Voted the Arts Capital of the UK in 2006, Newcastle upon Tyne is building steadily on a reputation as a cosmopolitan destination for arts, theater, nightlife and food. Located on the north bank of the River Tyne, Newcastle historically relied on wool, coal, and shipbuilding for its economic health. Today, it is enjoying its rebirth as a cultural hotspot with amazing architecture such as the Gateshead Millennium Bridge helping to draw tourists who then stay to enjoy the many cuisines and flavors available at area restaurants.
There is a Newcastle restaurant for everyone — from traditional, friendly pub dining for families on a budget to world-class fine dining restaurants being opened by top chefs and everything in between. There are dining experiences catering to families, students, business dinners, romantic trysts, or just a bunch of friends getting together for a night on the town. Coffee shops, tapas bars, theme restaurants, pizza joints, and pubs offer a wide range of environments from which to choose along with a plethora of ethnic and regional cuisines.
What used to be a working-class industrial port is now a truly cosmopolitan city. Food lovers in Newcastle can sample traditional flavers from around the world. China Town has one street devoted entirely to restaurants that offer traditional renderings of the eight regional cuisines, including the most popular, Sichuan and Cantonese. Indian food is also readily available in Newcastle (as it is nearly everywhere in Britain), with dishes representing the traditional regional cuisines of the country and the annual Newcastle Mela festival which celebrates the food (and drama and music) of the Punjab, Bengali, Pakistani, and Hindu cultures.
In addition to Chinese and Indian food, Newcastle hosts a wide range of other traditional and contemporary cuisines. British, American, French and Italian food are readily available. The more adventurous palate can explore Greek, Moroccan, Thai, Japanese, or Vietnamese eateries With the influx of top chefs opening restaurants in the area, fusion and other contemporary dining experiences are finding an audience.