A guide for where to dine on Darby Street, Cooks Hill
Darby Street has always had a strong reputation across Newcastle as the go-to spot for all things food, drink, and retail.
But when choosing a spot to dine at, a bar to drink at, or coffee to pick up, where do you start?
With new spots always popping up across the strip and iconic favourites keeping their regulars happy, there’s plenty to explore. We’ve created a comprehensive guide to Darby Street eats with every cafe, bar, restaurant, and takeaway joint listed to help you find your venue of choice.
Cafes
Autumn Rooms
Known for its cosy indoor seating, quaint courtyard, and seasonally-evolving menu, Autumn Rooms is a crowd favourite for classic breakfast fare with a twist.
Where: 127 Darby St
Baba Yaga
Traditional Turkish gozleme and baklava have been gracing Darby Street since Baba Yaga’s inception in 2018. Our pick? The Turkish iced tea.
Where: 155 Darby St
The Berry Brothers
Got a hankering for an acaí bowl? Make your way to The Berry Brothers. With plenty of options featuring both acaí and maqui berries, its bowls always hit the spot.
Where: 5/113-125 Darby St
BLANKStore
Pop by BLANKStore for a coffee and a toastie, then browse its retail section. You can even get custom merchandise printed at BLANKStore, if that's something you're after!
Where: 39 Darby St
Cadre Coffee
Sitting at the entrance of Harris Farm Markets, Cadre Coffee is home to speciality coffee and a selection of grab n’ go meals.
Where: 227 Darby St
Coco Monde
This chocolateria offers Spanish churros, Belgian waffles, French-style crepes, rich chocolate mousse, and, of course, handcrafted chocolates. Mouth-watering!
Where: 80 Darby St
Core Espresso
Core Espresso is the ideal spot on Darby Street for serious coffee drinkers and early morning breakfast eaters.
Where: 162 Darby St
Goldbergs
This Newcastle institution has been a hit on the local foodie scene for over twenty years, with the grungy Goldbergs featuring a wholesome menu and quality coffee.
Where: 137 Darby St
Hubro
Located right at the Bar Beach end of Darby Street is Hubro. Featuring crisp white and timber interiors, a healthy dine-in menu and on-the-run counter snacks, Hubro is a lovely pre or post-beach hang-out spot.
Where: Unit 1 A/295 Darby St
Monella
On first glance, Monella looks more like a nightclub with the music turned up and luminous pink neon lights, but who could look past that cabinet of sorbets and gelato? The pavlova gelato is a must-order.
Where: 150 Darby St
Oakberry Açaí
With açaí shipped straight from Brazil, you can rest assured Oakberry açaí bowls are made with the best quality ingredients.
Where: 289-295 Darby St
Sanctum
Sanctum invites diners to come as a guest but leave as a friend. The menu changes seasonally and offers up a wide selection of all your favourite brekkie options as well as salad wraps, burgers, and bagels.
Where: 8/113-125 Darby St
Three Monkeys Cafe
Three Monkeys has become an iconic brunch spot on Darby Street since its inception over 20 years ago. Locals keep coming back for the Monkey Fry (think gourmet big brekkie), the enormous smoothies, and stellar service.
Where: 131 Darby St
Bars
5 Sawyers
This moody bar on Darby St has been a crowd favourite for years. Aside from the drinks, the food, and the atmosphere, what’s most to like about 5 Sawyers is the way in which Newcastle’s heritage has been weaved into the bar’s interior.
Where: 115 Darby St
Bar Romeo
If you’re a lover of music, natural wines, and good vibes you’ll be excited to experience the disco social club that is Bar Romeo.
Where: 97-107 Darby St
Urban Deli & Bar
With a boutique deli, wine bar and bistro offering, Urban Deli & Bar is sure to please all the charcuterie lovers among us!
Where: 143 Darby St
Restaurants
Avatara Restaurant
Devour delectable Indian curries, grilled meats, and biryani at this popular addition to the Darby Street lineup.
