The Best Breakfasts in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Durham - The Ultimate Guide!

A couple of years ago I wrote this guide to the 10 best breakfasts in Newcastle and whilst I still enjoy eating at every single one of the places that I mentioned, times have certainly changed and brunch culture in the North East is far more alive than it used to be. Over the last few years I have discovered the best breakfast dishes and brunch time treats in the North East and thought it was about time I shared!  So here it is, the ultimate guide to the best breakfast and brunch in Newcastle, North Tyneside (and beyond). Make sure you let me know if I've missed your favourite.

Dil and The Bear, Tynemouth

The cutest little cafe in Tynemouth, Dil and the Bear is one of my favourite places on the coast for beautiful food in a wonderful setting. Although we usually stop by for coffee and cake we've recently discovered it's a great spot for breakfast. With a menu full of tempting dishes, the Sweetcorn Fritters topped with Bacon, Avocado and Fried Egg is my favourite and, the best thing about brunch in Dil and the Bear is that if you can grab a cake to take out afterwards.

Flat White Kitchen, Durham

Judging by the queues that form down the street outside Flat White Kitchen within minutes of it opening I'm not sure I really need to be telling you about it as I'm sure everyone knows! Their mammoth pancake stacks are legendary and waiting outside to get your bum a seat in this gorgeous little place in Durham is well worth it. Their pancake menu is often updated with new flavours but the classic Buttermilk Pancakes with Maple Syrup is my favourite.

Read my full review of breakfast at Flat White Kitchen here.

The Boatyard, Cullercoats 

The Boatyard in Cullercoats is very cosy and pretty tiny so getting a table is a bit of a moment to celebrate. I've walked past so many times when it's been full but when we finally managed to bag the last available table one Saturday morning we both agreed it had been worth the wait. Pushing the boat out and ordering the Full English is well worth it - the Northumbrian Sausage is beautiful and, if your feeling extra fancy, a Mimosa on the side is a must.

Filmore and Union, Newcastle

I was so excited when I heard that we were finally getting a Filmore and Union in Newcastle, then we got two. The small cafe in Jesmond is lovely and cosy and the larger offering in John Lewis Eldon Square ensures you'll actually manage to get a seat! Their breakfasts are all prepared with fresh food using healthy cooking techniques and the dishes are all filling, delicious and nutritious. I highly recommend their Gluten Free Winter Spiced French Toast with Greek Yoghurt and Plums - so good!

Read my full review of breakfast at Filmore and Union here.

Monsieur Crepe Cafe, Heaton

If you want the very best pancakes in the North East for breakfast then Monsieur Crepe Cafe in Heaton is the place to go. It's also worth knowing that you can phone up and book a table so no need to break into a sweat trying to get there for opening to make sure you can get a table. Their menu is huge with every pancake topping you could possibly imagine. The Banana, Ginger Crumb and Salted Caramel crepe is my favourite and the perfect way to start your day.

Read my full review of breakfast at Monsieur Crepe Cafe here.

The Post Box, Ponteland

Resisting the cakes on the counter when you place your breakfast order is a bit of a challenge at The Post Box in Ponteland, but as long as you have the willpower to resist the sweet treats you will find some delicious savoury dishes on their breakfast menu including my favourite, the Halloumi Poacher - perfectly runny poached eggs served with halloumi in wholemeal toast.

Read my full review of breakfast at The Post Box here.

Great British Cupcakery, Newcastle

After a busy week sometimes a naughty breakfast is all that you need on a Saturday morning and there's no better place to visit than The Great British Cupcakery on the Newcastle Quayside. Before I start telling you that eating cake for breakfast is perfectly acceptable I should probably point out that you can actually get a "normal" savoury breakfast at Great British Cupcakery .. but where's the fun in that? Personally I'd recommend the Nutella French Toast (I can't actually eat this one due to my nut allergy but Simon gives it two thumbs up!)

Read my full review of breakfast at The Great British Cupcakery.

The Garage, Ouseburn

The Garage in Ouseburn saved my morning a few months ago when I was wandering about looking for breakfast and everywhere I tried was shut or having kitchen dramas. By the time I crawled into The Garage I was so hangry and they really rescued me with the most incredible mushroom on toast. The quirky little cafe is inside an old car garage and comes with perfect interiors as well as incredible food.

Cafe 19, Whitley Bay

Cafe 19 came so highly recommended to me by so many people that I just had to go and visit them and I can see why so many residents in Whitley Bay love to pop into the cafe for their breakfast. Their pancake menu comes with so many topping choices that I tend to stand at the counter debating for at least 5 minutes about what to order (never stand behind me in the queue!) Next time I go I'm definitely going for the English Skillet - a full fry up served in a frying pan.

Read my full review of breakfast at Cafe 19

Dirt Health, Heaton

If you prefer a healthier start to the day then Dirt Health in Heaton have you covered with their menu full of freshly made dishes crammed full of local produce and delicious flavours. One of the best vegetarian and vegan offerings in Newcastle they welcome everyone into their place to enjoy some of the most colourful breakfast dishes you'll find in the North East. I highly recommend the Sweet Potato Pancakes served with Coconut Caramel and Banana.

Read my full review of breakfast at Dirt Health

Kith and Kin, Whitley Bay 

One of the most popular places for breakfast, you really haven't lived your North East life to its full potential until you've been into this lovely little place in Whitley Bay. Their breakfasts are perfect and they are masters of French Toast offering seasonal variations every few months. Kith and Kin is one of those places where you want to revisit every week just to make your way through the entire menu.

Read my full review of breakfast at Kith and Kin

Kiln, Ouseburn

I've been recommending Kiln in Ouseburn to anyone that will listen, it's my favourite place in Newcastle at the moment and their brunch dishes really hit the spot. My favourite discovery is the Baked Apricot on Sourdough Toast but every time I visit there's something new on the menu that takes my fancy - their dishes are ever changing and if you're passionate about your food this really is a place you need to check out.

Read my full review of breakfast at Kiln here 

Obviously this is just a very small handful of some of the best breakfasts in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Durham and there are so many that I'm yet to discover so if your favourite hasn't made the list please do share!