Newcastle’s food and drink scene has undoubtedly become incredibly elevated over recent years with our hospitality sector shining a light on a broad range of dining experiences. But where did it all begin?

As far as we are concerned, Newcastle’s now booming scene which brings upon competition to some of Sydney’s trendiest suburbs, started with our growth of modern and trendy, yet casual and approachable venues popping up in the early 2010s.

One venue in particular, not only started the movement in industrial chic venue interiors but has continued to be a crowd favourite for its long-standing menu items and ongoing top-tier service is none other than Parry St Garage.

Now, eight years down the track, we figured it was time to drop into this rather iconic venue in Newcastle’s West End to rediscover their menu highlights, review their weekly specials, and hear all about what’s to come for 2023.

Walk on through Parry Street Garage’s dark steel framed doorway and enter into a vast grown-up playground; made for those of us who love to eat, drink, converse, and linger for as long as we desire.

The interiors offer a combination of smart industrial styling and sleek interior finishes providing the venue with a sophisticated yet relaxed and approachable feel. So approachable you may just never want to leave.

One look over the menu and you can understand why the need to leave may just skip your mind. The casual relaxed eatery menu features a modern Italian twist, starting with a selection of Antipasto dishes perfect for kicking off your Parry St Garage dining experience.

Start with their signature King Prawn Hot Pot served with chilli, garlic, lemon, mint, and wood-fired bread and the Bolognese Arancini with roast tomato sauce and parmesan.

With the menu focussing on Italian eats, the Wood Fired Pizza is of course one of the reasons Parry St Garage continues to be a favourite for all. Featuring an actual wood-fired pizza oven, the pizza menu has over 10 different toppings options (including a vegan one) with gluten-free bases and vegan cheese available as substitutes.

Our personal favourites would have to be the Proscuitto on a sugo base with rocket, parmesan, and mozzarella; Pumpkin with blue cheese, rocket, walnut, mozzarella, apple, and vincotto; and Mushroom with smoked provolone, mixed mushrooms, parmesan, mozzarella, and truffle oil.

Next in line is of course the pasta menu because what goes hand in hand with pizza? Pasta! Since 2013, there has been one pasta dish that has remained the same – that is none other than the favoured Sweet Potato Gnocchi served with cavolo nero, soft feta, toasted walnut, and sage butter. If you’ve had it before – you’ll know how delish this one truly is.

Similar to the Parry St Garage’s pizza offering, the pasta menu offers eight different flavour combinations. Standouts include the Lamb Pappardelle with slow wood-fired lamb ragu, fried onion, lemon, and parsley crumb; and the Prawn Rigatoni with wood-fired prawn ragu, ricotta salata, chives and shellfish oil.

With the venue’s bar taking up a significant area within the industrial-esque space, there’s no surprise to hear that their beverage list packs a punch with their dedicated Parry Cocktail Collection, a selection of classics, spritz’, and an extensive beer and wine list.

The Parry Collection offers eight unique in-house creations with our personal picks being the Florence Fizz made with vodka, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, vanilla syrup, and fresh passionfruit and Versace with mango rum, lime juice, sugar syrup, and mint.

The spritz offering is for those who like to step outside the regular Aperol Spritz offering and dip their toes into something a little different. Offering five different combinations including Aperol, Watermelon, Limoncello, Passionfruit, and Peach.

For those wanting to make the most of eating cheap, discover Parry St Garage’s delicious daily special from 5pm to 6pm. Offering half-price pizzas, $6 spirits, $6 tap beer, and $6 glass of house wines. Book your table and get amongst this dine-in special!

Whether you're after a knock-off feed after a day at the office or keen for an early family dinner, Parry St Garage and their half-price pizzas will have you grinning from ear to ear. 

For those wanting to get their hands on takeaway, get amongst their 20% online orders and enjoy Parry St Garage at home!

The overarching theme of the Parry St Garage dining experience is good food, good drinks, good vibes, and good service. With an extraordinarily large venue and distinctly different dining areas, the venue makes for a great spot for your upcoming event or special celebration.

The open bar area, featuring its very own fireplace (perfect for those cosy winter evenings) is a great spot for birthday and engagement parties or corporate events. The space is available 7 days a week for your upcoming celebration or event and is big enough to cater for up to 100 guests. The best part? There is NO minimum spend!

Keen Parry St Garage diners will be excited to hear that the West End venue is set to bring back live music nights with a DJ setting up on the bar each weekend to keep you entertained late into the night.

Parry St Garage is one that's bound to keep you wanting to come back. Having stood the test of time, Parry St Garage is a well-loved venue with a tasty and affordable offering, with the team wanting the venue to be a place for people to come and feel relaxed in.