Newcastle’s food and drink scene has undoubtedly become incredibly elevated over recent years with our hospitality sector shining a light on a broad range of dining experiences. But where did it all begin?

Newcastle’s now thriving scene, which brings upon competition to some of Sydney’s trendiest suburbs, started with our growth of modern yet approachable venues popping up in the early 2010s.

One venue in particular, not only started the movement in industrial chic interiors but has continued as a crowd favourite for its long-standing menu items, daily pizza and drinks specials, and their ongoing top-tier service – to whom do we refer? None other than Parry St Garage.

This enduring favourite is open seven days a week from 5pm, so no matter your craving – whether it’s a post work drink and antipasto, a takeaway feast, or a dining extravaganza – Parry St Garage has you covered.

When you walk through Parry Street Garage’s dark steel frame doorway, you enter into a vast grown-up playground; made for those of us who love to eat, drink, converse, and linger for as long as we desire.

The interior offers a combination of smart industrial styling and sleek finishes providing the venue with a sophisticated yet relaxed style. So much so that you may just never want to leave.

One look over the menu and you can understand why the need to leave may skip your mind. The casual relaxed eatery menu features a modern Italian twist, starting with a selection of starter dishes perfect for kicking off your Parry St Garage dining experience.

Our top picks would have to be the crumbed mozzarella sticks, Bolognese arancini, wagyu bresaola carpaccio, and the king prawn hot pot.

With a strong focus on Italian eats, the Wood Fired Pizza is of course one of the many reasons Parry St Garage continues to be a favourite for all. Featuring an actual wood-fired pizza oven, the pizza menu has 15 different options (including a dedicated vegan one) with gluten-free bases and vegan cheese available as substitutes.

Personal favourites include the classic Margherita as well as the Vegana (vegan pizza) with broccolini, zucchini, rosemary, cashew cream, cherry tomato, and vegan cheese; Pumpkin with blue cheese, rocket, parmesan, and Fior di Latte; and lucky last the Lamb & Rosemary Sausage with smoked mozzarella, potato, and garlic oil.

What goes hand-in-hand with pizza? Pasta! Since 2013, there has been one pasta dish on the menu that has remained the same – the favoured Sweet Potato Gnocchi served with cavola nero, soft feta, toasted walnut, and sage butter. If you’ve had it before – you’ll know how truly special this dish is.

With eight pasta flavours on the menu, and with gluten-free pasta available as a substitute – there’s no doubt a dish to tickle any pasta fiend’s fancy. Standouts include the Lamb Pappardelle with slow woodfired lamb ragu, fried onion, lemon & parsley crumb, and parmesan; and the Pork Tagliatelle with Ventian-style pork ragu, apple puree, and parmesan.

With the venue’s bar taking up a significant area within the industrial-esque space, there’s no surprise to hear that their beverage list packs a punch with their dedicated Parry Collection plus a selection of classics, spritzes, wine, and beer.

The Parry Collection features eight unique in-house creations with our personal picks being the Positano Punch, The Godfather, and Sophia Loren.

The spritz offering is for those who like to step outside the regular Aperol Spritz offering and dip their toes into something a little different. Sample all five flavours; Aperol, Watermelon, Limoncello, Passionfruit, and Pomegranate.

For those wanting to make the most of eating on a budget, discover Parry St Garage’s delicious daily special from 5pm-6pm. Get your hands on ½ price pizzas, $8 tap beer, $8 glass of house wine, and $8 spirits. Book your table and get amongst this dine-in special!

For those who want to sample the modern-Italian menu from the comfort of their own home, you’ll be glad to hear you can enjoy 20% off all online orders (takeaway only).

The overarching theme of the Parry St Garage dining experience is good food, good drinks, good vibes, and good service. With its extraordinarily large space and distinctly different dining areas, the venue makes for a great spot for your upcoming event or special celebration.

The open bar area, featuring its own fireplace (perfect for those cosy winter evenings) is a great spot for birthday and engagement parties or corporate events. The space is available seven days a week and is big enough to cater for up to 100 guests.

For those wanting to go ALL out – Parry Street Garage has just announced that it is officially open for exclusive venue hire. That’s right, you can hire the entire venue exclusively for weddings, corporate functions, or birthday parties! For more information and to submit and enquiry, click here. 

Parry St Garage is one that’s bound to keep you wanting to come back. Having stood the test of time, Parry St Garage is a well-loved venue with a tasty and affordable offering, with the team wanting the venue to be a place for people to come, make themselves at home, and relax in.