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The Best Restaurants in Newcastle For Your Must-Visit List

Ready for a gastronomical delight? Taste your way through our edit of the best restaurants in Newcastle to try this year.

Light Years

Sitting pretty on the Mid North Coast, Newcastle sums up what the Hunter region is all about - coastal living, country surroundings, and delicious culinary exploits.

When it comes to dining, locals are spoiled for choice with a constant influx of trendy new eateries along Beaumont, Darby, King, and Hunter Streets. These Newcastle restaurants offer an array of options, whether you're seeking a quick bite, a hearty pub meal and a bevvy or a dinner with the waves as your backdrop. Below, we’ve whittled down the best Newcastle restaurants that are guaranteed to impress.

Thermidor

Thermidor

On Newcastle's Honeysuckle waterfront, you'll find Thermidor Oyster Bar & Brasserie, the brainchild of local hospitality veterans Josh and Jess Gregory. With picturesque harbour views and an inviting atmosphere, it's quickly become a favourite among the locals since its opening in September 2023.

The menu, inspired by Australian coastal tastes and Josh's love for open-fire cooking, keeps things straightforward and fuss-free, which allows the top-notch ingredients to shine. Patrons can also enjoy the bar area, complete with two fish tanks and an oyster station for live shucking. True to their dedication to serving the best coastal cuisine, the menu changes frequently to make the most of the freshest ingredients available in Honeysuckle.

Shop 1/7 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle 

Susuru

Susuru

Craving some Japanese comfort food? Look no further than Susuru, Newcastle's very own ramen and gyoza hotspot. Make your way to this bright and airy metro-style gem with Japanese aesthetics that bring Tokyo vibes to the heart of the city. The venue pays homage to two of Japan's culinary treasures: ramen and gyoza.

Susuru, which translates to slurp in Japanese, is all about savouring that rich ramen broth. As for the gyoza, they're freshly made by experts who churn out hundreds of these delectable dumplings daily.

If you can’t decide what to try, then start with Susuru’s fried chicken ramen and wagyu cheese gyoza. They never miss!

140 King Street, Newcastle 

Harrison’s Food and Wine

Harrison's Food and Wine

Tony Harrison brings an exciting and adventurous menu to this small and intimate venue. The Euro-inspired menu with daily specials and cosy dining room takes you on a journey far away from Hamilton, and into a space you'd expect to find in the South of France or a beachside town in Italy.

The wine list, which is all from the Hunter Valley region, really packs a punch too, and goes fabulously with the food. 

108 Tudor Street, Hamilton

Humbug

Humbug

Wine, pasta and snacks? Hard yes. While everything on the menu at Humbug menu jumps out at you, regulars rave about the Feed Me set menu, where you can get a little taste of everything. Even better is the fact it includes dessert.

You'll want to wear your stretchy pants for this one.

87-89 Hunter Street, Newcastle 

Scotties Beach House

Scotties Beach House

Newcastle is a town that knows its seafood, so the standard is set incredibly high. When we say that Scottie's Beach House has the best seafood in Newcastle, you better believe that we mean that! Perhaps the most delicious hidden gems, this is easily one of the best restaurants in Newcastle for your seafood fix. 

Over the last 50 or so years, the Scotties’ space has had a rich history. This East End spot has been a corner store, a general store, and a humble fish ’n’ chips shop, and now it’s reached its zenith in the form of a casual but delicious restaurant helmed by a mother-son team.

With a happy hour and a menu that changes weekly, this is the perfect place to soak up the seaside air and enjoy some delicious food. The menu is incredibly diverse, but if you can only order one thing, we recommend the fish and chips. Can't beat them!

36 Scott Street, Newcastle East

Âpé Yakitori Bar

Âpé Yakitori Bar

Tokyo is famous for its yakitori laneways, and this Newie hotspot is well-known for the skewered treat. For those who haven’t tried it yet, yakitori is a method of skewering meat on a ‘kushi’ (usually made of bamboo), and grilling it over a charcoal fire until it’s bursting with flavour, or ‘umami’. What separates yakitori from kebab-style meats, you ask? Traditionally, yakitori bars cook up every part of the chicken including the heart and liver. 

Don't forget to round it out with one of their divine creations from the cocktail list! Our pick? the Sakura Cherry Blossom with Bombay Sapphire Gin, Dassai Sake, yuzu, honey and orange blossom water. 

The Boardwalk, Shop 3N/1 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle

Elementa

Elementa 

Situated on the banks of Throsby Foreshore lies one of Newcastle's newest additions to the foodie scene — Elementa. This stunning waterfront location is all about relaxed yet refined dining, with an everchanging seasonal menu and a carefully curated cocktail and wine list.

Perfect for a girls catch up over good food and great drinks, Elementa is fast becoming one of the best restaurants in Newcastle. 

76 The Lane, Maryville

Light Years

Miami Vice meets Newcastle at this tropical-hued venue, the fourth from the Light Years team. Discover a fresh cuisine-crossing, pan-Asian menu with punchy cocktails, and indulge in the fresh flavour packed dishes Light Years has become known for.

