Newcastle is known for many things, like its plentiful beaches and coastal walks, but recently, the Newcastle restaurant scene has transformed this harbour city into a foodies paradise. With a diverse offering of cuisines, and spectacular locations, each restaurant in the regional New South Wales city brings something new and exciting to the harbour city. Locals are spoiled for choice when it comes to dining with an ever-growing list of trendy new eateries swinging open their doors, almost every day of the week. So to help you discover the best restaurants in Newcastle we’ve made a list of spots you should dine out in for your next meal.
1. Subo
Subo, Newcastle’s first restaurant to be Good Food Guide hatted, is a warm and inviting experience, highlighted by exposed brick interiors and subtle touches of greenery throughout. They have delivered a unique dining experience to their guests for many years offering a set five-course that is switched up twice throughout each season. The menu uses only Australian sourced produce, which perfectly displays modern Australian cuisine, which pairs perfectly with their impressive line-up of wines and whiskies.
Address: 551D Hunter St, Newcastle West NSW 2302
Hours: Mon – Tue closed, Wed – Sat 5:30 am – 12:00 am, Sun closed
Contact: (02) 4023 4048
2. Nagisa Restaurant
Located in the Honeysuckle precinct, the Nagisa Restaurant overlooks Newcastle’s working harbour. Since 2004 Nagisa has earned a reputation for its fresh traditional Japanese cuisine with a twist of modern edgy flavours. The menu here delivers an exotic mix of fresh sashimi, sushi and a teppanyaki bar along with rare Japanese craft beers, whisky and sake.
Address: Shop 2/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle NSW 2300
Hours: Mon – Sat 11:30 am – 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Sun 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Contact: (02) 4929 4122
3. Roundhouse Restaurant
Roundhouse Restaurant is located on the rooftop of one of Newcastle’s most iconic buildings. Here at the roundhouse, you can taste modern Australian cuisine made with local, responsibly grown world-class products. The wine list here also showcases the incredible breadth of the region’s distinctive and innovative wines. While QT Newcastle Review: Leading Hotel in Rejuvenated City harbour, coastline and beyond to Hunter Valley.
Address: Level 9/282 King St, Newcastle NSW 2300
Hours: Mon – Tue closed, Wed – Sat 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Contact: (02) 4928 8600
4. Signal Box
Signal Box is located in the iconic Newcastle Railway Station precinct. The upmarket bistro brings a modern Australian dining experience to the Harbourside. The all-day restaurant is unique, fun and vibrant and the cuisine here has plenty of influences, from modern seafood to modern Australian along with Asian flavours, Italian influences and French techniques. There’s something for everyone at Signal box.
Address: 155 Wharf Rd, Newcastle NSW 2300
Hours: Mon – Tue closed, Wed – Sat 7:30 am – 11:00 am and 12:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sun 7:30 am – 11:00 am and 12:00 am – 3:00 pm
Contact: (02) 4916 4646
5. Antojitos
Antojitos began as a small market stall but has now become a staple for Mexican street food. The restaurant operates within a warehouse-sized restaurant. Owner and head street food chef Eric Flores was born and raised in northern California surrounded by Mexican culture. so it is no surprise that the menu is reminiscent of a Californian-style Taqueria. The menu is loaded with all the authentic Mexican favourites with everything from carnitas (slow pulled pork), pollo (chicken), suadero (beef) all the way to soyrizo (crumbled soy tofu). But that’s not all there are plenty more options to choose from, including nachos, guac and corn chips, burritos and even their famous Tortilla Soup (made with chicken, veggies, tomatillos and spices, thickened with house-made corn tortillas).
Address: 11 Steel St, Newcastle West NSW 2302
Hours: Mon – Sat 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Sun closed
Contact: (02) 4925 3768
6. Restaurant Mason
Restaurant Mason has become a Newcastle dining institution and for good reason. The menu is inspired by the seasons and is predominately influenced by modern French and British flavours, with just a touch of Asian flare. You’ll find many dishes on offer here but you’ll find goat, venison, pheasant and offal are regularly featured. The menu is perfectly paired with a refined wine list that is mostly local with a few drops hailing from New Zealand and France.
Address: 3/35 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300
Hours: Mon – Tue closed, Wed – Thu 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Sat 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Sun closed
Contact: (02) 4926 1014
7. Flotilla
Flotilla was designed to mimic the style of Abbot Kinney Boulevard and Venice Beach in California. It is the third Newcastle dining venue from ex-Silverchair musician Chris Joannou and his business partner Zack Scholtz. But with all its California charm Australian produce is championed in just about every dish. The menu was created using the seasons and is filled with local producers, such as Newcastle Green’s, Branxton Meats and Shane’s Seafood, all making a regular appearance. Flotilla also created seasonal cocktails and an amazing wine list that is 98 per cent Australian, with a big emphasis on natural varieties, served alongside a small yet amazing selection of French wine.
Address: 9 Albert St, Wickham NSW 2293
Hours: Mon – Wed closed, Thu – Fri 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm, Sat 11:30 am – 12:00 am, Sun 11:30 am – 11:00 pm
Contact: (02) 4965 3885
8. MEET
MEET is a must-do dining experience in Newcastle. Located in the heart of the CBD, MEET offers a New York-style bar on one side and a warehouse-style Brazilian restaurant on the other. The design of the restaurant allows you to watch your food being prepared within the open kitchen. The menu allows you to choose between either their seasonal list of seafood and meats or take their signature Churrasco experience. The combination of fire-grilled cuisine found only in deep South America and the seasonal shared degustation menu is a one-of-a-kind dining experience. For the true foodies, the private chef’s table experience belongs on the top of your culinary bucket list.
