King Street has quietly evolved into one of the city’s most well-loved destinations.
Written by: Laura Jackel
Once known as a busy through-street between the CBD and Newcastle Beach, King Street has quietly evolved into one of the city’s most well-loved destinations.
It is a precinct where character-filled terraces and restored brick buildings now house some of Newcastle’s most creative businesses and foodie havens.
Tash Ireland, owner of the furniture and homewares store Monsoon Living, believes the street’s enduring appeal lies in its central location and vibrancy.
“When I moved my business to Newcastle, I chose this part of King Street for its unbeatable location nestled between the art gallery, Town Hall, Civic Theatre, and our city beaches,” Tash says.
“Eight years on, we’re proud to call this vibrant area home.”
From artisan gelato and locally made skincare, to fine dining and infrared saunas, read on to discover some of the places that make King Street Newcastle’s most buzzing precinct.
Design + Style
Curtis925 - This is where maker Callan Lynch crafts custom, remodelled, and bespoke pieces in precious metals. Hand-made in Australia, each design is thoughtfully created to celebrate your story with timeless style, modern craftsmanship, and true individuality.
Monsoon Living - The perfect introduction to King Street’s refined aesthetic. Inside this elegantly restored terrace, you’ll find curated homewares, furniture, linen and lifestyle accessories all carefully chosen by Tash to bring beauty and calm to the everyday.
Tash Ireland from Monsoon Living. Image credit Lee Illfield
Scrubba Body - This locally owned brand’s flagship store smells as good as it looks, thanks to handmade scrubs, candles, oils and bath soaks. Everything is small-batch, ethical, and proudly Newcastle-made.
Sister Sister Flower Gallery - A florist with a flair for lush, colourful, and photogenic bouquets for every occasion. Pick up a gift or a plant while you enjoy an in-store browse and admire how their popular arrangements have iconic monikers like ‘Awabakal’ and ‘Novo’ to reflect their strong local ties.
Un Pantalon - A minimalist boutique that is the epitome of Newcastle cool, Un Pantalon offers vintage fashion, upcycled one-off pieces, accessories and homewares to its legion of fans.
Dining out + Foodie Favourites
Arno Deli - Bringing European lunch-time energy to the city’s blossoming dining scene. Think of the very best panini packed full of cured meats, cheeses, sauces, and salads and that’s Arno. With coffee, wine and cannoli on the menu, it’s hard to know if you’re in Milan or Newcastle.
MEET - Fire, flavour, and churrasco is the order of the day at this Brazilian barbeque in the heart of the city. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the MEET menu centres around open flame cooking, seasonal produce, and dishes made to share.
Osteria Papazzo - Brought to you by Alessandra Papazzo who has been creating a buzz among Newcastle’s foodies. Alessandra is already well known for bringing home-style slow cooking from Napoli to Newcastle via her Good Brother pop-ups. In this new rustic location next to Arno Deli, it is a delicious addition to King Street’s growing culinary scene.
Popolo Artisan Gelateria - Creamy, authentic gelato made fresh daily from their flagship store, the team at Popolo know what they are doing. Known for using traditional methods and techniques with key ingredients sourced from Italy, their 12 signature flavours continue to delight Novocastrians.
Susuru - Known for its delicious ramen and gyoza, Susuru is now Newcastle’s only authentic izakaya. With sake, cocktails, bento, share plates and of course - ramen and gyoza to savour - this Japanese style pub is the perfect venue for a delicious dinner with friends.
Also along King Street: Napoli Centrale Pizza Bar, MANIAX, Ginger Megs, Suspension Coffee, Bocados, Humble Thai, Bangkok on King, Hello Naomi Cake Studio.
Brews + Cocktails
Bartholomew’s - With moody lighting, plush booths and cocktail craftsmanship, Bartholomew’s delivers style in spades. Whether you’re after a post-work Negroni or a three-course meal, its sophisticated yet relaxed vibe is ideal for end-of-day drinks or a night out in the city.
Foghorn Brewery - A working craft brewery, bar and restaurant housed in a beautifully converted warehouse. Grab a refillable ‘growler’ or ‘squealer’ of one of their 16 draught beers, a wood-fired pizza or a schnitty and you’ll understand why it’s long been one of Newcastle’s most loved haunts.
Also along King Street: Ginger Megs.
Creativity + Wellness + Things To Do
The Art Department - When you need a break from shopping, why not book in for a ceramics class or workshop? Perfect for both pottery newbies and experienced professionals, this creative sanctuary is also the perfect place to book your next unique and memorable event.
Crysalis Hair - Located in one of King Street’s quaint old terraces, indulge in a hair salon escape where you can leave looking and feeling like your very best self. With a focus on ethical and clean products in a calm and considered space, Crysalis is a hair haven where time is well spent.
MANIAX - This is the place where you unleash your inner Viking, where axe-throwing fun meets epic vibes. Perfect for team days, family adventures, or bucks parties, enjoy an action-packed session with axe games, tasty pizzas, local brews, and cocktails for a seriously memorable outing.
Tower Cinemas - Excitement is building in King Street and beyond for the reopening of the iconic Tower Cinemas. Five Star Cinemas, the team behind the redevelopment, have been posting regular updates of new seating, carpets, and vintage finds as they get ready to open the doors in December. We cannot wait to see what is screening first!
Zadig Studio - Come back to yourself to release, heal, and renew at Zadig Studio’s inner city sanctuary. Book a session for yourself or with a friend in a full spectrum infrared sauna or ice bath room, but why not try both?
Whether you're browsing, dining, creating, or unwinding, King Street’s unique blend of old-world charm and modern energy makes it a precinct you’ll keep coming back to time and time again.
