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Newcastle is famed these days for its restaurants and bars.

We have the so-called Diamond and Platinum strips where top nosh and celebrity chef-named restaurants seem to pack the punters in seven days and nights a week.

There are new restaurants popping up all the time - but it wasn’t always the case.

Back in the 80s and early 90s there was a far smaller choice of where to dine out and the majority of eateries were family-run, local businesses.

When we put a call-out to our readers on social media to share with us their memories of favourite places to eat back then we were inundated with responses.

Here we take you on a pictorial tour of some of the most popular places. We would love to hear more comments and memories on ChronicleLive and our Facebook pages.

La Stalla

By far this was the most talked about restaurant on our Facebook page. You seemed to love this place. Michelle Smith Vigurs recalls: “I was on a date once with my now husband at La Stalla and they dropped my fish on the floor as it was coming out the kitchen...luckily I saw haha.” Christine Quinn adds: “As a teenager La Stalla, my first pizza with a disco.” And Doreen Cormack says: “Great food, great atmosphere and great disco – them were the days.”

But we can’t find any pictures of La Stalla in our archives. Do you have any you could share with us? Do so on our Facebook page.

Supernatural

This was situated in Princess Square in Newcastle and was one of Newcastle first (if not THE first) vegetarian-only restaurants. Many were sad to see it go – but the good news is it’s on its way back...with new owners and a slightly new name and in the same premises. The Super Natural will be a coffee lounge and restaurant specialising in quality vegetarian and vegan food. Because of the popularity of the original Supernatural the new owners decided to resurrect it with a modern twist on the food and surrounds and are hoping to attract non vegetarians wishing to try something new and healthy. It’s due to open in the next few weeks, so watch this space!

The Godfather

A long-time favourite for many, this was perhaps the most popular Italian in the Toon during this period. Many liked their `trick’ cappuccino cups where they brought you coffee, then tripped and as you thought you were about to get covered in the frothy stuff, you realised it was a joke. Linzi Cook, on our Facebook site, wrote: “Godfather....where my hubby first took me for our date....now getting divorced lol.” Andy Metcalfe wrote: “Godfather..... still the best Calzone Pizza I’ve ever tasted... loved that place. Met me mam a few times for lunch specials.” Vicky Ann wrote: “Loved The Godfather for what I thought was a posh night out at the time.”

Dante & Piero

This was another Italian favourite, according to our social media responses. Clare Lydon wrote: “Dante’s a pizza place (nice food too) - was ace.” It was also a favourite of Paul Gibson and Sue Wilson.

Joe Rigatonie’s

Yet another Italian – we were very continental in Newcastle back then! This was a favourite of Debbie Brookes.

Marco Polo

Of course, Marco Polo is still very much with us on Dean Street. But it was the place to be back in the day too. Much smaller than it is now but in 1985 it made news in the Chronicle as hosting the first pate bar in Newcastle in what we described at the time as “the increasingly elegant Dean Street”. Mark Ratcliff recalls this eatery as having the “best calzone ever!”.

Sarah’s

Alex Judge recalls this `tuck-in’ in Eldon Square and judging from our photo it was a popular place indeed. Alex adds: “Sausage, egg, chips and beans... Lush.”

Oliver’s Sandwich Shop

A favourite of Angela White, who also rated the aforementioned Sarah’s too.

The Italian Job

Not to be confused with the one that opened in Pudding Chare, this was a popular choice on Dean Street. Susan Rimmer recalls: “For me it was The Italian Job on Dean Street! Many a good night had there with friends from work! Lovely meal then downstairs to the dance floor until the early hours! Even having my foot injured by someone’s stiletto heels on that dance floor hasn’t spoilt the memories!”

Paris Texas

This merged TexMex with Italian and was situated in St Mary’s Place. Was the place to be before a gig at Newcastle City Hall.

Bimbis

When it came to fish and chips, few could beat Bimbis by the Odeon. Heather Liddle remembers: “We used to have a 60 minute bus ride into Newcastle Worswick Street bus station, first point of call was Bimbis. Loved a `choose your own filling stottie’ from Olivers too!”

The Red House

Before the Quayside was known as a culinary destination, we had The Red House. The good news is, it’s still going strong and has adapted with the times.

One Eyed Jacks

Who could forget the TexMex delights at this Pilgrim Street restaurant? And there was live music to enjoy too, as Daniel Gore says: “My father Barry Gore and his mates were the resident band.”

Pizzeria Colombo

This used to be a favourite lunchtime haunt of staff from the Chronicle. It’s now Mario’s and we’re sure a few from here still go there – time permitting!

The Filling Station/Deep Pan Pizza Company

If you liked your pizzas, this was the place to be on Northumberland Road.