Wining and Dining in Tasty Newcastle
Newcastle is emerging as a leading food and wine destination and is home to a growing number of secret delights.
Mr LML and I head up for an indulgent weekend break to check out some of the top local spots. Warning: don’t read any further if you’re hungry!
Napoli Centrale Pizza Restaurant
Naples, the Italian city that made pizza world-famous, has brought its authentic pizza-making techniques to the heart of Newcastle. Napoli Centrale follows these traditional rules: a base of yeast, water, flour and salt kneaded on a marble surface and cooked in a wood-fired oven at 450 degrees Celsius for just a minute or two. We order its namesake pizza – Napoli Centrale – which has generous lashings of mozzarella, tomatoes, artichokes, mushrooms, eggplant, salami, and shaved ham. Delish!
Napoli Centrale Pizza Restaurant
Inner City Winemakers
Our next stop is Inner City Winemakers, a unique cellar door right in the heart of the city and just a short stroll from the harbour.
The first thing I notice is the neighbouring buildings, and inside the local art decorating the walls and the wine bottles. Passionate owners Rob and Janine have an active role in everything, from blending the wine through to the label design, and even commissioning local graffiti artists to brighten up the laneways and other local businesses. We settle in for a tasting and become particularly fond of the 2012 Indenture Cabernet Merlot. We grab a bottle and sit back to enjoy the live music – a very relaxing way to enjoy a Saturday afternoon.
Inner City Winemakers are open for tastings Tuesday – Sunday, 10am til 6pm, and also offer a fabulous space for art and music events.
Inner City Winemakers
The Edwards
The Edwards is an uber chic bar / restaurant / café located in Newcastle’s vibrant and creative West End. Its industrial past is evident in the décor, with steam-press bar taps hosting a generous range of beers to try. The cocktail menu is to-die-for, and the food menu looks (and smells) divine. Everything is hearty, wood-fired and smoked, and I have to hold Mr LML back from ordering the Smokey BBQ Beef Brisket as a pre-dinner snack. There are even a few table tennis tables out the back if you’re feeling a bit competitive.
Restaurant Mason
If you’re after something for a special occasion (or just an excuse to make any occasion special), head to Restaurant Mason. It was the proud recipient its first SMH Good Food Guide Award – One Chef’s Hat – in 2011, which it’s maintained for three consecutive years. We can see why!
The environment is elegant yet relaxed, and the service is second to none. We enjoy an entrée of Roast Scallops, and for main share the melt-in-the-mouth Confit Lamb Loin and 36-Hour Beef Short Rib. Then the main event – dessert. I would return to Newcastle just for the Sago Pudding. The wine selection is extensive, made up mostly of local Australian wines. I choose a 2013 Printhie Mountain Range Pinot Gris from Orange, which goes down a treat!
Salt Baked Kohlrabi, Sweet and Sour Apple, Almond Jus Gras
Confit Lamb Loin, Pea, Radish, Garlic, Fromage, Potato and Parsley
Sago Pudding Almonds, Jelly, Sour Honey Ice Cream and Berries
We all know that wining and dining is exhausting (!!), so when we’ve had our fill we head back to our beautiful accommodation at Crowne Plaza Newcastle. Our Queen Harbour View Room has spectacular views of the water, plus a kitchenette, separate lounge, and a bed so luxurious I never want to leave.
Crowne Plaza Newcastle
Merewether Surfhouse Café
I am a firm believer that brunch is the best meal of the day, so what better way to enjoy it than overlooking Merewether Beach? Located on the promenade level is Merewether Surfhouse Café, a relaxing spot to grab a bite to eat, bask in the sun, and do a bit of people-watching.
Merewether Surfhouse Café is open 7am – 4pm, 7 days a week. They don’t do bookings, so get in early!
Smashed avo toast with a view
Scotties Café
Close to Newcastle Beach and the famous Nobby’s Lighthouse is Scotties Café, who serve up fresh local and Aussie seafood for dine-in and takeaway. I can’t go past the crumbed flathead and hand-cut chips, while Mr LML ends up talking about his coconut prawns for hours!
Scotties Café is open daily for lunch and dinner. On weekends they also do brekkie!
Scotties Cafe
Newcastle City Farmers Markets
If you want flavours to savour even after you’ve gone home, pick up some local produce from Newcastle City Farmers Markets. Everything is fresh and delicious – fruit, veggies, cheese, handcrafted patisseries, chocolate, olive oil, spices and wine.
Newcastle City Farmers Markets are open from 8am – 1pm every Sunday.
Newcastle City Farmers Market
Do you have a fave secret spot in Newcastle? Spill the beans in the comments!
- Fly to Newcastle
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- Taste more of NSW
- Thinking of visiting Newcastle? Check out VisitNSW.com for great things to do!
Favourite cafe has to be Blue Door in Newcastle near Civic Theatre!! Healthy, fresh, delicious food!
These choices indicate you did zero research. 1 hit, the rest were misses.
For great coffee and food in a layback relaxing atmosphere to catch up with friends and have no parking issues go to Cafe Inu (Dog friendly) in Carrington.