Nonna Bizzarro

Nonna Bizzarro brings Italian-American dining to the upstairs of The Exchange Hotel in Hamilton, Newcastle, with a style that is deliberately louder and more late-night than a traditional restaurant. The food is built around generous, familiar Italian fare: the menu moves from antipasti, arancini and burrata into pasta and substantial secondi, before finishing with tiramisu. It is an unapologetic approach to dinner, centred on sharing the table, eating well and leaving satisfied rather than keeping things restrained.

The restaurant is designed as part of a full night out. Its dining room shifts towards a discoteca-style atmosphere as the evening develops, with a DJ every night and tables that are expected to grow noisier over time. Nonna Bizzarro makes it clear that this is not fine dining; the appeal is the combination of hearty Italian-American food, drinks and a lively soundtrack. It should suit diners looking for an energetic evening rather than a quiet meal, particularly if dinner is only the first part of the plan.

For a longer session, Nonna’s bottomless offering includes two hours of food and pouring, with the option to upgrade to cocktails. The website directs guests to the current menu and booking information, so checking the details before visiting is sensible. There is also plenty of scope for celebrations: group bookings are available, and the venue promotes its table as suitable for birthdays, anniversaries, promotions and less formal occasions too. Gift vouchers are offered for those wanting to give someone a dinner that can continue into the night.

Nonna Bizzarro is best suited to groups, celebrations and friends who enjoy a social, music-led restaurant setting. The broader Exchange Hotel venue also caters for family nights and casual pub meals, but Nonna’s own identity is more focused on Italian-American dining, drinks and a late-night atmosphere. Book ahead for group occasions or the bottomless experience, and expect a substantial meal with the energy of a night out rather than a quiet, formal restaurant visit.