March 26, 2025

The best Newcastle restaurants

From laid-back bites to fine dining favourites, we’ve rounded up the best Newcastle restaurants to suit every craving, every occasion, and every kind of foodie. But why stop at Newcastle? We’ve also included our favourites from across the Hunter and Central Coast.

Carrington
FRENCHIE

Nestled within the former Criterion Hotel in Carrington, FRENCHIE is where neighbourhood charm meets a taste of France. From the team behind New Lambton’s favourite, Alfie’s Italian, this venue brings a distinctly French twist to the local dining scene.

Executive chef, Rafael Tonon, leads the kitchen with a menu rooted in Parisian tradition, featuring dishes like Duck Parfait with Le Birlou, Escargot with Garlic and XO Butter, and Steak Frites. The all-French wine list is curated to elevate each dish, with a rotating by-the-glass menu that encourages diners to explore something new with every visit.

Honeysuckle
Meat & Grain Steakhouse

Meat & Grain Steakhouse, known for its premium cuts and bold flavours, expanded from Wollongong to Newcastle’s Honeysuckle precinct in late 2024. The space combines elegance with South African-inspired décor, creating a warm yet refined setting.

The menu is a true celebration of premium ingredients and expert preparation, featuring top-quality meats, including the Little Joe scotch fillet with an MB4+ marble score and an impressive 1.3kg Tomahawk steak. Beyond steaks, guests can enjoy dishes like roasted bone marrow, seafood linguine, and peri-peri king prawns.

With exceptional food and thoughtful design, Meat & Grain offers a standout dining experience.

Newcastle
MIINE

Bringing a fresh energy to Darby Street, MIINE is a late-night Italian fusion restaurant and bar with a bold, artistic edge. Owners Thomas Lawson and Pete Hasselhurst draw on their industry experience to create a space where great food, creative cocktails, and an electric atmosphere come together.

Inspired by New York dining, the interiors feature evolving street art, while the menu – shaped by chef Matteo Finotto – blends Italian and Mediterranean influences. With a rotating selection of dishes and drinks, MIINE offers a constantly evolving experience, making it a must-visit for those seeking something new in Newcastle’s nightlife.

Pokolbin
NINETEEN

Located at The Vintage Estate in Pokolbin, NINETEEN has quickly earned a reputation for its welcoming vibe and all-day dining. Open from 7am daily, it serves everything from indulgent breakfasts to hearty pub classics and refined bistro dishes.

With a relaxed beer garden, a vibrant sports bar, and generous happy hour specials, it’s a go-to for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re after a leisurely meal, a quick bite, or a lively evening with cocktails, NINETEEN delivers a seamless blend of comfort and quality in the heart of the Hunter Valley.

Pokolbin
Château Élan

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at Legends restaurant, nestled within Château Élan at The Vintage Hunter Valley. With dynamic menus and stunning vistas of the Greg Norman-designed golf course, this sophisticated yet inviting haven offers comprehensive selection of dining options, complemented by a range of exquisite local wines.

Legends captivates with a seasonal menu celebrating contemporary Australian cuisine and quality produce. Favourites include the Confit Duck Legs Maryland with a bitter green salad and orange star anise jus; and the Chocolate Peanut Tart with dulce ice cream for dessert.

Château Élan also has Spike Bar, a cosy venue offering bites designed to share and golf club classics. Ideal for relaxed meals or happy hour on the terrace.

Newcastle
Hope at the Landing

At home in the Hunter Valley for a decade, Hope Estate opened the doors to its latest offspring in August 2023, bringing a taste of the Valley to Honeysuckle’s boardwalk. Despite being a recent addition to Newcastle’s culinary landscape, Hope Estate at the Landing is already set to become one of the best waterfront venues in the city this summer.

Here, the brand proudly presents a coveted selection of wines, beers, and spirits, accompanied by a delectable tapas menu courtesy of Executive Chef, Anthony Fullerton. Favourites include the Crab & Prawn Arancini and Angus Sliders.

Whether you’re dropping by for a drink or settling in for an evening of tastings and engaging conversations, the venue is perfect for casual gatherings, celebrations, and corporate events.

Newcastle
Humbug

A haven for food enthusiasts with an exceptional line-up of wines, Humbug is a contemporary Italian restaurant that has quickly become a culinary icon in Newcastle, drawing local foodies and tourists alike to the vibrant venue.

Recently earning its first hat at the 2024 SMH Food Guide Awards, the team’s expertise represents the very best of Newcastle’s dining scene right now.

