Taste the North East Coast
From fresh seafood and seaside classics to cosy cafés, independent restaurants and hidden gems, discover some of the best places to eat along England’s North East coast. Whether you’re after a relaxed lunch by the sea or a memorable evening meal, there’s something to suit every appetite.
Hinnies Whitley Bay
Located on Whitley Bay’s seafront, Hinnies is a relaxed and welcoming restaurant that showcases the best of North East produce with a modern twist. It’s the kind of place that feels equally suited to a leisurely lunch, a family meal or a relaxed evening out.
The menu changes with the seasons and makes good use of locally sourced ingredients, with seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes all featuring alongside familiar North East favourites. There’s a real emphasis on quality and simplicity, allowing the ingredients to take centre stage rather than relying on overly complicated dishes.
Inside, Hinnies has a cosy, informal atmosphere, while its location on East Parade makes it an ideal choice if you're spending the day exploring Whitley Bay and the surrounding coast.
What makes Hinnies particularly appealing is its combination of good food, friendly service and a distinctly North East feel. It offers something a little more special than a typical seaside meal without becoming overly formal or pretentious.
Our verdict: A great choice for anyone looking for quality seasonal food in a relaxed setting. If you're exploring Whitley Bay and want somewhere that feels local, welcoming and a step above the usual seaside fare, Hinnies is well worth a visit.
The Uncommon, North Shields
The Uncommon is one of those places that feels like a bit of a find. Tucked away in North Shields, it’s not somewhere you visit simply because you happen to be walking past — it’s somewhere you go because you’ve heard good things, and it’s well worth making the trip.
From the moment you walk in, there’s a relaxed and welcoming feel to the place. It’s modern without feeling cold or overly polished, and there’s a real independent character that makes it different from some of the more traditional restaurants around the coast.
The food is what really makes the visit worthwhile. There’s a creative feel to the menu, with plenty of interesting choices and quality ingredients.
It’s also the sort of place where you can take your time. Whether you're meeting friends for a relaxed meal, enjoying a drink or looking for somewhere a little different for dinner, The Uncommon has a laid-back atmosphere that makes you want to stay a while.
For me, it’s a great example of how much the food scene around North Shields has to offer. There are plenty of places nearby that are easy to overlook, and The Uncommon is exactly the kind of independent spot that deserves a bit more attention.
Our verdict: If you're exploring North Shields and fancy trying somewhere a little different, I'd definitely put The Uncommon on your list. Good food, a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of character — exactly what I look for in an independent local restaurant.
Fisherman’s Bay, Whitley Bay
If you’re in Whitley Bay and fancy a proper fish and chip dinner, Fisherman’s Bay is my personal favourite. Sitting on East Parade, it has that classic seaside feel, with the option to sit in, enjoy on their outside seating looking out to sea or take home.
The main attraction is the fish. The portions are generous, the fish is cooked to order and, when you get that lovely crisp batter and flaky fish together, it’s exactly what you want from a traditional seaside chippy. The chips are just as important and they don’t disappoint.
One thing that really stands out is the choice. As well as the traditional fish and chips, there are plenty of alternatives, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. My personal favourite is the haloumi special. They also offer a gluten-free fish and chips, which is great to see from a traditional fish and chip restaurant.
Fisherman’s Bay is all about good, familiar seaside food in a relaxed setting. On a sunny day, you can easily combine it with a walk along Whitley Bay seafront and make a proper afternoon of it. Who doesn’t love a well deserved chip butty after a stroll?
It can get busy, particularly around peak times, however they do have a fab easy to use app to pre order for collection.
Our verdict: If you're looking for a traditional North East fish and chip experience in Whitley Bay, Fisherman's Bay is definitely worth trying. It's casual, generous and unpretentious — and when the fish and chips are on form, it's exactly the sort of meal you hope for when you're by the seaside.
Riley’s Fish Shack, Tynemouth
Riley’s Fish Shack is one of those places that really captures what I love about the North East coast. Tucked beside King Edward’s Bay in Tynemouth, it’s all about relaxed seaside eating, great seafood and enjoying your food in one of the best coastal settings around.
What makes Riley’s different from a traditional fish and chip shop is the way the food is cooked. There’s a real focus on fresh seafood and open-fire cooking, with plenty of flavour and a menu that changes with what’s available. It feels creative without losing that connection to the sea.
I love the setting here. You can grab your food and find a spot overlooking the bay, with the beach and Tynemouth Priory providing the backdrop. It’s the sort of place where the surroundings are almost as important as the food — particularly on a bright day when you can sit outside and take in the view.
The menu is a little different every time, but seafood is very much at the heart of it. The cooking over fire gives everything a lovely smoky flavour, and there’s a real sense that the food has been prepared with care rather than simply being another quick seaside takeaway.
It’s also worth remembering that Riley’s is deliberately casual. This isn't somewhere I’d go expecting tablecloths and formal service. It’s about good food, great surroundings and a relaxed coastal atmosphere — and I think that’s exactly why it works so well.
Our verdict: Riley’s Fish Shack is a must-try if you're exploring Tynemouth and love seafood. For me, it’s one of those places that feels uniquely connected to the coast, and sitting by King Edward’s Bay with a plate of freshly cooked seafood is hard to beat.
The Low Lights Tavern, Whitley Bay
The Low Lights Tavern is one of those places that feels like a proper North East pub. Sitting down at North Shields Fish Quay, it has a brilliant location just a stone’s throw from the River Tyne and it’s somewhere I’d happily recommend if you’re looking for good food, a relaxed atmosphere and a bit of local character.
What I really like about the Low Lights is that it doesn’t feel overly polished or formal. It has that welcoming pub atmosphere where you can pop in for a drink, settle down for lunch or make an evening of it with friends. There’s plenty of character to the building and the setting certainly adds to the experience.
The food is varied, with plenty of traditional pub favourites alongside seafood and other more contemporary choices. It’s the sort of menu that works well when everyone wants something different, whether you're after a hearty meal or something lighter.
And then there’s the Fish Quay itself. I think this is one of the best things about visiting the Low Lights. You can enjoy your meal and then take a stroll along the waterfront, watching the boats and taking in the views across the Tyne. It makes the whole visit feel like more than simply going out for something to eat.
I’d say the Low Lights is particularly good for a relaxed meal rather than a formal dining experience. It has plenty of personality, and its location gives it something that many pubs simply don't have.
My verdict: If you're exploring North Shields Fish Quay, the Low Lights Tavern is well worth stopping at. Good pub food, a relaxed atmosphere and a fantastic riverside setting make it a great place to enjoy a meal and soak up a bit of the character of North Shields.