Have you tried the new menu at Jana? Picked through the fresh seafood at Thermidor, had a nightcap at Vecina, or experienced the just-as-good-as-Totti’s offering at Alfies?
If you’ve eaten your way around Sydney’s big-ticket restaurants, it’s time to get the drive on up to Newcastle. Because this sunny seaside town, fast climbing the ranks in terms of livability and culture, is a sure-shot stunner when it comes to its food scene. Many have known that for years, but I feel it’s still a secret for many Sydneysiders.
Given it’s only a two-hour drive from Sydney, many discerning foodies take the trek up for April’s Newcastle Food Month. Obviously, it’s the best time to take a dip into this underrated food scene. Spend a few nights and soak up everything that’s on offer.
Considering the Hunter Region is the source of much of New South Wales’ top produce, Newcastle steps up by default. It’s not only the gateaway to the Hunter, but also a benefactor of strong growing seasons, which is why chefs love moving up there to open up their dream restaurant. It’s made Newcastle a serious contender for the state’s best small city.
You’ll often hear stories of hospo guns moving up to Newcastle to open their dream restaurant, given the cost in Sydney. This means more budget for better products. And Newcastle is defined by these superior offerings now, to the point where it’s becoming a foodie city on par with the likes of Hobart and Canberra.
To help take you to Newcastle Food Month, we’ve wrapped up a few events we think are worth checking out during the next few weeks so you’ve got a handy, concise set of decisions. And you’ll need it; there a lot of choice.
Of course, you’ll want to aim for the signature event, Le Dîner en Blanc Newcastle if you can swoop up a ticket – it always sells out. But below you’ll find a few of the supporting acts that’ll help fill your staycation with nothing but hit after hit.
It’s also worth checking out the Plate Date program. This is the month-long offering for Newcastle Food Month, where all participating bars and restaurants create a special dish to pair with a drink with $30.
Jana
The acclaimed QT Newcastle’s resident restaurant, Jana, is taking a trip from cask to coast for Newcastle Food Month this year. Executive Chef Shayne Mansfield and Bryan Currie of Hungerford Hill have curated a four-course set with matching wines, including the Hungerford Hill’s acclaimed 2022 Malbec. Skewed towards Argentinian flavours, the feast will include dishes like beef fat island prawns and bone-in rib eye.
That or you can rock up, sit at the bar, and order up Jana Bar’s confit duck hotdog for the venue’s Plate Date, paired up with a glass of Hungerford Hill’s Pinot Noir.
Themidor
On my recent visit to Newcastle, eating my way through some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants, Thermidor was an easy favourite. The seafood-focused restaurant has already shot up the ranks for locals, pitching fresh and uncomplicated Mediterranean with premium produce. For Newcastle Food Month, the kitchen will curated a feasting-style four-course menu inspired by local flavours and the Mediterranean coastline.
Icky Sticky High Tea
For Newcastle Food Month, Crystalbrook Kingsley’s hotel lobby bar will be offering the Icky Sticky High Tea every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in April from 10 AM to 5 PM. On paper, it seems like a traditional high tea with a more indulgent skew, built with freshly baked scones, savoury treats from Ms Mary, teas, and a glass of First Creek Botanica Sparkling on arrival.
Harrison’s Food & Wine
Newcastle’s popular Harrison’s Food & Wine will be zoning in on Basque country for their signature Newcastle Food Month event. The kitchen has put together a long lunch designed after the traditions of Basque country, serving everything from pintxos and tapas to fresh seafood with exceptional matched wines.
The Grand Newcastle
While most of Newcastle’s new venues feel bright and modern, The Grand Newcastle wears its heritage bones proudly. The storied pub has been a focal point for Newcastle’s lifestyle for decades so expect their signature Newcastle Food Month event to sell out. Especially since it’s a classic four-course feast matched exclusively with premium Burgundy wines.
