In this blog, we explore Newcastle’s family friendly eateries rated by local mum, Emma – @Eat.Travel.Mum !
“Being such foodies and with careers within the food industry it is our absolute favourite thing to eat out and try new places.”
Below are our top 3 eateries that I have visited in and around Newcastle! I will share the things that I believe are important when eating out as a family with young children. We think it is the little things that count, as eating out with children can be a challenge at the best of times!
Riverview Kitchen, Durham ✫✫✫✫ 4/5
This independent local is a must try. I feel like this place is a hidden gem however, it was pretty busy. You cannot book tables so arrive early like we did. This gem is placed right on the edge of the river with stunning views over the water, we watched the swans!
The atmosphere here is calming yet charming, rustic but cosy.
Covid safety: Hand sanitising station upon entrance, name and contact number to be written down for track and trace at entrance. All the staff were wearing masks. The tables are about a metre apart. Staff take your order from your table.
Family facilities: ✓ highchairs ✓ children’s menu ✓ child friendly staff
No parking on site: Short walk from payable parking at Prince bishops or payable street parking on crossgate.
Food & Drink: PANCAKES!! From banoffee to strawberry & nutella or blueberries with maple syrup they are delicious! You should have seen my little ones face light up when they arrived at the table. We also had breakfast. My partner ate his in a heartbeat being avocado and poached eggs on toast it was perfect for his gym diet (his pancakes don’t count hehe). I had a breakfast scone and they had nice childrens options too.
I loved the little quirky touches such as the ceramic teapot, cute milk jugs and a miniature daim with your hot drink.
Value for money: Fair, with reasonable portions and I cannot wait to go back.
This is the place to go for a nice breakfast with a view and support some local business. The owner was also working within the cafe too and asking us if we were full haha.
Criticisms: No children’s activity. Didn’t enjoy my scone 🙁
Jesmond Beach Box (Kids camp) ✫✫✫✫⭑ 4.5 /5
This place is so much more than a place to eat, especially kids camp. With sandpits, buckets & spades given on entering, characters entertaining the kids and outdoor space with games for all the family. It has a lot to offer! Tickets should be booked in advance for events.
You feel like you’re at a festival on a beach here and it is exciting! With pretty fairy lights, deck chairs, undercover shelter encase of northern rain and a variety of food vendors. This is a trendy, unique spot.
Covid safety: Hand sanitising station upon entrance, temperature checks of adults by staff with forehead scanners. All the staff were wearing masks. The tables are picnic benches in rows, they were clean and about a metre apart for those in the same row. The toilets were clean posh portaloo cabins with plenty of sanitiser, hand-washing facilities.
Menus are stuck to the table and orders are taken by staff from your table.
Family facilities: ✓ highchairs ✓ children’s menu + colouring activity ✓ child friendly staff ✓ Nearby parking: Payable parking outside the venue, £4 a day or by the hour.
Food & Drink: Omg the food here is to die for! I strongly recommend the duck topped fries, my only regret is that I didn’t order another portion as they were so nice! I do not know what it is that they put on their chips but our chips tasted delicious with a mystery sprinkle on. My partner had a kebab which he loved and the kids had burgers. They also sell donuts and ice cream but for some silly reason we didn’t have them this time… yes I’m returning!!
Drinks – there is a full bar of alcoholic and soft drinks available but we just had soft (parental responsibilities!!)
Value for money: Less than £10 for most meals and totally worth it.
We all had such a nice time here and I can’t wait to see what other events they will hold in the future. Whether you want time for the kids to enjoy themselves or maybe an evening with friends around an open fire and music then this is your place.
Criticisms: Waiting for food, get your orders in in advance as the kitchen stops taking orders when they get too busy, staff were very apologetic for this.
Turtle Bay, Newcastle ✫✫✫✫✫ 5/5
We love this restaurant and cannot wait to visit again! We booked our table in advance and I’d suggest this is a good idea.
The atmosphere is a lively street food kind of vibe but with finesse. The decor is bright and trendy with soft lighting and gentle music playing in the background. The staff are so friendly and welcoming too.
Covid safety: Upon entering there is sanitiser to use and staff wearing visors. The tables were clean and about a metre apart. Menus are one-off paper editions that they dispose of which I liked.
Family facilities: ✓ highchairs ✓ children’s menu + colouring activity ✓ child friendly staff (who particularly went out of their way to talk to my littleun)
✓ Nearby parking: Park at the gate. Exit on the ground floor and towards the main road. Restaurant is 100 yards to the left.
Food & Drink: Beautiful, beautiful food! Between us we had jerk chicken, goat curry, plantain, a children’s cheeseburger and mac n cheese. All of us REALLY enjoyed our food, even the boys! Winner! I particularly liked that the children’s menu came with a free watermelon wedge for dessert.
Drinks – me and my partner treated ourselves to 2 cocktails each as they were buy one get one free! Plus I knew I would be saving with them being part of the eat out to help out scheme. I would have liked to see children’s cartons/bottles of juice available though.
Value for money: Our bill for the above food & drink, with a service charge that is automatically added (can be removed but we felt satisfied to pay this) was a total of £40- including eat out to help out.
If you’re looking for a meal out in a restaurant and fancy something different or even some cheeky cocktails then this is your place!
We have eaten at many places in the last few weeks and although these are my top 3 other places, it is also worth trying Morrison’s, Eden Newcastle and Krispy Kreme!
Places we don’t recommend for families are Purple Peacock, junction 367 and the Hancock.
So guys and girls it is possible to eat out with littleuns in tow! Picking the right place is essential to a less stressful meal out and I hope this post helps you all.
About our guest blogger
Hey! I’m Emma, a military wife / boy mum, recently here in Newcastle, but originally from Essex. I decided to switch up my instagram @eat.travel.mum to show all the activities we get up to as a family in hope of inspiring others.