Make dates intimate and unforgettable at these 10 private dining spots in Newcastle
If you’re anything like me, the idea of a dinner that feels personal and indulgent is irresistible. Newcastle’s private dining scene nails it, offering all you need, from chic hidden rooms to restaurants that make you feel like you’ve got the best place in town.
It’s not just about the food. It’s about the flawless service, mood-setting lighting, and having a space that’s all yours for the whole event.
Ready to impress? Let’s dive into the best private dining places in Newcastle, where every meal is a little celebration, and every guest will leave smiling.
1. 21 by Terry Laybourne
– Media credit: 21newcastle_
Website: https://21newcastle.co.uk/
Location: One Trinity Gardens, Pandon, NE1 2HH
Contact: +44 191 222 0755
Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
Pricing: ££
21 has always felt like one of those places where everything is in sync—the food, atmosphere, and service. During its original incarnation (as 21 Queen Street), 21 achieved a Michelin star.
21 offers rotating fixed-price menus (lunch and early evening). For example, 2 courses for £30 or 3 courses for £36 at lunch. Then, that is 2 courses for £32 or 3 courses for £38 at dinner.
If you arrive early, The Bar at 21 is a great warm-up. Their cocktails are smooth, and the wine list is worth exploring.
Pro Tip:
If you’re a wine fan, head to 21 Newcastle on the first Wednesday of the month for their BYO Night. Bring your own bottle and enjoy their food without paying corkage. And if you miss that, swing by Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30 to 10:00 PM for their £9 Cocktail Happy Hour.
2. Hibou Blanc
– Media credit: hiboublanc_ncl
Website: https://www.hiboublanc.co.uk/
Location: 13 High Bridge, NE1 1UW
Contact: +44 191 261 8000
Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
Pricing: ££
Hibou Blanc has that old-school European charm that instantly pulls you in, especially once you step into their private dining space. The restaurant is housed in “Sunlight Chambers,” a Grade II listed building dating from 1902.
It offers a private dining space called the “Blanc Room.” It can seat up to 16 people for dinner, or host up to 40 people for canapes or drinks receptions.
Many of their guests mentioned that the standout dishes here are the steaks, seafood, and traditional British cuisine.
Pro Tip:
Visit Hibou Blanc during their Happy Days (Wednesday to Friday, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM or Saturday, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) to grab their £7 cocktails. It’s a great way to enjoy their cocktail bar without paying full evening prices.
3. The French Quarter
– Media credit: fqnewcastle
Website: https://www.frenchquarternewcastle.co.uk/
Location: Arch 6 Westgate Rd, NE1 1SA
Contact: +44 191 222 0156
Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Sunday to Monday: Closed
Pricing: ££
The French Quarter is one of my favourite places for relaxed, French-inspired dining. It has this cosy, neighbourhood feel. It’s the kind of dinner experience that makes you feel like you’re in a Paris bistro.
I tried a few plates from their L’Encas menu, and each dish has a French feel. Rich flavours, silky textures, and a lot of bread to mop it all up. Pair it with their wines (smooth reds and crisp whites), and you’re good to go.
Pro Tip:
Hit up their Tuesday-to-Friday lunch and pick the 2- or 3-course Formule du Midi. It’s a classy French dining experience without blowing your afternoon budget. This is especially great if you want to try multiple dishes without paying full dinner prices.
4. Blackfriars Restaurant
– Media credit: blackfriarsrestaurant
Website: https://blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk/
Location: Friars St, NE1 4XN
Contact: +44 191 261 5945
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Blackfriars is both a restaurant and a museum in one place. It’s a medieval setting, with its candlelit atmosphere and its history. It sits inside a former 13th-century Dominican friary, established in 1239.
The main dining room is often described as the oldest purpose-built dining room in the UK. Aside from that, their cookery school and workshops give everyone a chance to become a great chef.
When it comes to food, they serve classic British dishes. I tried the steak and ale pie, and it was an experience I’d never forget. Think rich, tender beef chunks in a deeply savoury ale gravy.
Pro Tip:
When visiting Blackfriars restaurant, try their set menu at lunch (12:00 PM to 2:30 PM) for only £23.50. You can get 2 main courses at a historic, atmospheric 13th-century friary. It’s perfect for those who want a unique and IG-worthy experience.
5. Dobson & Parnell
– Media credit: dobsonandparnell
Website: https://www.dobsonandparnell.co.uk/
Location: 21 Queen St, NE1 3UG
Contact: +44 191 221 0904
Hours:
- Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
Pricing: ££
Dobson & Parnell is my go-to for something refined yet comforting. Their private dining room on the Quayside has this soft, warm glow that makes gatherings feel more intimate.
Two dishes always stand out here: the seared scallops with pea purée were delicate and slightly sweet. The slow-cooked lamb shoulder melted effortlessly with each bite.
I love that the restaurant follows a strong sustainable-food philosophy. They source locally and seasonally (from nearby farms and markets in Durham, Tune & Wear, and North Yorkshire).
