Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. And while a thoughtful home-cooked meal from the heart on February 14 sounds romantic – and it is – it can strike fear into just as many hearts.
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So, you’re going to make a dinner reservation. But where? It all depends what you are looking for. Here are some categories to consider that might make your job a little easier – many overlap, too.
Meat lovers are spoilt for choice with the likes of low and slow open-fire cooking at Pokolbin’s Yellow Billy Restaurant. Watching the food cook, and the chefs at work, gets the tastebuds working overtime. There’s also the Argentinian flair of Meet at Honeysuckle, steaks at Merewether’s The Burwood, the pork knuckles at Oma’s Kitchen and Doppelganger Kitchen, and the US-inspired ribs and briskets at The Falcon.
If your loved one is vegan or vegetarian, Love Kitchen (formerly Nanna Kerr’s Kitchen) is offering a value for money, locally sourced feast. Pino’s at Islington proves you don’t need meat to cook authentic Italian dishes and Moor Newcastle East is known for stripping dishes back without losing any flavour. Maverick’s on Darby is offering a three course vegan menu for $48 per person (including a cocktail) on February 14 from 5pm to 9pm. And Bonta Vera at Minmi always has a meal for every vegan.
Dinner with a view? Consider Battlesticks and Scratchleys on Newcastle Harbour, Lakehouse Cafe at Murray’s Beach, Merewether Surfhouse, Rustica, Little Beach Boat House (book early or be disappointed), Deck 56 at Belmont or Lake Macquarie Yacht Club. Booragul’s Awaba House Restaurant & Cafe has a nice outlook and most Hunter Valley restaurants have impressive rural vistas with dramatic escarpment backdrops, too. Scotties at Newcastle East has an urban streetscape and sea breeze appeal.
If you’re looking for an intimate experience, Bar Petite is a popular choice. Muted lighting, couches, dishes designed to be shared – talk about romantic. Kitami on King is another, with its eclectic decor and stunning Japanese share plates. COQUUN at Maitland, Sephardim at Warners Bay, Sprout Dining, Coal River & Co, Barrios 2304, Reserve and the award-winning Nagisa at Honeysuckle also fit the bill.
When it comes to international cuisine, Antojitos on Steel Street in Newcastle is consistent and family friendly, as is Susuru Ramen & Gyoza. Bao Brothers never lets you down; Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant on King Street in Newcastle is worth a visit; and keep an eye out for which chef is cooking what menu at The Residency Kitchen on Bolton Street. Bocados, Sticky Rice Thai at Wickham, Toronthai at Toronto and Sesames on the Lake at Belmont are popular, and Franky’s Lan Zhou Noodles is a hit, too.
If you like the finer things in life, look no further than Subo, Restaurant Mason, Bistro Molines, EXP. restaurant, Rick Stein at Bannisters, Margan Restaurant, Restaurant Botanica and Emersons Cafe & Restaurant. And if you really want to impress, stay the night at Spicers Guesthouse or The Anchorage.
