Best Restaurants in Tynemouth

Tynemouth has one of the strongest independent food scenes on the North East coast. For a small village, the concentration of quality is remarkable — a tight stretch of Front Street holds everything from tapas and brunch spots to proper fish restaurants, while down on King Edward's Bay you can eat chargrilled lobster with sand between your toes.

Here are our picks for the best restaurants in Tynemouth.

Best for: This guide covers sit-down restaurants. For cafes, pubs, and takeaways, keep an eye out for future guides.

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Longsands Fish Kitchen

Located at 27 Front Street, Longsands Fish Kitchen is widely regarded as one of the best seafood restaurants in the North East. The menu changes daily based on what local fishermen have caught that morning — expect Shetland mussels, grilled lobster, shucked oysters, and roast turbot alongside classic fish and chips.

All cod and haddock is MSC-certified, and the kitchen takes sustainability seriously. There is also a takeaway counter if you want to grab fish and chips for the beach. Note that they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Best for: Fresh daily seafood with a changing menu. Ranked among the top restaurants in Tynemouth on Tripadvisor.

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Riley's Fish Shack

You will not find a more dramatic setting for a meal in the North East. Riley's Fish Shack sits directly on King Edward's Bay beach, operating from converted shipping containers with a charcoal BBQ producing some of the finest grilled seafood in the region.

The catch-dependent menu changes daily — monkfish, turbot, halibut, squid, langoustines, lobster, and mackerel all feature regularly. In summer, you can hire a deckchair or book a fire pit on the sand. Access is via steep steps from the headland, so it is worth knowing about before you arrive.

Riley's also has a small restaurant and fish shop up in Tynemouth village for a year-round option without the weather dependency.

Best for: Beachside charcoal-grilled seafood on King Edward's Bay. Booking is strongly advised.

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Ora

Ora is a stylish tapas bar at 31 Front Street, specialising in Spanish small plates with a broader Mediterranean influence. The menu spans patatas bravas, croquetas, and grilled prawns through to sharing boards and larger plates, all paired with a strong cocktail and wine list.

The terrace out front is one of Tynemouth's best people-watching spots when the sun is out. There is also a tapas deal available all day Sunday to Thursday and until 5pm on Fridays, making it a solid option for a relaxed midweek dinner.

Best for: Spanish tapas, cocktails, and a Front Street terrace. Great value midweek tapas deals.

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Dil & the Bear

Dil & the Bear at 18 Front Street has earned a devoted following for its brunch and lunch offering. The menu leans towards fresh, nutritious options — Turkish eggs, breakfast baps, and vibrant salads — with strong gluten-free and vegan selections throughout.

The interior has an artistic, relaxed feel, and there is a spacious outdoor area with cosy cabanas. Open daily from 9am to 5pm, this is a daytime restaurant rather than an evening option, but it does what it does exceptionally well.

Best for: Tynemouth's best-loved brunch spot. Strong vegan and gluten-free options.

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Allard's Lounge

Allard's has been a Front Street fixture since 2011, starting as a small tapas cafe and expanding into a proper bar-restaurant split across two areas. The walk-in bar side is dog-friendly and good for morning coffee or evening drinks, while the restaurant side takes bookings for a fuller menu of tapas, paella, meatballs, and bistro dishes.

Open from 8.30am until late (midnight on Fridays and Saturdays), Allard's covers more of the day than most Tynemouth restaurants. The wine list is extensive and the cocktails are inventive.

Best for: All-day dining from breakfast through to late-night drinks. Dog-friendly bar area.

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The Gibraltar Rock

Sitting at the eastern end of Front Street near the Priory, The Gibraltar Rock commands views over King Edward's Bay that few pubs can match. The food offering centres on a carvery alongside pies, freshly caught fish, and classic pub grub — unpretentious and reliably good.

The outdoor terrace overlooking the bay is spectacular on a clear day. It is also a convenient stop before or after visiting the Priory ruins.

Best for: Carvery and pub grub with outstanding sea views near the Priory.

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The Priory

The Priory pub sits just off Front Street near the castle entrance, offering a traditional pub-restaurant atmosphere with a menu of British classics done well. The location makes it a natural gathering point after a walk along the coast or a visit to the ruins.

The food is honest and well-priced, the beer selection is solid, and there is a welcoming, unhurried feel that suits Tynemouth's village character.

Best for: Traditional pub dining in a prime location near the castle and coast path.

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Where to Start

If you are visiting Tynemouth for the first time and want a single recommendation: Longsands Fish Kitchen for a proper sit-down seafood meal, or Riley's Fish Shack if the weather is kind and you want an experience you will not forget.

For a relaxed evening, Ora and Allard's both deliver excellent food without the need to book weeks ahead — though weekend reservations are always wise.

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