Have you got friends or family coming to visit?
If you want your visitors to discover the tastiest, most interesting angles of Newcastle, we’re here to help.
In partnership with our Bar Awards Presenting Partner Lightspeed, we’ve pulled together a 48-hour eat, drink, and explore holiday guide that will have your guests experiencing Newcastle in the best possible way.
DAY 1 - Arrive
Do your guests like to party on arrival night? Or do they prefer to keep it a little more chill? Either way you need to have a plan for all moods and energy levels.
If your guests have long-hauled it here and want to take it easy, but can be arm-twisted into having a couple of bevies and a good feed, here’s where to head:
Urban Deli And Bar
This sophisticated deli bar draws inspiration from delicatessen classics such as cold cuts, cured meats, European cheese, Mediterranean olives, tapas, chutneys, pickles, and spreads, alongside the vibrantly displayed seasonal fare.
Bella Italia
Holding the title of Newcastle’s most authentic Italian restaurant, Bella Italia isn’t just a meal out, it’s a whole experience! Walk through the doors and you’ll instantly be transported to a little Italy.
Casanova Italian
If you’re on the other side of the lake, head to Toronto’s newly refurbed Casanova Italian for a hearty pasta, risotto or wood-fired pizza.
If the party crew have arrived and are psyched to kickstart the holiday vibes with drinks, share plates, and live music, try these:
Charlie's Rooftop
Live out your Palm Springs daydreams in the heart of Newcastle at Charlie’s Rooftop for a fun and playful night out.
The Ship Inn
Don’t let the old facade fool you, the Ship is the spot to bring your guests who like chilled beers, tasty wines, delicious pub grub, and loads of live local music.
DAY 2 - Morning After
You’ll all need a coffee regardless of how the night panned out, here’s some caffeine and breakfast suggestions around Newcastle and Lake Macquarie:
Talulah
Community-minded, the seats are always full at Talulah, and for good reason. The homely space brings a refined, nourishing menu that’s inspired by the seasons.
Mr. Sister Coffee Speers Point
With two beautiful stores, Newcastle and Speers Point, Mr Sister Coffee offers a contemporary coffee experience, fresh pastries, cakes and a light menu to get your day started right.
Fairmont Cafe
Blending nostalgic 70s interiors with a distinctive coffee offering, diverse menu, and a cosy and inviting vibe, Carrington’s Fairmont Diner needs to be on your list of eating spots.
LUNCH
You’ve indulged at brekky, so you’ll want to keep it casual for lunch. Combine your eats with some picturesque views, a swim at the beach or ocean baths, and save your appetite for an epic dinner tonight.
Whether it’s coffee and a beach bowl at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, something savoury at the Redhead Bakehouse or pies and hot dogs from the legendary Harry’s Cafe de Wheels on Newcastle Harbour, you’ll be able to combine your eats with some of Newcastle’s most iconic views.
DINNER
You’ve been spruiking to your friends about how good Newcastle’s dining scene is, now’s your chance to impress in the best possible way and you can’t go wrong with any of these:
Signal Box
Transforming from one of Newcastle’s most historic buildings into a sleek, modern industrial masterpiece, the Signal Box has perfectly merged an extraordinary menu within a spectacular dining space.
Flotilla
Dynamic and elevated is the experience you can expect at Flotilla, hospitality veteran Eduardo Molina brings his wealth of experience to this industrial pocket of Newcastle.
Harrison's Food and Wine
Hamilton’s favourite little neighbourhood restaurant, Harrison's brings an intimate dining experience together beautifully with some serious European-influenced flavours.
Humbug
Welcome to Michael & Steph’s humble abode. Drop in for a wine and snack at the Humbug bar, or get comfy and linger a little longer to experience the extraordinary and evolving flavours of Humbug.
Dinner doesn’t have to mean the end of the night, you could easily drop into one of Newcastle’s newest venues, CLOSED BAR and close the night out in the best possible way. An absolute stunner of a venue, CLOSED BAR will impress your guests and no doubt have you trying more than a couple of their exceptional cocktails.
DAY 3 - Breakfast or Brunch
Once you’ve woken from your food and cocktail coma, encourage your guests to work off the night before and take an easy walk or bike ride.
It wouldn’t be a visit to Newcastle if you didn’t do a lap of the Bathers Way and ANZAC Bridge. The many coffee and cafes along the route makes the perfect exercise/breakfast situation. If bikes are an option, take them for a cruise along some, or all, of the Fernleigh Track, which is a great excuse even for locals to check out the newly extended section.
For something a little left of field, book into MANIAX for some axe-throwing fun.
With the weekend coming to a close, it would be remiss of us not to throw in a long lunch, and there’s no other way to do it than waterside. Whether you’re located in Newcastle or closer to Lake Mac, here are some of the best:
LONG LUNCH
Nagisa Japanese Restaurant
Settle in harbourside and explore Nagisa’s modern take on traditional Japanese food whilst exploring their extensive range of Japanese craft beers and sake, award-winning Japanese whiskey, wines and delightful list of cocktails.
Thermidor
Coastal cuisine at its best, Thermidor is Newcastle’s very own Oyster Bar and Brasserie. A place where time slows, the menu highlights some of the region’s best seafood produce and an equally impressive cocktail list.
Looking for more food and drink options, or a guide on what’s on during your guests’ visit?
