Cafe 21 in Newcastle upon Tyne

We recently visited 21 and, unfortunately, it was an experience we wouldn’t want to repeat. Despite having a reservation, we were left waiting for 30 minutes before being seated, setting the tone for what turned out to be a disappointing evening. The food itself was underwhelming and overpriced. One of the party ordered the pork plate dish, which consisted of just two small, dry slithers of pork. Also, there were 2 large pieces of rancid and sour apple which really didn’t add anything to the dish. The plates were scalding hot, yet the food was only lukewarm—a clear sign it had been sitting under heat lamps for too long. The accompanying peppercorn sauce to what can be described as tasteless slimy mushrooms was bland and lacked any real depth of flavor. For main courses priced at around £30 each, the quality simply didn’t justify the cost. Also, £6 for a side order of chips is expensive to say the least. Service was another major letdown. There was no check-in to ask how the food was, and to top it off, the service charge was automatically added to the bill—always frustrating when the service has been subpar. When we raised our concerns with the manager while paying, they seemed uninterested in addressing our feedback, which only added to the dissatisfaction. Finally, I appreciate the restaurant was busy with it being Christmas - but the general feel of the restaurant was cluttered and untidy. The toilets were filthy, tissues all over the floor so evident that these aren’t being checked. At £130 for the meal, we left feeling like we’d wasted both our money and our evening. Sadly, 21 falls into the trap of charging high-end prices without delivering the quality or experience to match. We won’t be returning.

If you are vegan be mindful that the fuller vegan menu is removed in December. This means you have only 2 starters and 2 mains to choose from, and only sorbet for dessert. I was so looking g forward to a festive pud! Drinks prices are high. Service was good, professional, and the atmosphere and setting is comfortable and stylish.

Not what it was. Steak was under cooked. Service nothing special. Very over priced. Far better places in Newcastle now.

Fui con un amigo al Café 21 durante la semana del restaurante. Reservamos con antelación, ya que es un lugar popular. Ya estaba bastante ocupado con los huéspedes cuando llegamos. Es un lugar bastante fácil de encontrar, ya que está en el muelle con un par de aparcamientos públicos cerca. La decoración general del restaurante es bastante calmante y de tono neutro con paño de tableta que marca el tono del restaurante. El menú era simple, pero todavía tenía una buena selección para la Semana del Restaurante. Mi amigo tiene requisitos dietéticos y pensé que el restaurante manejó muy bien sus requisitos dietéticos. Toda la comida que comí fue cocinada con un alto nivel. El servicio fue amable en todo y bien - lo que significa. A pesar de haber vivido en Newcastle durante más de una década nunca he estado aquí antes. En general, un lugar muy agradable para la cena, sin duda intentaría volver de nuevo pronto.

Escapada urbana a Newcastle y visitó 21 para su menú "Bang in Season" con vuelo de vino acompañante. Excelente comida con todos los 5 platos que están muy bien cocinados / presentados. El fletán era perfecto solo pasando la translucidez y el corzo suave y raro. También es genial ir a un restaurante donde los platos calientes están calientes! Vuelo de vino también muy bueno y agradable para tener 3 vinos blancos con los primeros 3 platos notablemente diferentes entre sí - KMC particularmente bueno. Encantador ambiente agradable y relajado servicio - lástima que se basa en Newcastle y no en Edimburgo como iría regularmente.

An excellent looking restaurant, great atmosphere. The waiting staff were friendly and the food was amazing. Unfortunately during the evening me and my partner split. Upon which I was left at the table alone with little to no interaction with waiting staff from then on when I was clearly distressed and upset. It certainly didn't end the experience on the best note.

Simply outstanding. This was our first visit to 21, but it certainly won't be our last. We went for the fixed prices 2/3 course option, and I was a but concerned that we may just get 'standard ' restaurant food with that option, but I needn't have worried. All the food we had was of the absolute highest quality, including the best pork I have tasted since my father in law stopped farming and we could no longer eat his freshly butchered home-grown pork. The service was excellent; attentive but not pushy, and very cheerful and helpful. I absolutely could not find fault with anything.

Been a number of times and the food is always great, portion sizes are pretty good too. Love the cheese souffle especially! Would recommend for a special dinner.

We had the set lunch at £30 for two courses and reading all the reviews with mentions of Michelin level dishes perhaps my expectations were too high! I had the Spiced Aubergine with flatbreads followed by the Fish Cakes. Our waiter mentioned that the Fish Cakes were always popular and were a staple on the menu though I found them abit lacklustre and lacking in taste. I've had better and cheaper. I couldn't believe just how busy the place was for a Wednesday lunchtime. Good for them!!

