Cheap places to eat in Newcastle

Whether you spent a bit too much these past few weekends, are a student with crumbs in your bank account, or are just trying to be smarter with money, we feel you. But whilst there are loads of great cheap things and free things to do in Newcastle, that will be friendly to your pocket, sometimes you just want a proper good scran; it's one of life’s greatest pleasures after all.  

Whether you're a Newcastle student looking to line your stomach before a student night out this freshers week (we also have a list of the best student bars and clubs for you to check out), or just a local looking for a pocket-friendly grub, the Toon has you covered. 

Just because you’re skint doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get to enjoy some tasty scran! Catching up over delicious food and a drink and knowing you don't have to clean up after is just golden. So here are some cheap places to eat in Newcastle so you can still enjoy that feeling without splashing too much cash. 

Aidan's Kitchen

Photo: Aidan's Kitchen / Facebook.com 

Where: 11 Starbeck Ave, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1RH

Aidan’s Kitchen is an independently ran coffee shop for those who just can’t get enough of brunch. Picture poached eggs, sauteed, hollandaise sauce and chives on an English muffin. Our mouths are watering! Most dishes sit around the £8-9 mark, but if you've spent a bit too much recently, you can enjoy a scrumptious meal for just £5. Aidan’s Kitchen also has lots of gluten-free and vegetarian options. 

Pizzeria Francesca 

Photo: Pizzeria Francesca / Facebook.com 

Where: 134-136 Manor House Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2NA

Pizza is the ultimate comfort food. The irresistible combination of cheese and dough is a tough one to beat. One of the best cheap restaurants in Newcastle, Pizzeria Francesca is a family restaurant that’s been based in Jesmond since 1983. Their Neapolitan-style pizza is gorgeous, and you can get one for less than £10. But if you aren’t feeling pizza, they also pasta, chicken dishes, and fish.

Moulin Rouge Cafe and Grill

Photo: Moulin Rouge Cafe and Grill / Facebook.com 

Where: 233 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6AD 

Homemade burgers for less than a tenner, wraps for £7, breakfast butty's for less than a fiver, and kebabs for £11-15 - Moulin Rouge Cafe and Grill is perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack. Head over for a tasty meal or order if your sofa’s feeling too comfy to leave. Oh, and the portion sizes are pretty big too! 

The Hancock 

Photo: The Hancock Pub / Facebook.com 

Where: 2A Hancock Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4PU

The Hancock is popular with students because it’s cheap, they do a bottomless brunch, they have a cracking beer garden, and pool tables. It’s the perfect place for a casual bite to eat. To save some more, head over on Tuesday, as that’s when you can enjoy two-for-one pizza. They also do two for £10 cocktails Sunday - Thursday, so you can take advantage of that at the same time! 

Sushi Me Rollin’

Photo: Sushi Me Rollin' / Facebook.com 

Where: 25 Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6EE and 14 Station Road, Whitley Bay, Newcastle upon Tyne NE26 2RA

Hailed by some as the “best sushi in the North East”, Sushi Me Rollin’ is “putting the fun back into fine dining”. And without the fine dining prices! And for you vegan lot, they also have vegan options such as yasau roll and nigiri inari. You can get a 30-piece sushi platter for just £40. Or order for yourself with dishes ranging from £6 to £10. It’s probably one of the fanciest cheap eats in Newcastle. 

SnackWallah

Photo: SnackWallah / Facebook.com 

Where: Snackwallah, Unit 31-33, Alley One, Grainger Market, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5QG

SnackWallah is an independent family-run business that serves a delicious menu of healthy, vegan food. They bring authentic Indian street food dishes to Newcastle, such as curry of the day served with daal, rice and naan bread, bhaji wraps, chana chaat, pakora and samosa plates, and more. The most expensive item on their menu is Maharaja's Banquet for £10, but most dishes go for around £4. What a steal!

Zucchini Pasta Bar 

Photo: Zucchini Pasta Bar - Newcastle / Facebook.com

Where: 55 Degrees North, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6BL

Pasta is another god-tier comfort food. The carbs from the pasta with delicious sauce and an array of toppings from meat to mushrooms make for the perfect pick-me-up or indulgent treat. At Zucchini Pasta Bar, a fresh, hearty pasta dish costs around £10. And their pasta can be made vegan and gluten-free if needed. Ingredients are imported from Italy or are locally sourced. 

Chucho's 

Photo: Chucho's / Facebook.com 

Where: 279 Shields Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1DQ

For just £3.50 each or three for £9, you can tuck into some tasty tacos at Chucho’s. The Rellena taco is one of their most popular. It's served with black pudding cooked with onion, black beans, coriander, and pickled red onion. They also offer takeaway if you’ve got somewhere to be but the hunger prangs are too much to ignore. And keep an eye out for taco Tuesdays for three tacos for £8!

Zapatista Burrito Bar

Photo: Zapatista Burrito Bar / Facebook.com 

Where: 9 Grainger Street (next to Central station), Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5DQ and 28 Ridley Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8JW

Zapatista was Newcastle’s first independent Mexican-inspired burrito bar. Currently, the most expensive item on their menu is the large meal deal for £8.70 (which includes chips and a soft drink), but most meals are under £7. How does slow-cooked shredded beef in a spicy tomato sauce sound? Yeah, we’re hungry now too. A good choice for those with dietary requirements, gluten-free and vegan options are available too.

Newcastle has some cracking budget-friendly restaurants to check out. To explore food and drink events in Newcastle, click or tap here.

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Header: Aidan's Kitchen / Facebook.com