Newcastle’s newest must-do cafes, restaurants and attractions unveiled

Newy’s Newest

Newcastle’s recent reincarnation as the go-to city for gourmands and a haven for lovers of fine wine, 

boutique beer and lively entertainment has been fuelled by the opening of a raft of eclectic new venues 

and a unique mix of offbeat attractions. 

A number of Newcastle’s new venues have quickly become firm favourites on the food and wine scene, while the 

list of hotspots slated to open in the coming months is growing longer by the day. 

On the food front, Newcastle is renowned for its gastro pubs and fine dining restaurants, seaside eateries and bars 

and bistros housed in unusual and historic buildings. 

Some of the more recent openings which have made a splash include: 

Craft & Co Burgers is a local treasure in a stunning waterfront location, popular with visitors of all ages (they 

make a mean milkshake) who love supremely tasty burgers made from locally sourced ingredients. Sample more 

than 25 varieties of craft beer, or take your pick from the diverse range of wines and ciders whether your burger 

craving hits at midday, or midnight. 

Effortlessly blending history, local food and eclectic art, 5 Sawyers is a true reflection of the unique village vibe 

of the Cooks Hill district. Situated alongside cool cafes and chic boutiques on Darby Street, this is the spot to 

enjoy fresh, in-season regional produce cooked in a traditional way – with a modern twist. 

The Grain Store Craft Beer Café sits in a beautifully restored warehouse in Newcastle’s East End food and café 

precinct. Oozing character and style with soaring ceilings, Art Deco décor and rustic timber floors, this was the 

original grain and keg storage facility for Tooheys’ Newcastle Depot. With 21 beers on tap, a glorious hidden 

outdoor courtyard and a casual all-day menu with plenty of plates to share over a pint, the Grain Store has quickly 

made its mark.

Another top spot to share a drink – and a bite – is the Squires Maiden which serves contemporary and classic 

dishes to wash down with an exceptional range of authentic craft beers, often while enjoying live entertainment. 

When it comes to café culture, Newcastle has plenty of claim to discovering the secrets of a perfect brew. 

King Street’s Saluna Café is a fabulous spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch, seriously good coffee, gluten-free and 

vegan treats and superfood smoothies; while Fusion Gourmet Bites and Coffee in Hunter St is renowned for its 

satisfying salads and wraps.2

For something utterly unique, check out The Social, a community space in Newcastle’s West End serving Cuban 

house blends made using a variety of old school techniques to be enjoyed over a game of dominoes or a lively 

chat, just like they do back in Cuba. 

For those breaks in between café hopping and waterfront dining, Newcastle boasts a number of key new 

attractions, ensuring that those who’ve visited in the past always have something fresh and enticing to explore on 

their return. 

To experience historic Watt St in a whole new light, visit after dark to enjoy City Evolutions, a landmark 

contemporary art project featuring interactive digital projections on the magnificent buildings of Newie’s oldest 

street nightly, from sunset. Watts on Watt is a new calendar of events scheduled for the heart of the city which 

includes night markets, free outdoor concerts and under the stars movie screenings. 

Newcastle Walking Tours (NWT) offer guided visits to City Evolutions, as well as a number of other fascinating

itineraries where you’ll get the inside scoop on the city’s history and architecture from local tourism guru Louise 

Raux. The latest addition to the NWT schedule is a Wine Bar Walk, introducing participants to the city’s latest 

and greatest boutique bar openings. 

The perennially popular Newcastle Ghost Tours has just added torchlight tunnel tours of iconic Fort Scratchley 

to its schedule. Join a tour in August or November to hear tales of mischief, malice, mayhem and murder as your 

guides reveal the dark underbelly of Australia’s second oldest city. 

To explore the world’s largest coal export harbour up close, join Moonshadow Cruises’ Newcastle Harbour 

Sights and Sounds Cruise and learn about the working waterfront from the comfort of one of three wellequipped decks, complete with complimentary morning tea. 

And the new venues keep on coming in Newie, with several new wine bars and bistros set to open in the near 

future in the West End. Beloved café One Penny Black will expand its horizons here and serve wine and 

boutique beer along with its famous coffee and tasty treats, while a New York style sandwich bar with a 

basement bar and lounge is planned further along Hunter Street.