Hit the Newcastle CBD for dining with a difference
There’s no city centre quite like Newcastle’s, with its unique blend of beachside charm, urban history, and if you take a wander through the connecting streets of the East End, you’ll discover a thriving food scene with plenty of high-quality, vibrant dining options.
Having experienced the changes to the dining scene in the CBD firsthand over the past 12 years, owner of Italian institution Una Volta, Nikki Bondini says it’s an exciting time to explore the heart of Newcastle and the great restaurants within it.
Una Volta owners Nikki Bondini and her husband Nathan Topic
“Newcastle City has really become a destination for dining with so many passionate, creative restaurateurs and operators serving up incredible, fun, delicious, warm experiences where local produce is really celebrated,” says Nikki.
Una Volta has evolved from a small, pop up on Wolfe Street over a decade ago to become a firm favourite for diners wanting to sit back and be looked after with its unique four-course set menu that drips in flavour and changes monthly.
“We’re a small team and it’s all about family. We’ve had customers eating with us since the very beginning so creating a sense of community and connection through really good food is our number one priority,” says Nikki.
Fellow restaurateurs and co-owners of Oh My Papa, Wirat and Nikki say when they decided to branch out and open their latest restaurant, they knew they wanted to be a part of the East End Village precinct.
Oh My Papa owner Nikki
“The building wasn’t even finished yet, but we could see the architecture was very beautiful and it’s a cool spot to be right in the middle of everything,” says Nikki. “The food at Oh My Papa is all about comfort mixed with deliciousness and our team is very passionate about creating a great experience for everyone we serve.”
Nikki says after spending almost 15 years working in hospitality in the Newcastle CBD, she has seen the progression from somewhere with only a few good eating options, to one that now promotes diversity and quality, with exciting restaurants tucked away on most corners.
“Newcastle has a great relaxed atmosphere with a unique balance between high quality food and great contemporary dining options and like at Oh My Papa, there is always a story behind the food we make.”
No matter what type of cuisine you’re craving, a stroll around the Newcastle CBD is the best way to discover somewhere new to pull up a chair and enjoy not just good food and wine, but that distinctly Newcastle dining experience that’s hard to find anywhere else.
A perfect week of dining in Newcastle’s city centre
Whether you’re easing yourself into the working week or looking to wind down on the weekend, there’s so many foodie haunts to try in the heart of Newy. All the culinary cuisines are catered for and every meal of the day too.
Here’s our sample guide to a perfect week of dining in the Newcastle CBD.
Monday
Start the week off where culture and cuisine collide at Bocados Spanish Kitchen. Family owned, this is one of Newcastle’s staple CBD dining options where the vibrant flavours of their paella, prawns and churros are at the heart of it all. Pair with a Spanish Espresso Martini or Mezcal Old Fashioned to really get the week going!
Or if you’re after something a little more casual and quick, you’ll never regret a burrito or mulita from Antojitos. The secret to their deliciousness? It’s all in the homemade fresh avocado sauce.
Tuesday
Book a table at HUMBUG on Hunter Street for playful, produce-driven plates and sustainably curated wines - think handmade pasta, fresh oysters and house-made focaccia done right. It’s relaxed, refined and perfect for a midweek wine and dine.
Looking for some other restaurants suggestions just a stroll from the beach? There’s seafood favourite Scottie’s on Scott St, and Lock’s Paddock, which offers up one of the finest Cacio e Pepe in Newcastle.
Wednesday
Head to Ginger Megs with a bunch of mates and enjoy their $14 cocktails (we’ll take the Fireball Sour!) and try everything on their $10 Bar Food menu. Open from 5:30pm, this place mixes delicious, fresh Asian-inspired goodness with a fun and welcoming vibe.
Thursday
After a stroll along the harbour, get the family together at Signal Box for the ultimate in fresh, share plate dining with beef capaccio, Chinese spiced squid and South Australian garlic king prawns just a taster of the goodness going on.
For more iconic harbourside views head over to Honeysuckle where youl’ll find Nagisa and Ape, Meat & Grain Steakhouse and Oceane.
Friday
Una Volta is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner out to welcome in the weekend. Perhaps catch an early or late film at Tower Cinemas, and in between be looked after with a set Italian four-course menu at Una Volta with local produce playing a starring role. Friday night perfection.
If you’re heading to the movies there’s a couple of other gem’s in the area including: Osteria Pappazo is right next door, Light Years, and MEET on Darby St, and QT’s JANA just up the road.
Saturday
Get a little bit fancy and feel like you’ve stepped back in time with a delicious meal at French-inspired Bistro Penny. The menu centres around the live fire and was featured in the 2026 Good Food guide so you’re in for a treat dining here. Casual by day, swing by Scottie’s by night for something a little more cosy, and a seafood feast.
Sunday
A day to re-set and relax, when it comes to a delicious lunch, Nikki from Una Volta loves to support her fellow restaurateurs. “After a busy week at Una Volta, we like to head to Oh My Papa for the Yum Cha and Yakitori Set Menu at $45pp (add the bottomless drink package for $69pp). Don’t miss the cheesy prawn toast with squid ink mayo - it’s so good!”
If you still have room in the belly after your epic long lunch, continue on with the Asian food theme and grab a fresh bowl of Donburi or Ramen from Susuru, the Newcastle CBD’s answer to a Japanese casual pub. Enjoy a beer or saki with your meal under the traditional lanterns, then roll home to bed after a week of delicious food from some of Newcastle’s best dining options.
City dining at its best
Whether you’re a regular on the local scene or haven’t explored the restaurant options in the heart of Newcastle for a while, there’s something a little bit special about eating out amongst the bustling vibe of the ever-changing city scape of Newcastle. The toughest decision you’ll have to make is where to book first?
