Roundhouse, where Newcastle dines above the skyline
Elevated high above the city, Roundhouse on King Street has firmly secured its place as one of Newcastle’s go-to destinations for special occasions.
Set atop the cylindrical tower of Crystalbrook Kingsley – a Brutalist building that’s been part of the skyline since the 1970s – Roundhouse takes the cake for Newcastle-based elegant dining with a view.
A local landmark reimagined
Originally built as Newcastle’s City Council Administration Centre, the building’s distinctive circular design quickly earned it the nickname “the Roundhouse” among locals.
While it was never a traditional railway roundhouse, the name stuck, becoming part of the city’s everyday language long before the space was reimagined.
Today, that legacy carries through, grounding the restaurant in a sense of place and giving it a connection to Newcastle that goes well beyond its elevated position.
Arriving at Romberg’s
Ride the original heritage lifts up to level nine and step out into Romberg's – Crystalbrook Kingsley’s rooftop bar that acts as a natural pause point – complete with a skyline view stretching across Newcastle, out toward Stockton and the coastline beyond.
With its refined, design-led interiors – think mirrored finishes, soft lighting, and a mix of lounge seating and high tables positioned to take in the view – it’s the kind of space that invites you to arrive early for a pre-dinner cocktail or linger a little longer over an easy nightcap.
Stepping into Roundhouse
Move through to the dining room at Roundhouse and the space really comes into its own. Far from a silent dining room, there’s a steady hum to Roundhouse.
Conversations roll, glasses clink, and the space carries that familiar energy of people settling in for a good night out.
Inspired by the feeling of dining in an olive grove, the space is open, light-filled and layered with natural textures.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Newcastle skyline, drawing your eye outward – by day, it’s all movement, with ships coming and going and the city ticking along below; by night, it shifts completely, with harbour lights flickering and the space settling into something more atmospheric.
A glass ceiling pulls in natural light from above, while potted olive trees, soft drapery, and warm timber finishes bring a sense of calm to the room.
The layout follows the curve of the building, with window seats leaning into the view, and cushioned booths offering something a little more intimate.
Where the kitchen comes alive
Tucked towards the back of the space, an open kitchen offers a glimpse into the rhythm behind the scenes. The team of service staff and chefs move with quiet precision pulling dishes together – adding a subtle layer of movement to the room.
Leading the kitchen is Executive Chef Joey Ingram, whose experience spans Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris, Tetsuya’s in Sydney, and four consecutive Chef’s Hat awards at Margan Restaurant in the Hunter Valley.
He is joined by Head Chef Josh Gregory, formerly of Thermidor Restaurant, with the pair combining international technique and local knowledge to shape the kitchen’s approach.
A menu grounded in place
While menus shift with the seasons, Roundhouse places a strong emphasis on local sourcing, with Hunter Valley produce featured throughout the menu.
It’s a style that stays grounded – allowing quality ingredients, precise technique and thoughtful presentation to do the talking, delivering the kind of experience that keeps guests returning.
Service plays into this rhythm. It’s warm, attentive, and knowledgeable, with staff who move confidently through the space and speak with clarity, but without tipping into formality.
The drinks list is given just as much attention. With the Hunter Valley on the doorstep, local wines feature prominently, supported by a variety of cocktails, beers and non-alcoholic options.
A new angle on elevated dining
What keeps Roundhouse firmly in Newcastle’s regular rotation isn’t just the setting, but the consistency of the experience.
It’s the kind of venue people return to knowing what it delivers: a sense of occasion, a strong visual connection to the city, and a dining environment that feels both elevated and accessible.
Whether you’re visiting for a milestone or just leaning into a slower, more considered evening out, Roundhouse offers a perspective – in every sense – that’s hard to replicate elsewhere in Newcastle.
For more about Roundhouse’s winter menu, check out our article on Chef Joey Ingram.