Passionate about food and wine, owners Michael Portley and Stephanie Wells are big on aperitivo hour, inviting you to drop in for a drink before sampling their delicious seasonal menus championing fresh seafood and exotic flavour combinations.

Once the signage pulls you in, find yourself immersed in an art-filled, modern pasta joint that doesn’t complicate things.

Central Coast
Little Miss Mezza

Little Miss Mezza in West Gosford offers Middle Eastern dining with a Modern Australian twist, transcending expectations in every aspect. From the mouth-watering menu to experimental cocktails, and a thoughtfully designed interior, there is nothing little about this venue.

The local gem, an expansion of Meraki Group’s Motel Mezza, seamlessly combines traditional Lebanese flavours with modern techniques. Boasting a vibrant atmosphere, the venue creates space for shared experiences, echoing the essence of mezza dining. Executive Chef Joshua Grant highlights unique flavour pairings via small and large share plates, sides, and a curated drinks list.

Top picks include the Grilled Japanese scallops with Israeli couscous, sumac and Aleppo compound butter; and the Medjool Dates stuffed with salted almonds and fried in cumin beer batter.

Central Coast
MERIBELLA

Perched on the first floor of Crowne Plaza Terrigal, Meribella offers a dining experience as captivating as its ocean views. With broad arches, sleek wooden floors, and expansive windows framing the dramatic coastline, this refined eatery blends modern Australian cuisine with Mediterranean flair. 

Signature dishes like lamb backstrap with confit shallot and cavolo nero showcase bold flavours, while a crudo of snapper tempt the palate. Perfect for a special celebration or leisurely cocktails by the bar, Meribella reimagines seaside dining with sophistication and a touch of nostalgic charm on the Central Coast.

NEWCASTLE
BELLA ITALIA

2024 marked five years of Bella Italia bringing a little slice of Italy to Newcastle. This isn’t just a place for a meal – it’s a full Italian experience. Step inside, and you’re greeted by the aroma of fresh pizzas, the warmth of exposed brick, and the charm of a friendly team, all transporting you straight to Italy.

The menu offers everything you crave in Italian dining, from breads, antipasti, and pasta to pizza, gnocchi, and indulgent desserts. With over 30 pizza toppings, five unique gnocchi styles, and 11 pasta options, there’s always something new to discover. Bella Italia also boasts an extensive vegan menu, ensuring all can enjoy an authentic Italian feast.

HUNTER VALLEY
LUCKY DUCK

Originally a pop-up at Leaves and Fishes in the Hunter Valley, Lucky Duck has become a permanent fixture, serving up a lively take on Asian-inspired cuisine in its peaceful lakeside setting. 

With a focus on bold flavours and fun, Lucky Duck’s menu is a seasonal showcase of locally sourced ingredients, paired with an exceptional wine list. 

From small bites like BBQ Kingfish Collar and Fried Pork Dumplings to shareable large plates from the Hibachi Grill such as Barramundi and Wagyu Flap, each dish invites guests to dive into flavour and float into fortune.

NEWCASTLE
AMALFI PEARL BEACH

With stunning ocean views and a laid-back atmosphere, Amalfi Pearl Beach epitomises beachside dining. Relax on the dreamy outdoor deck and watch the waves roll in, or dine inside among contemporary coastal furnishings with stunning views.

Having recently celebrated their first birthday, the restaurant is the Central Coast’s newest absolute beachfront lunch and dinner destination, offering delicious modern Italian food and drinks designed for sharing with great company.

Nestled on Pearl Beach, enjoy a slice of the Italian coastline with menu highlights including bruschetta anchovy, agnello, pappardelle con ragu, and more.

It truly feels like stepping into a Mediterranean haven, where the menu, decor, and location seamlessly combine for the perfect experience.

NEWCASTLE
BISTRO PENNY

In Newcastle’s East End, Bistro Penny has emerged as a culinary gem, spearheaded by esteemed chef Joel Humphreys. Known for his work at Rockpool and Bistro Moncur, Humphreys brings a unique touch to the city, blending French-inspired live-fire cooking with local, seasonal produce.

Designed by Bianca Isgro, the bistro revives a historic space, previously home to Newcastle’s first hatted restaurant. The atmosphere is anchored by a central fireplace, exuding warmth through rich timber, burgundy leather, and textured mustard walls. With small-producer wines and simple, fire-focused dishes, Bistro Penny promises an authentic dining experience inspired by French bistro traditions.

WORDS | SARAH WELLS

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