The independent alternatives to Eldon Square restaurants

If you want to eat well while shopping in Eldon Square, get out of Eldon Square.

I know chains are an unfortunate part of the landscape and not going anywhere, with the casual dining sector bouncing back after a tough covid period. But there’s a sliding scale of shite-ness, and if you’re a visitor to Newcastle, here for some retail therapy, or a lazy resident grabbing your Christmas gifts, there’s no need anymore to suffer a TGI’s burger surely.

With that in mind, I’ve listed some independent alternatives to the restaurants in Eldon Square so that you can help small business out, save money, and have a better meal all-round. If we all did this, our high streets and shopping centres would be a lot less copy/paste, and a lot more interesting than they currently are.

Thank you to Jackpot Sounds and their frequent prize draws for helping to make this post possible. I wouldn’t optionally be spending money at Smashburger otherwise, so this short message helps to keep this site going in what is a very tough time for publishers — thank you.

Methodology: All bars, shops, restaurants, etc. listed on the Eldon Square site under ‘Dine’ as of August 2025, and alternatives that are within NE1 / city centre. Last updated: August 2025.

Independent alternatives for Newcastle Eldon Square restaurants

ASK

You’ve been to ASK before, right? Last time I went a decade-ish ago, I used to think it was one of the “less terrible” Italian chains. But it’s just so bog-standard. We’re not shy of independent Italian restaurants in Newcastle, and they’re all of a fair quality, and going to work out cheaper than here. So I really can’t see why people bother with ASK. It definitely can’t be for the pizza…

Number of UK locations: 65
Owned by: Private equity (Azzurri Group: Zizzi, Dave’s Hot Chicken, etc.)
More independent alternatives: Pani’s (Central), Zucchini (Central), Uno’s (Quayside)

Bagel Factory

Not awful at all, and a relatively small chain which started in London, so it’s not all bad. Bagel Factory is cheap, cheerful, and while it’s never going to hold a candle to a bakery that’s pouring love and care into their bagels every morning, it’s alright. Weirdly owned by an Italian firm that operates delis, motorway restaurants, cured meat supplies, and strangely, some Italian taco chains. You could do worse, for sure. But choose this from the Grainger Market just a few metres away from King Baby Bagel, which is ace.

Number of locations: >50
Owned by: Privately owned (Cremonini/Chef Express)
More independent alternative: King Baby Bagels (Grainger Market)

Bella Italia

There’s been a definite shift over the last decade when it comes to chains. Think of Five Guys over Handmade Burger Co., or La Tasca closing in favour of (arguably just as meh) Cafe Andaluz. Bella Italia clings on for dear life, down from a peak of more than 160 restaurants, there are still some 70 left. But surely, it must be widely regarded as one of the blandest of the high street chain restaurants?

It’s Italian-lite, jack of all trades and master of none. Huge menu, most of it “OK” but it’ll never be more than that. Stick a gun to my head and I’d probably choose this over ASK, but I’d rather just neither. You’ve tried pizza/pasta here, and let’s be honest, you weren’t really impressed last time, were you?

Number of locations: >50
Owned by: Privately owned (Cremonini/Chef Express)
More independent alternative: Pinocchio (Central), Portofino (Central), Zucchini (Central)

Soft drinks special: BOOST Juice Bar, Bubbleology, Chatime

Bubble tea isn’t that complicated, it’s not difficult to prepare, it’s perfect for franchising. Also, you don’t have to go far down Stowell Street to find it. These places pop up all the time, and it must be 10x harder selling this as an indie compared to selling coffee, where you can differentiate on so many other things. Chatime has over 1000 stores across the world, so you tell me, why here rather than one of a cities many Indies?

As for Boost, it’s entirely inoffensive, but it’s part of a 500 strong group across the world, and just not that exciting. It’s just not for me, but if you like this kinda thing, try nearby Priory Press which offers juices and healthy bowls etc.