Pro Tip:
Book an early table for Dobson & Parnell’s 3-Course Lunch for only £29.50. It’s available from Thursdays to Saturdays, and the £5 add-on fizz is worth it if you want a more elevated feel without a big spend.
6. The Botanist
– Media credit: thebotanistuk
Website: http://www.thebotanist.uk.com/locations/newcastle
Location: Monument Mall, NE1 7AL
Contact: +44 191 261 6307
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: ££
The Botanist always delivers a lively dining experience, and their private-hire spaces give you that same energy.
What’s really cool here is that every Friday and Saturday night, they host homegrown bands, duos, or solo artists. The live music is free, with sets starting at 7:00 PM and running until midnight.
The menu mixes comfort food with playful twists—a whole baked Camembert with rosemary and garlic sourdough was my favourite. Complement it with a botanical meal to complete the cosy dinner setup.
Pro Tip:
Go for the Botanista Brunch on Fridays or Saturdays (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM) for £37.50. Here, you can get any brunch dish and 3 drinks, or upgrade to the bottomless option for £47.50.
7. SIX at Baltic
– Media credit: sixbaltic
Website: https://www.sixbaltic.com/
Location: The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, S Shore Rd, Gateshead NE8 3BA
Contact: +44 191 716 1166
Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
Pricing: ££
SIX is one of those places that impresses you before the food even arrives. With panoramic views of the Tyne, the private dining experience is always memorable. They’ve also earned some serious recognition.
Guests can opt for a “tasting-menu” format called “Taste of SIX,” with 6-course or 9-course menus available. This already includes both “Land & Sea” and a vegetarian or plant-forward option.
It’s received two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence and has been honoured with a National Diners’ Award from OpenTable. This means that guests consistently praise the food, service, and atmosphere.
Pro Tip:
If you work for the NHS or have access to the Staff Social Club, grab SIX’s promo: 50% off their 6-course tasting menu. It’s a killer deal for an elevated rooftop dinner. Just be sure to book early, as they have blackout dates.
8. Chez Mal Brasserie at Malmaison Hotel
– Media credit: malmaisonhotels
Website: https://www.malmaison.com/food-drink/chez-mal-brasserie/
Location: Malmaison Hotel, 104 Quayside, NE1 3DX
Contact: +44 191 389 8627
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Chez Mal blends brasserie-style comfort with contemporary style, and its private dining rooms feel both stylish and intimate. While there, I tried the beef wellington and seared sea bass and citrus glaze.
For an extra treat, Malmaison’s spa offers quick massages you can try while waiting. They also have facials and other packages to take your dining experience to another level, thanks to a relaxing pre-dinner pamper session.
Pro Tip:
If you want a full meal and drinks without overspending, go for Chez Mal’s Prix Fixe Menu. It offers 2 courses for £24.95 or 3 courses for £29.95, available at lunch or early evening from Monday to Saturday.
9. Sohe
– Media credit: sohenewcastle
Website: https://www.sohe.co.uk/
Location: 97 Osborne Rd, Jesmond, NE2 2TJ
Contact: +44 191 281 8161
Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Monday: Closed
Pricing: ££
Sohe bursts with energy the moment you walk in. Think vibrant interiors, bold Asian-fusion flavours, and a private dining room that’s just as lively but still intimate.
I ordered a Thai green curry and a Malaysian coconut prawn curry. Both are layered with spices, sweetness, and fresh herbs. Paired with exotic cocktails, the whole meal was aromatic and bursting with flavour.
Sohe also offers a bottomless brunch on weekends. For a fixed price, guests get starters to share, a choice of main from the brunch menu, and unlimited drinks (Prosecco or Tiger Lager).
For those with valid NHS IDs. You can also get 20% off the à la carte menu from Sunday to Friday.
Pro Tip:
If you are eligible for the SOHE Staff Discount, make sure you dine during the midweek and show your ID before dining. This will give you 20% off the à la carte menu, so you can enjoy a top-tier Pan-Asian meal for less than usual.
10. Hotel du Vin & Bistro
– Media credit: hotelduvin
Website: https://www.hotelduvin.com/locations/newcastle/bistro/
Location: Allan House, City Rd, Byker, NE1 2BE
Contact: +44 191 389 8628
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Pricing: ££
Hotel du Vin always feels timeless. Once you enter, you’ll find reclaimed wooden floorboards and classic French bistro decor.
They serve French-inspired dishes, like the rib-eye steak with peppercorn sauce and pommes frites. Another cord pleaser is the brown butter hake with samphire and mace croutons. Pair it with Pâte au chocolat for an indulgent finish.
It gets better, as their wine list is extensive. They also have an in-house sommelier who’ll help you decide which meal to pair it with, elevating the meal into a wine-tasting experience as well.
Pro Tip:
Visit Hotel du Vin & Bistro for lunch or early dinner, and order their 2-course menu for £24.95 or 3-course menu for £29.95, prix-fixe. You may also add £3.50 to add a glass of house wine or a beer to complete the meal.