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

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

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).

 

PRECINCT 2 - DARBY ST, THE JUNCTION, MEREWETHER

Newcastle’s original ‘eat street’, Darby Street – especially south of the iconic Cooks Hill Books and Records – has long been a regular destination for local food lovers. Part of one of Newcastle’s oldest inner suburbs, Cooks Hill, it’s home to a host of small cafes and eateries, and is a breakfast and coffee, takeaway, or afternoon snack paradise, unfolding naturally into the vibrant inner urban village of The Junction and the beachside vibes of Merewether.

 

NEWY DINING TAKES FLIGHT

Situated in the iconic The Beach Hotel overlooking Merewether Beach, Peregrin is the latest addition to this upscale beach suburb. Since its opening at the start of 2024, it’s quickly found its place in the dining routines of locals for its fresh array of natural flavours across snack plates and mains, all kissed by the charcoal grill that sits at the heart of its open kitchen. 

For Group Executive Chef Adam Rust, the venue is “an ode to the historic meeting point between coastline and community.” His menu ensures there’s something for every taste, with mouthwatering morsels that really capture and express the cruisey, coastal nature that defines Peregrin and its station overlooking one of Newy’s best beaches. 

“The views here are second-to-none,” he says of the sweep towards Strzelecki Lookout. Nearby Merewether Surfhouse sits right on the beach for that breezy, relaxed repast you might be seeking, with a café, bar and restaurant all on site. The neighbouring Prince of Merewether is also popular with locals for its menu. Meanwhile, the arrival of Modus Brewing in late 2021 has married craft beer, easy eats and beach cool in a stunning, architecturally designed space that’s well worth an afternoon draught.

Of the city’s dining scene, Adam says he’s “blown away every time I get to come out and eat... It’s evident the community behind Newcastle’s food scene are passionate: they’re movers and shakers.” His personal favourites include Humbug, Scotties, and Alfie’s, among others. “It’s hard to only name a few!”

 

HUB OF GOOD GRUB

Make your way from Merewether towards the CBD via The Junction and a wealth of appetite-and-thirst-busting options are open to you. Tallulah brings a dash of the exotic to the area, chocoholics will make a beeline to Cocoa Nib for its handmade treats, and Birdie is the platonic ideal of a modern takeaway chicken shop.
On Darby Street itself, longstanding café Goldbergs remains the quintessential stop for your caffeine fix or light bites, while those seeking pub grub are well-served by The Delaney Hotel. The Commonwealth Hotel and The Oriental Hotel also lie down Bull Street just off the main strip. 

Nearby, Parry St Garage pretty much kickstarted the chic diner experience in Newy back in the 2010s, and remains worthy of your attention. Back on Darby, you’re once again spoiled for choice, depending on what you’re hungry for. Smash some wings at Wings and Tins, grab some takeaway Indian at Raj’s, or stock your hamper at Harris Farms – hidden gems await the adventurous on Darby Street and its surrounds invite you to discover more.

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. 

 

PRECINCT 3 - CARRINGTON TO WICKHAM

The city’s former maritime and industrial heartland, the gentrification of the adjoining suburbs of Carrington and Wickham – once the home of the city’s miners and waterfront workers – has ushered in a new era of urban living, with food offerings to match.

From hatted cuisine to retro diners, hip coffee spots, relaxed eating, lazy, barefoot green beer consumption and bakeries, this precinct has firmly established itself as a desirable destination for anyone looking to enjoy a cool, contemporary vibe and local feel with their meal.

 

FLOTILLA – HATTED HERO

Flotilla is arguably the cream of the Newcastle dining scene. Intimate and characterised by thoughtful food, wine and service, Flotilla began six years ago as a passion project by Silverchair’s former bassist Chris Joannou and business partner Zach Scholtz. Eduardo Molina’s warm and relaxed attention to detail shapes the personality of the Flotilla experience, whilst Jake Deluca and Darren Price, two of the state’s best chefs, craft magic in the kitchen.

“Flotilla is a laidback yet elevated dining experience that will remind you of why you love dining out,” explains Eduardo. “We’re a small, dynamic restaurant with a community feel hidden where you might least expect a fine dining restaurant. We have amazing food, a banging beverage program, and fantastic service. All of this in a very small, intimate environment that delivers every time.”

