Food
New Tastes, New Destinations - Newcastle
The former 'steel city' of Newcastle has long stood in the shadow of Sydney and the Hunter Valley when it comes to food. But with a recent glow up it's all grown up, and with its newfound confidence and sophistication has fast become a foodie's favourite weekend destination.
Everybody knows someone that lives in Newcastle, whether it be a relative, a mate who has bailed from the big city, or even a school friend who went to Uni and decided to stay. Everyone 'knows' Newcastle, it seems - but few might be aware of just how far it's come along as a thriving, modern city, nor how fast.
'Newy', as it's called by many, has always held a laidback, beachside and pub charm that hearkens back to Australia's golden era. It remains part of the city's character that isn't going away anytime soon. What is new in Newy, however, is the rapid expansion of a vibrant food culture, built both on its storied past, as well as what's been brought here by big smoke refugees seeking a sea change.
It's a food and hospitality driven, character filled amalgam, roughly spread across a city that is equal parts urban soul, beachside funk, and relaxed inner suburb sophistication, with something to offer every taste.
NEWCASTLE: CULINARY DELIGHT IN ALL DIRECTIONS
With more direct flights into Newcastle Airport and an influx of new accommodation options including 5-star hotels and luxury stays, Newcastle is welcoming an increasing number of both domestic and international visitors to its streets and suburbs.
This boom has spurred a noticeable elevation in the local food and beverage offerings across five loosely defined yet distinct hospitality precincts - City East to West, Darby Street to Merewether, Carrington and Wickham, Hamilton and Islington to Mayfield, and New Lambton/Lambton. All are largely accessible to each other via public transport, and each shines with its own unique character, all contributing to the fabric of the city.
It's an all day and night prospect that goes beyond just dining, with a wide array of breakfast, brunch and lunch destinations, delis, bakeries, craft breweries, diners and bars. This thriving scene, coupled with Newcastle's stunning beaches and lively cultural events, makes it a compelling city for any foodie to spend time in.
There's so much to choose from this can only be a representative sample: join the Selector team as we share with you some of our favourites, starting with the city's CBD.
PRECINCT 1 - NEWCASTLE CITY EAST TO WEST
Stretching from the classily-styled rebirth of 'Old Newcastle City' with its glittering beachside views, upmarket East End hotels, cafes, stylish restaurants and takeaway options, to the secrets that are hiding along King Street and down the length of the Honeysuckle harbourside, the heart of Newcastle's increasingly sophisticated culinary offerings can be found here.
Better still, it's easily navigable by foot down Hunter Street, via the light rail, or by way of the Honeysuckle waterside promenade from the East End to Wickham - a great way to stretch the legs in search of a bite for lunch, or following a refreshing swim at Nobbys Beach or Newcastle Ocean Baths.
HONEYSUCKLE HOTSPOT: NAGASIA, A SHORE THING
Newcastle's iconic harbourside foreshore extends the length of the city precinct and hosts a range of restaurants, pubs, cafes and takeaways servicing a growing number of apartment dwellers, tourists and locals. On a warm day watching the ships come in, there are few places you'd rather be.
Honeysuckle was one of the earliest blooms in the revitalised Newcastle, and for 20 years the Namba brothers Taiyo and Yohe have been carrying their father Tetsu's dream forward at Nagisa ( Japanese for 'calm beach' or 'shore'), a modern and sophisticated Japanese dining experience that has fast become one of Newcastle's go-to dining heroes.
The guys at Nagisa are passionate about service, with the experience to match. Between them and Chef Chris Schofield, long term friend of 15-plus years, something special has been created. "We change our menu twice a year," says Taiyo, "and Chris' artistic mind and skill never cease to surprise us - it's a constant battle over what we leave on the menu and what's new."
INNER CITY EXCELLENCE: LET'S ALL GO TO ARNO
Will O'Brien serves up the goods at Arno Deli.
The #10 at Arno - a rare roast beef, red pesto, salsa verde, semi-dried tomato, rocket and ricotta salata.
A recent addition to the city precinct is Arno, a deli and paninoteca on King Street run by Chef Will O'Brien since 2023. This little pocket, next to the old, soon-to-be-new-again Tower Cinemas, has always been a draw for its relaxed urban atmosphere, making Arno a buzzing local focal point for those who want Euro-styled panini and charcuterie inspired by Will and his wife Brianna's experiences in Florence at All'Antico.
"We ate at some of the world's best restaurants, but it was a panino in Florence that changed the course of what I wanted to do," explains Will. "I went back to All'Antico six times in that trip and again in 2015, and after continuing my career as a chef in Sydney we opened up Arno in 2022."
Quality is the guiding metric here. From the hundreds of sandwiches they make a day to their award-winning wine list through to their imported goods and coffee, Arno is a must-visit. Among Will's personal top spots are Flotilla in Wickham, East End's award-winning Humbug, and the speakeasy styled cocktail bar Coal & Cedar.
OTHER TOP NEWCASTLE CITY FOOD SPOTS
The best in local Japanese flavours at Nagisa. (Credit: Joel Thomas Creative)
Foghorn on King Street is a long-standing inner city brew pub icon.(Credit: Destination NSW)
Don't miss Scotties, right near the beach, Newcastle's best fish and chip diner offering takeaway as well as elevated sit-down service. Then there's the Falcon; a classic bar with great service and even better cocktails.
Add to that list, roughly east to west, The Grain Store (craft-beer mecca), Rustica, Bocados, and Humble Thai; the already-iconic Signal Box by the water; Napoli Pizza, Popolo Gelateria, and Foghorn Brewery (all on King Street);The Lucky; Hao Chi near Civic Park; Two Bobs Bakery on Hunter Street; and in Newcastle West, The Edwards, Bank Corner Espresso, and Chiefly West near Newcastle Interchange (for a regularly refreshed menu of sandwiches to die for).
New Tastes, New Destinations: Newcastle showcases the evolving excellence of Newcastle's food and hospitality scene, and is produced in partnership with City of Newcastle.
Follow us on Instagram - @selectormagazine and Facebook - Selector Magazine, and check back for more precincts over the weeks to come, as the Selector Team shares its favourites in our home city of flavour.