Newcastle’s dining scene has evolved rapidly in the last decade. No longer is it the slightly bedraggled, daggy and underwhelming culinary experience of twenty years ago. These days, Newy (as the locals call it) is a regional hub of trendy bars, chic restaurants and cool cafes.
There’s vibrant street art, good shopping, a beautiful harbour, and nearby vineyards too. And it still boasts some of the most beautiful beaches and laidback vibes in NSW.
So take the time to stop and enjoy the wonderful city of Newcastle. It’s only 2 hours drive north of Sydney and there’s oodles of sun, sand and surf, as well as thriving dining scene for foodies and culinary tourists alike.
Two Locations: 127 Darby Street, Cooks Hill NSW 2300 Ph: (02) 4929 4710 & Coffee Bar 42 Mitchell St, Stockton NSW 2295 Ph: (02) 4920 6392
The Autumn Rooms Cafe is an excellent choice for a chilled breakfast/ brunch/ lunch in the trendy precinct of Newcastle, Darby Street.
You’ll find here all the breakfast classics (crumpets, toasties, porridge, bacon rolls, eggs benedict, etc), as well as some seriously good coffee (Glitch & Guest). The staff are cheerful and the atmosphere is lively.
However, where The Autumn Rooms really excels is in its provision of adventurous brunch offerings, like Green Curry Eggs, Rice Congee, Mushroom Tartine, and our favourite, the Brussels ‘Caesar’ – a delicious mix of garlic sprouts, crispy bacon, parmesan, pangrattato and anchovies.
The cafe opens from early morning to 3pm every day of the week and walk-ins are welcome. Darby Street has a lot to offer, with eclectic retail and hospitality offerings, and you can easily lose a few hours shopping in Newcastle’s hub of quirky boutiques and homeware stores.
Just be sure to secure your table at The Autumn Rooms before the kitchen closes at 2pm. You can book here. There’s a children’s menu too for the little people in your life.
The Autumn Rooms team has also spread its wings into nearby Stockton too. The Stockton cafe serves the same great coffee that you’ll find in the Darby Street mothership, but the food options are simpler and less ambitious (toasties & porridge). The banana smoothie is a winner, though.
Bocados delivers quality contemporary Spanish cuisine and South American tapas from its warm and laidback corner restaurant in the East End of Newcastle.
This is a family-owned bar and eatery that consistently delivers zesty, vibrant, authentic Spanish dishes. Around for over a decade now, Bacados was one of the first restaurants in Newcastle to pioneer the tapas menu, the share plate experience now so popular in the city.
Bocados’ paella is justifiably popular but the regularly changing menu features a great variety of Spanish-style small plates. Recently introduced to the menu is the braised octopus with confit potatoes, adding to the wide variety of choice.
We ordered plenty of tapas and the chorizo, ceviche, fried duck leg (Pato Con Membrillo), chickpea soup, garlic prawns and meatballs (Albondigas) were all excellent. And, like most diners, we chose the Churros (Spanish donuts) to finish.
The Bocados bar has wide range of specialty beers, Spanish wines, sherries and sangria. For those who like an early start to their cocktails, there’s a spicy Bloody Maria, Bocados’ version of the Bloody Mary.
The whitebait is the perfect bar snack. Consume with a bottle of Cusquena, the Peruvian beer brand nicknamed the Gold of the Incas.
Bocados has become a favourite haunt for Novocastrians over the years. The restaurant brings a passion for authentic Spanish cooking to the Newcastle community and has been embraced for doing so. We can heartily recommend.
This classy Italian dining room has found a winning formula if the consistently enthusiastic reviews are anything to go by.
Rather than bewilder patrons with an over-stuffed menu, they have streamlined the options down to a 4 Course Italian-themed set meal. Thus allowing the kitchen staff to really perfect a handful of dishes – much to the benefits of their dinners.
If you love pasta, buy yourself a Marcato 2700 Atlas Pasta Machine and start making your own at home. Honestly, it’s easier to do than you think!
The set menu changes with the months and features bread and antipasti followed by pasta or perhaps gnocchi option. Next comes a Secondi, accompanied by a side and finally, a Dolce.
Hence the current offerings include Fennel Salami, Mozzarella & Pickles, eggplant-rich Gnocchi alla Norma and Slow Roasted Pork. If you still have room, dessert is Buttermilk Pannacotta. Bliss!
One happy customer summed up Una Volta as balancing the warm atmosphere of a small restaurant with fine dining quality food. So no wonder bookings are recommended!
We couldn’t really do a rundown of the best restaurants in Newcastle and not write about Rustica Newcastle Beach.
As the name implies, the location alone makes it worthy of a mention. Rustica is blessed with commanding views over beautiful Newcastle Beach.
However, it isn’t just what’s outside the windows that speaks of special occasions, the decor inside conjures a rustic-chic vibe. We particularly like the clustered lanterns lighting design.
And the food? Well, that’s pretty striking too.
Rustica Newcastle Beach does traditional Mediterranean food ‘with a little twist’. There is a strong Greek influence in the menu of Small and Large Plates, both of which invite sharing over good conversation. Try the King Prawns Baked in Kataifi Pastry and Cypriot Grain Salad, Fetta Mousse, with Toasted Almond Skordalia.
Or perhaps Rustica’s Kleftico Lamb Shoulder, Oregano Potatoes, Seasonal Greens, Candied Walnuts and Lemon. Both will transport you to the Greek Isles and lazy lunches overlooking the Aegean.
With friendly, attentive service and a lively ambience, this is the perfect spot to meet with friends for a birthday or anniversary celebration.
If navigating the menu proves too much for you, go for the Greek Banquet at $79 pp or $99pp, respectively. The kitchen brigade will choose dishes that highlight the best of their skills and all you have to do is sit back, soak up the atmosphere and watch the waves roll in the bay outside.
What an interesting culinary combination. Calamari Kitchen & Bar is a sleek, modern space specialising in contemporary Indian and Australian fare, with a focus on Seafood. And they do it rather well.
As you might expect, the kitchen does a great Calamari dish. Ocean-fresh Calamari, cooked in Onion, Chilli & Sherry Vinegar, paired with crisp Sourdough ($21). It’s the perfect Entree. Like many Anglo-Aussies, we love a rich, luscious Dal Makhani ($27) and the familiar aromas of a Classic Butter Chicken ($24). But if you want a real treat, we recommend the Railway Goat Curry ($30). Fragrant and hearty, with soft chunks of melting Goat Meat, it’s the ideal bowlful on a chilly evening.
Whatever you do, make sure that you save space for Dessert. Calamari Kitchen excels with its Boozy Spoon Specials ($20). The Spicy Paloma has just enough of a kick whilst both the Limoncello Spritz and the Mango Daiquiri are wonderfully refreshing at the end of a meal.
For delicious food – and a few surprises – book a table at Calamari Kitchen & Bar.
Opening early for brekkie, rustling up lunches for those in need and keeping the food coming into dinner – this Happy Wombat is a busy little soul!
This is a friendly cafe-cum-restaurant with perky, helpful staff and a relaxed, welcoming ambience.
Start the day with a their Atomic Bacon & Egg Roll and get a kick start from the liberal slug of Spicy BBQ Sauce. Or maybe the Apple & Cinnamon Porridge with Macadamia Milk, Apple Compote & Candied Walnuts appeals more?
For lunch, share the Lamb & Harissa Sausage Rolls with a mate. But if sharing doesn’t do it for you, order one of the Happy Wombat’s Burgers instead. We’re pleased to report that the vegans amongst us are well-catered for with an Eggplant Schnitzel Burger complete with Vegan Cheese and House Made Tomato Relish. And chips, of course. There have to be chips.
