A look back on venues that have opened in 2024
We have officially made it to the end of the year, so we thought it fitting to share with you a roundup of all the restaurants, cafes, and bars that have launched throughout 2024 around Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.
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Newcastle & Lake Macquarie
BBQ Town
Brought to you by the team behind Hanok Korean BBQ, BBQ Town arrives at Charlestown Square’s South Piazza in the former Bavarian spot. Grill your own meats, enjoy endless sides, and savour the flavours at this lively Korean BBQ buffet.
Where: 30 Pearson St, Charlestown
Combining French bistro charm with the dynamic flavours of woodfire cooking is Newcastle’s new culinary destination – Bistro Penny, the first restaurant by celebrated New Zealand-born chef, Joel Humphreys, whose resume boasts St John, Rockpool, Bistro Moncur, and local institution, Scotties.
Where: 8-10 Bolton St, Newcastle
Bogey Hole on Darby
Featuring relaxed beachside vibes, local produce, and events with a touch of nostalgia, the Bogey Hole on Darby opened earlier this year and has been the talk of the town with their unique Bogey Hole platters.
Where: 102 Darby St, Cooks Hill
On Friday, October 25, Busan Chicken Hub celebrated its bold step into Newcastle’s CBD and officially opened their doors to the second space. The new location is set up in the former Blue Door spot in Wheeler Place, directly opposite the Civic Theatre.
Where: 363.365 Hunter St, Newcastle
Castle del Mar
Nestled in the heart of Newcastle’s CBD on King Street, in the former Bar Saints, Kitami, and Red Baron venue, sits Castle del Mar – Newcastle’s newest lounge bar.
Where: 31 King Street, Newcastle
Opening over the final weekend of June 2024, Closed is already making waves with its innovative approach. With a tagline of Raw, Rotten, and Loud, Closed promises a drinking and dining experience unlike anything else in Newcastle.
Where: 17 Beaumont St, Islington
Moving up the coast from Noraville, Duff’s Ice Cream officially opened in Wickham on Saturday June 15 and is here to share its unique, nostalgic, and experimental ice cream flavours with the people of Newcastle.
Where: 9 Union St, Wickham
Emilio’s at The Junction features a beautiful blend of modern and traditional elements. With a fresh pizza oven, a welcoming ambiance, a focaccia bar and gelato counter at the front, and beautiful restaurant space towards the back, it’s a welcome addition to the area.
Where: 188 Union St, The Junction
Nestled on the corner of Cowper and Young Streets in Carrington, Fairmont Diner opened its doors, blending a nostalgic 70s vibe with approachable eats.
Where: 34 Cowper St, Carrington
Crema Coffee Garage has called their spot in Broadmeadow home for more than 15 years, and 2024 has seen the brand expand into the space next door with the arrival of their cafe, Finn & Bickleys, plus retail space, mechanic area, and upstairs offices.
Where: 64 Broadmeadow Rd, Broadmeadow
Hunter Street welcomed an exciting new addition with Australia’s first poke-focused restaurant, Finn Poke, opening its doors on Monday, October 28. Known for its vibrant, Hawaiian-inspired poke bowls crafted with fresh local ingredients, Finn Poke has earned a cult following across iconic spots like Byron Bay, Burleigh Heads, Southbank in Brisbane, and now, Newcastle.
Where: 352 Hunter St, Newcastle
Floozy Merewether
Possibly the worst-kept secret of 2024, the crew behind Floozy Coffee have taken over the former Cuppa Joe’s spot on Llewellyn Street in Merewether.
Where: 34 Llewellyn St, Merewether
From the team that brought you Alfie’s and MEET, FRENCHIE aims to build on the team’s simple ethos of delivering good food, good wine, and a good time – this time taking their patrons to another European destination; France.
Where: 81 Bourke St, Carrington
Home At The Bay
Opening up in the former Canon spot on The Esplanade in Warners Bay, Home At The Bay is the area’s newest restaurant offering bringing wood fired pizza, beautifully crafted dishes, and more to the lake!
Where: 460 The Esp, Warners Bay
Darby Street, long heralded as the beating heart of Newcastle’s coffee culture, is welcoming a bold new player to its lineup with the opening of House of Roast – bringing with them the largest range of coffee blends under one roof.
Where: 149 Darby St, Cooks Hill
Earlier this year, we saw the closure of Emerson’s restaurant at Adina Vineyard in the Hunter Valley, but in February, Emerson re-emerged opening Emerson’s on the Lake at Toronto Royal Motor Yacht Club.
