A bold new Latin American dining experience has arrived in Honeysuckle
When you hear a venue is launching soon and the name Risteski is attached, you take notice.
Garry and Melissa Risteski are the duo behind some of Newcastle’s most iconic, and loved venues – Blanca, The Kingfish, and The Swordfish Co in Warners Bay and Budgewoi.
Owners of St. Lucia - Melissa and Garry Risteski
In true Risteski style, Garry and Melissa's latest venture has not only been built for longevity, but designed to push Newcastle’s dining scene both in taste and experience – here’s where we introduce you to St Lucia.
Situated next door to its stylish sibling Blanca, the venue has been completely stripped of its former life, and no expense has been spared, as Garry explains.
“We’ve transformed the space into a much larger, more capable venue, removing much of the alfresco area. Most of the original floor space was outdoors, so we increased the internal footprint, built it out, and added air conditioning. It’s now a larger waterfront venue that still retains an alfresco feel.”
The 190-seat venue has been designed to cater to all party sizes and occasions. Whether you’re a couple or looking to entertain a larger group, the venue also offers its own alfresco private dining area.
The name St Lucia offers some pretty strong hints about the flavours you can expect on the menu. If you were thinking Latin America, Garry can confirm you’d be right,
St. Lucia is a Latin American dining experience, drawing on flavours from across the region, including Peru, Brazil and Argentina, and centred around fire, flame, smoke, music, and energy. Late-night trading is also be a big part of it.
“We took a look at Newcastle’s dining scene and considered what was missing. We love restaurants, food and beverage, that’s at the core of who we are, so when this property came on the market, although we hadn’t yet nailed the concept, we loved Honeysuckle and saw the opportunity to keep growing here.”
Drawing inspiration from Latin American restaurants in London, Dubai, and the US, it was these large-format Mexican and South American concepts that left the biggest impression and ultimately helped shape St. Lucia.
While Newcastle already has some strong Mexican and Spanish offerings, Garry explained that their concept is centred on celebratory, event-style dining, something Garry and Melissa do particularly well.
‘This is what Newcastle needs, and this is the venue to do it in.’
Working with Sydney-based hospitality design studio Like Minds, you get the sense this is no ordinary fit-out, every element of the restaurant, bar and kitchen thoughtfully designed and sourced with intention.
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.
Now open and trading from 12pm until late on Wednesday - Sunday, the venue will also feature a resident DJ each Friday and Saturday. 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 – did someone say Pisco Sour hour?
