Where to enjoy a meal before your show in the city
Are you planning a night in Newcastle's CBD? Whether it be to see the latest show at the Civic Theatre, or at Town Hall, 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.
1-5 minute walk
Âpé Yakitori Bar offers a refined and sensorial dining experience, and it's in the Honeysuckle precinct, just a stone's throw from the Civic Theatre. With moody lighting and a fiery (literally) open-facing kitchen, enjoy a classy start to your evening.
Where: Shop 3N/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Quite literally located opposite the Civic Theatre, Busan Chicken Hub is the home of Korean fried chicken in Newcastle’s CBD. If you’re not too keen to travel far from your evening’s entertainment location, Busan is the perfect spot to pull up a chair!
Where: 363-356 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
For a unique drinking experience, try speakeasy Coal & Cedar. Discreetly 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
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
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 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
Drop in to this New York-inspired Italian fusion late night venue on Darby Street for a fun food and drink experience before (or after) your entertainment plans for the night.
Where: 13 Darby St, Cooks Hill
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, dumplings, and pizzas.
Where: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
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
Situated in the former Hope Estate at The Landing spot, Nioka Steakhouse brings a farm-to-table philosophy to Newcastle with the menu highlighting the premium quality black Angus beef sourced direct from Nioka Farm.
Where: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
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
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
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
5-10 minute walk
For a generous pre-theatre feed, Bartholomew's offers a hearty food menu that’ll be sure to leave you satisfied.
Where: 145 King St, Newcastle
Bella Italia
Bella Italia is a delightful Italian experience, from the exposed brick walls, 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
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
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
FogHorn Brewery's expansive menu offers delicious mains and share options that will excite the whole table.
Where: 218 King St, Newcastle
George Darby Hotel
Located on the corner of King St and Darby St, the George Darby Hotel has a dedicated dining space offering great views over Civic Park, with a menu that honours pub tradition while lifting it to new heights. Expect all the classics, premium Australian beef cuts, gluten-free options, and a selection of elevated share plates.
Where: 21 Darby St, Newcastle
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
The Happy Wombat has been a place for the community to gather for over 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
Situated downstairs at QT Newcastle, Jana boasts an Amalfi-inspired cuisine the menu is sourced from earth and ocean with the focus on simplicity.
Where: 185 Hunter St, Newcastle
Keen to dig into a seafood feast before your night at the theatre? Book your table at Newcastle’s premium seafood restaurant, The Kingfish and enjoy harbourside views.
Where: Unit 19/15-17 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
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
mad poet
Enjoy candlelight gigs, records, signature cocktails, and hot dogs at this Newcastle West bar before (or after) heading to your night at the theatre.
Where: 537 Hunter St, Newcastle
Maru Hi Fi
A Japanese-inspired listening cafe, Maru HiFi's 5:30 - 9pm menu will have you deciding between roast pumpkin, lobster mac and cheese, beef bresaola, Hiromasa kingfish, and Floozy tiramisu.
Where: 10 Union St, Newcastle West
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
With its second store now in Darby Street, the core Newy Fried Chicken menu is what you can expect, with a few classic American diner touches - think wedge salads and a couple of simple but punchy sides to round things out. Sit in the family-friendly front bar, with a 18+ area upstairs for a late night feed.
Where: 102 Darby St, Cooks Hill
Osteria Papazzo
Open for dinner Tuesday – Saturday, book in for dinner or pop by before or after a show at Civic Theatre, or a movie at Tower Cinemas, which is two doors down. Tuesday and Wednesdays are no reservations, however you will need to book if you want to plan dinner on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Where: 179 King St, Newcastle
St Lucia
Whether you find yourself perched at the oversized bar, settling into a cosy booth or relaxing in the lounge, St. Lucia has been designed to make you feel welcome – and to have fun. Trading from 12pm until late on Wednesday - Sunday, guests can choose from the full à la carte menu, enjoy bar snacks, or simply drop in for a drink and explore the South American-inspired drinks menu.
Where: Unit1/11 Honeysuckle Drive, Honeysuckle
Susuru
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
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
10-15 minute walk
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
Battlesticks & Scratchley’s
Whether you’re after a light bite and a good drink at Battlesticks or a decadent seafood focussed meal at Scratchley’s this harbourside venue is only a short nine minute walk to the theatre and just a hop across from Boatharbour Car Park.
Where: 200 Wharf Rd, Newcastle
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
Newcastle’s newest hatted restaurant, Bistro Penny combines French bistro charm with the dynamic flavours of woodfire cooking. Brought to you by Joel Humphrey’s, the venue marks the perfect starting destination for a five-star night out in Newcastle.
Where: 8-10 Bolton St, Newcastle
With Executive Chef, Stephen Scott, and Head Chef, Jeff Rofe at the helm, this Darby Street venue’s food offering is top-tier. With a dedication to high-quality and local ingredients, you’ll want to be visiting multiple times a week.
Where: 134 Darby St, Cooks Hill
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
This Darby Street cafe turns into a great little restaurant Wednesday to Saturday nights and it’s only a 11-minute walk from the theatre. Dinner service kicks off from 5.30pm and the menu is designed for sharing.
Where: 171 Darby St, Cooks Hill
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
Book your table at Oceane Hotel and enjoy those sweeping harbour views paired with the venue’s unparalleled ambiance.
Where: 29 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
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
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 is definitely a treat prior to an evening of theatre. Its drinks menu is extensive and luxurious which, when accompanied by its snack offering, makes for a very enjoyable evening overlooking Newcastle Harbour.
Where: 185 Hunter St, Newcastle
7 Cutz Steakhouse
Over by the harbour in Honeysuckle sits 7 Cutz Steakhouse, a venue centred around a custom-made chargrill that plays a pivotal role in creating their signature flavours.
Where: 33 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
The Ship Inn boasts a menu with unique twists on pub classics. Sit outside on a nice night and wash it all down with a margarita.
Where: 102 Hunter St, Newcastle
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
Did you know that 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
As a modern-style restaurant and bar, this Darby Street spot is perfect for wine and charcuterie lovers, as well as those looking to dig into a hearty European-inspired meal.
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 – Wharf Rd
Where: 26 Centenary Rd, Newcastle
Wilson Parking – Honeysuckle Dr
Where: 18 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Do you think we’ve missed somewhere? Email us!
