The 15 Best Restaurants In Newcastle (Chinese, Thai, Italian And More!)

Whether you feel like a quick lunch or a generous dinner, Newcastle has a huge selection of places to eat. No matter what you’re after – Chinese, Italian, Thai or some good old-fashioned ‘Australian’ – we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best-reviewed restaurants in Newcastle.

To find the best restaurants in Newcastle, we examined TripAdvisor, Google and Facebook, examining ratings, reviews and comments. We’ve included some of the choice comments from those three sites in this round up.

Best Chinese Restaurants In Newcastle

Dumpling Story

Open: Every day, 9am-9pm

Location: 52 Cleary St, Hamilton NSW 2303

Phone: (02) 4965 3804

Reviews:

I get the pan fried pork dumplings once a week. Honestly never had a drama with the food always spot on. Highly recommend!! – Chris F

If you dont want to have to wait 40 mins for a table call and book one. They have BYO always a winner! Food was amazing and awesomly priced and they do takeaway too. – Mel G

The food tasted amazing, it was quick for early Friday night (although I have been before and it has taken longer than they said, worth it though) It was great value for money. – Jenna R

[Menu]

Steven’s Asian Kitchen

Open: Every day, hours vary

Address: 175 Scott St, Newcastle NSW 2300

Phone: (02) 4929 3473

Reviews:

The dish sizes were quite large and excellent value. We’d def go back again and try different meals as the dishes we saw people having around us also looked awesome! – Larapintara

Amazing food. Great service. Reasonable prices. It’s busy so don’t forget to book! – Terry C

When shopping in Newcastle Mall head to Steve’s for a great value $10.00 lunch. We always order extra to take home for dinner and nightshift. – _rodandren

[Menu]

Papillon

Open: Lunch Wednesday to Friday 1130am-2pm, Dinner 5pm-9pm

Address: 2/290 Darby St, Cooks Hill NSW 2300

Phone: (02) 4929 3102

Reviews:

By far the tastiest Chinese food in Newcastle. The dumplings are steamed perfectly and the salt and pepper pork is just perfect! – Mark M

Authentic Chinese restaurant in Newcastle, decent menu, big portions. Prices are steep. Book in advance for Peking duck. – d_urianlove

This restaurant is not pretending to be anything that it isn’t. It serves Aussie style Chinese food and the family that runs it are genuinely very warm and inviting – a rare thing indeed. – Wendy R

[Menu]

Best Thai Restaurants In Newcastle

Sticky Rice

Open: Every day for Lunch 11am-3pm and Dinner 5pm-10pm

Address: Cnr Scott St & Zaara St, Newcastle East NSW 2300

Phone: (02) 4929 2224

Reviews:

Was a bit hesitant to eat here because it looked a little tired and run down from the outside. But inside, I was treated like royalty and was served some great Thai food. – Leo S

Outstanding service and our food came very promptly. We had curry puffs, some tom yum soup, thai fried rice, a dry green curry with seafood and satay flat noodles with chicken. I was disappointed that the green curry was not spicier. – Aaron N

Great service, so quick and the food is brilliant !! $10.50 lunch time specials (vegetarian) were absolutely lovely. – Jilly B

[Menu]

Ruan Kao Thai

Open: Every day, 5pm-9pm

Address: 248 Mainland Road, Mayfield, Newcastle, New South Wales 2304

Phone: (02) 4960 3667

Reviews:

When we got there our table was ready and the food arrived immediately, as well as water and ice.
Food was great, Tom Yum just like Thailand and the fish cakes superb.- John N

This restaurant looks very unassuming from the outside, however the decor is nice and neat and comfortable. The staff are so very friendly and all speak very good English. – Kerry T

Satay skewers here are well marinated and peanut sauce is tasty but a little less sauce with a bit more bite would have complimented the chicken better. Mains are generous for Thai food but the red curry was missing the sweetness generally associated with the dish. Pretty happy overall service was great food was fast and fresh on a Wednesday night with the dining area half full and many takeaway orders being picked up – madmickyd