Come dinner, parts of the lunch menu remain but the kitchen also fries up the char. This adds Steaks to the food offerings, along with some pasta dishes, a fish option and a couple of slow-cooked options. The 12 Hour Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder with House Made Potato Gnocchi, Seasonal Mushrooms, Spinach, Goats Cheese and Rosella Flower and Tasmanian Pepper Berry Jus sounds right up our alley.
Over in the bar, Craft Beer flows and we’re pleased to say that Hunter Valley Wines are well-represented on the wine list.
In addition to all this, the Happy Wombat also hosts Live Music and Comedy Nights, along with a number of other themed evenings. With so much to offer, this lively venue sits confidently on our rundown of the best restaurants in Newcastle.
There are more that a few diners who reckon that Flotilla is not only one of the finest restaurants in Newcastle, but also one of the areas best kept secrets.
Though small, this is a special occasion kind of place that takes premium local produce and elevates it beyond the everyday to something really rather wonderful.
And so the current menus tease tantalising flavours such as a Smoked Beetroot Tartare and Shaved Cuttlefish, Scallop, Roe Cream, Fermented Pumpkin and Melon. And who could possibly resist a dessert of Honey Comb, Milk Ice, Smoked Creme Fraiche and Mandarin Jam?
If you love home cooking, investing in an Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer is one of the smartest thing you’ll ever do. This amazing appliance is a 11-in-1 function multi-cooker and can do everything from air frying and slow cooking to dehydrating and baking!
Since 1 September, The Flotilla has gone to serving Set Menus exclusively. Lunch Menus come in at $85 and Dinner at $95 (up to $120 with additions). Pleasingly, both the Lunch and Dinner Set menus also have vegetarian sister menus which sound just as exciting as the regular ones. Personally, I’d love to try the Buttermilk Fried Aubergine, Chilli Tamarind and Smoked Peanuts.
Drinks wise, the wine list is predominantly local and French. This includes a pretty good selection of Champagnes – just in case you are celebrating. And yes, the cocktails look pretty good too, with the Paper Plane – Gospel Rye, Amaro Nonino, Aperol & Lemon ($21) – sounding particularly appealing.
Finally, it’s great to see that Flotilla has a chef’s table. So if you really want to experience the glory of this chic little eatery in full, make sure you get a seat close to the action.
Already with successful restaurants in Burleigh, Byron & Noosa, they opened an outpost in Newcastle in late December 2021 and it’s fair to say that the place took off straight away.
And why wouldn’t it?
The blush salmon pink and pale wood decor with its statement palm trees is just kitsch enough to be fun and welcoming. Plus, the Asian fusion menu is loaded with tasty dishes.
Starting with Bao Buns and Dumplings, the menu then moves into the popular Small, Medium and Large plate format that lends itself to willingly to sharing amongst a group of friends.
The Fire Cracker Chicken ($22) does just what it says on the tin. Meanwhile, the Mee Goreng Spiced Fried Chicken with Fire Cracker Sauce, Thai Basil and Chilli packs a welcome punch of authentic heat. If you find the burn too much, pair it with the Pickled Papaya & Cabbage Slaw ($15) or the sweet, citrusy Watermelon Salad ($12).
Other favourites include the Crispy Masterstock Pork Belly ($32), which is impossible to leave alone with its Sticky Chilli Caramel, Charred Pineapple and Herbs. The Turmeric & Coconut Curry ($36) with Kaffir Lime, Snake Beans, & Herbs is creamy and yet fresh. And who would have thought that Miso Butter would be the perfect accompaniment to Corn? But it is, as the addictive Miso Corn ($15) shows.
If all of this deliciousness is too much for you to process, there are 2 Feed Me! menus at $65pp and $85pp, respectively.
Light Years Asian Bar and Diner is definitely a hit in Newcastle, and we suspect there will be more of their relaxed, friendly restaurants cropping up in the future. At least, we hope so!
Whilst we’re talking about the Light Years empire, you can find out more about their Noosa venue – and other dining options in our post on the Best Restaurants in Noosa.
