New restaurants Newcastle: the 2026 openings, cafes included
Five new places worth your time, from a cafe in a 130-year-old mess hall to a French bistro on Darby Street. Plus what is coming soon, and what is closing so you can get there first.
By the Made in Newy deskChecked 20 October 2026Newcastle city only
New places open in Newcastle most weeks, and most lists of them are years out of date. This one covers the city only, not the whole Hunter. Every opening below was confirmed against the venue or a named news report.
The year's biggest opening comes first: a cafe in a 130-year-old building on the hill. Then the rest of 2026, and the smaller newcomers from the past few weeks.
King Edward Park in 1953. The cottage on Shepherds Hill above it stayed shut to the public until July this year. Photo: Photographed by Sam Hood, State Library of NSW, public domain1
Noah Leonard, 24, and Blake Gontier, 27, opened Eddie's in the 1890s military mess hall on Shepherds Hill, the first time it has ever been open to the public. City of Newcastle spent $1.8 million restoring it after the 2015 superstorm. It sits on the Bathers Way with views from Port Stephens to Dudley.
OrderA coffee on the walk, then come back for lunch with the view.
41 The Terrace, The HillCheck Eddie's socials for current hours
Frenchie has moved from Carrington's old Criterion Hotel to the city end of Darby Street. Chef Rafael Tonon brings Brazilian and Italian roots to a French menu, from the group behind MEET and Alfie's.
OrderThe steak tartare with paper-thin frites, or the Frenchie burger, served in a pink bun on a silver platter.
9 Darby St, NewcastleDinner Wed to Sat from 5pm, lunch Fri and Sat from noon
Miller Roberts made coffee around Newcastle for more than 15 years before opening her own place on Brunker Road. The house blend comes from Glee, the roaster run by her sister and brother-in-law. "I feel like there's little pieces of every place I've worked in built into Mill's," she told HUNTERhunter.
OrderA Portuguese tart or an almond croissant with the house blend.
Hayley Sinkinson and Phil Gameson, the couple behind Praise Joe, took on a long-empty shopfront on The Lane overlooking Throsby Creek. Both are chefs by trade, and this time the kitchen leads. "I just didn't want to do the same thing again," Hayley told the Herald.
OrderThe scones, or the Holy Guacamole.
74 The Lane, MaryvilleMon to Sat 6am to 2pm, Sun 7am to 2pm
Smaller openings from recent months. Hours are still settling, so check before you go.
5
Mayfield Nook
NewMayfield
A small coffee stop from the team behind Cargo Espresso Bar, in the forecourt of Mayfield Aged Care, pouring Sprocket Roasters coffee with cakes, toasties and milkshakes.
115 Crebert St, MayfieldCheck Mayfield Nook for hours
Tell us before you open and we will check it out for this list. Spots here are never paid for. Independent venues can also claim a free Made in Newy listing to keep their hours and photos current.
What new restaurants have opened in Newcastle in 2026?
This year's openings include Eddie's at Shepherds Hill (July), Frenchie on Darby Street (July), Mill's in Adamstown (July) and Hayl Mary in Maryville (May), plus Mayfield Nook.
What is Eddie's at Shepherds Hill?
A cafe inside the 1890s military mess hall in King Edward Park, opened on 22 July 2026 by Noah Leonard and Blake Gontier after a $1.8 million council restoration. It is the first time the building has been open to the public.
Where is Frenchie in Newcastle now?
Frenchie moved from Carrington to 9 Darby Street, Newcastle. It serves dinner Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm and lunch Friday and Saturday from noon.
Which Newcastle restaurants are closing?
Una Volta on Watt Street closed after its final service on 10 October 2026. Slingtown's original Islington cafe closed on 20 August, and Merewether Surfhouse closes in February 2027 for a renovation.
How often is this list updated?
Openings move from coming soon to opened once we have confirmed them against the venue or a named report. The date it was last checked is at the top of the page.
How we made this guide
We track openings through venue announcements, Newcastle Herald and Newcastle Weekly reporting and HUNTERhunter's foodie news, and confirm each one against the venue or a named report before it goes on the list. Checked 20 October 2026. Nobody paid to be included. If you spot something out of date, tell us.
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