There are many restaurants and cafes in the East End of Newcastle, where the conference hotel is located.
• Bocados Spanish Kitchen: 25 King Street – A tasty selection of seasonal South American, Mediterranean, and Spanish tapas. $$-$$$
• Sticky Rice: 19 Scott St – Cheap and cheerful Thai food, with generous takeaway portions. Licensed & BYO. $$-$$$
• Habesha: 181 King St – Delicious Ethiopian food with heaps of vegetarian options. This place is packed most nights, so be sure to book. $$
• Kitami: 31 King St – Authentic Japanese restaurant and bar. $$-$$$
• Estabar: 61 Shortland Esplanade Newcastle Beach – Perfect spot for breakfast with an ocean view. $$-$$$
• Scotties Seafood and Bar: 36 Scott Street– Simple, fresh seafood and good coffee. $$-$$$
• The Grain Store Craft Beer Cafe: 64-66 Scott Street – American pub menu and huge craft beer selection. A great place to relax and have a drink. $$-$$$
• Susuru Ramen and Gyoza Bar: 140 King St – Newcastle’s first speciality ramen and gyoza restaurant. Japanese beer on tap and delicious vegetarian and vegan options available.
• Rustica: 2/1 King Street – High end Mediterranean dining with the spice of North African cuisine. $$$
• Mason: 3/35 Hunter Street – Smart food in a lovely venue. $$$$
• Subo: 551D Hunter St – An award-winning Australian contemporary restaurant, Subo serves exquisite seasonal degustation menus. $$$$
There are two other hubs for eating, drinking and entertainment in Newcastle. A walk through these two hubs will offer plenty of choices where you can grab a meal, drink and relax.
Darby Street (approximately 20 minute walk from the conference hotel).
Darby Street is a unique entertainment precinct within the Newcastle CBD. It is overflowing with artisan products, giftware, food, coffee, bars and fashion-the perfect place to grab a bite, relax or shop. This street is full of cafés, restaurants and bars. Wander around and indulge your spontaneity or check out the local favourites:
• 5 Sawyers: 115 Darby St – A local favourite for craft beer and cocktails, with a lively atmosphere and music. Open Tues-Sun 4pm ‘til late. $$
• Coco Monde: 80 Darby Street – Award winning restaurant and café with an extensive and delicious chocolate-based dessert menu. $$
• Delucas Pizza: 159b Darby Street – Authentic Italian style pizzas. $$
• Goldbergs: 137 Darby Street – A Newcastle institution, Goldbergs has some of the best coffee you will find on Darby Street and unfailingly delicious seasonal specials for lunch and dinner. $$
• Hotel Delany: 134 Darby St – Relaxed but upmarket atmosphere offering live music. Open daily ‘til midnight. $$
• Wil & Sons: 102 Darby Street – Craft beer and burgers. A great place to relax and have a drink. $$
• The Depot on Darby: 141-143 Darby St – Laidback bar with a cool, industrial-chic interior, and a range of drinks and live music. Open daily 7am-midnight. $$
• Three Monkeys Café: 131 Darby Street – Quality breakfast and lunch food and coffee. $$
• VietKing: 1&4/116 Darby Street – Excellent Vietnamese restaurant with extensive vegetarian menu. Closed on Tuesdays. $$
• The Press Book House Café: 462 Hunter St – Around the corner from Darby St, this café and second hand bookstore is the perfect place to relax. $
Honeysuckle (approximately 20 minute walk from the conference hotel)
Honeysuckle is a vibrant waterfront playground where the harbour meets the city. Honeysuckle has inviting cafes, world-class restaurants and hotels, extensive public spaces and a spectacular marina and yacht club. The 50-hectare site hugs five kilometres of harbour front with a promenade stretching along the waterfront, where people can walk, run, ride or skate its entire length. The promenade runs from the stunning mangrove boardwalks near the Carrington Precinct past the Crowne Plaza and Breakwater Apartments, linking up with the remaining foreshore to the historic break wall guarded by Nobbys Lighthouse; in all over seven kilometres long. Local favourites to visit include:
• Honeysuckle Hotel: Honeysuckle Drive – Premier pub overlooking the harbour with extensive range of drinks (including a rum bar) and quality pub style food. Honeysuckle Hotel becomes busy in peak time periods. $$
• The Squires Maiden – 11 Honeysuckle Drive – Contemporary and classic dishes complemented by the James Squire beer range. $$
• Nagisa: 1 Honeysuckle Drive –Excellent traditional and modern Japanese cuisine. $$$
• Silo: 18/1 Honeysuckle Drive – Happy mix of bar, lounge and restaurant. $$
• Crown and Anchor Hotel: 189 Hunter St – Recently renovated pub with seasonal menus and live music venue in the CBD. Relaxed atmosphere, live sports on the big screen, and weeknight fun such as trivia, rock’n’roll, bingo, and stand-up comedy. Open daily 11am-midnight (‘til 3am Fri). $$
• Sushi Castle: 15/17 Honeysuckle Drive – Japanese restaurant serving sushi and other Asian favourites. $
• The Dockyard: 13/1 Honeysuckle Drive – Newcastle Pub overlooking the harbour serving burgers and grilled meat. $$
• The Landing Bar & Kitchen: 1 Honeysuckle Drive – Relaxed Italian meals and drinks on the harbour.