Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Newcastle and Northumberland

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Newcastle and Northumberland? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Peace and Loaf Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (2610)

£41 and over

British

Newcastle upon Tyne

About the restaurant

Headed up by Chef / Owner Dave Coulson, Peace & Loaf is a restaurant unlike any other in the region. Dave has an unrivalled reputation and passion for creating flavoursome and innovative dishes, which shows with the diverse menu and delicately decorated food on offer. Highlighting the importance of using only the freshest, locally sourced produce, Peace & Loaf will offer exciting, seasonal menus that will incorporate Dave’s signature dishes. Heavily inspired by traditional British cuisine with Dave’s own inventive flare, the meticulously crafted dishes will excite and intrigue even the most discerning of palates.

Top review

Michael

Dined on Apr 30, 2025

Top notch as always, we chose here to celebrate our wedding day together. Thanks to Dave and the team. See you again soon.

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Experience

"The Decades" : Tasting menu

Vito's Osteria

4.9

4.9 (122)

£26 to £40

Italian

Sunderland

About the restaurant

Vito's Osteria, the restaurant of authentic Italian cuisine, serves food prepared with traditional recipes and fine Italian wine in a relaxed atmosphere.

It is located in a charming converted barn that has been transformed into a dining and entertainment center in the city of Sunderland.

Top review

Diane

Dined 2 days ago

This is the second time we have been here . Each time the whole team were so friendly and attentive on top of that they serve great quality food at reasonable prices.

4.8

4.8 (5369)

£26 to £40

British

Newcastle upon Tyne

About the restaurant

21’s cooking is big on flavour and short on fuss. We’re talking about a style which embraces the seasons and where the ingredients are king. Expect to find stylish, imaginative dishes – which don’t pander to fads or fashion…………and still have room for pudding. Expect a warm welcome, generous hospitality and service that is both friendly and correct.

A city centre restaurant with a city centre buzz. In the heart of Newcastle's Quayside, 21 has an excitement and warmth all of its own. Smart but not stuffy, sleek but not pretentious, fun but not gimmicky - It's about eating good food in comfortably stylish surroundings.

Menus include Lunch and Early Evening Fixed Price, Five Course Seasonal and à la Carte.

Top review

Joyce

Dined 4 days ago

3 course Sunday lunch - was absolutely amazing. First class food and service. 100% recommend.

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Popular dish

Cheddar Cheese and Spinach Soufflé

Bouchon Bistrot - Hexham

4.8

4.8 (2843)

£26 to £40

French

Newcastle upon Tyne

About the restaurant

Winner of the Best European Restaurant honour at the North East Restaurant Awards and conveniently situated in the centre of Hexham on Gilesgate, Bouchon Bistrot serves straightforward country style French cuisine, including daily specials in the evening. Born in the Loire Valley and having plenty of experience from working in Michelin starred restaurants throughout France, the owner of Bouchon Bistrot is an expert when it comes to traditional country cooking in France.

Top review

David

Dined 2 days ago

Amazing food, great value and wonderful company made this a very special meal. If we lived locally this would be our go to restaurant

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4.8

4.8 (534)

£25 and under

Italian

Hexham

About the restaurant

Vercelli Restaurant is a family run Italian Restaurant situated in the centre of Hexham, a busy market town in Northumberland. The family, all from around the Hexham area, have worked hard over the last 8 years to modernise the cocktail bar and restaurant. All the family are involved in the business, with the aim of providing a memorable experience.

Sue, Front of House Manager, enjoys working alongside the enthusiastic team who have built a relationship with their returning customers and welcoming new, with an aim to make your experience relaxing and memorable throughout.

Executive chef, Jordan, and Head chef, Scott, source the finest Italian provisions to produce high quality Italian dishes with a modern twist.

At the front of the restaurant is a small, modern cocktail bar which hosts live music nights regularly but can be enjoyed for a bite to eat or a drink any night of the week.

Top review

Stephanie

Dined 5 days ago

Food is always fantastic but what makes Vercelli so special is Millie. A young woman who is exceptionally good at her job. She is so smiley and gorgeous and efficient. Thank you for a lovely afternoon.