Address: 9 Darby St, Newcastle NSW 2300
Hours: Mon – Tue closed, Wed – Sat 5:00 pm – 12:00 am, Sun 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Contact: (02) 4925 2226
9. Scratchleys on the Wharf
Scratchleys on the Wharf is located on Newcastle Harbour and it is one of the city’s most iconic restaurants. The menu here is a smorgasbord of ocean delights. With everything from Brimming with Blue Swimmer Crab, Balmain Bugs, King Prawns all the way to Sydney Rock Oysters, but the restaurant is also known for its famous Scratchleys Seafood Platters. Plus what really makes this place iconic apart from the food is the amazing views that you experience when sitting at a window and watching all the happenings of the harbour go by.
Address: 200 Wharf Rd, Newcastle NSW 2300
Hours: Mon 11:30 am – 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm, Tue – Sat 11:30 am – 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Sun 11:30 am – 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Contact: (02) 4929 1111
10. Rustica
Rustica was established in 2011, since then it has become one of Newcastle’s most loved Mediterranean restaurants. Sitting directly opposite Newcastle Beach, you’ll be treated to amazing views and amazing food. The chefs at Rustica source local products where they can, including oysters, Upper Hunter lamb, and Hunter Valley verjuice. The menu here is all about tapas, share-style and banquet menus, all teeming with Mediterranean-style dishes. The wine list is complementary to the menu, filled will some of Hunter Valley’s best drops, as well as some regional and international varieties from some lesser-known producers. There is also lovely liqueurs, whiskeys, a comprehensive spirits selection, as well as some choice cocktails on offer here.
Address: 2/1 King St, Newcastle NSW 2300
Hours: Mon closed, Tue – Thu 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Fri – Sat 11:30 am – 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Sun closed
Contact: (02) 4929 3333
11. Bocados
Bocados is a Newcastle food establishment and is arguably Newcastle’s best tapas restaurant. Its Spanish inspired menu is highlighted by the Spanish produce they use for tapas and their Bocados banquet. The wide selection of Spanish and South American dishes here are perfectly paired with Spanish beer and wine offerings. Bocados also have a changing lunch menu with an extensive list of lunchtime offerings including some of your favourites alongside some fresh new Spanish dishes. For those of us who have a sweet tooth, Bocados also have truly authentic Spanish churros, those sweet Spanish doughnuts come with a flavourful caramel dipping sauce.
Address: 25 King St, Newcastle NSW 2300
Hours: Mon closed, Tue – Thu 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Fri 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Sat 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm and 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Contact: (02) 4023 5903
12. The Prince of Merewether
The Prince of Merewether is one of those iconic hotels, that Newcastle locals have been going there since 1876. Recently the hotel and pub have been renovated, bringing modern improvements to the iconic 19th-century pub. But that’s not all that’s been revamped, the menu here now features a selection of pub classics along with creative, modern Australian dishes including a mix of charcuterie plates, tender and juicy steaks as well as a dedicated pizza menu.
Address: 1 Morgan St, Merewether NSW 2291
Hours: Mon – Sat 11:00 am – 12:00 am, Sun 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Contact: (02) 4963 1722
13. Wil & Sons
Wil & Sons is a craft beer cafe and restaurant in Newcastle’s popular entertainment district of Darby Street. They’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a menu dominated by gourmet burgers and sharing plates along with some amazing Australian inspired dishes. Wil & Sons also have 16 taps of craft beer, both local and imported, featuring such brews as Capital Brewing, Grainfed, Rogue Scholar, Bentspoke, Batch, Batlow, Murray’s, Foghorn and Six Strings just to name a few. The wine list here predominantly features Hunter Valley vineyards.
Address: 102 Darby St, Cooks Hill NSW 2300
Hours: Mon closed, Tue 7:30 am – 10:30 am, Wed – Thu 7:30 am – 11:00 am and 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm, Fri 7:30 am – 11:00 am and 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Sat 7:30 am – 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Sun 7:30 am – 12:00 pm
Contact: (02) 4929 4854
14. The Grain Store
The Grain Store is a specialised restaurant that’s focused on showcasing the best independent beer Australia has to offer on their 21 taps. With brews on tap from Sunny, Sunshine Juice, Status Quo and Double Red to name a few. Their food menu has taken inspiration from the classic American Diner with their own Quirky twist. The extensive menu includes Wings, Tacos, Pork Belly, Loaded Fries, Onion Rings, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, and Arancini and that’s just some of the starters. Plus there is also Pizzas, Burgers, Steaks, Salads as well as Fish and Chicken on offer here.
Address: 64-66 Scott St, Newcastle East NSW 2300
Hours: Mon closed, Tue – Thu 11:30 am – 10:30 pm, Fri – Sat 11:30 am – 11:00 pm, Sun 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
Contact: (02) 4023 2707
15. The Landing Bar & Kitchen
The Landing Bar & Kitchen is located along the Honeysuckle foreshore a beloved waterfront precinct in Newcastle. The modern Australian and modern-Italian menu pays tribute to local producers with a contemporary twist. The Landing features a selection of share plates and plenty of sharing-type meals like wild mushroom arancini or opt for their mouth-watering clam linguine. This chic venue also offers a summer-inspired cocktail list with a distinctly nautical theme like the Habourside Martini, the Pineapple Ship Wreck or the Above Board.
Address: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle NSW 2300
Hours: Mon – Thu 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Fri – Sat 12:00 pm – 12:00 am, Sun 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Contact: (02) 4927 1722
Newcastle Restaurants FAQs
Newcastle is home to many restaurants, but the best restaurants would have to be Subo, Antojitos and MEET.
There are many great restaurants on the water in Newcastle such as The Landing Bar & Kitchen, Rustica and Scratchleys on the Wharf to name a few.
