Another year ends, and with it comes HUNTERhunter’s annual round-up of our top 10 most read, loved, and shared articles for the year.

It was a year dedicated to trying to return to normality, to throw out those favoured terms from years previous - pivoted, lockdown, and mandatory masks - thrown into the metaphorical literary bin.

We welcomed back events, dining out, and even overseas travel, but one thing never wavered – our commitment to our local businesses and the excitement toward supporting our growing and evolving city.

We said goodbye to some longtime favourites such as Surtaj Indian Restaurant, The Barn at Adamstown, and Restaurant Mason amongst the saddest departures. We were also inundated with new venues popping up not only across Newcastle but across the entire Hunter region and beyond.

So, what exactly were your favourite stories of the year? We’ve done the numbers and it's officially time to look back on the year and appreciate the local businesses that we love and the stories behind them.

10. Wings & Tins

The Sydney-based foodie sensation, Wings & Tins, brought their American-style hot wings and craft beer offering to Darby Street. Just as unique and quirky as their Darlinghurst and Dee Why venues, Darby Street’s Wings & Tins have keen chicken wing enthusiasts return time and time again.

If you’re looking for the ultimate chill spot in Newcastle with good tunes, quirky décor, and fun vibes, head on over to Wings & Tins to get your hands around some tasty wings whilst you swig some craft beer tinnies.

9. Light Years Asian Diner

Home of awesome modern Asian food, delicious cocktails, and a ‘jump out of your seat’ party vibe – Light Years Asian Diner really has changed the local foodie game. Having just celebrated this Darby Street eatery’s first birthday, even 12 months on, it still continues to book out on the daily.

This year has seen us work with the Light Years team to create a selection of recipes to try at-home including their Beef Rendang, Mushroom & Ginger Wontons, and their iconic Kingfish Ceviche.

Whether you’ve visited multiple times already or are still trying to land your table, you can always expect a collection of share-plate-style food with a bold, colourful, and punchy flavoured menu.

8. Eating Cheap in Newcastle 

With our Eating Cheap in Newcastle making it into our top ten articles for 2022, it seems you guys love a bargain! Featuring both cheap lunch and dinner guides, you can check back on these guides on the regular for an updated list! Did you find one we should include? Email us!

7. Birdie

The long-awaited chicken shop created by the team behind Hamilton’s The Bennett Hotel officially opened its doors to the people of Newcastle in August. Having only been open a few short months but already making it into our top ten is a true reflection of how much love Newcastle has for the bird!

From the crisp white walls, the muted pastel colour palette, soft timber accents, and curved walls, the venue’s clever design is nothing short of schmick. This, paired with their unwavering love of the mighty bird is a testament to its quick and consistent popularity.

6. Urban Deli & Bar

We first announced the arrival of Darby Street’s very own deli and bar in June and by the time they opened a month later, Urban Deli & Bar had already managed to build a reputation for their top-tier products and loyal foodie following.

Brought to us by the ever-so-foodie-focussed couple, Katarzyna (Kasia) Idczak and Timothy (Tim) Atkinson, Urban Deli & Bar has continued to be a Novocastrian go-to with its boutique deli, wine bar, and bistro offering.

5. Newcastle’s Best Restaurants

I’m sensing a bit of a theme here Newcastle… it seems you like food and not just any old food but the best because this article has continued to reach the top of our list year-round.

With Newcastle’s restaurant scene taking a massive leap forward in recent years, bringing a diverse offering of cuisines, spectacular locations, sleek fit-outs, and an ever-growing pool of kitchen talent, dining out in Newcastle truly can keep you on your toes.

4. Âpé Yakitori Bar

Brought to you by the experienced team behind Nagisa and Susuru, a new type of dining and cocktail experience landed in Newcastle with the arrival of Âpé Yakitori Bar gracing our scene in June.

Pull up a chair and be mesmerized by the cooking over charcoal and yakitori techniques which Head Chef Nicolas Pedemonte and the team have spent hours perfecting and gaining a deeper knowledge of the seasonal produce featured throughout the menu.

3. The Underground

Newcastle’s newest speakeasy, The Underground, opened its doors in June and it has been welcomed with nothing but good vibes. Located underneath one of Newcastle CBD’s most historical and iconic pubs, The Grand Hotel Newcastle, The Underground is the grungy yet sophisticated underground bar we’ve been waiting for.

Head downstairs and step into a moody oasis where you’ll be transported to a high-end speakeasy you could easily mistake for somewhere in the world’s biggest cities.

2. Dog Friendly Venues

Tell us you love dogs without telling us you love dogs… we CANNOT believe that this article has been SO popular that it has managed to wriggle its way all the way to the 2^nd position for our top articles of 2022.

So, rest assured Newcastle, we will continue to keep you and your pooch well and truly up-to-date with all of the dog-friendly venues you can explore across town.

1. Humbug

Without further ado, we can announce HUNTERhunter’s number one article for 2022 is none other than Hunter Street’s fresh and playful wine bar and restaurant - HUMBUG.

Brought to us by local couple, Michael Portley and Stephanie Welles, HUMBUG is an amalgamation of the couples’ love for the hospitality industry and their love of entertaining and hosting friends and family in their home.

Since launching in January 2022, HUMBUG has continued to spend the year not only winning the hearts of Newcastle-based foodies but has garnered attention from those further afar.

With Newcastle’s growth not looking like it’s going to slow down anytime soon, we can’t wait for another year of bringing you the very best of what our city has to offer. See you in 2023 Newcastle!