Driving down Merewether’s Scenic Drive, the first building that is sure to catch your eye is the multi-storey glass structure that has become an institution in our food and drink scene since its inception in 2011 – Merewether Surfhouse.

Aside from its smart design and unmatched location, what is most to love about Merewether Surfhouse is the way it caters to everyone with its diverse, multi-level offerings. From dawn to dusk you can find people from all walks of life frequenting Merewether Surfhouse.

Up top, Merewether Surfhouse offers one of the best views for dining and drinks – whether from their Rooftop Bar to the left or Restaurant space on the right, the top level’s number one feature is those sweeping 270-degree views up and down the coast.

Rooftop Bar

Upstairs on the left is the spot for watching the sun go down whilst enjoying that sea air. Perfect for those who are partial to a beverage or two and snack-style food.

The Rooftop Bar offers a relaxed array of refreshments, snack-style foods, and a handful of more substantial dishes – perfect for a premium coastal dining experience. The beverage selection caters to all tastes featuring a variety of cocktails, craft beers, wines, and non-alcoholic options.

The Spritz menu has been garnering quite the following with five creations; Aperol & Pomegranate, Pimms, Limoncello, Elderflower, and Watermelon – the perfect drop to soak up those waterside views and that iconic sunny weather Merewether is known for.

The food menu boasts an enticing selection of small bites and sharing plates including olives, arancini, meatballs, burrata, steamed mussels, and more. For something a little more substantial there is a charcuterie board and cheese board for you to devour, or choose from five coastal flatbread toppings.

For heartier individual meals, the kitchen has you sorted with four options; Flathead & Fries, Steak Sandwich & Fries, Hot Smoked Salmon, and Chicken Scallopini Roll & Fries.

Whether it’s just drinks, or some bites and drinks, each beverage and every dish is crafted to complement the relaxed atmosphere and panoramic vistas at the Rooftop Bar.

Open from 11.30am-late, seven days a week, the Rooftop Bar is big on no reservations so it’s first in first served, and you’ll want to get in early over the weekends – the bar is always pumping.

Restaurant

To the right of the entrance, you can enter a distinctively different space, with Merewether Surfhouse’s à la carte restaurant. Diners can enjoy those coastal views from a different perspective and dine on the Mediterranean-inspired menu with touches of the Australian coastal dining experience, led by Executive Chef Ryan Baird and Head Chef Bryce Harling.

Drawing inspiration from the coastal regions of Europe and infusing it with the flavours of modern Australian cuisine, the menu showcases a fusion of culinary delights. Featuring a great seafood selection and tender grilled meats, each item is prepared using the finest locally sourced ingredients.

The starter and entrée offering includes dishes like Whipped Feta & Ricotta, Wagyu Beef Bresaola Carpaccio, QLD Black Tiger Prawn Cocktail, and Buckwheat & Black Sesame Tartlet amongst the standouts.

Indulge in main dishes including a selection of pasta dishes, and grill favourites like the Saffron Tagliatelle, Lobsters Frites, Dry-Aged Pork Cutlet, and BBQ Lemon & Rosemary half chicken.

Open from Wednesday through to Sunday for lunch and dinner, book your table and sample the delights of this iconic spot in Newcastle’s beachside suburb of Merewether.

It doesn’t end at the Rooftop Bar and Restaurant for Merewether Surfhouse though. On the ground floor is the Beach Bar and adjoining kiosk space, as well as a collection of event spaces available for hire on the venue's middle level.

Whether you’re looking for an after-work watering hole, somewhere for your next date night, or a nice dinner out, it might just be time to revisit Merewether Surfhouse and make the most of this incredible venue right on the shores of Merewether Beach.