13 of us dined here for a special occasion in the private room and it was superb. Our own dedicated waiter couldn’t do enough for us, drinks topped up before you needed to ask, timely delivery of our 3 courses and the perfect ambiance. The food was outstanding, best steak & peppercorn sauce I’ve had and don’t skip the cheese soufflé to start. Highly recommended.

What excellent food and great service today for Restaurant week. Can't wait to go back in couple of weeks.

Myself and my partner visited the restaurant this evening and we couldn’t fault a thing. The service was phenomenal with staff doing everything they could to make our visit memorable. The food was delicious and lots of lovely options to choose from. Overall we couldn’t...

It has been a long while since we last visited this restaurant and it will be even longer before we return. My starter was crab lasagne with lobster cream sauce apparently, unfortunately the two things I could not taste in this dish was either crab...

We had a wonderful pre-theatre meal at 21. The food and service were outstanding, by chance we each tried a different starter and main course. We agreed each was excellent. For dessert the Gateaux Fraisier proved a winner.

My husband and I frequently travel from the Midlands to Newcastle and always enjoy the great restaurants the North East has to offer. 21 has been a regular place to dine for us over the years and our recent visit was as good, if not...

We were staying at a Durham hotel however, we drove to Newcastle for lunch. This restaurant is situated well away from the general, crowded local bar and restaurant scene, Parking is very easy. This is the most professional restaurant I have visited in the north-east...

We chose 21 for my wife's 75th Birthday celebration with the family. As regular customers, we knew we could depend on them to deliver top quality but they surpassed all our expectations. From being flexible enough to adjust our party size from 13 to 10...

The food and service at 21 was superb. We had Sunday lunch out for the first time in a while and it was great. The staff were friendly and attentive. However, I dropped a star because of the lack of soft drink options, a few...

We opted for early evening special £34 for3 courses. Starter and dessert very good but main course very disappointing. Described as smoked haddock with Welsh rarebit,' it was basically a piece of smoked haddock with what appeared to be a cheese sl8ce on top,, served...

I admire the staff here, guaranteed scrumptious & perfectly cooked food, delicious cocktails and service that is second to none. It’s always a pleasure.

Another fantastic meal at 21, my daughter & I went for the “Peter Hannan” dinner. He is the meat supplier to this restaurant, evening was so popular they had to use the whole restaurant instead of the private dining area. Started with the salt beef...

Awesome meal tonight. Went for 30th wedding anniversary and had a magnificent meal. The staff are lovely and the food spot on. Had the pre starter of trio of oysters as a starter and they were wonderful, tempura oyster with oyster mayonnaise is an oyster...

Fab night at 21 - choose the “Bang in season” menu with the wine flight . Food was very good - all the courses were very tasty & beautifully cooked & presented. Some very nice wine pairings & even though they were really busy ,...

. . . I didn't know where I was going. A warm welcome with friendly, professional service. I enjoyed a delicious meal, with my shellfish allergy being effortlessly managed with a tweak to my lemon sole main. I enjoyed a glass of champagne at the...

Went with a group of friends for my birthday and as usual the food and service where top notch The set menu is great value and has lots of options As usual the meal is rounded of by amazing deserts Its our go too restaurant...

I've been going to 21 for a good few years. It's a restaurant that is for me (usually) reserved for special occasions such as Birthdays. The food is usually delicious and the price certainly reflects. However recently I'm starting to see a little cost cutting...

Hello we’re just back home from having Sunday lunch at 21 Newcastle. The choice of menu and food today was excellent, it’s always good food but particularly today it was better than ever. What made the visit even better was the excellent service, food product...

We had lunch here yesterday during Restaurant Week and the food was delicious. There was a good choice of dishes from the special menu, which was very well priced at £20 for two courses including the most delicious bread and butter. We bought along our...

We ate at 21 during restaurant week and chose from the special lunch menu, normally this offers decent value at £28/34 for two/three courses but for the restaurant week the price had been reduced to offer exceptional value. It is priced slightly above similar establishments...

This upmarket restaurant is a short walk from the quayside. We were booked in for lunch on the week before Christmas. It has a pleasant spacious interior and very professional and friendly staff. There was a Christmas menu, but also the à la carte menu...

Having been to Cafe 21 in Fenwick's a few times, was exciting to try the big sister restaurant at the Quayside. On a Tuesday night. It was really great. Full of happy diners and a great atmosphere. The Lemon Sole was similar to one I...

