A guide for where to dine on Darby Street, Cooks Hill

Darby Street has always had a strong reputation across Newcastle as the go-to spot for all things food, drink, and retail.

But when choosing a venue to dine, drink or collect your coffee from, where do you start?

In the last 12 months there's been quite a shift in the street, with some new faces popping up, and some iconic favourites keeping their regulars happy. There’s plenty to explore, and we've created a comprehensive guide to Darby Street eats with every cafe, bar, pub, and restaurant listed to help you find your venue of choice.

Cafes 

Autumn Rooms
Known for its cosy indoor seating, quaint courtyard, and seasonally-evolving menu, Autumn Rooms is a crowd favourite for classic breakfast fare with a twist.
Where: 127 Darby St

Baba Yaga
Traditional Turkish gozleme and baklava have been gracing Darby Street since Baba Yaga’s inception in 2018. Our pick? The Turkish iced tea.
Where: 155 Darby St

Cadre Coffee
Sitting at the entrance of Harris Farm Markets, Cadre Coffee is home to specialty coffee and a selection of grab n’ go eats.
Where: 227 Darby St

Caffeine Waves
This cosy little coffee spot offers a range of takeaway classics plus a selection of Pakistani eats.
Where: 259 Darby St

Coco Monde
This chocolateria offers Spanish churros, Belgian waffles, French-style crepes, rich chocolate mousse, and, of course, handcrafted chocolates. Mouth-watering!
Where: 80 Darby St

Goldbergs
This Newcastle institution has been a hit on the local foodie scene for over twenty years, with the laidback, homely Goldbergs featuring a wholesome menu and quality coffee.
Where: 137 Darby St

House of Roast
When you walk into House of Roast you’re welcomed into a refreshed space complete with restored brick walls and a blend of modern elements; the space is as much a tribute to the building’s hisotry as it is to the art of coffee.
Where: 149 Darby St

Hubro
Located at the Bar Beach end of Darby Street is Hubro. Featuring crisp white and timber interiors, a healthy dine-in menu, and on-the-run counter snacks, Hubro is a lovely pre or post-beach hang-out spot.
Where: Unit 1 A/295 Darby St

LOLAs
Opening in February 2025, LOLAs acts as a cafe, restaurant, and bar that brings a unique blend of casual charm and elevated dining to the Darby Street scene.
Where: 171 Darby St

Pum’s Coffee House
Opening on Anzac Day 2025, Pum’s Coffee House is Darby Street’s newest cafe addition setting up shop in the former Core Espresso spot. 
Where: 162 Darby St

Sanctum
Sanctum invites diners to come as a guest but leave as a friend. The menu changes seasonally and offers up a wide selection of all your favourite brekkie options as well as salad wraps, burgers, and bagels.
Where: 8/113-125 Darby St

Three Monkeys Cafe
Three Monkeys has become an iconic brunch spot on Darby Street since its inception over 20 years ago. Locals keep coming back for the Monkey Fry (think gourmet big brekkie), the enormous smoothies, and stellar service.
Where: 131 Darby St

Bars, pubs, and restaurants

5 Sawyers
This moody bar on Darby Street has been a crowd favourite for years. Aside from the drinks, the food, and the atmosphere, what’s most to like about 5 Sawyers is the way in which Newcastle’s heritage has been woven into the bar’s interior.
Where: 115 Darby St

Avatara
Avatara offers authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine with their  hand-crafted meats and curries.
Where: 161 Darby St

Bar Romeo
If you’re a lover of music, natural wines, and good vibes you’ll be excited to experience the disco social club that is Bar Romeo.
Where: 97-107 Darby St 

Beach Burrito Co. Newcastle
Head to Beach Burrito Co. for a Californian-influenced Mexican experience. Whether you grab a seat in the courtyard, restaurant, or under the umbrellas out by the street, the laid back vibe, quality food, and specials will have you coming back.
Where: 135 Darby St

Benjamas Thai by Chin
Newcastle’s oldest Thai restaurant is more than just good food. Complete with a moody dark green interior with hints of gold and traditional Thai ornaments throughout, you would be forgiven for believing you were sitting at a restaurant in the middle of Bangkok when you head to Benjamas Thai by Chin.
Where: 100 Darby St

Darby St Kebabs & Pide
Sometimes you can’t go past a good old kebab or pide, and Darby St Kebabs & Pide has you sorted!
Where: 120 Darby St

The Del
Affectionately known as The Del, this local pub has become one of Newcastle’s most iconic watering holes and boasts an impressive food offering.
Where: 134 Darby St

The Etna on Darby
The Etna serves up quality, home-style Italian food in a cosy dining room, complete with red-chequered tablecloths. BYO wine for a cheap and cheerful night out.
Where: 98 Darby St

