Are you planning a night in Newcastle's CBD? Whether it be to see the latest show at the Civic Theatre or to catch a gig at Newcastle Comedy Club, we’ve pulled together a guide to the best restaurants, cafes, bars, and pubs within a 5, 10, and 15-minute walk.

Still worried about parking? Don’t stress, because we’ve even included a list of carparks in the CBD.

5-minute walk

Âpé Yakitori Bar

Âpé Yakitori Bar offers a refined and sensorial dining experience, and it's just a stone's throw from the Civic Theatre over in Honeysuckle. With moody lighting and a fiery (literally) open-facing kitchen, enjoy a classy start to your evening.
Where: Shop 3N/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

Arno Deli

In a rush and want a quick, delicious meal? Arno Deli offers a generous Italian-style sandwich menu for both eat-in and takeaway. The deli also opens on Friday nights only, which is a great option if you're heading out for a Friday night show.
Where: 181 King St, Newcastle

Bella Italia

Bella Italia is a delightful Italian experience, from the exposed brick walls, to the scent of freshly-baked pizzas, and the friendly staff. The menu is extensive, so you'll be spoilt for choice when you dine at Bella Italia.
Where: 545 Hunter St, Newcastle

Charlies Rooftop

Charlies Rooftop is a Palm Springs-inspired playground set over multiple levels, offering lunch, dinner, and cocktails. Whether you stop by for a drink or a full meal, the vibes are always high at Charlies.
Where: 529 Hunter St, Newcastle

Civic Theatre Café & Bar

Want a meal that’s literally on the theatre’s doorstep? The Civic Theatre Café and Bar serves daily breakfast and lunch specials, whilst the bar is open one hour prior to shows. Select pre-show dining experiences are also on offer on a seasonal rotation, with alfresco dining and curated share menus available for order.
Where: 373 Hunter St, Newcastle

Clarendon Hotel

Just a few doors down from the Civic Theatre, the Clarendon Hotel is a relaxed pub that serves everything from salads and pizzas to pasta and burgers. Of course, classic pub food is available too, including fish and chips and rump steak.
Where: 347 Hunter St

Coal & Cedar

For a unique drinking experience, try speakeasy Coal & Cedar. Discretely nestled into a building on Hunter Street, enjoy inventive cocktails in a moody space, accompanied by excellent service and interesting decor.
Where: 380/382 Hunter St, Newcastle

FogHorn Brewery

FogHorn Brewery's expansive menu offers delicious mains and share options that will excite the whole table. Its wood-fired pizzas are a favourite, while grazing options like southern fried chicken, popcorn cauliflower, and grilled haloumi are great for sharing.
Where: 218 King St, Newcastle

Ginger Meg's

Ginger Meg's Asian-inspired menu includes numerous dumpling and bao variations, curries, rices, and share options. Their bold and innovative dishes, paired with delicious cocktails, make for a stand-out pre-show dinner.
Where: 212 King St, Newcastle

Hao Chi by Lee's Yum Cha

The former Chinois site was revived with the opening of Hao Chi by Lee’s Yum Cha, inviting keen diners in to experience a Cantonese gastronomic adventure.
Where: 326 King St, Newcastle

Hope Estate at The Landing

Hope at The Landing offers guests the chance to experience all that Hope Estate offers, with a distinct Newcastle Harbour perspective. Get a taste of Hope Estate's full range of wine, beer, and spirits, plus a delicious tapas menu.
Where: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

Light Years Asian Diner

Light Years Asian Diner is the perfect destination for sharing dishes with your fellow theatre-goers before a show. The menu is full of punchy flavours, the cocktails are creative and refreshing, and the interior is always a delight.
Where: 5-7 Darby St, Newcastle

MEET

MEET exudes an industrial, effortlessly cool vibe. Its Brazilian menu is both exciting and hearty, while the cocktails and drink classics are extensive and delicious.
Where: 9 Darby St, Newcastle

Menya Makoto

After working in Japanese restaurants for years, Yuki Doi finally decided to open her own in 2022. The result is Menya Makoto, an authentic Japanese joint full of family recipes that will have you coming back time and time again.
Where: 301 Hunter St, Newcastle

MoneyPenny

MoneyPenny’s global menu truly has something for everyone. Designed for shared dining, visit in a group for a delicious assortment of everything from tacos, to dumplings, to pizzas.
Where: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

Nagisa

Nagisa is Newcastle's go-to for elevated Japanese dining. Enjoy the long-standing restaurant's contemporary takes on traditional Japanese dishes at its harbourside location in Honeysuckle.
Where: Shop 2/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

Napoli Centrale

Napoli Centrale’s Italian menu brings a Neopolitan flavour to the Newcastle CBD. When visiting, make sure to try its always-popular wood-fired pizzas. Ask for a table outside to really get the full Italian alfresco experience.
Where: 173 King St, Newcastle

Newy Burger Co.

