Best restaurants in Newcastle: 19 locals' favourites
From harbourside dinners on Honeysuckle to ramen on Hunter Street and fine dining over the ocean at Merewether. What to order and when each one opens, built from what locals say in their reviews.
By the Made in Newy deskChecked 13 October 202619 restaurants, grouped by the night you're after
Each restaurant's tip comes from what reviewers mention most, read in October 2026. Within each group, restaurants run from the most Google reviews down.
73 of the latest 300 Google reviews mention the cocktails
An Italian restaurant and bar on Honeysuckle, open from breakfast, with tables looking over the harbour.
What locals say
"First timers,, great atmosphere, food was delicious, the “Chefs Special” Blue Eyed Trevalla was amazing, would highly recommend and definitely come back"
Five-star Google review
"good location, fast and friendly service, quality wine selections, clean and welcoming, sit inside or outside, good views of the harbour"
Five-star Google review
What locals order most
Cocktails73 reviews
Arancini balls12 reviews
Barramundi9 reviews
Address
Unit 20/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Hours
Mon to Thu 11.30am to 9pmFri 11.30am to 9.30pmSat 8.30am to 9.30pmSun 8.30am to 9pm
27 of the latest 300 Google reviews mention the gelato
An Italian restaurant on Union Street in The Junction, known for generous serves and its gelato.
What locals say
"Was a lovely lunch, great to see Saltimbocca on the menu, not ‘fashionable’ anymore. The osso bucco and affogato were great. In fact the affogato is the best I’ve had."
Five-star Google review
"Love it at Emilio’s at athe Junction. The food is sensational and the staff are immaculate. I love how they spoil the birthday person with song and Gelato"
42 of the latest 300 Google reviews mention the bibimbap
A family-run Korean restaurant on Beaumont Street, where the bibimbap is the most-mentioned dish.
What locals say
"The owner was really lovely. We had two bibimbap dishes and they were absolutely delicious! Thank you so much for the great experience."
Five-star Google review
"Absolutely incredible authentic Korean food. Fried chicken, bulgogi, scallion pancake, all tasty and flavorful sauce. Already excited for the next time I go!"
Five-star Google review
What locals order most
Bibimbap42 reviews
Fried chicken22 reviews
BBQ Bulgogi17 reviews
Address
54 Beaumont St, Hamilton
Hours
Mon 11.30am to 2.30pm5pm to 10pmTue closedWed to Sun 11.30am to 2.30pm5pm to 10pm
78 of the latest 300 Google reviews mention the cocktails
Modern Australian dining on the rooftop of the Kingsley hotel on King Street, with views over the harbour.
What locals say
"Fine dining at it's best. Food, view, atmosphere and service were perfect. Give a big shout out to Hayden, he recommended the Beef Wagyu and it was GOOD."
Five-star Google review
"The Crispy Ocean trout was amazing as was the Roast Wagyu Beef. SO glad I visited this time while in Newcastle, I will be back."
Five-star Google review
What locals order most
Cocktails78 reviews
Wagyu13 reviews
Duck10 reviews
Address
Level 9/282 King St, Newcastle
Hours
Mon 6.30am to 10amTue to Thu 6.30am to 10pmFri 6.30am to 10.30pmSat 7am to 10.30pmSun 7am to 10am
49 of the latest 300 Google reviews mention the view
Fine dining upstairs in Merewether, with panoramic ocean views and a seasonal menu inspired by Newcastle's steel city past.
What locals say
"Such a great venue, especially when it is pumping downstairs after a day at the races. Clara was fabulous. Loved the wagyu and loved the desserts."
Five-star Google review
"Fantastic service, maybe the nicest view for a fancy meal in Newcastle? And food quality to match. Highly recommend! Don’t leave without trying the wagyu spring roles!"
Five-star Google review
What locals order most
Scallops9 reviews
Wagyu7 reviews
Lamb shoulder6 reviews
Address
Level 1/99 Frederick St, Merewether
Hours
Mon and Tue closedWed and Thu noon to 9pmFri and Sat 11.30am to 10pmSun 11.30am to 9pm
A neighbourhood bistro on Bolton Street cooking simple French food over fire, with local produce.
What locals say
"Beautiful Food. Best Chicken Liver Parfait Ever!!! Couldn't eat everything so we are having Duck a l'Orange for Dinner! Lucky us!"
Five-star Google review
"We enjoyed an excellent Friday lunch as our first visit to Bistro Penny. The duck was outstanding , great wine selection and friendly, professional service. Loved it !"
Five-star Google review
What locals order most
Scallops23 reviews
Duck14 reviews
Steak Tartare13 reviews
Address
8/10 Bolton St, Newcastle
Hours
Mon and Tue closedWed to Fri 5pm to 10pmSat noon to 10pmSun closed
Guide spots are chosen by us and are never for sale. If you run an independent restaurant, you can claim a free Made in Newy listing, keep your hours and photos current, and tell us when something new is happening.
It depends on the night. By the water, Rustica on Newcastle Beach or Nagisa on Honeysuckle. For pasta, humbug on Hunter Street. For a special night, Peregrin in Merewether or Bistro Penny on Bolton Street.
Where is the best Italian restaurant in Newcastle?
humbug wine + pasta makes its own pasta, Napoli Centrale does wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, and Emilio's is the pick in The Junction.
Which Newcastle restaurants have water views?
Rustica looks over Newcastle Beach, Peregrin over the ocean at Merewether, and Nagisa, Casa Nova and Signal Box sit by the harbour. Roundhouse has harbour views from a rooftop on King Street.
Where can I eat on Beaumont Street in Hamilton?
Kimchi House of Korea, The Pho Hamilton and Hokkaiya are all on Beaumont Street, and Nonna Bizzarro is around the corner upstairs at The Exchange.
How we made this guide
We started from the restaurants that come up in Google Maps searches for Newcastle, Hamilton, The Junction and Merewether, chose 19 independents across the city, and read each one's Google listing and its latest 300 Google reviews on 13 October 2026: what reviewers mention most, opening hours and amenities. Within each group, restaurants are listed by how many Google reviews they have, most first. Ratings and hours change, so check before you go. We have not been paid by anyone in this guide. If something has changed, tell us.
