Venues coming soon, recently opened and those closing, plus more in this month's Foodie News
The cooler months haven't slowed the hospitality activity, with a whole bunch of cafes, restaurants, and bars opening their doors.
Whether it’s a new venue opening, a revamped old spot, menu highlights, trending or out-of-the-ordinary dishes and drinks – we're covering it in bite-sized pieces.
NEWCASTLE
Chechos
Chechos is opening in Newcastle this October, bringing its Mexican bar and restaurant concept — and plenty of tacos, share plates and cocktails — with it. Speaking with the team they are keeping the location under wraps for now, but can promise it's going to be a complete transformation of the current space, bringing their signature pink shades and party vibe. So we’ll leave you with one question: where do you think Chechos is opening?
Where: Location to be revealed soon ...
Scarpetta
Hamilton’s dining scene is getting a fresh taste of Italy, with Bistro Penny chefs and restaurateurs Joel Humphreys and Nic Wong opening Scarpetta on Beaumont Street in late October.
Where: 106, Shop 3/108 Beaumont St, Hamilton
Busan Chicken Hub
Sadly, due to the scheduled redevelopment works, Busan Chicken Hub City closed its doors on 17 September. It's not all bad news, their Cardiff and Hamilton stores will continue trading as normal.
Where: Beaumont St, Hamilton and Main Rd, Cardiff
The Burwood Inn
After a long three years, The Burwood Inn is in the final stages, and is set to reopen the doors very soon.
Where: 77 Berner St, Merewether
Cara
New owners have moved into The Junction diner. More on the relaunch soon.
Where: 10-16 Kenrick St, The Junction
Arno Deli
Just when we thought we couldn't love Arno any more, they go and drop an Insta bomb saying they're launching pizza! Launch date coming...
Where: Adamstown and Newcastle
Darks Coffee Roasters
There's a location change on the way for Darks Coffee Roasters, just around the corner. The team are pumped for the new address and have some exciting new announcments on the way.
Where: Griffiths Rd, Lambton
Una Volta
Una Volta was inspired by owner Nikki's travels through Europe, in particular, a small family-run trattoria that she visited in Italy – known for changing up its menu each day depending on what was available. After 13 years, Una Volta will be closing – make sure you book in a visit before their last service on Saturday, October 10.
Where: 23 Watt Street, Newcastle
Mayfield Nook
Brought to you by the team from Cargo Espresso Bar, Mayfield Nook is a little place for good coffee, which you will find in the forecourt of Mayfield Aged Care serving Sprocket Roasters coffee, house-made cakes, toasties, and milkshakes.
Where: 115 Crebert St, Mayfield
Lords Supply
The team are adding a third baby to the business, and this time they're bringing you something completely different. All to be revealed in the coming week.
Where: 155 Darby St, Cooks Hill
NCYC Promenade Deck Dining and Pizza
Just in time for the long weekend, Wickham got itself a new way to dine on Newcastle Harbour.
Japanewy - Islington
There's a new caravan in town, and it's cute as a button. Japanewy is bringing Japanese food, coffee, matcha and a whole lot of Japanese soul all wrapped up in a pink caravan.
Where: 78 Maitland Rd, Islington
La Dolce Vita at QT Newcastle
Two renowned Italian chefs are joining forces for one long lunch at Rooftop at QT Newcastle. On 25 October from 1pm - 4pm, QT Newcastle Head Executive Chef Carmine Mari and Bella Italia owner and chef Nico Gentile will bring together the flavours of the Amalfi Coast and Lake Como for La Dolce Vita.
Where: Rooftop at QT Newcastle
Books and Coffee coming to Darby St
There's now an empty space at 149 Darby St, but not for long. One of Beaumont Streets much-loved businesses is moving in bringing something fresh to the eat street.
Where: 149 Darby St, Cooks Hill
Mayfield Corner Cafe
Serving up some of the city's best Vietnamese, Mayfield Corner Cafe now invites you to drop in at night with the venue now open until 9pm six nights a week.
