A look back on the venues that opened in 2022
Our first-year lockdown-free since 2019, and oh what a year it has been for us here in Newcastle! Our bustling city and its beautiful surroundings are all thriving with life as new businesses continue to crop up, offering us amazing new experiences and ways to enjoy our local areas.
Here's a round-up of some of the new cafes, bars, breweries and restaurants that have launched over the past year in Newcastle, the Hunter Valley, and on the Central Coast. If you haven’t already, get out there and try them—who knows, your new favourite might be just around the corner!
Newcastle
Brought to you by the experienced team behind Nagisa and Susuru Japanese restaurants, Âpé Yakitori Bar opened in the middle of 2022 and has been delivering a multi-sensory drinking and dining experience ever since!
Where: 16 The Boardwalk, 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
More info: click here
Opening midway through the year, Arno Deli is sure to become a favourite amongst the locals! Check out the Italian-inspired hole-in-the-wall, offering customers morning coffees, takeaway lunches, take-home charcuterie, Formaggio and vino, or wine and dine-in experiences.
Where: 181 King St, Newcastle
More info: click here
The salad bowl craze has officially landed in Newcastle! Head into the CBD for an Asian-inspired lunch, and let Banana Blossom rebrand the salad from a bland, boring side-dish, to the dynamic, tasty, fulfilling star of the show.
Where: R15/165 Hunter Street, Newcastle
More info: click here
To the once sleepy suburb of Tighes Hill, arrives Bar Solè, an Italian-inspired café and Aperitivo bar, serving up delicious food and coffee in a homely atmosphere.
Where: 173 Maitland Rd, Tighes Hill
More info: click here
The growing foodie suburb of Mayfield delivers once more with the arrival of a dedicated pizza joint, Bella Pizzeria, now serving at Mayfield Hotel.
Where: 284 Maitland Rd, Mayfield
More info: click here
In August, the team behind BIRDIE opened up the doors to their modern chicken shop, sure to become a lunch staple for many a Novocastrian.
Where: 3/47 Glebe Rd, The Junction
More info: click here
Slotting into the Broadmeadow fitness precinct, comes Bowlarama Bowls—a smoothie and açai bowl wellness café serving up all the combinations of plant-based nourishment you could ever dream of.
Where: 63 Broadmeadow Rd, Broadmeadow
More info: click here
Formerly the much-loved sandwich joint on King St, Chiefly East shape-shifts into Chiefly de Gallo—a taqueria in Newcastle’s CBD serving up tacos, tortas, snacks, and a range of weekly specials.
Where: 177 King St, Newcastle
More info: click here
Brought to you by local hospitality aficionado, Corey Zacher, Convicted Blonde is bringing a new flavour experience to the Kotara retail hotspot.
Where: Westfield Kotara, Shop 2133/4, 89 Park Avenue, Kotara
More info: click here
Breathing fresh life, personality, and flavours into the much-loved former Restaurant Mason location, CorEat has invited eager customers in to dine since its official opening in June 2022.
Where: 35 Hunter St, Newcastle
More info: click here
In December 2022, The Junction welcomed back a long-time favourite with a refreshed, rebranded, and rejuvenated look and feel. That’s right, the OG sweet treat geniuses of Newcastle, Doughheads, are ready to show off their transformation!
Where: Shop 17/200 Union St, The Junction
More info: click here
After a lengthy hiatus, the Newcastle West garage-style espresso bar and roasting space is back! Head down to welcome the team back into our community, and check out their cool, grungy space.
Where: 398 King St
More info: click here
Hamilton has officially welcomed a new brewery and brewhouse, Good Folk Brewing. It’s good, it’s modest and it’s open 7 days a week, so pop in for a bev with some friends and a pizza or two to share!
Where: 80 Beaumont St, Hamilton
More info: click here
Located within Mayfield’s MEX Club, Hanbury 58 Food Collective is the collaborative approach of two signature local brands and personalities, Peter James of Blue Door, and Damian O’Reilly of Honeysuckle Social. Their 2022 venture saw them team up to bring us a foodie haven, where numerous cuisines are on offer all in the same space.
Where: 58 Hanbury St, Mayfield
More info: click here
A little something tasty, refreshing, and healthy has arrived on Darby Street and whether you’re after a health kick, a lifestyle change, a daily pick me up, or just a sweet yet healthy treat, this is for you!
Where: 141 Darby St, Cooks Hill
More info: click here
Situated along the leafy strip of Hunter St Mall in Newcastle’s CBD, sits wine bar and restaurant, HUMBUG. Since opening in January of 2022, the venue has brought to our Newcastle community a fresh and funky, yet homely, dining experience.
