My partner and I moved to Newcastle in January 2023 and we've been here at least 5 times. It is the final destination on what is our weekend tour of Newcastle and the North East, and it's always the highlight of our guests trip.
This place is absolutely sensational, and not to be missed. Great drinks of course but the fish and potatoes and salad are the essentials. The menu changes so it's always interesting, and never disappoints.
And the view of the sea makes this a very very special place indeed.
Riley's is a fantastic location to sit on the beach and enjoy some really good food and cocktails. I've visited a few times now and the food never disappoints. Fresh local fish, excellently cooked with a range of grown up sides and salads. Portions are generous but not over-facing especially when you consider your environment which lends itself to relaxed flowing conversation with friends.
The cocktail list is well thought out, themed, and well paired with the food. Bear in mind Riley's only has a restaurant licence so if you do want cocktails you will need to order food.
The team has an easy going welcoming air about them. You get the feeling nothing is too much trouble and they genuinely want you to have a good time, relax, and enjoy yourself. We were there quite late on Sunday evening and even though they were closing and getting ready to end their shift we didn't feel hassled or rushed.
Some things to consider before you visit are:
1. There are a lot of steps from street level down to the beach and you have to climb back up again.
2.This is a popular destination so book in advance to avoid disappointment. Especially if you have just walked down all those steps to find out they don't have a table.
3. Check the weather as it can be cool on the beach although blankets are available and so are fire pits which are a must to get the full atmospheric experience.
Went with a group of 4 and a toddler. Wish we had booked outdoor seating however with the weather being so unpredictable sitting inside worked out well as we enjoyed time in the beach in between courses and drinks.
Everything was phenomenal, drinks, service and most importantly the food. We will definitely recommend to other people and visit again!
Fabulous upmarket street shack food on the beach. Like a cross between Thailand and Tyneside hospitality. The service is immaculate, the food scrumptious and the atmosphere chill. We sat on the deck to get a good view of the beach. The beach tables look comfier. Look to reserve in season, payment by card no problem.
One of my absolute favourite places to eat in the North East. Exceptional food, service and experience every visit - local, fresh and unparalleled. Everything on the menu is a top quality choice! Fire pit is added luxury to your visit, an absolute necessity to make the most of your experience.
Wow. What a great place. Right on the beach and only accessible by stairs is a shipping container turned into an amazing fish restaurant. There is limited in door seating with most guest on the beach protected by wind breaks and warmed by open wood fire pits. The food is rustic and delicious, will definitely be returning on my next trip. Don't miss out and remember to book ahead.
Never spent this much money on food before but wasn't disappointed. Both of us ate the Crusty Skin Halibut. The Halibut, the sause and mixed sides, (everything) was good and enough of a portion.
Only downside was that they added extra 10 pounds to the bill for tip to their service, without letting us know about it beforehand. But the server and service had been great so it was well deserved.
Actually, we were just looking for a short rain shelter. But then we stayed longer! It was so cozy, and food & white wine were delicious. Especially on a cold, rainy day. Awesome view of the North Sea since the shack is located at King Edwards Bay. Young, easy going, very friendly and uncomplicated staff.
Absolutely phenomenal!
Incredibly fresh and delicious flavours.
The chefs keep the dishes simple yet packed full of flavour and flare. I’ve only been to Riley’s a few times but each time has been wonderful. The staff are lovely and friendly.
I do need to get in better shape to handle the stairs going back up though!
The booking facility for the Shack has hugely improved the customer experience. A service break however meant that a large amount of customers arrived together and the staff struggled to cope with providing fire pits (£10 extra) as well as obtain orders and serve drinks. The delay led to free blankets which was a nice touch and a discount on the fire pit. The food was excellent, tasty and beautifully seasoned. A good selection of quality wines as well. Great atmosphere.
Drove down from Edinburgh for a birthday lunch. Very good food and selection of wine's. One downside and a pet hate of mine is sticky wooden table's. 🤔
An amazing lunch right on the beach. We sat around a table with our feet in the sand and the food being cooked behind us in a shipping container. It was one of the best seafood lunches I’ve ever had. The 6 of us all chose something different and everything was fresh and full of flavour. A hidden gem that you must book if you’re in the area.
Excellent food. Quite pricey for how casual it is, but there's nothing casual about the attention to detail in the food we had. Really delicious and generous portions. Gorgeous location. Really great experience!
Brilliant setting, fantastic food and service. Not cheap but a great day out. Will definitely return.
Delicious food and great beer!
Still a wonderful place to sit and people watch on the beach! Prices seem to have risen (I guess like everywhere) so £24 for a meal is steep for beach food in a box but it’s still the best food in Tynemouth! Fresh and delicious!
Wrap up warm! But beautifully cooked fish with stunning sides to match. A dramatic bay with clashing waves and stormy skies
The location and food is definitely 5 stars .
My fish was so tasty and fresh . However the service did not match up to the food . The lady at the parasol did not seem warm and inviting and the guy serving us was slow . We ordered drinks which he forgot and left standing at bar . When we were served the food he forgot the cutlery so disappeared to get that leaving the food to get cold
It’s a shame that the food and setting was marred by the unfriendly staff and long wait time .
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