Turtle Bay Newcastle - Menu Review

My mum babysits for us once a month and we usually really struggle with where to visit for food - there is sooooo much choice in Newcastle these days! This month however there was only one place I wanted to take Steve and that was Turtle Bay. After an impressive launch night, I knew he would love it so I promptly booked us a table online.


We started our evening at Motel One where we were spending the night. I would recommend popping into their gorgeous lobby bar for a few cocktails if you get the chance - some of the friendliest staff I have encountered in a while. Motel One is located on High Bridge Street so just a few minutes walk away from the Gate and Turtle Bay. 

Motel One Newcastle lobby bar

Turtle Bay Cocktails

Our reservation was for 6pm on a Thursday night and the place already had a queue out of the door - always a good sign! The bar area was busy too with plenty of people making the most of the buy one get one free cocktails that are available from 11:30am - 7pm daily and then again after 10pm. 

A look inside Turtle Bay Newcastle interior

Expect a mix of reggae music from Bob Marley to Shaggy which all adds to the relaxed vibe of Turtle Bay. We were sitting right next to the open grill where the chefs were flaming some chicken and if I slightly closed my eyes I could almost imagine I was sitting in Oistins Fish Fry in Barbados. We made the most of the buy one get one free cocktails and sampled a few from the menu - if it is your first time visiting I recommend the Reggae Rum Punch to begin with. I liked that the dining area had their own bar so although the main bar was busy, we never had to wait long for our drinks.

Buy one get one free cocktails during happy hour at Turtle Bay Newcastle

Reggae Rum Punch at Turtle Bay Newcastle

Reggae Rum Punch at Turtle Bay Newcastle

Turtle Bay Restaurant

I set the ground rules with Steve early in the evening - we were going to share everything! We decided on Jerk Chicken Wings and Spicy Squid to start.

Menu at Turtle Bay Newcastle

Squid starter at Turtle Bay Newcastle

The Jerk Chicken Wings were AMAZING - pretty much the best we've ever tried. Just the right amount of sauce, super crispy skin and sweet, succulent meat that fell from the bone. I am craving them again as I type this and they will definitely be our go-to starter from now on. The squid was good with a nice amount of spice but the chicken wings were out of this world. I know, I know, there is more to Caribbean Cuisine than Jerk Chicken but you really must try these wings!

Jerk Chicken wings starter at Turtle Bay Newcastle

I had tried the One Pot Goat Curry on launch night and loved it so was keen to try this again. Steve decided to go for the Jerk Belly Pork.

Goat 'one pot' curry from Turtle Bay Newcastle

Goat 'one pot' curry from Turtle Bay Newcastle

The goat curry definitely had a lot less spice than last time and was less saucy however they goat was just as beautifully cooked. The portion was HUGE though and we couldn't finish it between us.

The Belly Pork was the winning main, I don't have a pic as it was covered in sauce and just not very photogenic - sometimes the best meals aren't though. The pork had been marinated with a spicy rub and was absolutely delicious. Along with a side of sweet potato fries and homemade coleslaw the dish was again a huge portion.

Spicy hot pepper table sauce at Turtle Bay Newcastle

You can add some extra spice to your dish should you need it with a selection of table sauces and I would take your server up on their offer of bringing you a jug of water for your table in case things do get a little too spicy (yes I was a little bit too liberal with the Hot Pepper Sauce).

Onto dessert, grilled pineapple is Steve's favourite so he was always going to order that and I decided to indulge in a spiced chocolate pot with coconut ice cream. 

Grilled Pineapple dessert from Turtle Bay Newcastle

Spiced chocolate one pot dessert and coconut ice cream from Turtle Bay Newcastle

The desserts were brilliant and I would recommend trying to leave some space if you can. My chocolate pot had a lovely warming spice running through it which was perfect with the coconut ice cream that actually tasted of real coconut. It was very rich though and I think that perhaps this may be a good option to share.

I need to give a special shout out to the staff who are wonderful. They are all bursting with energy, life and you might even catch them breaking into song or dance when their favourite tune comes on. They are just so happy and it shows. Our server was attentive, friendly, full of personality and happy to chat and recommend dishes which I always like.

Our final bill was £68 in total. This covered a 3 course meal for two people and 8 cocktails between us so was a very good deal.


Turtle Bay Newcastle - a Caribbean restaurant review near the Gate














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24 comments

  1. I really want to visit here as I keep hearing such great things about it. I totally agree their is now so many place to visit in town now , I have a huge long list of places I want to visit xx

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    1. There's somewhere new opening every week isn't there - I think you should have a mother-daughter date with Chloe here :D

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  2. The food looks and sounds delicious! How lovely to get out! We don't know anyone who can sit for us so just going out sounds like absolute luxury!

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    1. Ah no! They have a child's menu too although I don't think you can beat date night xx

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  3. Love, love, love this place! :)

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  4. oh wow this place looks amazing and the food is making me hungry certainly somewhere I would visit now

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  5. This is fast becoming one of my favourite places t visit!

    V x

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  6. I took Looby in half term and we both loved it, it's such a great atmosphere, real cloth napkins and great food, what more could you ask for?!

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    1. Ah that's good - I think it's perfect for a mother-daughter date. OMG I forgot about the napkins! Nice touch :D

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  7. Sam we ate at Turtle Bay Manchester a couple of weeks ago and loved it, the atmosphere was incredible xx

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  8. I have been meaning to visit here for a while! I have been looking for a new cocktail bar in Newcastle.

    Holly x

    www.bisoushollyolivia.blogspot.co.uk

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  9. Your pictures look gorgeous, I will definitely have to give it a visit if I'm ever in the area! :)

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  10. This place looks absolutely fabulous, ive been hearing a lot about it recently so really want to go soon! xxx

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  11. How lovely to get a night out once a month! We don't have any family to babysit so we have a date night once every two years... bah! Looks like a fantastic place to eat!

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  12. The food looks amazing and I love the photo of you with two cocktails x

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  13. Oh wow this place looks amazing, and it looks like you had lots of fun too! I really shouldn't have read this when I was hungry! haha

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  14. Aww thats looks amazing it made me so hungry instantly!

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  15. Those jerk chicken wings have made me crave for them! x

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  16. Wow, the food looks fabulous. Making me feel really hungry looking at it. Glad you enjoyed yourselves

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