It’s not news that we here at HUNTERhunter love all things food. Whether it’s a crash hot new venue opening in town, a revamped old spot, menu highlights, trending or out-of-the-ordinary dishes and drinks – we want to sample it.

To keep you fellow foodies well informed of what is happening across Newcastle in the food and drink scene, we’ve done the hard yards of researching and sampling to share what exactly should be on your hit list.

Venue openings 

Emilio’s Ristorante
If you’ve been wondering what’s taken over the old The Hood corner spot in The Junction, wonder no more! Emilio’s Ristorante, with its original spot in Warners Bay, has transformed the corner cafe space into a homely Italian restaurant.
Where: 188 Union St, The Junction

Mr Potato Darby Street
Mr Potato creates a modern spin on the traditional baked potato. Choose from a huge selection of delicious proteins, a full vegan menu, and plenty of vegetarian options, plus the whole menu is gluten-free! On Saturday, September 14, Mr Potato will be holding its official grand opening, giving away free spuds between 12pm-3pm.
Where: 108 Darby St, Cooks Hill

Spur
The team behind the much-loved Arlo's Coffee in Merewether and Cooks Hill have opened up their first brick-and-mortar cafe – Spur. The space is very cool yet relaxed, the coffee is excellent, the matcha is scrumptious, and the baked goods are delicious.
Where: 4 Samdon St, Hamilton

The Italian Cottage
Cessnock’s much-loved Italian restaurant, The Italian Cottage, has opened up its second restaurant in Wickham. Expect home-style, authentic Italian cooking – the kind that even your nonna would approve of.
Where: 1/38 Hannell St, Wickham

The Lot Smokehouse & Beer Garden
Taking over the former Smokin Hot ‘n Saucy spot on Maitland Road in Islington, The Lot Smokehouse & Beer Garden is still serving up those similar vibes with a loaded menu and weekly specials.
Where: 116 Maitland Rd, Islington

The Tipsy Italian
Good news for fans of Italian food – The Tipsy Italian quietly opened up on the weekend of 3 & 4 August, in the former Pino's space in Islington. Expect Italian and classic cocktails, pizza, pasta, and all your fave Italian antipasto.
Where: 98 Maitland Rd, Islington

Venues coming soon

Antojitos
The iconic Mexican joint is set to arrive in Mayfield with Antojitos 2.0!

Bistro Penny
The first and much-anticipated restaurant by chef Joel Humphreys will open its doors in the former Cirque spot in Newcastle’s CBD. Bistro Penny will be a simple and snappy French Bistro with the interiors completely reset with exposed heritage brick, sandstone, and joists, with the fireplace the beating heart of the venue.
Where: 8 Bolton St, Newcastle 

Chubby Boss
From the team who brought you Oh My Papa, The Humble Thai, and The Grateful Thai, Chubby Boss, a Japanese-inspired restaurant and bar, is set to open this year.

Ember Bakery
Darby Street is getting its own bakery! That’s right, sourdough and pastries will be hitting Cooks Hill with Ember Bakery opening in the former Darby Raj space hopefully by late September.
Where: 3/115 Darby St 

Meat & Grain Steakhouse
We've got our eyes on Wollongong-based Meat & Grain Steakhouse opening up its second location in Honeysuckle later this year. A South African-inspired steakhouse is coming our way!

Roxanne
Newcastle’s CBD is getting a brand-new bar, opening on Saturday, September 21 with Roxanne coming to life in the former bank building on the corner of Bolton and Hunter Street. Expect fine wines, signature cocktails, quality coffee, and delicious food.
Where: 73 Hunter St, Newcastle

Side Pocket Espresso
What has been called the worst-kept secret in Mayfield, the long-loved cafe, Side Pocket Espresso, is officially in the process of setting up its fresh space (just across the road) with a date of the move TBA.

Slingtown Carrington
Islington’s community cafe is expanding to its second space in Carrington. They’ve already opened their artists’ studios with coffee and more joining the lineup soon.

Velvet at Mayfield
Mayfield is set to have its very own bar! Information is limited at this stage, but we can share that the cocktail bar will feature a dance floor.

Vera Wine Bar
You might remember us teasing that Newcastle was about to become home to NSW's smallest bar in Hamilton. We can now reveal that much-loved independent wine shop Vera Wine is opening a 12-seater wine bar at the front of its store, and we can't think of a more fitting location! The team is awaiting approval of the liquor license before opening, so stay tuned. 

Dish & drink highlights 

$8 Yuzu Margaritas on Wednesdays at Hao Chi by Lee’s Yum Cha
Looking for a cheap mid-week drink? Head to Hao Chi by Lee’s Yum Cha on Wednesdays for $8 Yuzu Margaritas all day.
Where: 326 King St, Newcastle

Caramel bounty cookie sandwich at Snelly’s Deli
Snelly’s Deli quietly opened their Beaumont Street space in June this year, and have quickly become known for their cookie sandwiches. Their newest drop, the caramel bounty cookie sandwich caught our eye because of all that oozing caramel goodness!
Where: 71 Beaumont St, Hamilton 

Chicken souvlaki toastie at Outdo Espresso
This spot in Newcastle West has become known for its delicious coffee and mouthwatering toastie creations, but this one is definitely grabbing our attention – the chicken souvlaki! Whilst you’re there, get your match or iced latte topped with one of the cold foam flavours.
Where: 464 King St, Newcastle West

Pistachio latte at Local Customs
The Adamstown cafe spot has done it again but this time it’s their pistachio latte creation complete with a Pistachio Papi spread spun on your choice of milk, topped with pistachio crumble and pistachio fairy floss – mmm!
Where: 513 Glebe Rd, Adamstown

Special mentions 

Cakeboi has a new cookbook
Fans of Cakeboi’s sweet treats, get excited: the Hamilton cake shop is publishing a new cookbook! Called Cakeboi Goes Vegan, the book was inspired by owner Reece Hignell’s decision to follow a plant-based diet four years ago, and the subsequent challenge of making classic bakes sans dairy and eggs. If you’ve tasted Cakeboi’s vegan treats, you’ll be keen to get your mitts on this book to have a go at baking them yourself!

Franky’s Dumplings & Jazz
Did you hear? Franky’s Dumplings is back every Sunday at Young Street Hotel from 12pm! Think Franky’s iconic food, a new version of their old house band, and cheap drinks!
Where: 132 Young St, Carrington

New ownership at The Maryville Tavern
The Maryville Tavern is under ownership, but don’t worry – your local isn’t changing too drastically anytime soon. The trusty team from The Prince of Merewether is at the helm, and while they’ve given the menu a bit of a revamp for winter, as well as refurbished the kitchen, they plan to take things slowly with plenty of local feedback taken into account.
Where: The Maryville Tavern, 71 Lewis St, Maryville

To make sure you don’t miss a beat when it comes to all things food in Newcastle and surrounds, sign up to our e-newsletter.

Have you got a suggestion or think we’ve missed somewhere? Email us!