Feast Aroma
Formerly known as Dumpling Flavour, Feast Aroma is your go-to on Darby Street for when you’re craving dumplings.
Where: 1/88 Darby St

The George Darby Hotel
The George Darby Hotel brings new life to this iconic corner location, with refreshed spaces, big screens, elevated pub classics, and a vibrant community-focused vibe.
Where: 21 Darby St

Indish - Indian Restro Bar
Rubbing shoulders with The Berry Brothers, Indish is situated in the carpark just off Darby Street and offers a large restaurant space serving up authentic Indian cuisine.
Where: 6/115 Darby St

Kai Fan
This exciting and authentic Chinese restaurant has a host of your favourite Chinese dishes on the menu, like Szechuan chicken, sweet and sour fried pork, and mapo tofu.
Where: 146 Darby St

Light Years Asian Diner
If you’ve yet to stumble into this lush tropical-themed Asian fusion restaurant, expect more-ish share plates like miso corn and fire cracker chicken, plus dumplings, bao buns, and delicious cocktails.
Where: 5-7 Darby St

Lost Souls
From the unique fit out to the section of the menu dedicated to cob loaves, there’s plenty to discuss as you sip a cocktail and people-watch from your vantage point at the front window at Lost Souls.
Where: 159A Darby St

MEET
MEET's world-class culinary offering is rivalled only by its industrial-meets-cool fit-out that belongs on every interior lover’s Pinterest board.
Where: 9 Darby St

MIINE
Situated in the former Milky Lane spot on Darby Street, this New York-inspired Italian fusion restaurant and late-night bar is serving up delicious food, creative cocktails, and a memorable night out.
Where: 13 Darby St

Mr Rice
Experience this modern Chinese restaurant featuring plenty of authentic dishes alongside some quirky new additions.
Where: 133 Darby St

Newy Fried Chicken
A Newcastle favourite is coming to Darby Street very soon. More news coming soon!
Where: 102 Darby St

Papillon Chinese Takeaway
Treat your tastebuds with Papillon Chinese Takeaway's Chinese, Cantonese, Taiwanese, and Thai dishes.
Where: 2/290 Darby St

Raj's Corner
Long-standing Newcastle Indian takeaway Raj's Corner has a home – you guessed it – on the corner of Darby Street and Council Street. Load up on curries, naan, and samosas, and you've got yourself a hearty dinner.
Where: 126 Darby St

Sushi Revolution
Every good foodie street needs a sushi joint, and Sushi Revolution is where it’s at on Darby Street!
Where: 97 Darby St

Urban Restaurant & Wine Bar
Urban Restaurant & Wine Bar brings European-inspired eats, house-made pasta, tapas, and curated wines to Darby Street, served with warm hospitality from owners Kasia and Tim.
Where: 143 Darby St

VietKing
Long-standing Vietnamese restaurant VietKing got a facelift in 2023, bringing with it a fresh new look and energy. The comprehensive menu, great lunch specials, and sunny courtyard make it well worth a visit.
Where: 116 Darby St

Viet Origin 
Bringing the heart of Vietnam to Newcastle with flavours passed down through generations. Expect vibrant, fresh dishes and tradition of true Vietnamese cooking—a delicious journey through the classics you know and love.
Where: 3/115 Darby St

Wings & Tins
A dive bar that knows what it's about: hot wings and beer. The sign out the front of Wings & Tins declares there'll be loud music and no salad, which definitely sets the vibe well!
Where: 1/88 Darby St

Icecream, Açaí and Gelato

Ballimore Farms Creamery
It doesn't get any fresher than the gelato from Ballimore Farms. The team craft their gelato flavours on site, using milk from the happy goats and Jersey cows from their farm in Seaham, Port Stephens, delivering the most authentic farm-to-table experience.
Where: 159B Darby St

The Berry Brothers
Got a hankering for an açaí bowl? Make your way to The Berry Brothers. With plenty of options featuring both açaí and maqui berries, its bowls always hit the spot.
Where: 5/113-125 Darby St

Monella
On first glance, Monella looks more like a nightclub with the music turned up and luminous pink neon lights, but who could look past that cabinet of sorbets and gelato? The pavlova gelato is a must-order.
Where: 150 Darby St

Oakberry Açaí
With açaí shipped straight from Brazil, you can rest assured Oakberry açaí bowls are made with the best quality ingredients.
Where: 289-295 Darby St

Spoooon Frozen Bar
Set to open in December 2025 in the former Mr Potato spot, Spoooon will be bringing sweet froyo to Darby Street.
Where: 108 Darby St

Your Ultimate Darby Street Dining Guide

From iconic cafes and bars to fresh new eats, Darby Street remains one of Newcastle’s top food destinations. Explore every cafe, restaurant, and takeaway spot to plan your perfect bite along this beloved Cooks Hill strip.

Have we missed somewhere? Email us!