Newcastle upon Tyne owes its name to the castle built by the oldest son of William the Conqueror in 1080. At times a center of coal mining, wool trade, and shipbuilding, this city on the north bank of the River Tyne has evolved into a cultural and administrative center. Today, it is developing a reputation for a thriving nightlife, and was voted the Arts Capital of the UK in 2006.
A revival of theater and architecture is fueling a new wave of tourism to the area. These visitors will find an incredible range of restaurant options available to suit their individual appetites. Finding the right Newcastle Restaurant isn’t as easy as it used to be. While traditional pub food can be found in the city, modern diners can also feast on cuisines as diverse as Thai, French, Indian, Italian, and other specialties. There is even an entire street devoted to Chinese regional cuisines on Stowell Street in China Town. Other flavors available in Newcastle include Greek, Polish, Japanese, American, Moroccan, Greek, and Vietnamese. Vegetarian and organic cuisines are also growing in popularity. And, of course, as a coastal city, there is an abundance of fresh seafood to sample.
Choosing a cuisine is just part of the equation. Visitors can also take into consideration the location of the restaurant. Besides China Town, there are restaurant districts in the City Centre and Quayside. Speciality restuarants in Newcastle include tapas bars, karaoke bars, and family friendly establishments. In recent years there has been an influx of top chefs opening fine dining restaurants in the area. Throughout the year there are several events that cater to the food lover. EAT, the Newcastle festival of food and drink, the Newcastle Beer Festival, and the Chinese New Year celebration are all great excuses to travel to Newcastle and enjoy the Newcastle dining experience.
