Michelin-starred restaurants in the North East
Looking for a meal to remember in the northeast of England? Explore some of the finest dining in the area.
From parmos to pease pudding, from stotties to seafood, the North East of England has a culinary identity all its own.
But it's also an area rich with exquisite examples of national and international cooking. Whether you're looking for a meal in a village, town or city, the North East is a hotbed of
haute cuisine.
And in 2025, three restaurants have a much-coveted Michelin star. This internationally recognised accolade helps lovers of fine food find their next meal to remember.
The restaurants in question give a sense of the region's variety. House of Tides and Solstice offer multi-course tasting menus, while Restaurant Hjem specialises in Scandinavian fare.
A Michelin star is a mark of fine dining. But for those of you looking for excellent food on a budget, the North East is also home to restaurants awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Here at Northumbria Cars, we're proud to be a local business in the North East. But we're not so proud we can't doff our hats to the fantastic restaurants south of the Tees in North Yorkshire.
So, pull up a chair and grab a napkin: it's time to tuck into some of the best restaurants in the region.
Restaurants in the North East with a Michelin Star
1. Restaurant Hjem, Wall
Once upon a time, Northumberland was Viking country. Today, if you listen closely enough, you can still hear the splash of longboat oars and the rattle of chainmail. (Maybe.)
And at Hjem (pronounced "yem") in the Northumberland village of Wall, Northumbrian produce and Scandinavian cookery combine in a distinctive culinary melange.
The brainchild of Swedish chef Alex Nietosvuori and his Northumberland-born partner Ally Thompson, Hjem offers a tasting menu you won't forget in a hurry.
2. House of Tides, Newcastle upon Tyne
In 2019, Michelin interviewed Kenny Atkinson, chef at House of Tides in Newcastle. Asked about his journey so far, he replied:
"I wanted to open a restaurant which the people of Newcastle could feel comfortable in. Offering top quality food but not in the traditional fine-dining environment."
The restaurant, run by him and his partner Abbie, certainly achieves this aim. It's set over two floors of a restored merchant's house on Newcastle's quayside.
The nature of the building means you're in for a treat even before the food is served. It's full of light and character, boasting 16th-century flagstones, exposed beams and a spacious fireplace.
As for the food, well, there's a reason why it's been awarded both a Michelin Star and four AA Rosettes. Expect gourmet British cuisine and tasting menus – and perhaps a cheeky cocktail, too…
3. SOLSTICE BY KENNY ATKINSON, Newcastle upon Tyne
Just around the corner from House of Tides is another offering from Kenny Atkinson – and another fine-dining establishment that's won a coveted Michelin star.
It's a cosy affair, curtained off from the city hubbub and boasting an open kitchen. Diners can enjoy a seasonal tasting menu, each dish brought to you by the chefs along with sauces and garnishes. The restaurant sports an extensive wine list, too.
Described by one
reviewer as "the most refined dining experience in Newcastle for as long as I've been alive", Solstice is well worth a visit.
Restaurants in the North East with a Michelin Bib Gourmand
1. The Broad Chare, Newcastle upon Tyne
With its oak bar and well-kept beer, the Broad Chare is right to consider itself "a proper pub". But its menu of small and large plates, desserts and craft beers is forward-thinking enough to receive a listing in the Top 50 Gastro Pubs list, as well as a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
2. Haveli, Ponteland
Eight miles northwest of Newcastle upon Tyne lies the town of Ponteland (the stress falls on the middle syllable).
Home to four churches, a bridge and a ruined tower house, Ponteland is also a treat for gourmands thanks to Haveli. This Indian restaurant combines locally sourced ingredients with dishes from across India.
Michelin-starred restaurants in North Yorkshire
Of course, fine dining doesn't begin north of the Tees. In 2025, there are eight restaurants in North Yorkshire with a Michelin Star. They are:
- Forge at Middleton Lodge, Richmond
- Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, Ripon
- The Black Swan at Oldstead
- The Angel at Hetton
- The Star Inn at Harome
- Roots, York
- Restaurant Mýse, Hovingham
- Homestead Kitchen, Goathland
Frequently asked questions
What is a Michelin-starred restaurant?
A Michelin star is an award given to restaurants for, in Michelin's own words, "offering outstanding cooking".
They base this on "the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavours, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine and, just as importantly, consistency both across the entire menu and over time".
What is the Michelin Bib Gourmand award?
Michelin stars are given for excellent cooking. Michelin's Bib Gourmand awards celebrate value for money. They're given to restaurants that offer an excellent three-course meal that won't break the bank.
What restaurant guides are there besides Michelin?
A Michelin star is a big deal – but it's not the only gong worth having. Other guides to fine dining include World's 50 Best Restaurants, La Liste, Forbes Travel Guide, The Good Food Guide, Harden's and Gault&Millau.
What is a tasting menu?
Many Michelin-starred restaurants offer tasting menus. This is a meal made up of sample portions of lots of different dishes. Often, each dish will be paired with a wine. It's a way for restaurants to showcase the versatility of their cooking.
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