If location is half the battle for you when choosing a place to dine, then the Signal Box Newcastle really should be on your list.
Literally housed in an old signal box, looking out over the bay, it’s a heritage-listed charmer. Even better, it offers both indoor and outdoor seating and it open al day. And the staff are a delight.
The kitchen celebrates quality produce, prepared with care. The menu is eclectic – with something for everyone.
If you are a lover of good Bread, then you really should get stuck in to the Josper Grilled Sourdough, Beer Honey & Whipped Ricotta ($14). Personally, just that and a Margarita would suit me fine. But then I’d miss out on the Lobster Rolls (2 for $25) when their lush Lemon Aioli and the Roasted Lamb Rump ($46), with all of its tasty accompaniments.
And yes, aside from Cocktails, the bar also serves a smartly considered range of Wines as well as Beers and Spirits.
On a sunny day, this has got to be one of the prime places to kick back in Newcastle.
Now don’t worry, this hasn’t become an accommodation review site. What we’re interested at the shiny new QT Hotel Newcastle in the old David Jones Building is the Rooftop at QT Bar and the Jana Restaurant and Bar. So let’s get to it:
Promising a ‘touch of Tokyo’, the deep blue and gold decor of the indoors portion of the QT Bar Newcastle is illuminated by a galaxy of moonlike globes. Exit through the expansive doors to the outside deck and you’ll find views over the waterfront and the Hunter River. It’s a great spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or a late night snack.
Food-wise, the menu consolidates on the Japanese direction with Tempura Prawns & Wasabi Mayo ($22), 2 types of Gyoza ($24) and a Chicken Katsu Burger ($24), amongst other tempting morsels. Similarly, the Cocktails play with Japanese favourites such as Yuzu, Suntory Toki Whiskey and Umeshu.
Meanwhile, at Jana Restaurant & Bar, the team curates a Modern Australian menu which aims to take diners ‘from pasture to vinyard’.
Start you day with Eggs Benedict ($19) or the loaded QT Big Breakfast ($29). Come the evening, the options become more fine dining, though the choices are limited – and on the smaller size.
Having said that, the staff get universally rave reviews and the Wine List is good.
We hop over to the beachside suburb of Merewether for the next of our best restaurants in Newcastle.
First off, we are happy to report that Sapphire Indian Restaurant has scored an Australia Good Food Guide Readers’ Choice Award this year in the Indian cuisine category. What does this mean? Great food with a loyal and enthusiastic local following – and that is recommendation enough for us.
Oh. And this is in addition to the Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Award that they received last year.
So what it all the fuss about? Describing itself as an Indian fine dining restaurant, Sapphire serves much-loved classic Indian dishes, cooked with love and a little bit of culinary polish.
Biryanis are warm with spices, the naan is fluffy and light and regulars travel across Newcastle for the Goan Fish Curry. And if we lived nearer, we would too!
All the dishes are competitively priced, especially given the quality of the food.
Sapphire Indian restaurant offers 3 Banquet Menus, for those who are feeling especially hungry. They also have a generous number of both vegetarian and vegan options for those pursuing a plant-based diet.
The residents of the area are rhapsodic about their local Indian eatery and so they should be. The food at Sapphire Indian Restaurant deserves all its praise.
As you tuck happily into the generous sharing menus at MEET, you’ll probably find yourself wondering why there aren’t more Brazilian restaurants in Australia. After all, many of the courses are a tasty play on the BBQ dishes that us Aussie love so much.
But then MEET is a winner on all fronts.
Firstly, the space is huge. The move to a new spot has resulted in an industrial chic fit-out with NY warehouse vibes. If you aren’t overly hungry, you can lounge at the dimly lit bar and people watch. Whilst there, indulge in an original Cocktail such as the fruity Acai Me Up ($23) – Grainshaker Vodka, Cedilla Acai Liqueur, Strawberry & Acai Syrup – and a share plate or 2.