More independent alternative: Manhua Cha (Grainger Market), Bubble Cha (Chinatown, Haymarket)

Chaophraya

6 restaurants across (mostly the North) now, and sister to similar-but-different Thaikhun, Chaophraya pitches itself as “fine dining”. It’s definitely not, but it’s among the better of these Eldon Square restaurants, and at least it’s a bit different to what you’ll get in the usual shopping centre food court. For me, except for the view, I don’t get why you’d come to a shopping centre for a special night out though.

It’s Thai, and Thai-inspired, and it’s all pretty good. But you pay for that view over the Monument, it can get expensive, and it’s got a lot of flash at the expense of often taking their eyes off the food… For me, Thai is no frills, big flavours, and for that see the wonderful Thai House Cafe.

Number of locations: 6
Owned by: Privately owned (Thai Leisure Group: Thaikhun, Yee Rah, ChaoBaby)
More independent alternative: Thai House Cafe (Central), Cafe Ngon (Central), Pick Thai (Grainger Market)

Chiquito

Another contender for worst chain award, Chiquito is about as far removed from Mexican food as you can possibly get. I haven’t been for a very, very long time, and that’s not about to change. We’re still waiting for the return of a great independent Mexican or even Tex-Mex restaurant in Newcastle, sadly.

Number of locations: 12
Owned by: Privately owned (The Big Table Group: Las Iguanas, Cafe Rouge, Coast2Coast)
More independent alternative: Little Lobo, Chucho’s, Good Time Tacos, Cantina (ARE ALL OUTSIDE OF NE1 😕)

Coffee Special: Costa, Caffè Nero, Starbucks

I’m sure you don’t need me preaching about why independent coffee shops are better than the high street chains which dominate the high street. I could write another ten thousand words on it. But Newcastle has some great locals now, so while I’m collating a list of my favourites, check out the nearby alternatives below for your caffeine fix.

More independent alternatives: Laneway (Central), Pink Lane Coffee (Central), Sorcerer Coffee (Central), Tiny Tiny (Manors), Lagom (Chinatown), North Shore (Grainger Market)

Crepeaffaire

Crepes are the ideal street food item but I do wonder a bit where the market for sitting down and eating one is. I have nothing against Crepeafaire and obviously it’s an easy dish to make, no matter how much Nutella you put on it. So instead of anything else, you can literally see the Grainger Market from the window here — have a wander round and you’ll feel much happier.

It was just saved from administration this year, so perhaps the mass market for an eight quid crepe isn’t actually there, shock.

Number of UK locations: 10
Owned by: Private
More independent alternatives: Crepes Courmet (Grainger Market)

Frankie & Benny’s

OK, I’m not the biggest fan of Ask Italian, etc. but Frankie & Benny’s — really? How is this still going?

If this particular chain of faux-American microwave meals is all about opening where shoppers are for convenience, then OK, I overestimated how lazy UK shopper are. This is one of the largest units in the new Grey’s Quarter, and it has that lovely prime space with the glass facade onto the monument. You went when you were 16, had a first date there, heard the happy birthday theme, but didn’t you grow out of it? Literally go anywhere and you’ll get a better meal.

Number of UK locations: 54
Owned by: Private equity (Big Table Group: Las Iguanas, Cafe Rouge, Coast2Coast)
More independent alternatives: Uno’s (Quayside), Fat Hippo (Central), Lola Jeans (Central)

Greggs

How much has been written about Greggs and its various marketing stunts over the last decade? I used to be a big fan, it’s a great NE success story, but over time, profits have gone up, and quality has absolutely gone down. With 11 or so locations in NE1, this is one of the worst, and if you’re at this end of Eldon Square, just walk out the door a few hundred metres to the Grainger Market instead (there’s a theme here). I do still have a soft spot, but it’s for the Central station ones at 2am.

Number of UK locations: 2500
Owned by: Publicly traded
More independent alternatives: Pink Lane Bakery (Central), Deep North (Quayside)

Not-quite-restaurants/miscellaneous: Hotel Chocolat, Krispy Kreme, Millie’s Cookies

Familiar in any shopping centre, Hotel Chocolat still offers good chocolate and their hot drinks are strong. Krispy Kreme does well in Newcastle which itself is home to six or seven doughnut places now — so see Deep North on Dean Street for something better (and pretty much the same price). Millie’s Cookies… eh surely it’s ripe for disruption. The product is alright, and the smell of them baking when walking past remains somewhat intoxicating, but it doesn’t exactly excite me. For cookies — try Pink Lane or Pet Lamb Patisserie, or even Knoops for two in one decent hot chocolate and independently-bought in (Northern Rye / Pink Lane) sweet treats.

KFC (UK)

With the advent of ‘better chains’ as I mentioned above, I’m surprised to see KFC still doing well. Like with McDonalds being slowly superseded by the (sort of) similar Five Guys, I’m surprised those who were KFC fans haven’t moved on to something like Wingstop which is a far more modern offering.

Nonetheless, I haven’t been for a number of years as it doesn’t even one of have the core benefits of a chain — consistency. And while KFC used to be #1 for chicken shops, they’re now plentiful. You know the colonel is no good, so try FEDs instead (pictured above).

Number of UK locations: 900+
Owned by: Privately (Yum Brands: Pizza Hut, Taco Bell)
More independent alternatives: FEDs (Grainger Market)

Little Cosmo

All you can eat buffets… should probably be left in the 1980s. Though I see the appeal to some people, I won’t be going. If you’re looking for a better way to spend £21.99 — check out some of these for starters.

Number of UK locations: 26
Owned by: Privately owned
More independent alternatives: Master Wang Chef’s Noodles (Haymarket), Anywhere in Chinatown, at all

Maki & Ramen

Newest on this list, and still independent, I’ll give Maki & Ramen a try soon enough, so it’s a free pass on this list. It’s relatively well received which is great to see, and with 12 (though rapidly growing) sites, one of the smaller and less obvious additions to the Metrocentre, which I’m all for. Could we have space, or rent options for more like this please?

Nando’s

I know, there’s still something alluring about the cheeky Nando’s. But as with a lot things in the 2020s, what started off as a good ‘cheap’ meal has turned into £16 for chicken, chips and peas. It has been tough times for casual dining, but on the face of it, a two course set meal anywhere in Newcastle at the right time will be better value than here.

For my favourite alternative to get some flame-grilled chicken, chips, and some garlic bread try Kafe Neon (pictured above), a Newcastle institution on the Bigg Market. Two courses £16 most of the time.

Number of UK locations: 470
Owned by: Privately owned
More independent alternatives: Kafe Neon (Bigg Market), Hen & Hops (Central), FEDs (Grainger Market)

ORI Cafe

It’s John Lewis’ resident cafe — so you know what to expect. Lots of oldies milling about, sandwiches, soups and scones and coffee. I don’t imagine it’s somewhere that people go very intentionally, much like the old Rossopomodoro that did this role, so it’s inoffensive.

Pizza Express

Poor old Pizza Express. Once the king of the UK casual dining scene, its success was almost too much as now pizza restaurants are among the most plentiful and often successful across the UK. You can generally now get a good standard of pizza in most UK towns and cities, which I love. Pizza Express’ core product is still good, and its restaurants have a generally pleasant feeling. But unless you absolutely need it, there are a ton of better (and often cheaper) pizzas out there.

Number of UK locations: 360
Owned by: Privately owned
More independent alternatives: I Scream for Pizza (Quayside)

Smashburger

I’m surprised it’s still here as I never hear of anyone talking about it, and it never seems busy. But the 4th Smashburger in the UK is a big global player in the squashed mince game. Way ahead of its time, too. Smashburgers are everywhere nowadays.

It’s just not that hot. Feels like a burger chain, which isn’t a slur, but it’s just not as exciting, and often more £££ than similar restaurants.

