In the mood for an alfresco setting? Three North East eateries have been revealed among OpenTable’s top 100 restaurants for outdoor dining in 2024.

From pubs with ‘brilliant’ sea views to others worth travelling for if you’re craving a Sunday roast, the region is the place to be for a spot of lunch or dinner outside (especially in Northumberland and Newcastle).

With summer on the way (we hope), OpenTable’s prestigious list includes over 70 that are dog-friendly (including all of those featured in the North East).

The rankings are based on more than 2.2 million diner reviews and metrics, including diner ratings and the percentage of five-star reviews.

You can see all of OpenTable’s top 100 restaurants for outdoor dining in 2024 here.

Newcastle and Northumberland restaurants among best for outdoor dining – see map

Jolly Fisherman at Craster – Craster

OpenTable rating: 4.6/5 stars from 4,617 reviews

Tripadvisor rating: 4/5 from 3,470 reviews

The Jolly Fisherman combines “stunning sea views with delicious home cooking and beautifully kept ales”, according to its OpenTable profile.

It also says the traditional pub has one of the most “spectacular” beer gardens in Northumberland.

One OpenTable review from a customer who was impressed with the unique dog menu reads: “Excellent meal.  Luxury Fish Pie was beautiful and full of fish.  My husband had the Fish Platter which was exceptional.  All well cooked, tasty, good service and a brilliant view looking out over the sea.  Remember  to book before you go as it’s understandably very popular.  Absolutely love the dog menu too, what a good idea.”

The Joiners Arms – Alnwick

OpenTable rating: 4.3/5 stars from 2,228 reviews

Tripadvisor rating: 4/5 from 2,065 reviews

The Joiners Arms OpenTable profile claims it provides “great quality food, locally sourced and lovingly prepared”.

The award-winning pub says “it’s honest, home-style cooking with a Northumbrian twist” showcases “the best of our region”.

Looking for a Sunday roast? This visitor wrote on OpenTable: “Excellent for Sunday lunch. Superb choice, delicious meals and welcoming friendly service. Five stars all round !”

The Woodmans Arms – Newcastle

OpenTable rating: 4.2/5 stars from 3,214 reviews

Tripadvisor rating: 3.5/5 from 666 reviews

This “beautiful country feel pub” is “worth travelling to” for its “classic comforting food made with love, served in cosy surroundings overlooking the most amazing views of the North East”.

The Woodmans Arms OpenTable profile adds: “We support our local farmers, and work closely with a number of local suppliers to ensure the very best fresh produce.

“All our food is cooked freshly to order so whether it be a bar snack, light bite, leisurely lunch, evening meal or Sunday Roast it is safe to say that you will in safe hands.”

A user on OpenTable writes: “The service and food is outstanding. It really is a special place to relax to eat or even just have a drink. Nothing is ever a bother and they allow our 4 legged friends, what is there not to love.”

Recommended reading:

With 60% of British dog owners admitting that they have been prevented from dining out with their dog in the past due to difficulty finding a pet-friendly venue, OpenTable’s new list aims to make eating out with your dog a breeze, even if you’re one of the over half (55%) of Britons who admit to having shared the same meal as their dogs whilst dining out.

Laure Bornet, vice president of international growth at OpenTable commented: “The majority of UK dog owners are usually on the lookout for pub gardens when dining alfresco with their dogs, with courtyards and waterfronts also proving popular.

“From a charming pub garden at The Duncombe Arms in Derbyshire to a waterside terrace found at Gaucho Richmond in London and seaside spot at the Bank At The Bude in Cornwall, our nationwide Top 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining list has an alfresco setting for all, with over 70 dog-friendly spots.”