Italian


Da Vinci's
Both branches of Da Vinci's are perennially popular with Italian fans, although the Jesmond branch is the plushest of the two. Their flagship restaurant, the Jesmond branch, offers an extensive range of meat and fish dishes as well as the usual pizza/pasta suspects, in an intimate and modern interior. The atmosphere is literally heavenly with white and cream swathed all around the interior. You'll have to pay slightly more than at other restaurants in this section but expect to come out feeling like a super-special angel.
Open Sun-Thurs 12pm-2pm, 5.30pm-10.30pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-2pm and 5.30pm-11.30pm.
73 Osborne Road, Jesmond. 0191 281 5284 & Sandhill, Quayside. 0191 230 2231
 


Don Vito's
The pizzas in this regularly packed out Italian joint cost little more than a pint o the Quayside. The atmosphere is always bustling and full of energy, the menu as a whole is impressive in range: basically we're talking good choice, pretty good quality and great value.
Open Mon-Sat 12pm-2pm, 5pm-10pm

82 Pilrim Street. 0191 232 8923
 


Est Est Est
Like a shiny new Ferrari on a forecourt of ageing Seats, this gleaming ultra-modern chain restaurant immeddiately demands your attention as a passer by. Whilest the decor could never be referred to as authentic Italian, Est Est Est does feature an extensive menu, and caters admirably for kids, offering them the opportunity to make their own pizza (before 7.30pm). One of the busiest restaurants on the Quayside, the atmosphere here is always buzzing.
Open Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, 6pm-12.30am Sat-Sun 12pm-12.30am.

Quayside. 0191 260 2291
 


Evive
Evive has the feel of a small cafe/diner rather than an Italian, but once downstairs you find yourself in cave-like yet welcoming surroundings, complete with candlelight and cosy table settings. Parties are also catered for and the menu is reasonably priced, especially considering the generous portions. Every lunchtime is Happy Hour and on weekday evenings from 5pm until 7pm prices are reduced even further.

11 Grey Street. 0191 241 4565
 


Mamma Mia's
Why not begin a night of Bigg Market japery with dinner at this cosy little joint? With a curiosly semi-italian menu Mamma Mia's offers good value for money. Can be fairly noisy at the weekends, but perfectly placed if you get hungry between pints. A family run business,
46 Pudding Chare. 0191 232 7193
 


Pani's
Park up your Lambretta, nod a greeting to the marvellous hosts and settle down for the coolest Mediterranean experience in Newcastle. Even the 'Quando, Quando' Italian MTV channels can't detract from this bright, wood-panelled cafe and one taste of the house bruchetta or the sensational Italian fruit juices will have you smitten, signorina. Ask the crazy/freindly staff about the excellent specials available that day, or opt for the more obvious regular menu that offers most dishes except pizza. Great for just a drink, a quick meal at anytime or a full-on trough out.

61 High Bridge Road. 0191 232 4366
 


Ristorante Roma
A little bit of History: Ristorante Roma dates back to 1965, which makes it the oldest Italian in Newcastle. Pasquale and his daughter, Rossanna have maintained a relaxed atmosphere and provide intriguing, delicately laden dishes. The restaurant doesn't serve pizza and instead has an a la carte menu, with veal a particular speciality.
Open Mon-Sat 12pm-2pm, 7pm-11pm, Sun7pm-11pm.

22 Collingwood Street. 0191 232 0612