Venues that opened in late 2024 early 2025
The festive season has a way of being a bit of a mad rush, from organising those group social catchups, to seeing all of the family, wrapping up work for the year, and finally scheduling in some rest and relaxation.
For those who have been busily doing all of the above and more, there’s a good chance you may not have seen some of the top new venue openings that have graced Newcastle and surrounding areas.
To ensure you haven’t missed a beat, we’ve collated a guide of all the venues that opened over the last three months so you start the year with a well rounded knowledge of what’s going on in Newcastle’s food and drink scene.
Bistro Penny
Combining French bistro charm with the dynamic flavours of woodfire cooking is Bistro Penny by Chef Joel Humphreys. Finding its home in the former Cirque Cafe spot on Bolton Street, the venue brims with character.
Where: 8-10 Bolton St, Newcastle
Busan Chicken Hub
When Hyunjin Choi, affectionately known as Jin, launched the first Busan Chicken Hub in Cardiff in November last year, he aimed to bring an authentic and accessible Korean fried chicken experience to Lake Macquarie. In October 2024, Jin launched his second Busan Chicken Hub and this time it’s Newcastle’s turn.
Where: 363-365 Hunter St, Newcastle
Finn Poke
Hunter Street welcomed an exciting addition in October with Australia’s first poke-focused restaurant, Finn Poke, opening its doors.
Where: 352 Hunter St, Newcastle
Floozy Merewether
Possibly the worst-kept secret of 2024, the crew behind Floozy Coffee took over the former Cuppa Joe’s spot on Llewellyn Street in Merewether.
Where: 34 Llewellyn St, Merewether
Home at the Bay
Opening up in the former Canon spot on The Esplanade in Warners Bay, Home At The Bay is the area’s newest restaurant offering, bringing wood fired pizza, beautifully crafted dishes, and more to the lake!
Where: 460 The Esp, Warners Bay
House of Roast Darby Street
Darby Street, long heralded as the beating heart of Newcastle’s coffee culture, has welcomed a bold new player to its lineup with the opening of House of Roast – bringing with them the largest range of coffee blends under one roof.
Where: 149 Darby Street, Cooks Hill
Liebe Pastries
A new European bakery has opened in the Sprout Catering space on the corner of Union and King Streets. Get your hands on a range of croissants, pastries, and focaccia.
Where: 11 Union St, Newcastle West
Meat & Grain Steakhouse
We've got our eyes on Wollongong-based Meat & Grain Steakhouse, which launched its second location in Honeysuckle. The South African-inspired steakhouse opened just prior to Christmas.
Where: 33 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
MIINE
This New York-inspired Italian fusion restaurant and late-night bar is the brainchild of owners, Thomas Lawson and Pete Haselhurst. Their journey to bring MIINE to life is one built on industry experience, camaraderie, and an undeniable passion for creating unforgettable dining experiences.
Where: 13 Darby St, Newcastle
Nioka
Situated harbourside, Nioka Steakhouse brings a farm-to-table philosophy to Honeysuckle and highlights the premium quality Black Angus beef sourced direct from the Nioka Farm, located at the foothills of the Barrington Tops in the Upper Hunter Valley.
Where: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Oceane Hotel
Poised to be the go-to venue for summer, this harbourside hotspot offers an impeccable blend of sophistication, coastal charm, and vibrant experiences.
Where: 29 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
RISE Bar
Located inside Toronto Workers Club, RISE Bar is Lake Macquarie’s newest social spot to drink, dine, catch-up, and watch all the big live events.
Where: 9 James St, Toronto
Rosie & Shell
Tucked away from the main hustle and bustle of New Lambton sits Rosie & Shell – a unique coffee spot that goes beyond just coffee.
Where: 10 Regent St, New Lambton
Royal Indian Restobar
A rather regal culinary experience has landed in Newcastle West with the opening of Royal Indian Restobar on Hunter Street in December, 2024.
Where: 888 Hunter St, Newcastle West
Southy Canteen
The long-awaited Newcastle Beach kiosk opened just in time for summer. Brought to you by the team behind The Kiosk at Newcastle Beach, Southy Canteen is the fresh coffee and snack spot opened at the south end of Newcastle Beach right by the skate park.
Where: 50 Shortland Esp, Newcastle
Vera Wine Bar
You might remember us teasing that Newcastle was about to become home to NSW's smallest bar in Hamilton. Well, she’s officially open at Vera Wine with their 12-seater wine bar at the front of its store, and we can't think of a more fitting location!
Where: 67 Beaumont St, Hamilton
Do you think we’ve missed somewhere? Email us!