The restaurant was cold which was an immediate negative. The oysters were good My wife’s halibut was significantly over salted The cheese plate was uninspiring A bottle of mid range premier cru Chablis was over priced The cost per head was more than a 1...

The 2022 Christmas menu is fabulous, lots of choice to make 21 an ideal venue for friends. The service was outstanding, with very good food it made for a perfect lunch. The crab starter was delicious as was the cod main. Although everyone loved all...

My sister and I had the £28 early evening menu, 2 courses. The staff were friendly and the place had a nice vibe. We received bread and our wine, then waited quite a while for both courses but when they came they were delicious. Would...

Not been to 21 for some time - went last night with my daughter for the Tattinger evening . I’ve been to this event before (a couple of times) and I don’t think I will attend this event again. I know prices are rising dramatically...

We had the private dining room for a group of 16. The restaurant was incredibly accommodating adapting numbers last minute. Never rushed throughout the meal, excellent service and food impeccable! Outstanding job and can’t wait to come back again soon!

Good value Went on a Friday night and enjoyed the three course special. This proved to be very good value. Food was well cooked and not over seasoned. Food was hot and portion size just enough . Service was good, well.paced and pleasant staff. The...

Wow! My husband and I had an amazing evening at 21 sampling the Wagyu tasting menu, a fusion menu showcasing quality local beef. All of the courses were excellent and the service was great too. It was interesting listening to the farmer speak about his...

As always excellent. We can honestly say never been disappointed. Staff are great always helpful. Really love this place

Booked for a special occasion. This is not a cheap place to eat (there is a fixed price lunchtime menu if you choose, but again not cheap). Tucked away on a side street the ambiance is lovely. Maitre D very welcoming & attentive, but not...

Been coming to 21 since it first opened, never disappointed before sadly this trip did, restaurant managers set the standards, a warm welcome and hello used to be the order of the day, not any more ! that filters downward and the service has dropped,...

Really expected good things after reading reviews, but sadly was disappointed. Starters were nice, I had tomato peach mozzerella and my husband had oysters, but this is fairly simple stuff. Our mains were Seabass (no mention on the menu of a side with this, so...

It never ever fails to deliver. Excellent food, excellent service, fabulous ambience, great value. If there is a better restaurant in Newcastle then I have failed to find it

Faultless service, stunning food. Fine dining as it should be but seldom is. Can’t wait to go back again and again.

Lovely meal for restaurant week. Very impressed with the food and and the experience was made even better the lovely waitress Brooke!

Excellent food, absolutely faultless. Highly recommended. Had fixed price menu for a Graduation Celebration Lunch. Desserts amazing. Top Class Cooking. Fabulous service

There seems to be enough visibly staff for service but not mind set for organised act ion and good attention for detail. Restaurant had a lot of free tables and we were sat next to busy kitchen door for my birthday. Young lady, after our...

We Visited on a ad hoc basis , we had not booked a table and staff went out of there way to accommodate us. As always the staff were very attentive our waitress phoebe was very friendly and was very knowledgable about different things on...

We have eaten here many times over recent years. Five of our family ate here. The food was the expected extremely high standard. I had the soufflé which which was exquisite and then liver bacon and onions. We loved the food. However the staff just...

Had dinner with work colleagues at 21 Restaurant. Service was professional and courteous. Restaurant was busy. I started with Lindisfarne Oysters, they were large, plump and delicious. For my main course I had the filet mignonette. It was cooked perfectly and truly tender this was...

Been coming here for years and it’s the only place in Newcastle which is consistently good. Staff are so professional and polite, food is excellent and the atmosphere buzzing. It’s a little expensive but I’d rather pay more and be able to relax knowing it’ll...

Enjoyed an Anniversary dinner here. The staff were all so friendly and helpful. The food was delicious. Would definitely recommend this restaurant.

Lovely dining room with plenty space between tables and white damask linen.Service was friendly and very professional. Food was outstanding and beautifully presented. Everything was delicious. When we asked for the English Strawberry vacherin to be served without chantilly cream we were given complimentary peach...

The starters were very expensive at £25.50 for 2 prawns and two scallops, particularly when they were over cooked The mains were beautiful and good value, which I appreciate are not words used for fine dining normally The atmosphere was great, the temperature was too...

A couple of things to start off with. The service is friendly and attentive. Couldn’t ask for more, particularly from the Maitre D. The whole feel of the place is welcoming and of quality, which is reflected in the food. Wines by the glass and...

