Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Newcastle - A New Level of Excellence

Situated in Newcastle's new Hotel Indigo flagship installation, this ultra-highbrow restaurant delivers a new standard of outstanding cuisine to our city. The a la carte menu really does speak volumes, and it isn't all about grilled meat. It features a number of other exquisite contemporary dishes with a variety of international influences. As you'd expect from a restaurant ran by a 3 Michelin starred chef, the quality of food is exceptional and delivered with finesse rarely exhibited in Newcastle. The level of table service is equally outstanding, and genuinely aim to ensure you have the greatest meal possible. They are also very accommodative towards larger groups and celebratory functions, making your special occasion memorable. Although there is the option of an evening set menu, compared to the gourmet wonders on the a la carte, it resembles the McDonald's saver menu. Thus highlighting the only negative point to the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, the expense. If you aim to indulge to the finest of the menu, i.e. the bresaola, the signature t-bone steak, the cheese board, etc. then you might have to consider a bank loan. But in all fairness, you will be content, at MPWs you get what you pay for...sheer brilliance. Certainly not a place for those on a budget however. 91%

Tiger Tiger Newcastle - Great Food in the Most Unlikely of Venues!

Don't worry, the Fat Spoon hasn't completely lost it. In one of Newcastle's leading stag/hen party hell holes (second only to the Bigg market) lies Tiger Tiger's restaurant. And it really is a hidden gem of great contemporary cuisine, cooked to a pretty decent standard. If your attending on a Friday evening you will have to fight your way through the trolls of society, but once you reach the back of the bar you'll be greeted by a serene and stylish restaurant. The menu would be a rather expensive, if it weren't for the fact that they operate a 50% discount off food and drinks most evenings between 5-9pm. This highly affordable menu covers everything from simple pub classics such as bangers 'n' mash to more decadent features such as rose veal schnitzel and lobster frites. The staff are friendly but possibly drunk, either that or incredibly clumsy, but are happy to accommodate large parties with private rooms and attentive service. All in all, a very satisfying restaurant that is suitable for students and gourmet-seekers alike. 72%

Vujon - Overlooked Extravagence

Despite being situated in Newcastle's centre of gourmet excellence - Quayside, this hidden gem often goes  unnoticed. Probably due to it lying in the shadows of Rasa's uncommon South Indian delights and Rani's long-standing reputation. But Vujon certainly does have something different to offer. Although the food isn't entirely authentic Indian cuisine, the menu does boast some seriously exotic dishes from India's surrounding regions. Such dishes include venison Jaipur style and Duck Salan, and like the rest of the menu they are well prepared and will leave you feeling like your dining with Persian royalty. As does the high-standard of service. The only let down to their flamboyant menu is the associated price tags for the more interesting dishes, with the pricing for drinks being equally cheeky. If you're looking for something far more absorbing than your standard curry house or for a special occasion this place will fit the bill. However, don't expect to have much left in your wallet after. Unfortunately Vujon also exhibits another terrible case of disgusting house wine, avoid it all costs. Cat urine is probably tastier. 78%

The Stand - Food That isn't a Joke

The Stand's primary function may be to provide Newcastle with a wide and diverse range of comedy acts, but it's "Box Office Bistro" restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Amongst a very simple cafe/restaurant can be found an excellently executed contemporary lunch and dinner menu. A variety of bold but balanced dishes are to be had, with Japanese, Mediterranean and Moroccan influences that utilise local produce. With every dish presented superbly and brimming with taste and finesse you would expect a hefty price tag. But again The Stand surprises us by offering all of these great dishes as part of a fairly priced set menu. Excellent table service, a decent bar and having the option to see some great comedy acts for very reasonable prices all make for an excellent and alternative evening. Wednesday night showcases Newcastle's home-grown new and upcoming talent for a minuscule £2, although some of these acts are about as funny as a kick in the groin, some of the other acts are great. All in all, a great little restaurant that is worth a visit in it's own right. An absolute must for fans of comedy. 87%

Las Iguanas - Latin Lovin'

Despite being a relatively widespread franchise, Las Iguanas really does dish out an abundance of Latin passion. Every aspect of the restaurant, from menu, to drinks, to decor and music really create a radiant Hispanic feel that will leave feeling like you've just walked into Latin America. They offer a wide range of classic fajitas, enchiladas and tacos as well as a plethora of more interesting and exotic Brazilian dishes and Barbacoa. The cuisine is consistently good, rich in tantalising flavours that will leave you tingling with Latin spirit! Las Iguanas also doubles up as a great cocktail bar, that avoids the mundane usual classic cocktails and substitutes them with a range of sensual Latin American and Caribbean inspired cocktails and punches. The price tag on the food and drinks is fairly reasonable, but the experience delivered by the great food and pleasant staff will leave the vast majority of restaurant goers very content! 84%

Pacific House - Pub Food Done Well

What was previously a fairly skeptical trebles/sports bar has undergone a major transformation. It has now emerged from its cacoon as a far more reputable "trendy" pub with a menu to match. They have greatly improved the range of cask ales, international beers and higher calibre spirits, whilst still exhibiting a number of flat screens to enjoy sport on. Again the menu retains its 'pub food' demeanor but has been beefed up in quality and quantity. The Fat Spoon recently took on the first of their "Man vs Food" competitions, a monsterous 2lb burger challenge, with all the trimmings. Unlike many of these competitions, the burgers were forged from the finest admirably, prefectly seasoned and of the highest quality meat. A real showcase of what to expect from their new menu. Although the prices aren't at all modest, the staff were particularly keen to impress. Pacific House has just set the bench mark for your standard pub lunch, and with promises of more "Man vs Food" events to come, they are definitely worth keeping an eye on! 67%

Singh's Indian Restaurant-Affordably Authentic

The site itself my look like an abandoned warehouse at the edge of the Bronx, but once you've been welcomed inside you will be pleasantly surprised. As you step into the Punjabi banquet hall you will be met by an aura of a luxury, greeted by very friendly staff and mesmerised by the spice infused aroma of Indian cuisine. The menu is truly representative of Punjabi cuisine, right down to the home-made style classics such as saag paneer and tinda masala. The dishes are well prepared and accurately seasoned, but without the degree of fire that is customary to Punjabi food, although this may disappoint some. You won't find yourself drowning in grease like you would in some of Newcastle's more questionable Indian restaurants either. Best of all the pricing if the menu is extremely favourable, there are even discounts available for students and gourmet society card members too. Although Singh's isn't the calibre of some of the higher end Indian restaurants in Newcastle, it is an absolute must for those hunting for credible Punjabi cuisine for a fair price. 71%