A destination Mexican restaurant & agave bar lands in Newcastle West
Image credit: Dom Cherry
There was something comforting about walking through the doors of 148 Parry Street again. The Edwards was a favourite of ours, so when the venue closed in 2024 a significant void was left.
Fast forward to October 2025, and not only have the doors swung back open again, but they've done so with absolute force, with two of Newcastle's most well respected, and awarded restaurateurs coming together in what is the ultimate partnership.
Let us introduce you to Papalote.
Set to officially open on November 4, this fresh, fiery Mexican restaurant and agave bar is brought to you by Michael Portley and Stephanie Wells from Humbug and Eduardo Molina of The Flotilla.
On a quick glance as we enter, the bones of The Edwards, and everything we loved about the venue remain intact, on ground level however, its clear much effort has gone into giving the space a complete re-edit. The pared-back bar space now offers full views into the kitchen, adding some restaurant theatre. Elegant floor-to-ceiling curtains, earthy tones, timber accents, and custom booths create a warm, ‘settle-in’ kind of feel.
The large scale, hand painted mural above the kitchen by local artist Ruby Laxton, brings a layering of colour and adds to Papalote's relaxed, yet refined offering.
The ultimate Newcastle foodie collaboration
Behind Papalote are three names Newcastle foodies are well across: Stephanie Wells and Michael Portley (Humbug), and Eduardo Molina of The Flotilla.
Steph and Michael have already made waves (and earned a Good Food Guide hat) at Humbug, where their approach to dining is all about fun, flavour, and that easygoing Newcastle charm. Michael’s extensive background, from Bodega in Sydney to Subo here at home, is matched by Steph’s sharp eye for design and a knack for creating a space that feels welcoming.
L - R: Stephanie Wells, Michael Portley and Eduardo Molina
Eduardo, originally from Nicaragua and co-owner of The Flotilla, brings his signature balance of precision and warmth to Papalote’s drinks program. With a passion for storytelling through spirits, Eduardo’s agave-led bar is the heart of Papalote’s energy, think mezcal, tequila, sotol, and raicilla.
Guided by tradition, driven by fire
The food is, as expected, is exceptional. Rich in flavour, Papalote celebrates the diversity and depth of regional Mexican cuisine. The menu is guided by tradition and fire, split across three main sections:
→ Cold and Raw: oysters, ceviche, aguachile
→ Antojitos: tacos, tostadas, tamales & all things masa
→ Al Carbón: larger proteins cooked over charcoal
Michael explains in more detail, “Corn tortillas from Marydias will be used for tacos such as Al Pastor or Lengua & Salsa Cruda while our kitchen team develops its own masa program. Plans are already underway to source heirloom corn from a local grower, with small-scale milling and nixtamalization for antojito specials.”
Agave, Cocktails & Latin Wines
At the bar, Eduardo’s agave obsession shines through. Expect an extensive mezcal and tequila selection, a cocktail list that’s bold, and a wine list that leans into Latin American producers, from coastal Baja to Patagonia, together with a few Spanish and Australian favourites sprinkled in.
“Every bottle has a story to tell,” Eduardo says.
“We want to share the ancestral ways of agave with Newcastle – the craftsmanship, the connection to land, and the culture behind every pour.”
On our visit, it was all about the Margaritas! You can't go wrong with a classic, however we wanted to try something new, and test our Eduardo's flavour creativity.
The Picante, with Tequila Blanco, mango, coconut and habanero had a nice spicy twist to it, whilst the Margarita Papalote also with Tequila Blanco, citrus and the blackberry liquer - Creme de Mure was just the right sweet.
The Heart
Co-owner and creative director Steph Wells describes the open kitchen as the corazón "the heart" of the restaurant. The design encourages connection, whether you’re tucked into a booth or watching the team work the grill from the bar. It’s an atmosphere that feels alive, vibrant, a little smoky, and very personal.
And in true Humbug and Flotilla fashion, you can expect the service to strike that perfect balance: knowledgeable without being pretentious, and always with a genuine sense of care.
What Steph, Michael, and Eduardo have created is something truly special, Papalote is a venue that’s not just about great food or drinks, but about celebrating culture, connection, and craft.
Speaking with Eduardo he did let slip that Papalote is the first of many very good things to come. With an Agave bar set to open soon, and more plans in the works for other areas of the building, this little pocket of Newcastle West is set to become a precinct all of its own, and we can't wait to see it all take shape.