Eduardo sees the overall elevation of Newcastle’s hospitality scene being driven by a relocation of hospo professionals from Sydney and Melbourne, and predicts that this is only going to continue. “Newcastle has a vibrant community, a sense of place, lots of history, and beautiful beaches,” says Eduardo. “It’s also going through a major transformation that makes it, in my opinion, the most exciting place to live.”

SOMETHING FOR EVERY TASTE

Fantastic breakfasts can be found across ‘Carro’ and ‘Wicko’ at Fairmont Diner, Dark Horse, Café Inu and Elementa. Visit MOA Markets at the end of Gipps Street on the weekend for fresh market veggies and coffee. Baked Uprising in Downie Street, Maryville (which borders Wickham and is across the water from Carrington) is considered Newcastle’s best bakery, while just down the road at the Maryville Tavern you’ll get stylishly elevated pub food in one of the city’s nicest beer gardens.

For sublime Thai, try Wickham’s Sticky Rice. Young Street back in Carrington is a fantastic pub, with tasty food and a great beer garden with a chilled community feel. Across the road you can get freshly shucked oysters and great fish and chips at Mrs Jones, and a Carrington Sunday wouldn’t be complete without watching the kids run around the greens of Carro Bowlo whilst the adults wind down with something cold. Another Newy fave is Earp Distilling Co, a sophisticated neighbourhood distillery with incredible gins, spirits and cocktails – the very picture of modern Newcastle.

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. 

 

PRECINCT 4 – HAMILTON, ISLINGTON, MAYFIELD

This constellation of inner west suburbs represents a melting pot of cultural and culinary influences. From the legendary diversity of Beaumont Street – formerly the home of local Greek and Italian culinary culture, today the epicentre of Asian dining in Newcastle – to the evolving offerings of rising suburbs Islington and Mayfield, few precincts demonstrate the openness and accessibility of Newy dining so well.

 

SON OF A GUN – A PROPER LATE NIGHT LOCAL

Hamilton has long been a mecca for food lovers, so when Mara Lang and her husband Andrew wanted to put down roots after years in hospitality abroad in Canada, Beaumont Street presented the perfect spot. “I was listening to a podcast set in a 24-hour diner in Chicago and it got me thinking Newy could use some late night eats,” says Mara. Thus was born Son of a Gun in 2019, and while not a 24-hour service – “we had to strike a balance between big hours and juggling a family of five children” – this effortlessly cool venue starts slinging coffees from 5.30am and serves until midnight, seven days a week.

“People love the vibe here,” says Mara. “Our loyal regulars love the fact that we serve food almost round the clock, but they keep coming back for the family friendly vibes and laid back atmosphere.” Consisting of North American-inspired dishes across its lunch, evening and late night menus – think jalapeño poppers, loaded fries, southern-fried chicken, wings and smoked briskets – Son of a Gun’s enduring place in the hearts of locals is well-earned.

Mara observes what makes this precinct special. “Hamilton is keeping it real,” she says. “We have a great mix of different cultures. We love taking our kids out to try the best ramen, yakitori, poutine, and are enjoying the little family run places that are popping up.”

 

ADDRESS OF ABUNDANCE

Indeed, it’s a genuine horn of plenty from the Donald Street end of Beaumont all the way past Hamilton Station and into neighbouring Islington, where Beaumont Street terminates.

There’s coffee at Bowie, cakes from Reece Hignell’s Cakeboi, afternoon beers at Blind Monk, Good Folk, or The Kent. Indeed, whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, there are a plethora of options to explore here, with the street’s Oasis food court a perpetual late night draw. Grab a wood-fired pizza or pasta at Il Forno and its beautiful plaza setting, dine in at Harrison’s, or head north along the street to experience the abundant Asian offerings like Eight Buns, Hokkaiya, and Jjindakk (the best Korean chicken in town).

At the Islington end of the street, get your caffeine fix at the iconic Rolador or Slingtown (formerly Suspension) near Hamilton Station, or try Downtown Beirut for top Lebanese. Around the corner on Maitland Road, there’s the newly-minted Tipsy Italian, as well as American BBQ stars Smoking Hot & Saucy at The Lot Smokehouse. Craft lovers will also find Shout Brewing and Method not too far away, while a brief bus ride or leisurely walk will bring you to Tighes Hill – home of Praise Joe Coffee, Bar Sole – and nearby Mayfield, where you’ll find Equium Social, cited by many as having spearheaded this end of town’s resurgent cafe culture.

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.