Where: 87-89 Hunter St, Newcastle
More info: click here
Brought to you by the team behind local gems Popolo Gelateria, and Napoli Centrale, the newest addition to the group’s offering is the Wickham-based casual eatery and retail outlet, Italy’s Pantry. Feast upon their authentic Italian menu items, and browse their range of artisanal retail goods!
Where: 3/18 Throsby St, Wickham
More info: click here
In 2022 we saw the ever-bustling Hunter St welcome a new hole-in-the-wall toastie and coffee spot, Little Guys.
Where: 555 Hunter St, Newcastle
More info: click here
The Lucky Hotel, an icon of Newcastle’s East End, has entered the next phase of its long history as an all-star cast of food, hospitality, management, and design experts collaborated to launch a rejuvenated, fresh experience.
Where: 237 Hunter St, Newcastle
More info: click here
Joining Newcastle’s ever-evolving craft beer scene is Method Brewing! Head down to Islington to check out the team’s industrial, minimalistic, bright, airy brewery space.
Where: 18 Maitland Rd, Islington
More info: click here
Having opened up initially in Whitebridge, the brother-sister-duo, Tom and Nova, opened up their second Morning Market Coffee venue earlier this year, bringing their scrumptious treats, simple yet delicious menu offering, and amazing coffee to town!
Where: 1/6 Stewart Ave, Newcastle West
More info: click here
Based in the Alder Park Sports Club, Norma’s Bistro opened its doors up to the public on the 6th of April, serving up a unique, yet totally delicious menu of pub favourites alongside Spanish tapas dishes.
Where: 132 Bridges Rd, New Lambton
More info: click here
Right in time for the summer holidays and our iconic Aussie heat, the Brazilian brand Oakberry has quickly grown to a global brand in its short six-year stint with Newcastle finally getting its very own venue.
Where: 289-295 Darby St, Bar Beach
More Info: click here
Home of great coffee, toasties, florals and candles; head to Boolaroo to check out Lake Macquarie’s newest, freshest, and most welcoming community café to open this year!
Where: 38 Main Rd, Boolaroo
More info: click here
Located within the food court at Charlestown Square, Pinto Thai is the newest addition to Chin Sopharakkul’s Thai restaurant lineup, with a broad selection of delectable authentic menu items.
Where: Charlestown Square, Charlestown
More Info: click here
Known and loved previously as Surtaj, North Indian couple, Jatinder and Ruby bring a refreshed approach to this Newcastle institution.
Where: 265 Hunter St, Newcastle
More info: click here
On 9 June, the former Scotts Limited and David Jones building on Hunter Mall reopened its doors as the brand new, designer hotel, QT Newcastle! And with its arrival comes the boutique Jana Restaurant and Bar on the ground floor, and the stunning QT Rooftop with sweeping views of the city’s skyline and harbour.
Where: 185 Hunter St, Newcastle
More info: click here
2022 was the year that this old-time Mayfield favourite relocated to their brand-spanking new space in Islington! Pop in for small-batch craft beer, and bring along your furry friends to enjoy this trendy, dog-friendly space.
Where: 22 Clyde St, Islington
More info: click here
Over the past two years, Smiling Monk Coffee has been working to develop its wholesale offering, finessing their roasts before officially launching its trendy, modern café with an emphasis on sustainability, in the heart of Newcastle’s CBD.
Where: Suite 2/4 Merewether St, Newcastle
More info: click here
Over in the lakeside suburb of Belmont sits a brand-new foodie focussed venue making the most of those iconic Lake Macquarie views; welcome to TINTA Belmont.
Where: 690 Pacific Highway, Belmont
More info: click here
This year, one of Newcastle CBD’s most historic and iconic pubs, opened its doors to its small, cosy little sibling just beneath it; that’s right, just under The Grand Hotel is The Underground. Embrace Newcastle’s ever-evolving nightlife scene, and head into town to check it out!
Where: 32 Church St, Newcastle
More info: click here
A boutique deli, wine bar, and bistro—Urban Deli & Bar has opened up on Darby Street, offering locals a sophisticated, European-inspired dining experience sure to become a mainstay of Newcastle’s gastronomic scene.
Where: 143 Darby St, Cooks Hill
More info: click here
2022 saw this Redhead business enter a new era, expanding its offering as well as its physical space. Spreading into the once-vacant space next door, Villa Lane has had a complete refresh, from the café into the homewares area, to create a beautiful, bohemian-inspired space.
Where: 2/105 Cowlishaw St, Redhead
More info: click here
If you’re into craft beers and love a good venue, a visit to The Yard–Brewery and Smokehouse, is an absolute must! Sample fresh beer from Yard Kings Brewing Co. and feast from the low ‘n’ slow BBQ menu at the onsite smokehouse.
