The name Rudy’s might not be too familiar to you, that is unless you have visited their pizza restaurant in Durham or their new pizzeria in Newcastle. Already well established in the North West, Rudy’s have branched out to London and now the North East. The Newcastle location on Grey Street is not without competition – there are numerous well known Italian themed restaurants dotted along one of the region’s most famous streets.
To open up amongst their competitors shows a strong confidence in Rudy’s pizzas and a belief that as far as price and quality their pizzas are some of the best – both of which are valid.
Going with the dough
The pizzas here are Neapolitan style, characteristically thin with a soft crust and simple toppings. The dough is made fresh on site every day, taking 24 hours to double ferment – and just 60 seconds to cook. All the ovens are handmade by Stefano Ferrara in Naples. They recommend that you fold the pizza for strength or tuck in with a knife and fork.
The Newcastle restaurant stays true to the Rudy’s style, think concrete floors, wooden chairs with cosy cushions and an open kitchen and you will get an idea of what to expect. When the sun shines there is an outdoor seating area which catches the sun until mid-afternoon.
My visit on a late Friday lunchtime had a mixed crowd ranging from office workers, shoppers to friends meeting up.
What struck me was the reasonable prices both on food and drink. My salami pizza (£11.50) looked and tasted as good as any I have eaten in Italy from Turin to Taranto. Washed down with a Bramble Berry Spritz (£5.00) against a backdrop of music that ranged from Sade to Teddy Swims all was a tasty experience.
Every month there is a different pizza on offer, when I visited it was the Fennel sausage and Friarielli one, something I have never come across when visiting Italy.
La Dolce Vita
Like all good pizzerias in Italy, Rudy’s dessert menu is short and sweet with five options to tempt you. Expect the classics such as Tiramisu and Affogato, though I have never come across a Chocolate Brownie on the menu in Italy – this is where catering for British tastebuds comes in.
My Pana Cotta Cheesecake (£5.90) was unusually served in a glass, however the taste was smooth and creamy.
The friendly service, good food and buzzing atmosphere, along with a reasonably priced menu, all contributed to a good experience that I would recommend. Maybe you should pop along. It would be rude not to.
Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana, 27-31 Grey Street, Newcastle NE1 6ES