Newy Burger Co. prides itself on using fresh ingredients, fluffy burger buns, and exciting flavour combinations. For a classic burger, relaxed vibe, and fun drinks menu, visit Newy Burger Co. before your next show in town.
Where: 459 Hunter St, Newcastle

Rascal

Around the corner from the Civic Theatre, Rascal is a popular pre-theatre destination. Its house-made burger menu and American-style diner food is always a classic, reliable option.
Where: 1/266 King St, Newcastle

Romberg’s

Looking for something a little bit classy? Romberg’s truly delivers. Located on the top floor of five-star hotel, Crystalbrook Kingsley, experience a taste of luxury with its artisanal cocktails and beverages, bar bites, charcuterie menu and, of course, stellar view.
Where: Level 9/282 King St, Newcastle

Roundhouse

Amp up the luxury of Romberg’s with a visit to Roundhouse, Kingsley’s rooftop restaurant. Newcastle’s most scenic kitchen is led by experienced hands who bring native ingredients and sustainably-focused preparation to each meal.
Where: Level 9/282 King St, Newcastle

Susuru Ramen & Gyoza

Newcastle’s favourite ramen and gyoza restaurant makes for an excellent pre-theatre feed. Its self-described Japanese soul food brings a combination of authentic and contemporary ramen flavours to the Newcastle food scene.
Where: 140 King St, Newcastle

The Bogey Hole on Darby

The Bogey Hole on Darby is a relaxed beach bar, offering fun cocktails, bar bites, and huge platters that are made for sharing. It's an ideal chilled out spot for a feed before you head out to a show.
Where: 102 Darby St, Cooks Hill

The Happy Wombat

The Happy Wombat has been a place for the community to gather for nearly 10 years, and locals can't get enough. With an industrial-style space, a native-inspired menu and plenty of craft beers on tap, a visit to The Happy Wombat is a must.
Where: 575 Hunter St, Newcastle West

The Lucky Hotel

This inner city pub is a favourite for its buzzing atmosphere, quality pub grub, and inviting inner courtyard. Grab a few of The Lucky Hotel's dishes to share, get a cocktail in your hand, then get the light rail to Civic Theatre.
Where: 237 Hunter St, Newcastle

The Press Coffee and Book House

The Press Coffee and Book House is a go-to cafe and book shop on Hunter Street, and it's even open late on Thursday and Friday nights. Hit up The Press for a late coffee or an easy feed before you go to a show.
Where: 462 Hunter St, Newcastle

Wings & Tins

It should come as no surprise that Wings & Tins specialises in hot wings and craft beer tins. Casual, relaxed, and enjoyable, what more could you want?
Where: Level 1/88 Darby St, Cooks Hill

Zaffran

Craving Indian food? Zaffran has you covered with its homely and authentic menu. With a large menu, you’ll be sure to find something that tickles your fancy.
Where: 226 King St, Newcastle

10-15 Minute Walk

Antojitos

Get your hands around authentic Mexican street food in Newcastle West at Antojitos. When the food is tasty, the margaritas are this fresh, and the vibes are this good, you'll be thinking you're in Mexico.
Where: 11 Steel St, Newcastle West

Bartholomew's

For a generous pre-theatre feed, Bartholomew's offers a hearty food menu that’ll be sure to leave you satisfied. There's even a range of $18 lunch specials and happy hour from 4pm-6pm Wednesday to Friday, to make things lighter on your wallet.
Where: 145 King St, Newcastle

Betty’s Burgers

Hailing from Noosa, popular Australian burger shack Betty's Burgers is slinging out its signature burgs from Newcastle's East End Village. Its fresh, juicy burgers make for a great casual feed pre-theatre.
Where: 11 Perkins St, Newcastle

Benjamas Thai by Chin

This Darby Street Thai restaurant has been around for as long as we can remember, and with new owner Chin taking over in 2019, Benjamas Thai by Chin is still delivering on flavour.
Where: 100 Darby St, Cooks Hill