Number of UK locations: 7
Owned by: Private (Jolibee)
More independent alternatives: Fat Hippo, Meat:Stack, Patty Melts, etc.

The Bake One

Also independent — it’s good to see that something that’s as far away from the blandest American chains can work in the Metrocentre. Go for grilled meats, dips and bread, and you’ll enjoy it way more than your microwaved steak from across the way at Frankie & Benny’s.

Tortilla

Some 30 branches in the UK, god knows how. I had a bad time with it. Maybe they stuck it at the entrance to Eldon Square because they felt sorry for it. Like the mars-bar-in-a-milkshake, and e-cig shops that lived there before it, hope it doesn’t last too long

Number of UK locations: 100+
Owned by: Publicly listed
More independent alternatives: Zapatista (Central/Haymarket)

Umai Mi

Umai Mi is independent, operated by the Law family which has ran Chinese and fusion restaurants in Newcastle for three or four decades. Unfortunately, it’s just not that good. Obviously a better choice than Frankie & Benny’s, but if you’re after this type of food — which spans sushi, dumplings, poke, noodles, roast meats and rice, broths, etc… head over to Chinatown and have a look through there.

Number of UK locations: –
Owned by: Privately owned (Laus: Buffet King, Lui’s, Nudo)
More independent alternatives: Try Stixs (Chinatown)

Wagamama

The counterpart to a cheeky Nando’s, Wagamama manages to remains popular. For much the same reasons, people love it for classics that they order time and time again. Which is fine — but while I haven’t been for years, I hear that Wagz is subject to the same enshittification that private equity brings to everything on the UK high street, so why not try something else? Get out of your comfort zone.

Number of UK locations: 175
Owned by: The Restaurant Group (Barburrito, Airports, Others)
More independent alternatives: Stixs, Butakun, Kato

Wingstop

I kinda like Wingstop. It’s that much more of a modern take on a chain restaurant than some of incumbents, and it does its one thing reasonably well. But christ, it can be loud, busy, and overstimulating. Or more importantly, if you’re looking for an independent alternative, it’s not like chicken is hard to find.

Number of UK locations: 57
Owned by: Franchised
More independent alternatives: FEDs (Grainger Market), Hen & Hops (Central)

Drinks specials: The Alchemist, The Exchange

Places to go while shopping? I mean in Newcastle it’s not like you’re far away from a bar, so I find the concept of a sanitised place to drink within Eldon Square a bit of a turn off. But previous big sister to The Botanist, you’ll know what to expect at The Alchemist, which remains popular and even tries really hard to push its food menu (why would you eat here). In drinks terms, it’s actually a step up from there in terms of “less plant pots” but it’s replaced with more dry ice.

Cocktails? They’re all about the gimmicks, but they’re relatively well priced, and good in places, if very sweet. Take away the dining part and it sort of makes sense.

The Exchange — it’s a cursed site and I don’t know how Eldon Square is claiming it’s ‘in’ Eldon Square, but it’s been a handful of similar bars and restaurants over the past ten years, none of which I have anything of note to say about. I believe it is independent owned, it just seems absolutely average in every way. Burger menu and 241 cocktails.

For cocktails, try Pleased to Meet You (Central), Cafe Mercy (Central), others from my best cocktails in Newcastle guide.

When I first drafted this post when the ‘new’ bit of Eldon Square they were trying to brand Grey’s Quarter opened, I was a lot more cynical. And then there was REDs and some other OK restaurants. I think now it’s a little, and I mean 🤏🏼 better. But still, dining in UK shopping centres remains for me, a grim experience.

Hopefully if you were about to fall into Bella Italia for convenience, you might consider something else having read this, and as ever, my advice would be to have a wander around the Grainger Market any time of day. We’re one of the UK’s best and most compact cities, so walk a couple of hundred metres and you might be surprised. And, you’ll be keeping money out of private equity CEO bonus packets. Everyone wins.