Where: 6 Arnott Ave, Toronto
Housed within the former Common Circus space in Belmont, Good One is the brainchild of the Gleeson family from Glee Coffee Roasters. The experience, whilst different from what you remember from Common Circus, you can expect the quality of the coffee to remain the same.
Where: 36 Brooks Pde, Belmont
Opening in January, Granddad’s Bar is an exciting addition to Newcastle’s small bar scene, and if you’re looking to expand your craft spirit horizons, it’s the perfect place to start.
Where: 515 Hunter St, Newcastle
Adamstown’s newest haunt, Local Customs, is situated along Glebe Road. Step on in and experience an oasis set back from the main road – a place where owners (and brothers) Shaun and Daniel hope the community can come to chill out and slow down.
Where: 513 Glebe Rd, Adamstown
In 2017, Hamilton’s coffee scene was changed for good with the arrival of Lords Coffee & Associates in the suburb’s iconic Beaumont Street. This year, seven years later, Lords expanded and opened its second space on Station Street in Waratah.
Where: Unit 4/43 Station St, Waratah
Joining the lineup of quality small bars in Newcastle West is mad poet – a listening bar that serves up wine, charcuterie, and boozy desserts while spinning records.
Where: 537 Hunter St, Newcastle
Meat & Grain Steakhouse
Wollongong-based Meat & Grain Steakhouse has opened up its second location in Honeysuckle bringing a South African-inspired steakhouse to Newcastle.
Where: 33 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Situated directly across the road from the public school, Melt Gelato is the brainchild of two friends, Bree and Bianca, whose passion for dessert and a strong sense of community have come together to create a gelato sensation.
Where: 89 Regent St, New Lambton
This New York-inspired Italian fusion restaurant and late-night bar is the brainchild of owners, Thomas Lawson and Pete Haselhurst. Their journey to bring MIINE to life is one built on industry experience, camaraderie, and an undeniable passion for creating unforgettable dining experiences.
Where: 13 Darby St, Newcastle
Monte
Over on Honeysuckle Drive, a new little brunch spot has opened quietly underneath the Little National hotel. Overlooking the harbour, Monte is perfect for laidback brekkies, catch-ups with friends, and takeaway goodies.
Where: 1/42 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Morning Market Coffee Warners Bay
Morning Market Coffee, known for exceptional coffee and delightful treats at its Newcastle West and Whitebridge locations opened their third venue along the esplanade at Warners Bay.
Where: 472 The Esplanade, Warners Bay
Newcastle’s iconic Darby Street welcomed Mr Potato, promising a healthy, satisfying, and gluten-free alternative to typical fast food.
Where: 108 Darby St, Cooks Hill
Poised to be the go-to venue for the summer season, this harbourside hotspot opened on Friday, December 13 and offers an impeccable blend of sophistication, coastal charm, and vibrant experiences.
Where: 29 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
The final piece of The Beach Hotel puzzle opened this year – Peregrin, an elevated bar and restaurant atop the newly revamped pub.
Where: 99 Frederick St, Merewether
RISE Bar
Located inside Toronto Workers Club, RISE Bar is Lake Macquarie’s newest social spot to drink, dine, catch-up and watch all the big live events.
Where: 9 James St, Toronto
Tucked away from the main hustle and bustle of New Lambton sits Rosie & Shell – a unique coffee spot that goes beyond just coffee.
Where: 10 Regent St, New Lambton
Royal India Restobar
Originally from Dubbo, the Royal India Restobar officially opened their second venue on our very own Hunter Street in December.
Where: 888 Hunter St, Newcastle West
Situated in the former Afghan House spot right in the middle of Beaumont Street, Smashed Burgers brings a new level of burger excellence to Newcastle offering high-quality, and creatively crafted smashed burgers.
Where: 39 Beaumont St, Hamilton
Snelly’s Deli
Located in the former Lulu & Benson space, this new deli is dishing up loaded, fresh sandwiches plus treats like cookie sandwiches.
Where: 71 Beaumont St, Hamilton
Setting up shop in the former Second Fiddle spot on Samdon Street, Spur cafe brings a fresh yet nostalgic vibe to the neighbourhood.
Where: 4 Smadon St, Hamilton
Swordfish Warners Bay
The OG Swordfish in Budgewoi has built a strong reputation for some of the best fish and chips on the Central Coast, and the team has brought the Swordfish flavours to Lake Macquarie!