We have been many times over the last few years. Sadly this evening was very disappointing. Service, though efficient, was unfriendly and cold, with the exception of the bar waiter. The waiters looked like they were unhappy to be at work. The scallop starter was...

We went to 21 as a family group celebrating a graduation and had a BRILLIANT dinner there. We've been before, and every time we're there it's excellent. Food was as amazing as it always is, the cheese soufflé for starter is something we'd definitely recommend!...

Phoebe our server was absolutely outstanding on our visit to 21 on my birthday. She was amazing from start to finish and made the night extremely enjoyable. An absolute credit to the team :)

Although we always eat here when we visit Newcastle, I am always worried that the excellence of service and food will deteriorate. I am delighted to report that every element of our lunch with friends was of the highest quality. From the moment of our...

We attended in February very excited to return with friends. The meal and service was poor. Very small portions, a missing oyster, that once pointed out in a jokey fashion was replaced with a huffy manner.. tough steak, wine request not available.. I could go...

I’ve been to 21 on numerous occasions over the years and when I found out that a tasting menu had been added to the repertoire I was excited to try it….I shouldn’t have been! My partner and I have visited many restaurants that offer tasting...

We visited 21 for a lunch and had an 2 course meal. Their food never dissapoints. Our server was polite and sensible. Though we wasted money on expensive mineral water drink, overall it was a great experience.

Balanced review - we had a tasting menu with wine: 1. Food, tried to hard, some of the dishes didn’t make any sense e.g carrots with seeds and crème fresh, nothing bought the dish together 2. Wine was great 3. We felt some of the...

Went for my partner’s Birthday it was our 1st visit, it was excellent, customer service was amazing, food was fabulous will definitely be going back

We visited 21 for a mid week lunch and had an excellent meal. The food from the set menu was delicious and good value. The cheese and spinach soufflé and the hake main course were excellent. Service was efficient. It’s been a while since we...

Have visited 21 for many years for a mixture of business, friends and family lunch/dinners and usually find a good standard of food - not great if I am honest, but with little competition in the area for many years, 21 has been a solid...

Top class food and service. Wild Mushroom Ravioli starter was Michelin star quality, I pointed this out on more than one occasion. Steak was excellent also, there were 4 of us and, 2 of us are fussy, but appreciate good food - you get that...

Me and my partner recently visited 21 and ordered off the Christmas menu. We both very much enjoyed ourselves and will be sure to visit again soon. Everything was 10/10 from the food to the amazing service!

Disappointed. Halibut overcooked. Fries akin to McDonald's. Very expensive for what it was. Tarta tan overcooked too. The ice cream was beautiful. Wine served too cold. Service was ok. Wouldn't return

We went for lunch and I have to say that the quality of the food was excellent.. OK it is a little expensive (£100) for two, but worth it.. Very attentive staff too.. It lacked atmosphere, Prehaps because it was lunchtime and quiet but possibly...

The food and service at 21 are always very good. We enjoyed the Taste of Christmas tasting menu, portion size was ok given there were five courses. The cured salmon was exceptional as was the soup. Unfortunately for me the Christmas pudding with brandy sauce...

Superb soufflés. Great place to eat. Worthy of all the reviews. Great service. Had cheese and spinach soufflé to start. Not too strong cheese - just perfect. Had halibut for main course - perfectly done. The tart tatin for two is a must. Very skilfully...

Started with oysters, and tempura oysters these were delicious, followed by lemon sole with brown shrimp the fish was fantastic on the bone but dressed and so easy to eat, it was a large sole more like a dover sole, for pud we share a...

Firstly I was grateful the restaurant honoured a voucher we had which had since expired. However I feel the food is vastly overpriced for the quality received. We had missed sides which we had to ask for. No spoon for fish soup which again we...

Booked in late, but got a table for dinner with the family. Straight in for the table and good prompt service for drinks and selection from a great menu. Watch out for the bottled water if thirsty!, however, the meal was a success and the...

Last night my husband treated me for my birthday meal and I did not enjoy the food. I poured all peppercorn sauce on my steak and the sauce was extremely salty end up changing to mushroom risotto(starter). My scallop starter was salty too but not...

For my starter had the natural oysters while my wife had the tempora oysters with mayonnaise. For mains I had the rib-eye steak cooked rare while my wife had the lamb. Finally I had the Stichelton cheese while my wife had the chocolate soufflé. Overall...

Had a very enjoyable meal on the evening of the Great North Run. Food absolutely excellent and service very good too. However some points for improvement: 1. The website clearly advertises the fixed price menu as being available on a Sunday evening but when we...

