{"id":4108,"date":"2026-05-04T00:54:06","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T00:54:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/4108\/"},"modified":"2026-05-04T00:54:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T00:54:06","slug":"9-of-the-best-sydney-hotel-bars-for-a-local-adventure-during-vivid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/4108\/","title":{"rendered":"9 of the best Sydney hotel bars for a local adventure during Vivid"},"content":{"rendered":"

Newcastle\u2019s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.<\/p>\n

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it\u2019s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that\u2019s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle<\/a>). Newcastle \u2013 just two hours north of Sydney \u2013 offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city\u2019s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery<\/a> on the horizon.<\/p>\n

\"aerialNewcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)<\/p>\n

Given Newcastle\u2019s compact size \u2013 many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away \u2013 you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here\u2019s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city\u2019s good vibes.<\/p>\n

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle
\n\"pastriesLean into Newcastle\u2019s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)<\/p>\n

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB,<\/a>\u00a0the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as \u2018creative chaos\u2019. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pek\u00e1rna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries<\/a> is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbr\u00f6tchen, Pek\u00e1rna\u2019s<\/a> signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.<\/p>\n

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry<\/a> is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2. Destination dining
\n\"BlancaStep inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p>\n

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca<\/a>, which would not be out of place in Mykonos \u2013 when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands\u2019 octopus.<\/p>\n

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe \u2013 specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris \u2013 at Frenchie<\/a>, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.<\/p>\n

Peregrin<\/a> is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish.\u00a0And brand new on the scene is\u00a0Papalote<\/a> \u2013 a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.<\/p>\n

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks
\n\"peopleFollow Newcastle\u2019s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)<\/p>\n

What better way to soak in Newcastle\u2019s legendary coastline and stunning beaches<\/a> than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?<\/p>\n

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach<\/a>. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen<\/a>, which is open from 6am.<\/p>\n

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk<\/a> for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door<\/a> in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach<\/a>, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.<\/p>\n

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole \u2013 perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.<\/p>\n

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle
\n\"coupleFlotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p>\n

In recent years, Newcastle\u2019s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city\u2019s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there\u2019s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.<\/p>\n

Humbug<\/a> is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla<\/a> neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.<\/p>\n

Bistro Penny<\/a> is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.<\/p>\n

5. Newcastle nightlife
\n\"Bartholomew'sStop by Bartholomew\u2019s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p>\n

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle\u2019s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi<\/a> is the next-gen small bar that\u2019s redefining a night out in Newy \u2013 the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle\u2019s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar<\/a> is also bringing the vibes.<\/p>\n

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne<\/a>, Bar Mellow<\/a> and Bartholomew\u2019s<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.<\/a><\/p>\n