We all know how much HUNTERhunter loves a new restaurant opening or a fresh venue fit out, but there are some seriously underrated foodie joints across Newcastle that often don't receive the attention they deserve. 

As a city, Newcastle is fast becoming full of endless coffee, food, and drink options. Just when you think we couldn't possibly fill another café, we've become like kids on Christmas morning rushing to check out the latest new thing.

But with all these new and shiny places forever opening, the classics of Newcastle are often overlooked. When in doubt it's good to remember that you can fall back on an old faithful and know you will never be disappointed.

So, if you're looking to switch up your dining out routine and keen to try some of the hidden gems and often overlooked restaurants across town, we've got you sorted with the ultimate guide to underrated eateries across Newcastle and surrounds. Happy feasting!

Don Beppino's
While you can eat in and enjoy the amazing decor, this is the kind of place where you can order a lasagne to take away, take it home and feel like it has just been whipped up in your kitchen. Not by you obviously, but by someone who can really cook! 
Where: 45 Railway St, Merewether
More Info: click here

Fukusui Japanese Teppanyaki Restaurant
For a dose of entertainment with your meal, you must try Fukusui Japanese above The Esplanade Hotel at Warners Bay. Seated around an iron griddle, you can watch the teppanyaki chefs work their magic, slicing and dicing, flipping, and tossing food here, there and everywhere. It is heaps of fun.
Where: 568 The Esplanade, Warners Bay
More Info: click here

Goldbergs Coffee House
Located on Darby Street since forever, Goldbergs has become the definition of a Newcastle institution. It's the first place you think of when meeting a friend for coffee after 5pm, you know exactly what you will order before you get there, and when going for dinner I am sure at some point in our lives we have all said "let's just meet at Darby Street and decide when we get there" (knowing full well that it will be Goldbergs if in doubt).
Where: 137 Darby St, Cooks Hill
More Info: click here

Il Volcano
You have probably driven past this place a thousand times and never even noticed it was there. But don't be deterred by its humble appearance, this is some of the best Italian in Newcastle, you will feel like you have just stopped by Nonna's Kitchen. Known for their monster-sized schnitzels!
Where: 850 Hunter St, Newcastle
More Info: click here 

Kitami Japanese Restaurant & Grocery
Located in Carrington, Kitami is the go-to for local Japanese cuisine having served the people of Newcastle for over 30 years. You can enjoy a delicious array of authentic Japanese dishes including ramen, dons, curries, otsumami, bento boxes, and sushi rolls.
Where: 53 Young St, Carrington
More Info: click here 

Limoo Café
Experience the authentic slow-cooked flavours and Iranian hospitality on Beaumont St at Limoo Café! Whilst Iranian food may not be familiar to many of you, we can guarantee that some of the desserts will be, with three kinds of Baklava to indulge in!
Where: 74 Beaumont St, Hamilton
More Info: click here

Papillon
This little eatery on Darby St is often overlooked as it’s located on the quieter end of the otherwise booming Darby St. Serving up plenty of flavours including authentic Chinese, Cantonese, Taiwanese, and Thai cuisines.
Where: 2/290 Darby St, Cooks Hill
More Info: click here

Ribs & Pizza on Glebe
These guys LOVE everything quality food-related. Whilst you’re tucking into your ribs and devouring a pizza, know that all the sauces are made in-house and dishes made of all the freshest ingredients.
Where: 548 Glebe Rd, Adamstown
More Info: click here

Rosina’s
This restaurant can be easily missed if you don't know it's there, but this authentic Italian restaurant has locals coming back time and time again. 
Where: 39 Hunter St, Newcastle
More Info: click here

Saigon Feast
Delicious Vietnamese cuisine on Hunter Street with all your favourites including Pho, Bun Cha, and rice paper rolls!
Where: 267 Hunter St, Newcastle
More Info: click here

Sticky Rice
Sticky Rice in the East End and Wickham may be set up more for a takeaway alternative than actually dining in, but that does not make the food any less delicious. Sticky Rice is definitely a favourite among locals, especially for their Pad Thai and chilli fried rice!
Where: 116 Hannell St, Wickham | 19 Scott St, Newcastle East
More Info: click here

Surtaj Indian Restaurant
Hidden away, upstairs on Hunter Street, Surtaj is our go-to restaurant! It's spacious, it's super kitsch, it's great for large groups (or private events) and the food is delicious. Owned and run by the Thakur family, with dad Ramesh in the kitchen, and Meera and Arjun (mother and son) waiting tables. 
Where: 265 Hunter St, Newcastle
More Info: click here

The Greek Taverna
It’s a building I am sure you have driven past many times, and one that is very hard to miss, but have you ever ventured in? Only open two nights of the week, The Greek Taverna is home to some seriously good Greek food and a guarantee you won’t be leaving hungry.
Where: 11-17 Steel St, Hamilton
More Info: click here

Verde Luna
Just a two-minute walk from Beaumont Street, Verde Luna is a family-run trattoria with an extensive selection of traditional dishes.
Where: 115 Tudor St, Hamilton
More Info: click here

VietKing
Did someone say authentic Vietnamese? Look no further than this absolute hidden gem on Darby St.
Where: 116 Darby St, Cooks Hill
More Info: click here

Vistana Malaysian Restaurant
On the highway at Charlestown (near McDonald's) this Malaysian restaurant is on point! Yummy flaky roti, authentic curries like the kari ikan a spicy fish curry, delicious nasi goreng, and super fresh char koey teow. Yummo!
Where: 115 Pacific Hwy, Charlestown
More Info: click here