The large space is bright and airy, inviting all in for a relaxing feast of the senses, surrounded by stunning decor and great vibes.

5-7 Darby Street, Newcastle

Roundhouse

Roundhouse

The floor-to-ceiling glass walls of Newcastle fine dining restaurant Roundhouse offer wraparound views from Port Stephens to the Hunter Valley. Atop the five-star Crystallbrook Kingsley, you’ll enjoy refined contemporary cuisine with a focus on native ingredients and seasonal dishes made with local, responsibly grown products.

Expect pork belly, free-range duck breast, and unique Australian desserts like a eucalyptus crème diplomat.

Level 9/282 King Street, Newcastle

The Flotilla

Flotilla

This recently hatted restaurant makes for a special night out. The menu at Flotilla is diverse and creative, with a focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create dishes you won't stop thinking about for days to come. If you can, grab a seat at the bar and watch all the action in the kitchen. 

The cocktails are excellent and the matching wines are equally as delightful. Another win? Their vegetarian set menu for $85 is *chef's kiss*. 

9 Albert Street, Wickham 

Jana Restaurant and Bar

Jana

In one of Newcastle's hottest hotels, you’ll find Jana, a modern Australian restaurant brimming with character. With chic interiors and exceptional service, expect top-tier seafood and steak courtesy of their dry-aged meat cabinet and fresh flavours that pay tribute to the region.

185 Hunter Street, Newcastle

Antojitos

Antojitos

Antojitos means little cravings which is ironic - because there’s nothing small about our love for the Mexican feast that awaits at one of the best restaurants in Newcastle! The LA-style taqueria has grown from humble beginnings as a market stall, to a full warehouse-sized venue.

The fuss-free space serves over 45,000 burritos a year on paper plates and red plastic trays. Stock up on carnitas, nachos, guac and corn chips and enjoy the relaxed vibes. Trust us, you’ll love it!

11 Steel Street, Newcastle West

Signal Box

Signal Box

In an iconic Newcastle building in the historic Railway Precinct, you’ll find the fun and vibrant Signal Box. Rich in heritage, the building has been part of the Newcastle Railway precinct since 1936. One of the best restaurants in Newcastle for an upmarket lunch or dinner experience.

The menu is rich in modern Australian cuisine, and has some crowd pleasing desserts like a burnt Basque cheesecake that's absolutely to die for.

155 Wharf Road, Newcastle

Subo

Subo

A warm inviting space with exposed brick interiors and subtle touches of greenery, Subo is a fine dining destination that Newcastle has been craving.

This contemporary bistro likes to keep things simple by offering a set five-course tasting menu of modern-Australian cuisine, which pairs perfectly with its impressive line-up of wines and whiskies. 

551D Hunter Street, Newcastle West

Nagisa

Nagisa

Sitting pretty on the harbour’s edge, Nagisa is where fresh produce, traditional Japanese culture, and modern techniques coincide, to deliver an unforgettable dining experience. Serving up sashimi, sushi, and noodles, Nagisa’s impeccably designed restaurant, with draped linen and pendant lighting, spills out onto an alfresco setting that comes alive on balmy nights.

For dining thrill-seekers, take a seat at the Teppanyaki bar, and be mesmerised by the talented chefs and the intoxicating aromas of sizzling meats and fresh seafood.

N2/1 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle

Rustica

Rustica

Newcastle Beach sets the scene for this Mediterranean-themed eatery, Rustica. Occupying a bright and airy space opposite the beach, the Dion Ackland-designed interiors and hand crafted pieces by local artisans will have you looking around in awe.

The menu is all about tapas, share-style and banquet menus, all teeming with Mediterranean-style dishes.

1 King Street, Newcastle

Hope Estate at The Landing

Hope Estate at The Landing 

Treat yourself to an afternoon at Hope Estate at The Landing, located along the Honeysuckle foreshore; a beloved waterfront precinct of Newcastle. Along with its idyllic views, this chic venue offers a summer-inspired cocktail list, making it a perfect place to relax and watch the harbour activity unfold come sunset.

The modern Italian menu includes plenty of meals perfect for sharing, so be sure to bring your appetite.

1 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle

MEET

MEET

For a taste of Brazil, MEET brings the real churrasco experience to Newcastle streets. MEET sources the finest local pork, beef, chicken and lamb to roast over their custom BBQ, with added natural woods and coals to give the dishes that authentic smoky flavour.

Along with endless meats served tableside, the huge menu of sides featuring cheese bread, cassava chips, and banana fritters will have you hooked. Be sure to look out on the streets for the MEET Food Truck to get your hit of street food flavour.

9 Darby Street, Newcastle

Made your way through the best restaurants in Newcastle and want to keep working on your itinerary? Check out our comprehensive deep dive on everything to do in Newcastle during your stay. Then, why not take a look at our guide to the best shopping in Newcastle?

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