Alternatively, get a group of ravenous mates together and settle in for a feast. From the Corn Bread & Chipotle Butter ($10) to the Wagyu Brisket with Cauliflower Puree ($45), everything is suitably smoky and perfectly cooked.
And if you’re a plant-based eater, don’t fret. Although Brazilian cuisine tends towards the carnivorous, at MEET they are smart enough to offer more. In fact, there is even a Vegan Menu. But whatever your dietary choices, make sure you order the Celeriac Steak with Mushroom & Walnut Ragout ($32). It’s a stand-out.
Coming in with One Hat in the SMH Good Food Guide Awards 2025, HUMBUG is clearly doing a lot of things right.
For a restaurant that does Pasta dishes as its Mains, the Snacks selection is surprisingly eclectic. The Wagyu Shortrib, Potato Bun & Karashi Mustard ($34) is genius. Honestly, why don’t more places mix Horseradish and Mustard together? Another sure-fire hit is the BBQ Summer Veg with Cafe de Paris Butter and Gordal Olives ($34). It’s sinshine on a plate and tastes like it too.
But ask most patrons about HUMBUG, and the chances are that they will rave about the Pasta. And so they should, as their takes on the Italian classics are far from traditional. Now admittedly, the very fine Campanelle with King Prawn and a Chilli Fennel Crunch ($36) is fairly orthodox. However, I defy anyone to find me a Nonna who regularly makes Macaroni with Shiitake, Enoki, Toasted Grains and a Soy Cured Yolk ($32). But if they can, invite me to dinner!
Of course, the eternal issue with fusion dishes is that too much inventiveness can lead to a confused mess on the palate. Well at HUMBUG there are no such problems. The food sings with both originality and – most importantly of all – sympathetic flavours.
Get yourselves down to HUMBUG. It’s definitely one of the finest restaurants in Newcastle.
Mockingbird is the first cafe from the team behind the well-respected local catering company Fennel & Co.
You’ll find delicious coffee and freshy, tasty food in comfortable surrounds that give off Melbourne vibes. Expect modern Oz cuisine that embraces Asian and Middle-Eastern flavours combined with attentive service and reasonable prices.
Try the beautifully presented French Toast topped with an assortment of fresh fruit and flowers or the Shawarma Brisket and Burrata. Both are imaginative twists on standard brunch classics.
There’s a wholesome and impressive looking Vegan Buddha Bowl too, if that’s your thing.
If you’re heading out to the Hunter Valley you’ll find the sister Mockingbird Cafe located at Tatler Wines in Lovedale, in the heart of beautiful wine country. It’s a wonderful setting for leisurely lunch.
It’s back to buzzy New Lambton for Alfie’s which describes itself as a ‘Neighbourhood Italian + Wine Bar’.
Fresh ingredients, prepared with love, are the go here, along with superb service.
Kick off with a dish or 3 from the Antipasti selection. Our pick is the Fig ($18) which is just magical wth it’s accompaniments of Salami, Gorgonzola & Honey. If you are a fan of seafood, then the Conchiglie Pasta ($36) is for you. At Alfie’s Italian the Pasta Shells come with delicate Blue Swimmer Crab, Sweet Corn & Chilli. For Secondi, the Pork Cotolleta ($48) paired with Prosciutto & Sage Butter and a Slaw is divine.
As mentioned above, Alfie’s is also a Wine Bar and makes a great pre-dinner Cocktail.
Finally, the team has plans to open over in the Hunter Valley as well. They will be rattling the pans at the beautiful Leaves and Fishes in Lovedale. As it is, they are already offering Alfie’s Catering from the Lucky Duck restaurant onsite.
When it comes to great places to eat in Australia, the list really is endless. There are so many different restaurants, cafés, and chains to try that you really are spoiled for choice. From Italian food, to Japanese food, to a good ‘ole rump steak, the food options are endless.
This is why I decided to set up my blog, Eatability, to share the best food and drink spots in Australia with as many people as possible. Hi, my name is Dylan Cole, and I moved to Australia five years ago from England, UK.
Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