Where: Cnr Lake St & The Esplanade, Warners Bay
Teahouse Newcastle
This cute little spot recently opened up on Hunter Street, serving a diverse menu of bubble tea favourites, plus smoothies, rice paper rolls, and salads.
Where: 474 Hunter St, Newcastle
This new addition to our local foodie landscape offers a unique dining experience, combining authentic Thai flavours with a modern twist, all from within the former il Volcano location.
Where: Unit 4/850 Hunter St, Newcastle West
The Italian Cottage
Cessnock’s much-loved Italian restaurant, The Italian Cottage, has opened up its second restaurant in Wickham. Expect home-style, authentic Italian cooking – the kind that even your nonna would approve of.
Where: 1/38 Hannell St, Wickham
Introducing The Lot – Smokehouse & Beer Garden is the latest chapter for this former car park, brought to you by Matt and Ali, promises the same beloved flavours for the former Smokin Hot ‘n Saucy spot but with a fresh twist.
Where: 116 Maitland Rd, Islington
Islington welcomes a fresh and authentic slice of Italy with the opening of The Tipsy Italian, a new Italian restaurant that has already begun to capture the hearts and tastebuds of the local community since its opening on the 1st of August.
Where: 98 Maitland Rd, Islington
ToTi Co.
Another new addition for Beaumont Street – ToTi Co. is home to coffee, hemp treats, holistic health, pet goods, clothing, and much more.
Where: 92 Beaumont St, Hamilton
UMAYA
Authentic Japanese cuisine has arrived on The Rooftop at Westfield Kotara, officially opening on Saturday, November 2. From sushi and sashimi to donburi and ramen – you can sample it all.
Where: Park Ave, Kotara
VBAI Chinese Restaurant
Brought to you by the same team behind Lee’s Yum Cha and Lee’s Kitchen, VBAI Chinese Restaurant has taken over the old Dumpling Story spot in Hamilton.
Where: 52 Cleary St, Hamilton
Nestled inside Vera Wine shop on Beaumont Street, Vera Wine Bar offers an inviting extension to an already cherished Newcastle destination. Brought to you by partners, Josh Distefano and Florence Diffey, the 12-seater wine bar is a natural evolution of their vision to share unique and hard-to-find wines with the community.
Where: 67 Beaumont St, Hamilton
Hunter Valley
Estancia Osteria at Briar Ridge
Inspired by Italy’s osterias, Estancia Osteria at Briar Ridge Vineyard is a place to enjoy innovative and creative cuisine with friends and family with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Where: 593 Mount View Rd, Mount View
Opening on July 18, Harkham Restaurant & Bar serves casual Italian fare designed to be shared, so gather your family and friends – it’s time to wine and dine the day away.
Where: 266 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin
Located next door to Magoony’s Coffee House in Broke village is The Little Wine Company’s cellar door. It’s clean and simple, yet inviting and relaxed.
Where: Cnr Singleton & Nelson Sts, Broke
Mercer Wines has opened its first permanent cellar door space in Pokolbin after running a successful pop-up space last year. Expect laidback wine tastings and gorgeous views from this progressive, family-owned Hunter Valley wine label.
Where: 972 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin
Earlier this year McGuigan Wines unveiled its brand new cellar door in the heart of the Hunter Valley, located right next door to Tempus Two at Pokolbin’s Roche Estate.
Where: Pavilion C, Roche Estate, 2155 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
M&J Becker’s new cellar door is a chic and intimate space, bedecked with its iconic neon sign and signature timber slats.
Where: Shop 9, 2188 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
Just when we thought the boys behind Arthur’s Pantry and Mr O were due for a rest, Noah Leonard and Blake Gontier have done it again with their new cafe, Ronnie’s, opening within the shopping village at Hunter Valley Gardens.
Where: Shop 15/2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
Savannah Estate
Hunter Vallery winery Savannah Estate recently opened its second cellar door in the region on Broke Road, right next to Pokolbin Distillery and Blaxland Inn. Time to order a cheese platter, sit back, and wine taste the afternoon away.
Where: 2198 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
Equium Social, a staple in Mayfield’s cafe scene, has taken its passion for specialty coffee on the road with the launch of Untitled 59 in the heart of Branxton.
Where: 59 Maitland St, Branxton
Do you think we’ve missed somewhere? Email us!
