Eleven restaurants sounds like about eight too many to dine at in one day, but that’s exactly how many I hit up one Wednesday a few weeks ago. The following day saw me visit a more modest number – around five in total. Why, I hear you ask, did I engage in such cholesterol-raising, liver-damaging efforts? Well, all in the name of hard-hitting investigative journalism. You see, Newcastle Food Month – a month-long food and wine festival now in its fifth year – kicks off this April, with more than 80 local businesses getting involved in the fun. Both Novocastrians and out-of-towners head to this beautiful coastal city to eat and drink well, and if you’re a food lover and due for a getaway (hello, that’s me), now’s the time to start planning your road trip.
The program is chock-a-block, broken up into two sections: plate dates, where you can enjoy a meal and a drink for $30, and high-energy feature events. Over the past few years, I’ve visited Newcastle a bunch of times and know it well. Here are my top ten picks for this year’s Newcastle Food Month, plus some honourable mentions to get around. Bring your sunglasses, your swimmers and your comfy pants – because you’re in for a month-long feast.
1. Bottomless Mimosas and a hotcake at Autumn Rooms
Honestly, they had me at bottomless Mimosas. Head to this fab Darby St café and get around free-flowing bubbles and juice, plus fluffy, sweet hotcakes to share between two. Topped with seasonal fruit and edible flowers, it’s ’gram-worthy too. My kinda way to start the day – after a dip at Newcastle's Merewether Baths, of course. Note: this experience is for 1.5 hours.
2. Street Food Fiesta at Humbug
Loved for its excellent, flavour-forward food and top-notch service led by co-owner and human sunshine Steph, Humbug is one of my favourite places to dine at while in Newy (order the puff pastry topped with parmesan custard and salty anchovy). The team is throwing a party along Hunter Street on Monday, April 14. Think: street food, live music, fruity cocktails and an all-round good time.
3. Book lunch or dinner at Flotilla
Flotilla, a nominee in this year’s Time Out Sydney Food & Drink Awards for Best Destination Venue, is throwing a one-off dinner for NFM – but it’s so hot, it has already sold out. The good news? You can still book lunch or dinner at Flotilla. My tip? Nab a seat at the counter, start with one of their ace cocktails, and enjoy the ride.
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4. Ravella x Alfie’s Perfect Match
After last year’s super successful inaugural event, the teams from Ravella and Alfie’s Italian are once again teaming up for an epic long lunch, featuring a delicious five-course meal, drops from the Hunter Valley and old-fashioned fun. The wines will be disguised, so guests can decide their fave vino. Mark Sunday, April 13 in your calendar and get a ticket before it books out.
5. Panino & vino at Arno Deli
It’s no secret that I’m sandwich-obsessed, and my favourite ones aren’t found in Sydney – or Florence, for that matter – but out of a tiny, tomato-red deli and sandwich shop in Newcastle called Arno Deli. The owner, Will, was a chef in a past life, so his panini are packed with flavour, well-balanced and perfectly seasoned. If you're only gonna go one place in Newy, come here.
Time Out tip: Order the verde number, but add Calabrian chilli and mortadella. Honestly, it’s making me hungry just thinking about it.
6. Chefs with Soul
Keen for a fun night out while lending a helping hand to those who need it most? Three of Newcastle’s best chefs – Michael Portley from Humbug, Tony Harrison from Harrison’s and Tim Montgomery from The Prince at Merewether – will be cooking up a storm for one soul-warming night on Wednesday, April 13. All proceeds will go towards Soul Hub, which assists Newcastle’s most vulnerable, homeless and those doing it tough.
7. Parisian Pairing at Frenchie
Frenchie is Newcastle’s dreamy new French restaurant in Carrington. We’re big fans of the terrace space out the front, with its navy umbrellas, crisp white tablecloths and lush greenery, as well as its charming dining room dotted with antique pieces. For Newcastle Food Month, Frenchie will be serving French Camembert with honeycomb and lavosh alongside a glass of sparkling wine. Catching up with a girlfriend, going on a date, seeing your mum? Book this.
8. Signal Box x Earp Distillery dinner
Two legends on Newcastle’s food and booze scene, Signal Box and Earp Distillery, are collaborating for a one-off night this April. Chef Dan and the team will be serving a three-course meal using Earp’s local spirits, plus a cocktail on arrival (with the option to add more drinks). It’s happening on Thursday, April 17.
9. Vodka pasta & vino at Market St Basement
Featuring a creamy, tomato-rich sauce, chubby tubes of rigatoni, a mountain of parmesan snow and a hint of chilli, the vodka pasta at Market St Basement is a hit. Smash a bowl of this with your choice of wine on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday nights this April.
10. Duetto at Roxanne
Cocktail bar Roxanne combines vintage charm with a touch of rock ‘n’ roll, and they scored me as a fan after just one sip. For Food Month, the team is putting on a dinner showcasing native Australian produce, paired with their on-point cocktails. When? Sunday, April 20. Rock on.
Honourable mentions:
🏆 Foghorn Brewery for their ace cheese and wine offer (and happy 10th birthday!)
🍤 The Del Hotel for their cracking ’nduja butter prawns and wine
🌊 Scratchleys on the Wharf for an idyllic lunch on the water
♻️ Closed Bar for their sustainable tasting menu
🧀 Jana at QT Newcastle for their cacio e pepe and wine offer.
Find out more and check out the full Newcastle Food Month program here.
Time Out tip: Newcastle’s first five-star hotel, Crystalbrook Kingsley, centrally located on King Street, has a fab offer running for April. Two guests can enjoy an overnight stay from $329 per night, as well as complimentary breakfast at the on-site restaurant, Roundhouse, two cocktails featuring Earp Distilling Co spirits, a DIY gilda kit from Arno Deli (drool), and a bottle of First Creek ‘Botanica’ sparkling wine. Now that sounds like a bloody good deal to us. Find out more here.
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