...Café 21 is still easily one of the best places to eat in Newcastle. The flagship of five restaurants owned by local food hero Terry Laybourne (MBE no less), Café 21 has always flown the flag for the North East food scene, winning a multitude of awards, and even having a Michelin star at one point in it’s now twenty-fifth year. Celebrating Ms. Eats 29th birthday, we get on the cocktail train early and then go for a set lunch, £20 / 3 courses, which is definitely at the higher end of the scale for Newcastle, but 21 Group restaurants are the safest choice going - you know you are going to get assured quality, hence they have remained popular for so long. Having stopped chasing the Michelin man many years ago, and now billing itself as “a classic modern bistro…about eati
Café 21 is a real ‘grown up’ restaurant that is not trying to be anything clever. Simply high quality food and service… I can see why it had so many recommendations. Top place.
We had the 5 course seasonal menu with accompanying wine flight which was all delicious. The chef was also able to substitute or modify some dishes to cater for allergies in the party. Service was all excellent and the whole meal was nicely paced with breaks where needed. We also opted for the optional cheese course with port.
Very attentive staff who are well presented, courteous and professional. Food quality was exceptional and they were more than happy to adapt any dish for allergies where possible. We were there for a celebration and they provided some free drinks and dessert.
One of the best experiences I've had in my locale. Everything from the food to the service was simply exceptional. The team working that evening certainly had their work cut out with us since we were quite unconventional in our ordering (and moving tables). We'd all been to plate day, so we're already a bit sozzled and maybe a bit louder than we ought to have been (sorry if we upset anyone). The team I'm sure we're ready to get home, but at no point forced us out and it was getting quite late. So thanks to all for a great experience! 10/10, highly recommend.
Absolutely amazing
The price for the 3 course meal outstanding
Best food I've had in a long while
We ordered the cheese and spinach soufflé which was outstanding. The sea bass was very good especially with the grilled shrimp and olive oil and tomatoes. The roe deer was juicy and I liked the winter fruits with it.
Isabella, our waitress, is the sweetest and offered excellent service!
Sampled the seasonal tasting menu
Enjoyed the food and experience.
The restaurant was very busy (I think it always is) staff were efficient and engaging.
Fantastic food washed down with a nice 🍷 wine.
Perfect fine dining
Definitely on my list of great places to eat in Newcastle
We visited 21 for our anniversary dinner, and had the September "bang in season" menu with wine flight. Each dish was incredibly well executed, and paired brilliantly with a glass of wine (or port for the cheese course). Service was excellent throughout. Portions were the perfect size and we left feeling as if the whole thing had been a true experience rather than just a meal. Particular standouts were the almond panna cotta dessert and the grouse pie. Highly recommend for a special occasion or celebration.
Amazing food and great staff but there always one drunk idiot who is so loud they spoil it for everyone in the place as everyone is in pretty close proximity to each other. I'm sure the atmosphere would be great on a quieter night. Or staff could remind people to have some respect for all their other customers.
Just the best. An institution that has kept its place as one of the best places to eat in the north east. The quality shines through, no single dish to highlight as they are all so carefully crafted. A big shout out to the staff who are always most welcoming without being over the top.
The food was absolutely delicious, the monkfish was cooked to perfection, I hope this won’t ever be taken off the menu!! Can highly recommend the chocolate and hazelnut mousse for dessert. The service was great, friendly but not overbearing and the courses came out at a good pace. Don’t miss this place!
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