21 is a highly regarded fine dining restaurant on Newcastle's Quayside, serving luxurious dishes influenced by classic French cooking. Named for its original location at 21 Queen Street, 21 has since relocated to Trinity Gardens, and is part of 21 Hospitality Group, which includes five other restaurants around the North East.
The main dining room at 21 is light, bright and airy, decorated in 21’s signature scarlet red and white tablecloths. Colourful lampshades hang over the tables, and the furniture is classic, adhering to the restaurant's brasserie-chic style. As well as the main dining room, 21 also has a zinc-topped bar where you can unwind with a drink, and a 40-seater private dining room for private and corporate occasions.
The menu at 21 leans towards French cuisine, with dishes such as the signature souffle being a particular highlight. However, the food is not particularly tied to one region or style and features everything from Lindisfarne oysters to 21’s own take on prawn cocktail, made from lobster, crab and a range of shrimp. 21 offers a range of menus, including an a la carte, a five course seasonal tasting menu, and a two or three course fixed price menu available at lunch and in the early evening from Tuesday-Friday. The menu is excellent value, and there are multiple vegetarian options too.
Dishes at 21 emphasise high welfare local meat and fish, such as beef from Glenarm Estate and Northumbrian venison. Typically there is no tasting menu at 21, however the team do occasionally offer one throughout the year as a special event. Example dishes from the a la carte include terrine of Northumbrian game with pear and saffron chutney, roasted cod fillet with smoked salmon, buttered cabbage and potatoes, and salted caramel and chocolate souffle.