Where to eat, drink and stay in Newcastle

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Curated selection of points

Your essential guide to the best bits of NSW's second city: from speakeasy cocktail bars to brunch spots and heritage-listed ocean baths.

As the second biggest city in NSW, Newcastle is slowly (but surely) becoming Sydneysiders’ choice for a sea-change location – and for good reason. This fast-growing city is offering both locals and tourists the best of both worlds. And with a booming hospitality sector, stunning coastline and some of Australia’s best beaches, as well as being only a short drive to the Hunter Valley wine region, there’s no shortage of things to fill your itinerary with. Here are our picks.

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1

SuboSubo, Hunter Street, Bank Corner, Newcastle West, Newcastle, Newcastle-Maitland, Newcastle City Council, New South Wales, 2302, Australia

Headed up by former Lexus Australian Young Chef of the Year Beau Vincent and his wife Suzie, Subo is Novocastrians' go-to for a real dining

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Subo,, Bank Corner, Newcastle West, Newcastle, Newcastle-Maitland, Newcastle City Council, New South Wales, 2302, Australia, Hunter Street

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experience treat. The contemporary bistro serves a five-course modern Australian set menu, rotating twice each season. But with only 24 seats and limited opening hours, you need to book ahead.

2

AntojitosAntojitos, 11, Steel Street, Bank Corner, Newcastle West, Newcastle, Newcastle-Maitland, Newcastle City Council, New South Wales, 2302, Australia

Taste buds craving a Mexican fiesta? Check out this industrial space on Steel Street that serves the best of bustling street food.

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Antojitos, 11,, Bank Corner, Newcastle West, Newcastle, Newcastle-Maitland, Newcastle City Council, New South Wales, 2302, Australia, Steel Street, Australia

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The tasty diner bursts with authentic street food flavours, with everything made from scratch (even the tortillas)!

3

Ginger Meg'sGinger Megs, 212, King Street, Newcastle, Newcastle-Maitland, Newcastle City Council, New South Wales, 2300, Australia

Cocktail connoisseurs listen up! Ginger Meg’s might be an Asian-fusion restaurant, but it’s the cocktails you’ll be heading there for.

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Ginger Megs, 212,, Newcastle, Newcastle-Maitland, Newcastle City Council, New South Wales, 2300, Australia, King Street, Australia, 2300

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Can we tempt you with a Vietnamese Espresso Martini? Or maybe the Five Spice Margarita or Cherry Blossom? If you head in at 6pm you can get them all for only $10 each.

4

Basement on Market StreetBasement on Market Street, Scott Street, Newcastle, Newcastle-Maitland, Newcastle City Council, New South Wales, 2300, Australia

Known for its tapas and cocktails, Basement on Market Street is a favourite among locals as the perfect date spot.

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Basement on Market Street,, Newcastle, Newcastle-Maitland, Newcastle City Council, New South Wales, 2300, Australia, Scott Street, Australia

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Serving up the bartender’s creative collection of cocktails alongside classics; what more could you want?

5

Blue KahunasBlue Kahunas, Hunter Street Mall, Newcastle, Newcastle-Maitland, Newcastle City Council, New South Wales, 2300, Australia

There’s a tiki bar in Newcastle! Blue Kahunas only recently opened in the city and has been busy pouring elaborate rum-based cocktails

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for locals and visitors alike ever since. A tropical getaway awaits you in the Hunter Street Mall with an interior full of cane chairs, bamboo furniture and leis. Check out the staff, they’re even dressed in tropical t-shirts!

6

Coal & CedarCoal & Cedar, 380, Hunter Street, Newcastle, Newcastle-Maitland, Newcastle City Council, New South Wales, 2300, Australia

Newcastle’s second secret bar is a little bit harder to find, but well worth the effort.

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Coal & Cedar, 380,, Newcastle, Newcastle-Maitland, Newcastle City Council, New South Wales, 2300, Australia, Hunter Street, Australia

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With no signage and no doorbell, visitors need to text a special code to a number on the wall before being invited in. Winning best regional bar in Australia in 2016, Coal & Cedar’s moody and eclectic speakeasy is one worth visiting.

7

Quest Newcastle WestQuest Apartments, 787, Hunter Street, Bank Corner, Newcastle West, Newcastle, Newcastle-Maitland, Newcastle City Council, New South Wales, 2302, Australia

Quest Newcastle West offers one- two- and three-bedroom self-serviced apartments, each with its own private balcony.

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Quest Apartments, 787,, Bank Corner, Newcastle West, Newcastle, Newcastle-Maitland, Newcastle City Council, New South Wales, 2302, Australia, Hunter Street, Newcastle, Australia, 2302

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Rates from $207 per room, per night.

8

Novotel Newcastle BeachNovotel, Pacific Street, Newcastle, Newcastle-Maitland, Newcastle City Council, New South Wales, 2300, Australia

Novotel Newcastle Beach is located in the city’s beautiful East End, just metres from one of Australia’s most magnificent beaches.

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Novotel,, Newcastle, Newcastle-Maitland, Newcastle City Council, New South Wales, 2300, Australia, Pacific Street

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Overnight stays start from $179 per room.

9

The Flotilla

Recently opening in the booming suburb of Wickham, The Flotilla is the third Newcastle dining venue from ex-Silverchair musician Chris

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Albert Street, New South Wales, Australia, 2293

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Joannou and his business partner Zack Scholtz. Following the success of The Edwards and The Criterion, The Flotilla was inspired by the Abbot Kinney Boulevard and Venice Beach in California. Newcastle locals are flocking to the cosy, luxurious restaurant, so make sure you book ahead and skip the queues.

10

M Bar & Restaurant

Originally based in Honeysuckle, this Brazilian churrasco-styled restaurant has made the move to the buzzing Darby Street, offering a New

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Darby Street, New South Wales, Australia, 2300

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York-styled space with world-class culinary delights. Offering both bar and dining areas, you can call in for nibbles and drink by the bar or head to the back for the full restaurant experience.

11

Bella Italia

Bella Italia is owned and operated by Nico and Andrea: two Italian born and bred mates with a passion for creating traditional Italian

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Devonshire Street, New South Wales, Australia, 2302

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cuisine. The interior boasts exposed brick walls, lush greenery and dim lighting all adding to that authentic Italian experience. There’s also a dedicated vegan menu that offers up its own meringue. And trust us, it tastes exactly like the real thing.

12

Talulah Bar

With all-day brekkie, global tapas and cocktails, Talulah Bar is located right in the centre of The Junction.

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Kenrick Street, New South Wales, Australia, 2291

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Great for a lazy weekend brunch, family dinners and even catch-ups with friends, Talulah Bar ticks all of the boxes. Whether you’re ordering in the morning, day or evening, get your phone ready because each and every dish is presented to the nines and is 100 per cent Instagrammable.

13

Babylon

This Art Deco-inspired bar and restaurant is set to wow visitors with its high, vaulted ceilings and exuberant chandeliers.

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Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

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Babylon oozes suave and sexy, with a to-die-for beverage list that seems to go on and on (we’re not complaining). Its specialty is whisky, with hundreds to choose from and varieties from across the globe, as well as an extensive cocktail and craft beer list.

14

The Koutetsu

Look out for the colourful, junk-filled window front on Hunter Street and you might have found one of Newcastle’s very own secret bars

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Hunter Street, Newcastle West, New South Wales, Australia, 2300

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(yes, there is more than one)! Wondering where the menu is? Check out the CD case that’s sitting right in front of you. This quirky, intimate spot will make you feel like you’ve just teleported to London or New York.

15

Olive Tree MarketCivic Park