The timeless Newcastle Italian with the ‘best ceiling in town’ where celebs are often seen

An Italian restaurant in Newcastle is famous for its aesthetic just as much as it is for its great value food

14:47, 07 Mar 2026Updated 14:51, 07 Mar 2026

Portofino in Newcastle

There’s barely a week goes by when there isn’t at least one celebrity seen somewhere in Newcastle. And somewhere that is no stranger to a celebrity customer or two is a certain Italian restaurant in the middle of town, with music legend Jools Holland and A-list actor Charlie Hunnam heading for meals there in the last few months.

We’re talking about Portofino.. The restaurant right at the top of Dean Street/corner of Mosley Street, continues to do brisk trade, while, sadly other businesses in Newcastle city centre have gone under. Whether it’s a week night or when Newcastle United are playing at home, you’ll do well to get a table at Portofino, with it a firm favourite for many years now thanks to its delicious authentic Italian cuisine that doesn’t break the bank

And when you’re enjoying your pizza or lasagne, your eyes will be most certainly drawn to the stunning ceiling of Portofino, which sets it apart from anywhere else in the city. One of the jewels in the crown of the Grade II listed Victorian building that Portofino calls home, the high ceiling has been photography by many locals and visitors to Newcastle alike, speaking of which, staff at Portofino were delighted that piano maestro and ‘Later with….’ host Jools Holland chose the restaurant to eat at prior to a performance on Tyneside.

Charlie with staff at Portofino’s(Image: Steve Wraith)

Taking to Facebook with excitement at Jools being there, Portofino wrote: ‘Last Wednesday, we were lucky enough to have Jools Holland join us for a pre-show lunch. We didn’t manage to get any photos (we’re having a quiet word with the staff), but we hope everyone who went to see his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra at the City Hall had a brilliant night.’

And then at the start of February and having also eaten at the likes of Chilli Padi, Dabbawal and Chakhdoom, Sons of Anarchy and Monster star Charlie Hunnam joined friends at Portofino, with staff once again left thrilled by their famous diner.

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