Ahh this place. A go to when you want great food, consistency, reliability and wonderful atmosphere. Every time we go it’s just as good as the previous, it’s like putting on an old shoe. Fabulous meal, discreet, professional and friendly service ❤️

Terrible experience first i must say i never complain this was an anniversary meal and having read the reviews was really looking forward to dining here very welcoming when we arrived but went down hill fast from there foie gras starter was frozen in the...

My Steak Tartare was perfect, the Liver and Bacon nearly perfect, except the Mash was a little too pureed for me, and the Creme Brûlée was lovely. They took our coats off us to hang up, a restaurant like this should really be using hangers...

We visited this restaurant a few years ago and decided to try it again for a birthday treat and I so glad I did. I was able to indulge my love of sea food while my hubby was able to have a lovely steak. The...

Firstly credit to the restaurant for honouring a gift voucher I received which had expired during lockdown. However that’s about as good as it got. The service was just so sub standard. Forgetting drinks, forgetting sides, unable to do the basics. Staff seemed very attentive...

We have not been to 21 for a while so we were looking forward to our evening out. We could not fault the food or service but it’s too busy and successful to have the exclusive ambience and edge it used to have to make...

Excellent service and food in attractive surroundings. The food was fabulous. Both starters - spring vegetable risotto & sweet-cured salmon - were 10/10. My main - lemon sole - was 10/10. My wife's main - a chicken, mushroom & lobster pie - was '11/10'. We...

We booked for 6 people at the end of July for our son's 40th birthday. We left everything a little late and didn't think of special additions to the meal but Jen whom I spoke to at the restaurant gave us lots of ideas to...

Our go to restaurant for gauranteed excellent service and food. The two course lunch special was good value. Our mixed beetroot salad with oranges was both tasty and refreshing. The main course of hake with romala sauce was perfectly cooked and delicious.

What a wonderful restaurant! The food is incredible. We had ribeye steak and fillet steak for mains - both cooked to perfection. The chocolate and salted caramel soufflé for dessert was delicious! The staff were very professional and friendly. Definitely worth the money for a...

Six of us got together for the first time in 18 months and booked at 21 based on great previous visits. Glad to say that they didn’t disappoint! Service was excellent throughout and we were in the smaller section of the restaurant which I think...

I've been coming to 21 for a few years now and it is definitely my favourite fine dining restaurant in Newcastle. I always end up coming here when I cannot decide where to eat as I know the food here will never disappoint. The food...

Visiting family in Newcastle and so booked lunch on Sunday at 21. I knew it from its old location and when it still had its Michelin Star. We had a table for 5 and I found it a disappointing experience. The food was actually rather...

For consistency at a high level 21 is still hard to beat in the North of England. Well sourced local produce,top calibre staff,both in the kitchen and front of house,make a meal here a thoroughly enjoyable experience. As well as the food the wine list...

what a brilliant evening we had here - great food service wine and choice for my wife who needs a gluten free diet - a great atmosphere too - we had done a small road trip around scotland and newcastle and ate in 7 high...

We have eaten here twice since it reopened . On the first Day after reopening we had lunch. It was very busy but the service was still excellent. I had the soup then sole and my husband had his usual cheese soufflé and then jumbo...

It was wonderful to be back at 21 last night after such a long break and we had a really enjoyable evening. The food was excellent and the service was as good as it always was. The person who served us in the smaller dining...

Cafe 21 has been one of favourite restaurants for years, but now their prices for alcohol are simply outrageous! Whilst I appreciate Hospitality has taken a bashing, and expected increased prices, they are simply screwing clients. Food was of the usual excellent standard

We were a party of 6 from one family and this was a post lockdown treat. Couldn’t get a pre dinner drink as they were full at the bar, shown to the table and waited 20 minutes to order a drink and this only happened...

Just home after our much awaited meal breaking the duck (!) of home eating in lockdown. I was really emotional as the service, quality of food, and general experience was flawless despite lockdown, social distancing requirements - and all the stresses of Covid. Superb food...

Located just a short walk from the famous Newcastle quayside this classic modern restaurant did not disappoint. We visited on the first night after lockdown and the place was packed. All three in our party went for the fixed priced menu, three courses for £31....

After an unexpectedly eventful trip to town to pick up our food, this meal (and wine!) was much needed and didn’t disappoint. The order came in a lovely box with printed instructions and timings for everything. The food itself was amazing. We had beef bourginon,...