Headed to Newcastle? Check out these top restaurants and cafes

Wharf 350 is at Rydge’s Newcastle, located in the heart of the Honeysuckle Precinct, the city’s newest and best entertainment areas.

You literally step out of one side of the hotel and you are in the middle of it all, with interesting places to eat and drink in all directions (well, nearly: in front of you is the harbour, a popular place also for recreational fishing). But the hotel’s own restaurant and bar is one of the very best places for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Wharf 350 makes the most of its location, with many tables situated to take in the harbour view. The restaurant also champions local produce, especially seafood.

My favourite way to enjoy Wharf 350 is to sit at an outside table with a coffee, full buffet breakfast and views of the harbour.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Seared sea scallops, local corn puree, speck and spring legumes ($27)

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With its buzzing atmosphere, friendly staff and impressive menu, Parry Street Garage is a great place for a Friday or Saturday night out with friends, or any night for that matter.

I found it hard to decide between pasta and pizza, so I ordered both, and shared the pizza with friends. This worked out because the friend chose the vegana pizza (the vegetarian) which didn’t catch my eye when I saw it on the menu but once I saw it on the table I had food envy, big time.

The cocktail menu was tempting, with a wide range of options, whether it be a classic, spritz or a party drink. I went for the Florence fizz – vodka, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, vanilla syrup, and fresh passionfruit and enjoyed sipping it at a window table with a spring breeze. This is how I see Newcastle: relaxed, great weather, unpretentious and with much to discover.

How was the atmosphere you ask? Like a nightclub in the sense that it was dark and busy with lots of cool kids around. The decor? Dim lights and the plants hanging from the ceiling added to the industrial foliage look.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Black Forest tiramisu ($13.50)

If you’re looking for a spot to grab some brekky near the beach, Swell is it. The menu is filled with fresh smoothies, juices, acai bowls as well as delicious fish and chips.

Once you grab your food and drink, sit down at one of the tables and look out over the water. The ocean views at Bar Beach are peaceful and relaxing: just right with breakfast or fish and chips.

Swell isn’t your regular takeaway fish and chip shop: it’s trendy and has a relaxed atmosphere that draws you in. And so does the menu. The tacos were tempting with a good range of choices, like crumbed whiting, Cajun prawn, halloumi and crispy fried chicken. But I went the burger: The Boss’s brekky burger was a great way to start the day. It was packed with bacon, egg, hash brown, avocado, tomato relish, cheese and barbecue sauce.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Crumbed whiting taco ($13)

Picture a leafy courtyard with comfy couches and beautiful food – that’s Akuna. It makes you feel like you’re on a tropical island even though it’s just off a random side street in the beachside suburb of Merewether. The outdoor area is full of plants and tropical decor with bright colours and a chilled vibe.

Akuna’s menu has delicious acai bowls, tacos, smoothies and so much more. The food arrived fast and fresh and left me thinking about the meal for weeks.

Akuna is popular with locals, which was evident on my arrival, with a line out on the street. It’s popular for a good reason: the atmosphere is fun, the staff are great and the food is even better. You won’t be leaving any food on your plate.

The charcoal sourdough toast includes avocado, sauteed mushrooms, vine tomatoes, halloumi and tomato relish which was beautifully presented on a colourful plate. It was honestly the best breakfast I’ve ever had.

My friend chose an acai moon bowl which included kiwifruit, apple, blueberries, almond granola, hemp seeds, toasted coconut and cacao nibs. She demolished the bowl before I could even ask for a taste.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Charcoal sourdough toast ($15.50)

Outdo is a cute, modern and sleek cafe tucked away off King Street in Newcastle’s CBD, beneath an apartment block.

We smelt the beautiful scent of sandalwood and coffee before we arrived. The place is simple and unpretentious but has everything you would expect from a great cafe. The coffee is worth the visit alone: made with beans roasted in Newcastle by Outdo. The inhouse blend is called Flamingo roasters, a blend you can enjoy at the cafe and take home, along with merch if you are so inclined.

Outdo also has a range of yummy toasties with the option for good quality gluten free bread or sourdough. If you’re feeling adventurous, and it’s on offer, try the special – a mac and cheese toastie! The toasties are perfectly made with a nice sprinkle of sea salt on top.

This place really does outdo itself!

Dish Cult’s top pick: Chicken pesto toastie ($14)