Where: 161 Darby St
Beach Burrito Co. Newcastle
Head to Beach Burrito Co. for a Californian-influenced Mexican experience. Whether you grab a seat in the courtyard, restaurant, or under the umbrellas out by the street, the laid back vibe, quality food, and specials will have you coming back.
Where: 135 Darby St
Benjamas Thai by Chin
Newcastle’s oldest Thai restaurant is more than just good food. Complete with a moody dark green interior with hints of gold and traditional Thai ornaments throughout, you would be forgiven for believing you were sitting at a restaurant in the middle of Bangkok when you head to Benjamas Thai by Chin.
Where: 100 Darby St
The Bogey Hole on Darby
The Bogey Hole on Darby its a culmination of all things Newcastle – relaxed beachside vibes, local produce, and events with a touch of nostalgia.
Where: 102 Darby St
Dumpling Flavour
Craving dumplings? Make your way to Dumpling Flavour on Darby Street. There's a massive array of dumplings on offer (no surprises here!) but also stacks of other Chinese dishes to satisfy your appetite.
Where: 1/88 Darby St
Kai Fan
This exciting and authentic Chinese restaurant has a host of your favourite Chinese dishes on the menu, like Szechuan chicken, sweet and sour fried pork, and mapo tofu.
Where: 146 Darby St
Light Years Asian Diner
If you’ve yet to stumble into this lush tropical-themed Asian-fusion restaurant, expect more-ish share plates like miso corn and fire cracker chicken, plus dumplings, bao buns, and delicious cocktails.
Where: 5-7 Darby St
MEET
MEET's world-class culinary offering is rivalled only by its industrial-meets-cool fit-out that belongs on every interior lover’s Pinterest board.
Where: 9 Darby St
Mr Rice
Experience this modern Chinese restaurant featuring plenty of authentic dishes alongside some quirky new additions.
Where: 133 Darby St
Sushi Revolution
Every good foodie street needs a sushi joint, and Sushi Revolution is where it’s at on Darby Street!
Where: 97 Darby St
The Etna on Darby
The Etna serves up quality, home-style Italian food in a cosy dining room, complete with red-checkered table cloths. BYO wine for a cheap and cheerful night out.
Where: 98 Darby St
VietKing
Long-standing Vietnamese restaurant VietKing got a facelift in 2023, bringing with it a fresh new look and energy. The comprehensive menu and great lunch specials make it well worth a visit.
Where: 116 Darby St
Wings & Tins
A dive bar that knows what it's about: hot wings and beer. The sign out the front of Wings & Tins declares there'll be loud music and no salad, which definitely sets the vibe well!
Where: 1/88 Darby St
Pubs
Finnegan’s Hotel
Located prominently on the corner of Darby and King Street, visitors won’t miss old-time favourite pub, Finnegan’s Hotel.
Where: 21 Darby St
Hotel Delany
Affectionately known as The Del, this local pub has become one of Newcastle’s most iconic watering holes and even boasts an impressive food offering.
Where: 134 Darby St
Takeaway
Bangkok on Darby
This Thai takeaway spot is often found with lines out the door during the mid-week midday lunch rush! Try out Bangkok on Darby when your cravings for Thai food hit.
Where: 9 Darby St
Big Bowl Malatang
At Big Bowl Malatang, start with a soup base and pick all your favourite add-ons, from sauces, proteins like pork belly and spicy beef, veggies like mushrooms and bamboo shoots, noodles, tofu, and plenty more.
Where: 159B Darby St
Darby St Kebabs & Pide
Sometimes you can’t go past a good old kebab or pide, and Darby St Kebabs & Pide has you sorted!
Where: 126 Darby St
Papillon Chinese Takeaway
Treat your tastebuds with Papillon Chinese Takeaway's Chinese, Cantonese, Taiwanese, and Thai dishes.
Where: 2/290 Darby St
Raj's Corner
Long-standing Newcastle Indian takeaway Raj's Corner has a home – you guessed it – on the corner of Darby Street and Council Street. Load up on curries, naan, and samosas, and you've got yourself a hearty dinner.
Where: 126 Darby St
Have we missed somewhere? Email us!