Opening in 2015 The Rooftop's open-aired precinct has become a favourite for families, couples and big groups eager to get amongst the diverse mix of restaurants and chilled rustic atmosphere that comes via the exposed timber beams, faux grassy lawn, festoon lighting and indoor/outdoor dining options. 

Open and airy, there's a flavour and venue to suit all tastes and occasions, The Rooftop even features a playground corner for the kids to be kept entertained in. If it's been a while since you visited The Rooftop here's 15 reasons why you should get reacquainted...   

Another Burger Joint

It's eye-catching, and loaded with Japanese inspired flavours, Another Burger Joint is a firm favourite with burger lovers and those who love their sports and gaming. Grab a booth and get playing some old school classic games while you're making your menu selections. Whether it's the extensive list of burgers, poke bowls and all your favourite snacks you'll love everything about your visit to ABJ!

Beerhaus

The super-charged, beer-centric, social emporium, serving beer-friendly American-inspired food featuring everything from burgers, to bbq meats, po’ boys and house favourite the Beerhaus BBQ plates with American-style BBQ meats which are wood-smoked, slow-cooked and served with a pretzel roll and pickles. The industrial beerhall fitout that has a German drinking den atmosphere, brings a buzzing energy any night of the week.

Chatime

If you love bubble tea, Chatime Kotara is the place to go in Newcastle. Tucked away in a gorgeous, dimly-lit corner of The Rooftop at Kotara the teas and mix-ins are totally delicious. Choose what level of sweetness your tea is, whether it's dairy or non, icy or just a little frosted.

Cold Rock Ice Creamery

If you haven’t visited Cold Rock Ice Creamery you’ve obviously been living under a rock. Since 2002 the unique ice cream and lolly mix has been delivering the goods. The word is that there are more than 30,000 to choose from ice cream cakes and shakes to cups, cones and take-home tubs, choose your favourite flavours and Mix Ins to create your very own spectacular dessert.

Criniti's

Their authentic, award-winning Italian cuisine has been made famous thanks to their restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne and now Newcastle. Criniti’s are known for their flavoursome southern Italian cuisine, family-friendly dining and extensive menu that is sure to please everyone.

Grill’d

The Australian-owned burger restaurant Grill'd isn't your average burger joint. Specialising in healthy burgers Grill'd is all about fresh, healthy burgers whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, gluten free or you have it all which means these burgers come guilt-free, and just good taste.

Hong Kong Chef

The Rooftop at Westfield Kotara is where you’ll need to head to experience all those delicious Yum Cha flavours at Hong Kong Chef. With more than 150 handmade dim sims, dumplings, rice rolls, soups, and Hong Kong BBQ dishes to choose from, the team have ensured all those Yum Cha favourites have made it to the menu, along with a selection of your slightly more traditional style dishes.

Hanok Korean BBQ

If you’re looking for a dining experience that has a unique flavour and a one-of-a-kind experience to match, Hanok Korean Fine BBQ is for you. The precise charcoal cooking dining experience allows you to take control of your food by cooking over charcoal. Expect a smorgasbord of sauces, salads, and the incredible display of high-quality Wagyu meat. You could also try the Korean dish of choice, the hot stone pot Bibim-Bap. The humble rice bowl and display of seasoned sautéed vegetables, Korean marinated beef, and the signature fried egg, and the red, spicy Bibimbap Sauce, is sure to impress.

Kinn Thai

We often hear that Kinn Thai is a favourite amongst locals, and it's easy to understand why. It never disappoints. The indoor/outdoor restaurant setting brings that authentic tropical Thailand vibe, together with those consistent contemporary Thai ensures an always exceptional dining experience.

Lone Star Rib House

One of The Rooftop originals, Lone Star Rib House has always been about big flavours, whether it’s their Schnitzels, big Burgers, or enticing entrees and of course their signature Texas ‘Rib’ Ranger. Slow cooked over 8 hours the tender, flavoursome meat is an absolute treat.

Mad Mex

Introducing the fresh Baja flavours to Newcastle, Mad Mex is all about bringing your favourite Mexican bites together in the one menu with all the spice, colour and flavour that you would expect if you were dining in Mexico itself.

Nandos

Originally founded in 1987 in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nando's is known for their legendary flame-grilled PERi-PERi (African Bird's Eye Chilli) style chicken. Whether its a burger, wrap, or pitas, chicken tenders, and even Halloumi sticks, PERi-PERi is made for pouring, dipping, cooking and adoring and is highly addicatable.

San Churro

With a menu of churros, cake, hot chocolate, ice cream and coffee, San Churro is the perfect dessert destination. I can’t go past the churros, for those not familiar with them, they are dough-pastry piped into long strips, deep fried, then dusted with sugar. Paired with a pot of melted couverture chocolate – ahhh perfection.

Sushi Musa

The Rooftops newest edition, Sushi Musa, has arrived and it’s delicious! Who doesn’t love a sushi train! Offering an endless supply of freshly made dishes delivered to your fingertips you can expect all your sushi fav’s including the maki, hosomaki, sashimi and tenaki.

Zeus Street Greek

Zeus brings the experience of Greek street food to Newcastle with slow cooked meats, fresh salads and soft fluffy pita breads. The food is simple and wholesome family style Greek food, with everything made from scratch on site. Including the delicious tzatziki, spanakopita and loukoumades (greek doughnuts with honey, cinnamon and walnuts).

So if you're looking for a family friendly dining experience, which gives you plenty of choices lock in your next lunch or dinner outing at The Rooftop at Westfield Kotara.