The Grain

Open: Every day for lunch 11am-3pm and dinner 5pm-10pm

Address: 54 Beaumont St., Hamilton NSW 2303

Phone: (02) 4962 3699

Reviews:

The service was exceptional. The food was well priced and the portions were huge. Very tasty and vegan friendly. Couldn’t recommend this place enough! – kassandragonzale2017

What a great place to have a family dinner. All dishes were fantastic particularly the tiger steak.. the yellow curry beef was a bit disappointing however all the other dishes & the Thai fried rice were beaut. – wildharry33

The food was amazing, the atmosphere flawless. Greeted by friendly welcoming staff, this restaurant is an absolute must in Newcastle. Traditional Thai food and beverages at its best – Craigles027

[Menu]

Best Australian Restaurants In Newcastle

The Grain Store Craft Beer Cafe

Open: Tuesday to Thursday 11am-10:30pm, Friday and Saturday until 11:30pm, Sunday until 9:30pm

Address: 64-66 Scott St, Newcastle East, Newcastle, New South Wales 2300, Australia

Phone: (02) 4023 2707

Reviews:

What a great little find. The decor vibe selection of beers not to mention great buffalo wings make for an enjoyable fun filled experience. – jacejen

The Grain Store is a gem hidden in eastern Newcastle. The atmosphere is great, the staff are very friendly and helpful, and there are games for any children that take their parents out for a drink. – Duncan S

Pretty amazing breakfast. I had the ricotta pancakes. So much flavor! Really delicious. Coffee was also pretty good. – Rafael B

[Menu]

Lambton Park Hotel

Open: Every day except Sunday 10am-12am, Sundays 12pm-10pm

Address: 19A Morehead St, Lambton NSW

Phone: (02) 4956 1376

Reviews:

The pub was top class & cozy, and there lots of people there enjoying dinner. Service was really quick and the food was fresh and hearty. -Ptkemblatravellers

I was over the moon to score the ‘roast of the day’ the old pork belly… cooked to perfection.The last few times we came, they were sold out. The staff were very friendly and efficient.The bar had a good selection of tap beers and drinks.. – Spero Davias

Seems to be busy any night of the week. Food is always high quality, wine prices reasonable and love the friendly service. Prices are good compared to many Newcastle pubs where the quality of the food does not warrant what arrives on the plate. -Newcastlekiwigirl

[Menu]

The Restaurant At The Burwood

Open: Lunch 12pm-2:30pm, Dinner 6:30pm-9pm

Address: 77 Berner St, Merewether NSW 2291

Phone: (02) 4963 5000

Reviews:

Tucked away in the middle of the suburbs this place is a real hidden gem. Went on a Saturday night and the place was busy. The food is great, steak with your choice of sauce. – Damien S

We had a delightful dinner in the restaurant here. We were greeted with a warm and friendly smile and seated immediately despite some changes to our reservation.
The menu was explained and the specials described knowledgeably. We had a steak (awesome) and a side of onion rings (yum) and a special of Spanish mackerel (my husband said was delicious). Followed by the most amazing Sticky Fig pudding we have ever eaten. – Claire N

Great venue for dinner, menu was very fancy and food delicious. Staff were lovely. Inside was a bit loud but good atmosphere – Corinna Russ

[Menu]

Best Italian Restaurants In Newcastle

Una Volta

Open: Wednesday to Saturday, 6pm-11pm

Address: 110 King St, Newcastle, New South Wales 2300, Australia

Phone: 0434 700 257

Reviews:

Good, uncomplicated and traditional Italian set menu. Very good value, but very large gaps between most courses. Be prepared for a long evening. – John Rosaeur

Always good food every time I have been there. Good friendly service every time. I wish they would have more variety – Amerigo fratangelo

Not a course missed the mark and I’m struggling to name my favourite – suffice to say that all was extra fine. – Mark H

[Menu]