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Experience

Bottomless Lunch

Branches Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (172)

£41 and over

British

Newcastle upon Tyne

About the restaurant

Branches is a multi award winning restaurant
which aims to provide its customers a contemporary dining experience set in a beautifully modern décor surrounding.

Located on the hugely popular Osborne road we pride ourselves on the professional service our staff provides each customer. The intimate stylish dining room caters for individuals and parties to provide the ideal setting for any occasion from romantic to business.

Our chef source the freshest, local, best of British produce direct from nearby suppliers, farms and markets.
All our dishes are created from the highest quality products available. We also offer a wide selection of Wines, Beers, Gins and expertly made Cocktails.

Branches Restaurant has won Tripadvisors Travellers choice award for multiple consecutive years along with appearing consistently in their top 10 restaurants in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

Top review

Raj

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent service as always and delicious food…5 Star

Ember

4.8

4.8 (130)

£25 and under

Modern European

Sunderland

About the restaurant

Culinary Excellence in Sunderland
Set within the historic Sheepfolds in Riverside Sunderland, Ember offers a unique dining experience in the most stunning setting.

Top review

Julie

Dined 3 days ago

Food was beautiful, lovely restaurant, quiet as it was a Monday lunchtime but that didn’t affect the food.

Six Baltic

4.7

4.7 (1143)

£41 and over

Contemporary British

Newcastle upon Tyne

About the restaurant

Refined modern British cuisine meets unparalleled panoramic views of the Newcastle cityscape in BALTIC’s stylish quayside rooftop restaurant.

Menus are inspired by the very best seasonal, local artisan ingredients, whilst a carefully curated wine list draws from both new and old worlds.

The sleek, elegant dining room, complete with a chef’s table, offers an indulgent six course tasting experience. More casual small plates and sharing dishes are served in the opulent viewing box.

SIX’s stunning centrepiece bar serves innovative cocktails and both draught and bottled beers, with an emphasis on local breweries and distilleries.

Top review

Alan

Dined 4 days ago

A great surprise , overwhelming good. The staff were excellent.

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Taste of SIX (6 courses)

The Tempus, Charlton Hall Estate

4.6

4.6 (438)

£26 to £40

Contemporary British

Alnwick

About the restaurant

At the heart of The Tempus, beyond the dazzling disco balls of our vibrant bar, lies The Orangery—the perfect setting to savour exquisite culinary delights.

Join us for an unforgettable dining experience, whether it’s for lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner. Our carefully curated menus offer a tantalising selection designed to please every palate and showcases the finest local ingredients and culinary talent, ensuring a memorable meal with every visit.

Lunch served Monday - Saturday, 12:00 - 15:00
Afternoon Tea served Friday's & Saturday's, 14:30 – 15:45. Bookings are required to be made within 48 hours of your reservation
À la Carte Dining: Daily from 17:00
Sunday Lunch: from 12:00 - 16:00

Our bar and snug open daily offer a great spot for coffee, tea, drinks, and bar snacks. Well-behaved four-legged friends are welcome in our bar until 18:00.

Top review

carole

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent food. Lovely setting interior decoration excellent. Le creuset tableware good taste. Staff friendly and smiley. Will hopefully be back one day.

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Experience

The Tempus Afternoon Tea

Gaucho Newcastle

4.5

4.5 (551)

£26 to £40

Steak

Newcastle upon Tyne

About the restaurant

Gaucho is now the custodian of a painstakingly restored Grade II-listed building on Pilgrim Street, blending a sophisticated elegance with industrial elements, reflecting the city’s legacy for impeccable craftsmanship. With a sweeping centerpiece bar that’s perfect for early evening drinks and a wide-plan restaurant with an open kitchen, it will become the restaurant to see and be seen in this great city.

Top review

Jim

Dined on Apr 26, 2025

Staff were first class and the food was perfectly cooked. Absolutely delicious.

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Popular dish

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake

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