical skill. It’s for special-occasion, adventurous diners.
My thoughts: One of the most up-market places on this list, the high-concept tasting menu at Solstice is as theatrical of a dining experience as you can get. I like how the AI has looked more at reviews here, and used people’s experiences at the restaurant to guide its decision making.
Dobson & Parnell – Newcastle Quayside
Dobson & Parnell on Queen Street, Newcastle (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
What the AI says: Consistently excellent modern British / European plates with refined techniques, great service and strong local reputation, often singled out in local lists and traveller reviews for dependable fine-dining without being stuffy. Great for city-centre dining.
My thoughts: Another good choice, and it feels as if the AI has described this eatery as something of an all-rounded, complimenting it on techniques, service, and its reputation. The idea of it often being singled out in local lists is a curious one, with some self-awareness there from ChatGPT.
Peace & Loaf – Jesmond
What the AI says: A local favourite for inventive, playful modern-British dishes and very good value (notably the set-lunch/tasting options). Chef Dave Coulson’s kitchen blends classical technique with whimsical touches, consistently top-rated by diners and critics.
My thoughts: Now, this decision is the first big issue, with everything it writes about this place correct, if it wasn’t for the fact that it closed its doors permanently at the end of September. I’m not sure what went on here, but there is clearly a problem with the AI being able to distinguish this restaurant as closed.
21 Restaurant – Newcastle Quayside
21 in Newcastle(Image: 21/OpenTable)
What the AI says: A long-standing Quayside favourite, polished bistro-style cooking, excellent service and a reliably celebratory feel. Good for date nights or special dinners with a slightly formal but friendly atmosphere.
My thoughts: This is another high-calibre choice, with good reasoning behind it, citing the polished cooking, great service and celebratory feel, which is a nice touch. I’m also a fan of it recommending when you could go, for example date nights or special dinners, and making a point of saying that it is formal in nature.
The Small Canteen – Sandyford
What the AI says: Praised by national critics for generous, flavour-forward cooking and big-hearted hospitality — a great example of Newcastle’s vibrant independent food scene that delivers high flavour and strong personality. (Often recommended for relaxed but memorable meals.)
My thoughts: This is my favourite inclusion on the list so far, as it is a departure from the high-end restaurants previously featured on the list. A smaller but equally impressive independent restaurant like this getting some attention from the AI is really great to see.
Khai Khai – Newcastle Quayside
Khai Khai on Queen Street specialise in Indian cuisine(Image: Khai Khai)
What the AI says: Why it’s here: Popular, high-energy venue serving bold Southeast-Asian flavours (and open long hours), critics and locals praise its consistency and crowd-pleasing dishes; a great casual/party dining option when you want something less formal but delicious.
My thoughts: This if the first time that the AI mentions the specific food on offer in such a way, with its focus on the Southeast-Asian flavour painting a better picture of what Khai Khai is like. It also offers it a less formal alternative to 21, which I am a fan of.
The Broad Chare – Newcastle Quayside
What the AI says: Listed in the Michelin Guide for the area, The Broad Chare is well-regarded for classic British cooking, strong service and status as a Newcastle institution, ideal for those seeking traditional, well-executed regional dishes.
My thoughts: This is another good choice, as it is more of a pub than a restaurant, showing some variation in the choices made by the AI. There has been a massive focus on the Quayside area, so it would have been good to get a wider spread of locations within the city.
Six – Gateshead Quayside
A look-around the newly refurbished SIX restaurant and bar in the Baltic, Gateshead(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
What the AI says: Appears among Newcastle restaurants recognised by Michelin Guide listings, represents the city’s broader fine-dining offerings beyond the headline stars, with strong seasonal tasting menus and focused execution. (Useful to check Michelin’s Newcastle list for the most current roster of recommended places.)
My thoughts: Not quite as glaring of an error as Peace & Loaf was, but Six is situated at the top of the Baltic building, on the Gateshead side of the River Tyne. It is a slight mistake when it comes to the location of the restaurant, but given its proximity to Newcastle, it is somewhat understandable.
Cook House – Ouseburn
What the AI says: Recognised in the Michelin Guide as a Bib Gourmand / recommended spot, a place that offers exceptional food at very good value. Great if you want high quality without the fine-dining price tag.
My thoughts: A worthy choice to round off the list, I am a fan of this being away from the city centre, with more diverse areas being showcased. I like the mention of the value of the food as well, something which I am not sure has been as considered early in the list.
Overall, I do think that the ChatGPT AI had some good recommendations when it comes to restaurants go to in Newcastle, with a strong focus on the Quayside area, with Sandyford and Ouseburn also getting some love. It seemed to use good metrics to work this out too, with quality, service and experience predominantly considered.
However, the glaring issue of Peace & Loaf in Jesmond no longer being open, and the more minor issue of Six being in Gateshead show that this is not perfect. If I was looking for somewhere to eat, I still feel as if I’ll get the most accurate opinions from people local to the city, and won’t be taking all my food advice from AI anytime soon.
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