Coal River & Co

Open: Lunch Friday to Sunday 12pm-2:30pm, Dinner 6pm-9:30pm Tuesday to Sunday

Address: 120 Darby St, Cooks Hill NSW 2300

Phone: (02) 4929 4265

Reviews:

Perfect for a cold Wednesday night, sat up on the counter with a friend from abroad, great professional staff with warmth. – taiyon2015

Had dinner Thursday night with 4 other girlfriends and was blown away with this restaurant. Its seating capacity is on the small side, but has tables outside and I noticed 2 people sitting at the bar. – Helski1970

We had the spiral pasta with chorizo, the beef cheeks with gnocchi and the meatballs. All were a revelation. The pasta was fresh and cooked to perfection. The beef cheeks were melt in your mouth (or cheeks) and the the chorizo was spicy and delicious without being too caliente. The charming Swedish hostess and her heavily inked partner were the consummate hosts. Not cheap, but worth every penne. – NYCAussie

[Menu]

El Nonno Restaurant

Open: Open 1130am-9pm Tuesday to Friday, 4:30pm-9pm Saturday

Address: Shop 8,79 Beaumont St, Hamilton NSW 2303

Phone: (02) 4962 5723

Reviews:

Hands down the best pasta I’ve ever had, and I’m a big pasta lover. The puttanesca was to die for – Alex P

Absolutely love the creamy pastas and the breads. Great coffee too and the service has always friendly. My go to pasta place! – Natali B

Every time I visit El Nono’s I walk (or rather, roll) away completely satisfied with the money I’ve spent and the food I’ve eaten. Management is also an absolute pleasure! BEST ITALIAN FOOD IN NEWCASTLE!! – Jessica S

[Menu]

Best Pizza Restaurants In Newcastle

Parry St Garage

Open: Weekdays 12pm-12am, Saturday 8am-12am, Sunday 8am-12pm

Address: 106 Parry St, Newcastle West NSW 2302

Phone: (02) 4929 1380

Reviews:

Pizzas were traditional style and real tasty. They were ready pretty promptly considering how busy there were – the place was pumping. – mantissa74

The fit-out is incredible- massive white marble bar in the middle, open fireplace on one side and an area to hire for groups on the other side. The kitchen is open and has a massive wood fire pizza oven! – BairdFamily05

The main features on menu for good is pizzas, however the other selections are plentiful enough to satisfy most dining desires. – NewieTraveller

[Menu]

Rosina’s Pizza Restaurant

Open: Tuesday to Saturday 5-10pm

Address: 39 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300

Phone: (02) 4926 3061

Reviews:

The pizza was wonderful and I saved 2 pieces for the next morning and it still tasted fresh – SkyeOzzy

Always good, yummy, hearty Italian food that is excellent value. Very busy so hard to get a table, but there is always take-away. The frequently run out of pizza bases by 7 – 8pm so get in early! – Minxiecat

Excellent pizza, pasta and service, one of the few good budget options for dinner in East Newcastle. BYO. Pizzas made right in front of you, they do takeaway too. – Anthony P

[Menu]

Napoli Centrale

Open: Monday to Thursday 5pm-10pm, Friday to Sunday 11am-10pm

Address: 173 King St, Newcastle NSW 2300

Phone: (02) 4023 2339

Reviews:

I’ve eaten pizza in Rome and the pizza here is better. Awesome wood fired authentic pizza, gorgeous tasting base, with simple toppings just like in Italy. Friendly service, clean surroundings. – SlightlySweet

The pizza came out with cold toppings and the tomato sauce was so runny. I don’t think I’ll be back. – boonbrew

As in Italy, the pizzas were not over flowing with toppings making them so much nicer to eat and enjoy. The base was thin with a bit of ballooning at the edge, my favourite part, crisp and yum. Very popular little place for good reason. – Kathy P

[Menu]

Restaurant Roundups is a regular Lifehacker feature where we handpick the best restaurants in Australia’s major cities across five popular cuisines. If there’s a popular eatery that you enjoy (no, King St. Maccas doesn’t count) let us know in the comments!