Where: Shop 2/141 Maitland Road, Mayfield
Sridhaar's Restaurant
Staying on Beaumont Street, Chef Sridhar Reddy Vadde who brings over 22 years of culinary experience opened the doors to Sridhaar's Hamilton's newest Indian restaurant.
Where: 100 Beaumont St, Hamilton
The Saffron Roo
Continuing the theme of Indian cuisine, The Saffron Roo saw the relaunch of the iconic 265 Hunter St. Once home to Punjab Pavilion, those iconic interiors are once again open for you to enjoy.
Where: 265 Hunter St, Newcastle
Perry The Feeder
The window on Perry The Feeder closed after nine much-loved years at Mayfield’s Muster Point, now a new owner has been announced and we couldn't be happier. The Muster Point crew announced the legendary Zaaki Espresso crew will be bringing their newest venture @brixcoffeeau to your favourite courtyard in down town Mayf.
Where: 53 Maitland Rd, Mayfield East
Royal Beirut
Royal Beirut is coming to Broadmeadow, bringing at taste of Lebanon!
Where: 35 Belford St, Broadmeadow
Scale & Bloom Cafe
Located in the former Sherwood, and Black Circle Cafe space, Scale & Bloom Cafe is serving up acai bowls, breakfast all day, burgers, and more.
Where: 4/12 Alma Rd, New Lambton
Slingtown
Slingtown owners Chris and Steph announced that, after 20 years, they were closing the doors to their much-loved Islington cafe. The closure follows their landlord’s decision not to renew the lease, and cafe’s final day of trade was August 20. You can read the full story here.
Where: 3 Beaumont St, Islington
Step Up Coffee
For Mayf locals you'll be all across this one. A new cafe has opened its doors and brings a nice collection of toasties, pastries, and of course coffee to the Maitland Rd location.
Where: 189 Maitland Rd. Mayfield
Surfhouse closing and reopening end of 2027
Merewether's iconic beachside drinking and dining establishment will be closing its doors in February with plans for a massive renovation to take place before reopening towards the end of 2027.
Where: 5 Henderson Parade, Merewether
Paymasters Cafe
A $250,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Newcastle Port Community Contributions Fund has been awarded to City of Newcastle Council to restore the iconic Paymasters Café, conserving its original heritage features, upgrading safety elements to heritage standards, and reopening it for community use.
Where: 20 Bond St, Newcastle
LAKE MACQUARIE
Awaba House
Set to open later this year the spectacular new venue will operate as a cafe through the week and restaurant on weekends, the venue is also expected to become a beautiful weddings and events space in the future.
Where: 2B First St, Booragul
Banh Mi 99
There’s a new team on board, bringing the vibrant, fresh and authentic flavours of Vietnam to Swansea, including everyone’s favourite, bánh mì.
Where: 192 Pacific Hwy, Swansea
HUNTER VALLEY
Atticus Asado
Will be firing up Dark Horse Vineyard in Lovedale on Saturday 24 October. Settle in for whole beasts cooked over an open flame, generous canapés, dessert and cheese stations, local wines and signature cocktails. Live music and late-night DJs will keep the firelit celebration going, with tickets priced at $260 per person, including food, entertainment and return bus transfers.
Where: 386 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale
Motto Motto
Motto Motto Japanese Kitchen will officially open its first Maitland restaurant at Stockland Green Hills on Saturday, 26 September, bringing its fast, fresh, chef-designed Japanese menu to the local community.
Where: 2079A/1 Molly Morgan Dr, East Maitland
Smallshaws
After undergoing a significant renovation, the Commercial Hotel in Branxton is now home to Smallshaws. Owner Cam, formerly of Meltdown Cafe in Huntlee, has created a stunning cafe and restaurant space serving wholesome food, quality coffee and a beautiful place be social.
Where: Commercial Hotel, 45 Maitland St, Branxton
Winehouse
Wine House Hunter Valley is now under the ownership of husband-and-wife duo Matthew and Kylie White, bringing more than 20 independent and iconic Hunter wine brands together under one roof. Visitors can taste, drink and buy wines from labels including Silkman, Thomas, Tyrrell’s and Brokenwood, with 35 wines by the glass, mixed-case delivery and a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Where: 426 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin
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