It’s not news that we here at HUNTERhunter love all things food. Whether it’s a crash hot new venue opening in town, a revamped old spot, menu highlights, trending or out-of-the-ordinary dishes and drinks – we want to sample it.

To keep you fellow foodies well informed of what exactly is happening across Newcastle in the food and drink scene, we’ve done the hard yards of researching and sampling to share what exactly should be on your hit list.

Venue Openings

BellAmica
Frequent visitors to Newcastle City Farmers Market might recognise this business. Known for the freshly piped cannoli, profiteroles, biscotti, cakes, lasagne and pasta sauces, BellAmica is now set up on Hunter Street in the former Embassy Cafe.
Where: 303 Hunter St, Newcastle

Calamari Kitchen & Bar
Novocastrians have been wondering what had happened to the much-loved Subo spot on Hunter Street. Whilst we’ve waved goodbye to the iconic restaurant, the venue has welcomed a completely fresh take with Calamari Kitchen & Bar – an elevated modern Indian restaurant.
Where: 551D Hunter St, Newcastle

Good One
Lake Macquarie bid farewell to the longstanding and original Common Circus spot in Belmont earlier this year, but when one door closes, another one opens, and in this case, that door opened to Good Ones – a new coffee shop brought to you by the crew behind Glee Coffee Roasters.
Where: 36 Brooks Pde, Belmont

Humphrey’s Takeaway
Pacific Street in Newcastle’s East End is now home to Humphrey’s Takeaway. Serving breakfast bagels, toasties (with the mosties), burgers, rolls, fine sangas, fish & chips, and more.
Where: 12 Pacific St, Newcastle

Emerson’s on the Lake
Chef Emerson Rodriguez announced the closure of his Hunter Valley restaurant in January, leaving his fans without his signature dishes to look forward to. A few months later, Emerson’s has officially relaunched as Emerson’s on the Lake within the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Toronto.
Where: 6 Arnott Ave, Toronto

Newcastle Flower Markets
The much-loved Sandgate-based Newcastle Food & Flower Markets opened up a new space within the University of Newcastle's NUspace building on Hunter Street. Expect good coffee, simple eats, and even some floral goodness.
Where: Cnr of Hunter & Auckland Streets, Newcastle

Oasis Honeysuckle
Just last week, Honeysuckle landed itself another hospitality spot ready for your review. Open 7 days a week from 7.30am to 2.30pm and Friday and Saturday nights from 5.30pm to 9pm, the menu boasts a selection of Mediterranean flavours and even a Shisha menu!
Where: Shop 2 5/7 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

Venues Soon To Come

Antojitos
The iconic Mexican joint is set to arrive in Mayfield with Antojitos 2.0!

Chubby Boss
From the team who brought you Oh My Papa, The Humble Thai, and The Grateful Thai, Chubby Boss, a Japanese-inspired restaurant, and bar, is set to open this year.

Duffs Ice Cream
The Central Coast original ice cream business, Duffs, has officially packed up its bags and moved to Newcastle with the Wickham-based storefront set to open sometime in April.

Morning Market Warners Bay
Originally in Whitebridge, then opening store number two in Newcastle West, the Morning Market Coffee gang are set to open their third venue in Warners Bay – watch this space for the opening date!

Roxanne
Newcastle’s CBD is set to get a brand new bar with Roxanne coming to life in the former bank building on the corner of Bolton and Hunter Streets. A little birdie tells us it should be open by the end of April.

Side Pocket Espresso
What has been called the worst-kept secret in Mayfield, the long-loved cafe, Side Pocket Espresso, is officially in the process of setting up its fresh space (just across the road) with a date of the move TBA.

Slingtown Carrington
Islington’s community cafe is set to expand to its second space in Carrington. They’ve already opened their artists’ studios with coffee and more joining the lineup soon.

Swordfish Warners Bay
The OG space in Budgewoi has built a strong reputation for some of the best fish and chips on the Central Coast, and the team is bringing the Swordfish flavours to Lake Macquarie! Stay tuned for the opening date and more details.

The Curve Thai Restaurant
Currently undergoing its fit-out, The Curve Thai Restaurant is taking over the former Il Volcano spot on Hunter Street.

Velvet at Mayfield
Mayfield is set to have its very own bar! Information is limited at this stage, but we can share that the cocktail bar will feature a dance floor.

Dish & Drink Highlights 

Joe Pesci 38 – Rascal Burger of the Week
Inspired by the Benny the Butcher song ‘Joe Pesci 38’, this burger combines Rascal’s love of gangster movies, Italian-American food, and hip hop. Featuring a wagyu patty, cheese, melanzana (eggplant) parmigiana, gabagool (capocollo), liquid cheese, tomato, onions, and pickled hot peppers.
Where: 38 Pearson St, Charlestown | 1/266 King St, Newcastle

Mortadella sando special at Skip’s Deli
The mortadella revival continues this April at Skip’s Deli with this month’s special, Skip’s Mortadella. It's an Italian-inspired fresh sandwich featuring pesto, rocket, tomato, cucumber, pickled onion, buffalo mozzarella, and of course, mortadella.
Where: 9/32 Griffiths Rd, Lambton

Strawberry Matcha at Sunnyboy Kiosk
We can’t get enough of how pretty the strawberry matcha creation is from Sunnyboy Kiosk at Dixon Park. Who would have thought pink and green would go so well?
Where: 15 Ocean St, Merewether

Special Mentions 

Final Friday Night Feast
The final Friday Night Feast for the season is happening on April 12th at The Station!

Newcastle Food Month
Newcastle Food Month has kicked off this week. Get around over 50 different Plate Date specials available across the month of April or book into a Feature Event.

The Skullery
Edgeworth locals are buzzing with the arrival of The Skullery food truck setting up shop at Ultra Edgeworth. Think loaded burgers and fries, dirty sides, and kids meals.

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Have you got a suggestion or think we’ve missed somewhere? Email us!