“Unless you are a pizza, the answer is yes, I can live without you”.
Bill Murray that one.
And a sentiment I can get behind, more now than ever. It used to be that pizza in Newcastle was dire. Really bad. Not that long ago. And now? You cannit move for it. Three new places in the last six months alone. Which is great as competition should keep standards high. But when is saturation? Only the best should and will survive. Just this week has seen NCL pizza flag-bearer and marmite owner Cal’s Own close down the latest iteration of his pizza operation.
Gingerino’s Kitchen (Stepney Road, NE2 1TZ) has for years been about as safe a bet as the next restaurant opening in Newcastle featuring a shitty slogan neon sign, exposed brickwork, and fake plastic flowers on the ceiling. It’s no frills. Just good pizza.
Full pies for a tenner-ish, or slices for three quid. Three quid! Just 60p more than Greggs’ sorry efforts (still love you, big G). But with the depressing cost of living crisis, and some meal deals nowadays well upwards of a bloody tenner, Gingerino’s is always welcome in my life. The lunch special is the one you want — two slices and a can of pop for £6.
It is the modest, dependable slice. The one that quietly, is always there for you. A sunny day in the Ouseburn and a shout for ‘fancy a Gingerino’s’ just go together. Very consistent it is, too.
10 minutes distraction from pints at Tyne Bar? Gingerino’s. Quick lunch scran with the guys from work? Gingerino’s. Already had a shitty salad that hasn’t quite filled the hole and hunting extra carbs? Gingerino’s. It’s as close to the ‘dollar slice’ as we’ve got here. Pizza by the Slice had this space all to themselves way back when (£1.80 slices), but even they’ve put their prices up and the quality is very meh these days. And only 9-5 of course. Pizza is food for the masses.
And it’s not like the value proposition diminishes the pizzas at all. They’re always large and freshly baked. And always do the trick. The crust, pleasantly light and chewy. It’s not about the finest quality salami or obsession over proofing and cornicione. But howay…
If I had to criticise? Toppings are scant-ish. But it is three quid. Some more frequent specials would always be welcome as the beef shin ragu below was understandably, one of my faves. And you can’t sit in, but on a sunny day you can catch a right Ouseburn sun trap just outside. Nice 😎
Gingerino’s also has, bizarrely a patisserie section with brownies and cake bars. And y’know what they’re sound as well. If you’re looking for that de facto squidgy texture, the holy grail of all brownies, they have it nailed. Decent Victoria sponge as well, so if two slices doesn’t cut the mustard — knock yourself out. Same goes for the calzones.
And that’s it. Gingerino’s doesn’t try to offer mac&cheese, garlic breads, homemade dips, or any of the other distractions some pizza places in town do. Just a consistent slice that’ll fix you up.
Like Bill Murray, it’s deadpan but reliable and you know when it pops up, you’re gonna enjoy it. Gingerino’s is probably the best value pizza out there at the moment, and absolutely deserves a spot on my (recently updated!) ‘Best Pizzas in Newcastle‘ list.
Contact: gingerinoskitchen.co.uk
Food hygiene rating: 5/5
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