Where: 32 Accolade Ave, Morisset
More info: click here
Hunter Valley
The humble butcher shop set up in the cost country town of Branxton resurfaced earlier this year with a fresh fit-out and a foodie offering not to be missed. Brought to you by long-time favourite Hunter region butcher, Hungerford Meat Co, Burgers by HMC has quickly become a local favourite as well as enticing keen burgers lovers out to Branxton.
Where: 47 Maitland St, Branxton
More Info: click here
This freshly established boutique distillery has without doubt some of the most spectacular views in the Hunter, which are only to be outdone by the magnificent Sentry Rock that stands proudly over the property.
Where: 260 Milbrodale Rd, Fordwich
More Info: click here
Newcastle brunch favourites, Mockingbird, expanded their iconic breakfast goods into the Hunter Valley earlier in 2022. Whilst the breakfast flavours are familiar, Mockingbird Hunter Valley has built its own identity with the restaurant becoming a fresh addition to the Hunter Valley dining scene.
Where: 477 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale
More Info: click here
The Hunter Valley icon, Mount Pleasant Wines, reopened its remarkable cellar door in Pokolbin this year having proudly celebrated its dramatic renovation featuring an expanded and refurbished property.
Where: 401 Marrowbone Rd, Pokolbin
More Info: click here
Owner of Qirkz and Camelot in Sydney’s Marrickville, Hallis’ venues have hosted countless Australian and international musicians of exceptional calibre. Noticing a distinct lack of similar venues in the Hunter Valley, the art collector, musician, and venue manager, took it upon himself to establish a sibling venue in Abermain, in the historic Hotel Denman.
Where: 141 Cessnock Rd, Abermain
More Info: click here
Discover the Basque-inspired restaurant at Spicers Tower Lodge in the Hunter Valley’s Pokolbin. Just as the Basque are obsessed with the finest locally sourced, seasonal produce from the native landscape of mountains, valleys, and sea, so too Sebastian is a showcase of the Hunter region, sourcing many wild and foraged ingredients from the local area.
Where: 6 Halls Rd, Pokolbin
More Info: click here
Over recent years, the country town of Cessnock has received quite the refresh and with brand-new wine and cocktail bar Samasama opening this year, we’re excited to see where the future of Cessnock is headed!
Where: 7-9/2 North Ave, Cessnock
More Info: click here
Central Coast
LUNA Café in Terrigal serves up a grand selection of fresh brekkie, lunch, and those iconic Central Coast afternoon sundowners. The combination of consistently great coffee, unique Middle Eastern-inspired flavours, a chill vibe is drawing locals to welcome LUNA as one of the community.
Where: 2/112 Terrigal Esp, Terrigal
More Info: click here
Discover Erina’s high-quality steakhouse and dining experience at Marble Bar & Grill. Owned by brothers-in-law, Freddie and Dan, this latest addition to Erina oozes a sophistication like venues you might find in Sydney, yet wooden features and exposed concrete give the space an open and relaxed feel which keeps it warm, inviting, and accessible.
Where: 2/8 Karalta Rd, Erina
More Info: click here
This Central Coast favourite relocated to 49 The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach earlier this year and whilst the move may have only been a small one, the transformation is anything but. The curved glass frontage provides a welcoming arrival and sets the scene for what’s to come.
Where: 49 The Esp, Ettalong Beach
More Info: click here
Whether you’re toasting a hard day’s work, joining mates to watch the game on the big screen, or in the mood for some flavoursome food, the new Railway Hotel Gosford is here as ‘the meeting place’ of the Central Coast.
Where: 159 Mann St, Gosford
More Info: click here
Terrigal marks the first Central Coast site and the coming together of two locals in partnership. Sonoma founder Andrew Connole is originally from Terrigal, and store co-owner Leanne McVeigh has known the family for years. Leanne sensed that its chic vibe and expert-quality product would be a great addition to Terrigal.
Where: 2/15 Church St, Terrigal
More Info: click here
Brought to you by Sydney-born, now adopted Central Coast local hospitality wiz, Jay Gilchrist, the refreshed, renovated and rejuvenated Dart & Feather is here to join the overwhelmingly deliciously enthusiastic line-up of Terrigal’s food, drink, and entertainment offering.
Where: 7/50 The Esp, Terrigal
More Info: click here
This impressive new venue has become a hub for live music, delicious waterfront cuisines, refreshing signature cocktails and so much more. The Central Coast has been a hotspot for modern and buzzing venues, and the arrival of The Entrance Social Club is one worth checking out.
Where: 87 The Entrance Rd, The Entrance
More Info: click here
There is a community of people who bond over their morning coffee, and with its cosy interior, communal table, and friendly staff, Morning Coffee Society aims to bring that moment of connection to Long Jetty.
Where: 6/334 The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty
More Info: click here
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