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17th Jul 2026
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The French Quarter is bringing Parisian summer evenings and small plates to a romantic railway arch

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When it comes to our fast-paced lifestyles, it seems like we’re always in a rush to grab dinner and dash, but The French Quarter Newcastle is here to remind us that it’s time to embrace the European style of dining.

Leisurely, laid-back and sociable, why shouldn’t we take some well-needed time out for a good old catch-up over an evening meal? There’s something quintessentially summer about lingering over a table full of small plates as the light fades, sharing bites and stories in equal measure while the evening drifts by.

That’s exactly what The French Quarter is all about. This Parisian-style restaurant and wine bar is on a mission to prove that French dining doesn’t have to be fussy and formal, which is just the certain je ne sais quoi that Newcastle has been missing.

The idea is to bring people together to enjoy and discover delicious, traditional and authentic French cuisine while sipping on some speciality wine. Social dining at its finest. Sign us up.

Located in a rustic railway arch, The French Quarter Newcastle is a true hidden gem for an evening out and one of the most unique restaurants Newcastle has to offer, inviting us to indulge in their love of all things French.

THE VIBE AT THE FRENCH QUARTER

With its relaxed atmosphere, friendly team and weekly changing menus, The French Quarter serves up authentic and classic dishes from France straight into the heart of Newcastle. The two-storey venue is part café, part wine bar, part bistro and part market all rolled into one, hence the name.

Under a contemporary arched roof, it’s decked out with fancy tiles, wooden furnishings, flickering candlelit tables and botanicals. As soon as you step through the door, you’ll instantly feel transported to France. There’s a real sense of home away from home here, but with an added stylish and sleek touch, and as the candles flicker into the evening, it’s easy to imagine you’ve swapped Newcastle for a warm summer’s night in Paris.

It’s the sort of place you could spend the whole evening, losing track of time, whether it’s a date night or catching up with the girls over a long summer dinner. That’s down to the friendly team, who make you feel like part of their family. You’ll never feel rushed, and they really know their stuff when it comes to the dishes, always on hand to recommend the perfect glass, or bottle, of wine to complement your meal.

ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE RESTAURANTS NEWCASTLE HAS TO OFFER

With so many restaurants Newcastle has to offer, it takes something special to stand out, and The French Quarter does exactly that. Tucked away inside a rustic railway arch, it’s not your typical restaurant setting, and that’s precisely the appeal. There’s an authenticity here that’s hard to find elsewhere in the city, from the imported French produce to the recipes passed down through generations, giving The French Quarter Newcastle a genuine point of difference among the city’s dining scene. It’s a spot that feels transportive the moment you arrive, whisking you off to a Parisian side street without ever leaving Newcastle.

SUMMER SHARING PLATES DONE RIGHT

There’s a reason small plates and sharing menus come into their own in summer. Lighter, fresher, and made for long, unhurried evenings, they encourage exactly the kind of relaxed, social dining The French Quarter has built its reputation on. Order a spread for the middle of the table, pass dishes around, and let the meal unfold at its own pace as the evening settles in. It’s less about rushing through courses and more about lingering, tasting, and talking, which feels especially fitting on a balmy summer evening when there’s nowhere else you need to be.

THE FOOD AT THE FRENCH QUARTER

If you’re searching for a new spot for dinner in Newcastle, look no further. The French Quarter has proven popular for serving homely and authentic French cuisine, made from recipes passed down through generations of founder Cédric’s family.

The menu changes with the seasons, which is what we love most: every visit feels different, and there’s always something new to try. Choose from a carefully curated small plates menu, from exquisite regional cheeses and traditional stews to impeccable desserts that melt in the mouth. To go with your meal, browse the extensive wine list, ask the team for a recommendation, or sample a few different tipples with a very reasonably priced wine flight, perfect for slow summer sipping into the evening.

DISCOVER YOUR FAVOURITE FRENCH CLASSICS

From the small plates à la carte menu, you’re free to choose a number of different dishes to share with your party, French dining at its most sociable. If you’d rather not share, simply pick a couple of dishes to make up a main meal of your own.

A few standouts to look out for. The Planche mixte brings together a house selection of charcuterie and cheese with homemade jam, walnuts, chutney and cornichons, ideal for the table to pick over while deciding what’s next. The escargots, six snails cooked in the classic way with garlic and parsley butter, are a proper nod to French tradition for anyone feeling adventurous. For something warm and comforting as the evening cools, the boeuf bourguignon, tender beef shoulder braised slowly in red wine with tomatoes, carrots and herbs, is everything you want from a French classic.

Vegetarians are well looked after too, with dishes like fresh figs topped with roasted goats cheese, toasted walnuts and honey, or a round courgette stuffed with summer quinoa, pepper, tomato and olives, both bursting with seasonal flavour.

And you cannot leave without dessert. Share a few between the table, naturally. The brioche pain perdu, a French take on eggy bread, comes with salted caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream, while the café gourmand is perfect for anyone who cannot decide, pairing an espresso with a selection of miniature sweet treats.

BROWSE THE FULL MENU

Whether you’re planning a long, lazy summer evening with friends or a romantic date night, The French Quarter Newcastle offers a genuine taste of France, tucked away in a railway arch and waiting to be discovered, one shared plate at a time.

The French Quarter, Arch 6, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1SA

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Rachael Ellis

Head of Content

After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…