It’s one of city’s oldest and best hidden gems and an Italian restaurant in Newcastle can count Tyson Fury amongst its customers
16:52, 11 Feb 2026Updated 17:06, 11 Feb 2026
Tyson Fury with staff at Puccini in Newcastle(Image: Puccini/Facebook)
It recently re-opened after a tough festive period, which saw it forced to close due to a major electrical fault. And a popular back street Italian restaurant in Newcastle has proved a huge hit with many people, including United supporters and away fans who’ve been in the city to see their fans play in the Champions League at St James’ Park and even boxing icon Tyson Fury.
Thankfully for those of us who love our Italian meals out to be at independent haunts with a traditional feel, rather than at a well known chain, Newcastle city centre alone is blessed with some fantastic ones. Many of us have dined at Portofino’s, the famous Italian with a stunning roof where A-list actor Charlie Hunnam was spotted at the end of last week, while, just down the road on the Quayside, Uno’s Trattoria, a huge favourite of United’s 90s Entertainers squad, got a visit from pop star Peter Andre at the weekend.;
And, not to be outdone by its neighbours, Puccini can boast of world champion fighter Tyson once coming through its doors, as well as plenty of football supporters from Tyneside and across the continent, who’ve headed there for some hearty food ahead of a night under the lights at St James.’ Many regular customers were left gutted in December when staff took to Puccini’s Facebook page to announce that the restaurant, tucked away down the side of Pudding Chare, had shut down due to an electrical issue.
Inside Puccini in Newcastle(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
As work went on behind the scenes to try and fix the problem, Puccini then broke the news that all bookings for Christmas and New Year had been cancelled, as the shutters stayed down outside the building and a notice was out on its door. Given that, with its budget friendly menu and always warm and welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant was many people’s pick for a frestive catch-up with friends or work colleagues, many people were left disappointed.
So it came as a great relief to all involved, when Puccini finally re-opened last month and it’s took no time at all for 5 star reviews to come pouring back in. One written on Trip Advisor just a few weeks ago declaring ‘What a find!’ as the happy customer wrote: ‘Will definitely return. The price of meal for two was brilliant.
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Dining and Cooking