Best Restaurants in Newcastle NSW 2026

Best Restaurants in Newcastle 2026

Newcastle's food scene has undergone a sustained revival over the past decade — driven by the revitalised East End, a thriving cafe culture on Darby Street and Beaumont Street, and the city's proximity to the Hunter Valley wine region. Newcastle today is one of NSW's most exciting dining cities outside Sydney. visitnewcastle.com.au

Newcastle's Top Dining Precincts

• Hunter Street East End — the revitalised end of Hunter Street holds the best of Newcastle's new restaurant and bar scene, anchored by Customs House and the surrounding laneways.
• Darby Street — Newcastle's original cafe and restaurant strip. Strong for specialty coffee, breakfast and casual dining.
• Beaumont Street, Hamilton — Newcastle's most diverse restaurant strip. Strong Italian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Turkish and modern Australian restaurants in a walkable setting.
• Newcastle Beach and Foreshore — beachside dining at the surf clubs and foreshore restaurants overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
• Hunter Valley — Pokolbin — 45 minutes from the city, the Hunter Valley holds acclaimed winery restaurants at Muse (Keith Tulloch), Bistro Molines and Margan Restaurant. huntervalley.com.au

Newcastle Restaurant Awards

The Good Food Guide NSW and Restaurant and Catering NSW Awards recognise the best of the Newcastle dining scene. goodfood.com.au

Booking a Restaurant in Newcastle

Newcastle restaurants accept bookings via OpenTable, direct websites and phone. Beaumont Street is walk-in friendly. East End venues book ahead on weekends. opentable.com.au

This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.