We’re officially half-way through 2023 and what a year it has been already. We’ve been lucky enough to see some delicious new food and drink venues open within Newcastle and surrounding areas and there’s more to launch before the end of the year.

In case you’ve missed any, we’ve rounded up a list of all the venues that have opened, rebranded, or renovated thus far – happy exploring Newcastle!

NEWCASTLE

Food & Drink

Alfies
New Lambton residents, listen up ­– a new persona has arrived in town with a collection of traditional Italian eats and a wine list to match that will have you returning for more.
Where: 2/52 Regent St, Lambton

Bernie’s Bar
After almost five years of having no dedicated venue in the city, Newcastle is finally home to a queer bar again ­– and it’s all thanks to the team behind Bernie’s Bar.
Where: 410 King St, Newcastle

Big Banh Mi
After achieving roaring success as a stall at the Newcastle City Farmers Market, The Big Banh Mi now has their own store, serving up their signature range of banh mi along with other more-ish Vietnamese treats.
Where: 1/122 Hunter St, Newcastle

CIMS On Hunter
One venue on Hunter Street has seen many a business come through its doors. From the long-awaited arrival of The Flying Tiger to the revamped Piazza Mercato; newest tenant, CIMs On Hunter, is bringing their own unique approach with the hope to make this building stand the test of time.
Where: 231 Hunter St, Newcastle

Eldaba
The former Rosa Bar venue on Lambton’s Elder Street received a refreshed name and menu change earlier this year – introducing Eldaba!
Where: 113 Elder St, Lambton

Grainfed Brewery
Another brewery has JUST launched in Newcastle and we couldn’t be more excited! Lookout Lambton locals, because Grainfed Beer has officially started pouring beers from their own brewery.
Where: 1/52 Young Rd, Lambton

Kickin’ Inn
Opening on 25 May 2023, Kickin’ Inn Charlestown has been a huge success so far, being embraced by the local community.
Where: 30 Pearson St, Charlestown

Larrie’s
The Beach Hotel’s newest addition, Larrie’s, is officially open. Inspired by Aussie milk bars, they’re serving up cheeky twists on those iconic beach classics right on the shores of our sunny seaside haven, Merewether.
Where: 99 Frederick St, Merewether

Las Salsa Picante
The Lass O’Gowrie Hotel has become home to an exciting Mexican Joint. Las Salsa Picante ­– which means hot sauce in Spanish ­– is the place for fresh, simple Mexican eats and a quality tequila and mezcal offering.
Where: 14 Railway St, Wickham

Lulu & Benson
Beaumont Street has officially become home to a brand-new milk bar, and it’s not just for us humans, it’s for our doggos too!
Where: 71 Beaumont St, Hamilton

Marshall & Daughters
Mayfield based loaded cookie spot relocated to Newcastle’s CBD in March this year!
Where: 3 Crown St, Newcastle

Maryland Tavern
Over in the suburb of Maryland, sits an old favourite watering hole that has come back to life with a brand-new, expertly designed, and refreshed venue, and a new menu.
Where: 144 Maryland Dr, Maryland

Mrs Jones Oyster Bar
Carrington was lucky enough to land themselves a dedicated fish, chips, and oyster bar earlier this year.
Where: 91 Young St, Carrington

Peibri Place
Discover Wickham's new pop-up event space right on the harbour. 
Where: 97 Hannell St, Wickham

The Lost Souls
From the unique fit-out to the section of the menu dedicated to cob loaves, there’s plenty to discuss as you sip a cocktail and people-watch from your vantage point at the front window.
Where: 159A Darby St, Cooks Hill

Thirsty Messiah Brewery
Newcastle’s craft brewery scene received another addition, with Thirsty Messiah Brewery in Broadmeadow opening their doors.
Where: 140 Lambton Rd, Broadmeadow

Two Bobs Bakery Newcastle
Hunter Street landed itself a tasty new tenant with Nelson Bay-born brand, Two Bobs Bakery, launching its second space on Friday 12th May 2023.
Where: 277 Hunter St, Newcastle

Retail & Lifestyle

BB at the Table
In March this year, Rachael of Botanica Bird opened a retail space in Mayfield West. Called BB at the Table, Rachael now not only has a lot more space, but has begun stocking Australian-made ceramics and tableware.
Where: 286-292 Maitland Rd, Mayfield

Heal Specialist Urgent Care
Newcastle West is now home to a state-of-the-art healthcare facility, Heal Specialist Urgent Care. Founded by Specialist Emergency Physician Dr. Tim Stewart, it is a first for the region and one of the first clinics of its kind in Australia.
Where: 96 Parry St, Newcastle West

JACK JACK
The brainchild of multi-hyphenate Kate Fenton, Jack Jack is a concept store, fusing retail, art, and events, unified by a focus on celebrating creativity and community.
Where: 99A Maitland Rd, Islington

MANIAX
Opening within the former Slice Virtual Golf space on King St, MANIAX Axe Throwing brings to the Newcastle CBD the ancient art of axe throwing, in the most entertaining of ways.
Where: 188 King St, Newcastle

The Art Department
The brainchild of Zoré Scholz, The Art Department aims to be an inclusive, accessible space for people from all walks of life who want to try their hand at ceramics.
Where: 1/133 King St, Newcastle

Vera Wine Forum
The ever-so-lovely couple behind Beaumont Street’s Vera Wine launched their newest venture on Tudor Street this year – Vera Wine Forum –  a dedicated wine education and event space.
Where: 121 Tudor St, Hamilton

HUNTER VALLEY

Arthur’s Pantry
Set to become a Cessnock favourite, dishing up specialty coffee, great food, and relaxing vibes.
Where: 1E Cooper St, Cessnock

Meltdown
Having only been open in the small Hunter Valley community of Huntlee for a few weeks, Meltdown already has a strong regular customer base.
Where: 5 Winepress Rd, Branxton

Sherwood Gillieston Heights
Rounding out Sherwood’s cafes to number eight, Sherwood in Gilliestown Heights brings top-notch coffee and approachable eats to the greater Hunter region.
Where: 1/353 Cessnock Rd, Gillieston Heights

CENTRAL COAST

Daley’s Bar
Glinting brass features, velvet upholstery, and the exotic goddess mural on the terracotta walls of Daley’s Bar create a warm, inviting, and luxe oasis escape for quality cocktails and tasty tapas.
Where: 3/30-32 Empire Bay Dr, Daley’s Point

Keep Rollin’
Find authentic pork, meatball, chicken, and vegan subs (and rice bowl options) at this Long Jetty Vietnamese Banh Mi joint.
Where: 1/391 The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty

Komuniti
Head through the main drag of trendy Long Jetty and you’ll be captivated by a bright green mural featuring hibiscus flowers, a cheeky lorikeet, a serene Buddha, coastal motifs, and a smiling sun to brighten your day.
Where: 310a The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty

Lago Cucina
A contemporary Italian trattoria that oozes relaxation and holiday vibes, with glimpses of Lake Budgewoi and an interior that evokes breezy summer days on the Mediterranean.
Where: 169 Budgewoi Rd, Budgewoi

Lindt Chocolate Boutique
World famous Lindt Chocolate has landed in Erina Fair with a luxurious boutique shop front.
Where: 531 Terrigal Dr, Erina

Longbrows Jungle Bar
Welcome to the Jungle! The outdoor dining precinct at Westfield Tuggerah has gained a jungle paradise in Longbrows, a South American-inspired tiki bar that will transport you deep into the Amazon.
Where: 50 Wyong Rd, Tuggerah

Did we miss somewhere? Email us!