Blanca

Blanca invites you in for a European summer dining experience at the harbourside Honeysuckle precinct. Think a white-washed space with plenty of timber accents, share plates like burek and grilled octopus, and summery cocktails.
Where: 2/11 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle

HUMBUG

Brought to you by local couple Michael Portley and Stephanie Wells, Humbug is your neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar, serving up an evolving selection of pasta, snacks and an all-sustainable wine list.
Where: 87-89 Hunter St, Newcastle

Jana Restaurant & Bar

Sourced from the earth and ocean of the region, premium produce and sustainable fare are the centrepiece of Jana's modern Australian menu. Expect dishes like smoked heritage carrot tartare, snapper crudo and Rocky Point cobia fish.
Where: 185 Hunter St, Newcastle

Market St Basement

Market St Basement has long been an inner city favourite for Italian fare. It's an atmospheric spot perfect for a date night or a meal out with friends. Don't miss out on the restaurant's fantastic cocktails to go with your Italian feast.
Where: 2/2 Market St, Newcastle

Oh My Papa

Oh My Papa brings Asian flavours and share-plate dining to Newcastle’s East End Village. Led by Newcastle restaurant veterans, expect thoughtful and innovative flavours and colourful cocktails to accompany.
Where: 11 Perkins St, Newcastle

Oriental Hotel

For a long time, this funky Cooks Hill local has been known for its pizzas, and for good reason. The menu at The Oriental Hotel offers a pizza for everyone, with heaps of interesting meat and seafood toppings, plus a hefty selection of vegetarian pizzas for good measure.
Where: 53 Bull St, Cooks Hill

Rooftop at QT

Rooftop at QT is definitely a treat prior to an evening of theatre. Its Japanese-inspired drinks menu is extensive and luxurious which, when accompanied by its snack offering, makes for a very enjoyable evening overlooking Newcastle Harbour.
can be enjoyed with scenic East End views.
Where: 185 Hunter St, Newcastle

Signal Box

Located in one of Newcastle’s most iconic buildings, Signal Box is an upmarket bistro-style dining experience by the harbour. With a focus on seafood, Signal Box offers up innovative, modern Australian cuisine.
Where: 155 Wharf Rd, Newcastle

Sprout Dining

In case you hadn’t heard, Sprout Dining is back at The Crown and Anchor Hotel! After a few years of closure, the restaurant quietly opened back up in October 2023, bringing back its fresh, hearty food to the people of Newcastle.
Where: 189 Hunter St, Newcastle

The Delany Hotel

The Delany Hotel offers everything from pizzas, to burgers, to salads, to snack and share options. Take your pick from the pub's food and drink menu and perhaps even score a discount on one of its weekly special nights!
Where: 134 Darby St, Cooks Hill

The Ship Inn

The Ship Inn boasts a menu full of Mexican twists on pub classics – think dishes like taco salad and chicken schnitzel with a Mexican topper. Sit outside on a nice night and wash it all down with a margarita.
Where: 102 Hunter St, Newcastle

Urban Deli & Bar

As a modern-style deli and restaurant, Urban Deli & Bar is perfect for wine and charcuterie lovers. Sandwiches, deli meats, plate spreads, and sweet desserts incorporate locally-sourced ingredients, acting as an extension of your own pantry.
Where: 143 Darby St, Cooks Hill

Parking Spots

Boatharbour Car Park
Where: 203 Wharf Rd, Newcastle

Bolton St Car Park
Where: 50 Bolton St, Newcastle

Care Park – Wright Lane Car Park
Where: 1 Wright Ln, Newcastle

Civic Public Car Park
Where: Queen St, Cooks Hill

Civic West Car Park
Where: 291 King St, Newcastle West

First Parking
Where: 11 Argyle St, Newcastle

Marketown East Carpark
Where: 23 Steel St, Newcastle West

Marketown West Carpark
Where: 23 Steel St, Newcastle West

Queens Wharf Carpark
Where: 150 Wharf Rd, Newcatle

Throsby Creek Car Park
Where: 42 Honeysuckle Dr, Wickham

Wilson Parking – Centenary Rd
Where: Centenary Rd, Newcastle

Wilson Parking – The Crossing
Where: 1 Merewether St, Newcastle

Wilson Parking – The Store
Where: 854 Hunter St, Newcastle

Wilson Parking – Wharf Rd
Where: 26 Centenary Rd, Newcastle

Wilson Parking – Honeysuckle Dr
Where: 18 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle