Newcastle’s restaurant scene has boomed in the last few years, and the food on offer in town is now exceptional, and up there with anywhere in New South Wales. A new wave of cutting edge dining spots means the culinary choices are eclectic, varied and exciting, with outstanding offerings from around the world round every corner.
Estabar delivers stunning views across Newcastle beach from its position on the esplanade, as well as a fresh, nutritious seasonal menu, and the gelato for which it is rightly famous throughout the city. A stripped-down charcoal interior complimented by recycled timber cabinets adds a touch of class to what is already a lovely atmosphere. This is a superb spot to eat, drink, and watch the waves. Open 7 days a week from 6:30am to 4pm.
Behind the relatively restrained shopfront of Subo on Hunter St lies some very unrestrained food and flavours. Subo is the work of a husband and wife team who earned their stripes in some of Sydney’s top restaurants, and now serve up extravagant Modern Australian cuisine to the gourmands of Newcastle. One of the city’s best and most intimate fine dining spots. Open Tuesday to Saturday 6pm to 10pm.
Another beautiful harbourside location, MEET brings Brazilian flavours to the Honeysuckle Harbour. This no-nonsense joint is firmly focused on carnivores, serving up expertly cooked meat, and plenty of it, all cooked on a natural wood BBQ and American-style smoker. By the time you’ve finished here you’ll be loosening your belt and marvelling at what you managed to put away...but when BBQ is done this well, what else can you do? Open Wednesday to Friday from 6pm to 11pm, Saturday 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 11pm, and Sunday 12pm to 3pm and 5:30pm to 11pm.
Restaurant Mason is one of Newcastle’s chicest, most upscale eateries, and one of the best fine dining establishments in the Hunter region, recognised with the award of a much-coveted Chef’s Hat. Serving up Modern Australian of the highest quality, with touches of British and Asian influences, this is a real jewel in the crown of Newcastle’s culinary scene, and shouldn’t be missed. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 6pm to midnight, and for lunch on Fridays 12pm to 3pm.
A true slice of Newcastle history and heritage, Scotties has been frying up fish and chips for Novocastrians since 1950 against a beautiful backdrop of ocean views and sea breezes. Now a hip, seafood-focused eatery with a fine cocktail list and beautiful outdoor seating overlooking the sea, this is one of the best places in town for a casual yet delicious meal. Open Thursday from 5pm to 9pm, Friday 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 9pm, and weekends 12pm to 9pm.
Set in a converted wharf office, Paymasters is a modern, fine dining restaurant with a charming history. It’s difficult to say which is the bigger draw here, the beautifully restored Georgian setting (officially an item of Regional Heritage Significance since 1987), the stunning views over Newcastle Harbour, or the delicious all-encompassing menu with no shortage of tasty gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner you’re looking for, Paymasters will not disappoint. Open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 12pm to 4pm and 6pm to 9pm, Saturday from 9:30am to 2pm and 6pm to 9pm, Sunday from 9:30am to 2pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday.