The best brunch in Newcastle: Where to kickstart your day in style

There’s no better way to kickstart the day than with brunch, letting us ease ourselves in with a big plate of something that’s not quite breakfast but not quite lunch. Restaurants at this time of day are often frequented by groups of friends out for a boozy afternoon on a budget, or hen dos starting off an alcohol fuelled day. Whilst a tipple with your pancakes has a time and a place, it can also be nice to find a quieter space, where you’re not judged for ordering a glass of water over a bottle of Prosecco. Thankfully, the best brunches in Newcastle weren’t hard to find, as the city is full to the brim with tasty spots to tuck into when those mid morning hunger pangs hit.

There’s a cuisine for every day of the week at the restaurants in Newcastle, from classic British with a full English to French with croque madames and cheese souffles. You’ll also find some Thai and Lebanese menus, serving up dishes like smashed avocado with tahini, or Turkish eggs with its warming chilli butter and yoghurt.

However, for some, it’s better to start the day with a hit of sugar, so we’ve made sure to include plenty of non-savoury brunches in our round up too, because we understand that it’s always a good time for something sweet. Fluffy Biscoff pancakes? Absolutely. Fried honey porridge with white chocolate pistachio crumble? You betcha. Heck, if you want a bit of sweet and savoury we’ve even found a spot that offers fried chicken with waffles and maple syrup.

No matter what takes your fancy when you wake up in the morning, you can rest assured that somewhere on this list will give you your fix.

It’s often hard to know where to start when looking for the perfect spot to brunch, so we’ve helped by compiling our list of the best booze-free brunching spots to enjoy a delicious mid morning meal at, without the hangover.

Jam Jar

What: Jam Jar ticks all the boxes for classic brunch dishes, from eggs Benedict and smoked salmon with avocado to fluffy pancakes with Biscoff. Plus if you’re looking for something a little heartier, there’s even a brunch burger with a beef patty, black pudding, hash browns and spicy tomato jam. This casual space has won the hearts of Newcastle locals for its laid-back setting, and reliably delicious dishes, and we couldn’t write up our list without it.
Where: 88 Osborne Road, NE2 2AP
Book now: Jam Jar

Olive & Bean

What: Olive & Bean is known for its coffee and its food in equal measure, and doubles up as both a cafe and a deli under one roof. For food, you can expect plenty of sandwiches in toastie, bagel and classic ciabatta form, as well as options such as eggs royale, waffles, and breakfast burritos. This no-fuss restaurant focuses on serving up fresh, quality food to help you kickstart your day.
Where: 17-19 Clayton Street, NE1 5PN
Book now: Olive & Bean

Ernest

What: Ernest is known as one of Newcastle’s best brunch spots, and for good reason too. Offering a range of dishes, you can expect options like shakshuka and a chorizo hash bowl, to granola and peaches with cream french toast. Don’t worry if you’ve not got the time to sit in, because Ernest also does a takeaway brunch, meaning you can feast on the go. Want our advice? Go for the chorizo and halloumi hash bowl with poached egg, hash potatoes and hollandaise sauce.
Where: 1 Boyd Street, NE2 1AP
Book now: Ernest

Blake’s Coffee House

What: Blake’s is a bit of an institution amongst Newcastle locals, known for its delicious food menu and equally impressive coffee. Loved by all, it’s hosted everyone from student gatherings and business lunches to occasionally being a celeb hangout. For brunch you can expect all of the classics like a full English, smashed avocado on toast, and pancakes. We’d recommend the big breakfast stottie with bacon, sausage, fried egg, black pudding and mushrooms.
Where: 53 Grey Street, NE1 6EE
Book now: Blake's Coffee House

ARLO Bistro & Cafe

What: ARLO is a Bistro and cafe that refuses to be pigeon holed, with alpine memorabilia on the walls and a menu that combines Thai and Lebanese dishes. For brunch you can expect smashed avocado with tahini and Turkish eggs, or for something a little sweeter, there’s toasted Belgian waffles with vanilla Greek yoghurt with fresh berries and maple syrup. Our personal favourite is the giant hangover crumpet with hot Italian sausage, nduja pesto, chilli cheese, fried egg, crispy onion and a special ‘hangover sauce’.
Where: 36-38 Brentwood Avenue, NE2 3DH
Book now: ARLO Bistro & Cafe

Quay Ingredient

What: Quay Ingredients tops the list as one of the most homely and comforting brunch spots in Newcastle. Beyond the enormous full English, and a brioche French toast, you can also get slightly more nostalgic options like cornflakes with toast and boiled eggs with soldiers. But if you want something that’s a real nod to tradition, Quay Ingredient serves an egg banjo. Open from 8am every day, this is a cafe that will keep you fed until the early afternoon.
Where: 4 Queen Street, NE1 3UG
Book now: Quay Ingredient

The Dispensary

What: The Dispensary’s brunch menu is a thing of dreams. Whether you’re into a full English, smashed avocado on toast, or eggs Benedict, it's got you covered. But you can also expect dishes like cornflake crusted fried chicken Benedict on toasted focaccia, jam and custard pancakes with biscuit crumbs, and Lotus Biscoff French toast. Whatever you do, don’t forget to check the specials board, as there are always some seriously tempting options up for grabs.
Where: Heber Street, NE4 5TN
Book now: The Dispensary

Cafe 21 at Fenwick

What: This is a super chic cafe in the heart of Newcastle that makes the perfect, relaxed spot to start your day. If you’re heading here midweek, you’ll need to arrive before 11.30am for a chance to taste the brunch menu, whilst weekend brunchers can savour a lie-in as it runs from 11am-1pm. Popular dishes include the Cheddar cheese and spinach souffle, eggs royale and the ultra satisfying croque madame.
Where: 39 Northumberland Street, NE1 7AF
Book now: Cafe 21 at Fenwick

Horticulture

What: Horticulture is a must visit when it comes to brunches in the city, with immaculately presented plates and big hitting flavours. For big dishes think flat iron steak and fried eggs, or chorizo hash with sauteed potatoes, and French toast with mulled berry compote and cinnamon cream. For those who are strictly plant based, there are also plenty of vegan options to choose from, so it’s a safe bet to bring the whole gang to.
Where: 1-3 Market Lane, NE1 6QQ
Book now: Horticulture

Hugo Brasserie

What: Hugo Brasserie is a cosy spot not far from the water that is known for its simple, but high quality menu. Barely diversifying from the classic brunch options, you’ll find favourites like a full English, eggs Benedict, and avocado on toast, as well as something a little different like shakshuka. The smoked haddock with poached eggs and a lemon butter sauce served on a crumpet is particularly tasty.
Where: 15 Side, NE1 3JE
Book now: Hugo Brasserie

Tiny Tiny

What: What was previously known as Flat Caps, is now the equally impressive Tiny Tiny that’s serving up some of the best brunches in Newcastle. Dishes range between borderline exotic, to proper home comforts, with options like Malaysian cauliflower soup and a bacon and fried egg stottie. Whilst each option is as tempting as the last, the fried honey porridge with white chocolate pistachio crumble, lemon curd and yoghurt ice cream is particularly delightful.
Where: 9-11 Carliol Square, NE1 6UF
Book now: Tiny Tiny

After something a little fancier? Take a look at the Michelin starred restaurants in Newcastle.