Empire Restaurant at the Royal Station Hotel

You're walking into one of Newcastle's most architecturally stunning buildings—the Royal Station Hotel sits right there watching over Neville Street like it owns the place, which, frankly, it does. Empire Restaurant is the dining jewel inside, all high ceilings and period details that remind you this place has been hosting important people since 1882. The kitchen takes itself seriously without being precious about it; this is accomplished cooking that respects both ingredient and tradition, the sort of place where you'd take your parents or seal a proper business deal.