Love the place: a wine in an original bank-style building; high ceilings, beautifully designed,…read morelarge, darkly well-lit with a corner of large comfortable couches, candles, oh and the fabulous wine list. It's pretty much everything I could wish for. Unfortunately, for me, the music ruins the atmosphere. I wouldn't expect pseudo-dance music to be played (and slightly too loudly), in the afternoon of a week night. I've been in here a few times, and felt the same. For the clientele they want to attract, they need to rethink the music. Something along the lines of SBS Chill Radio would be much more flattering to the otherwise superbly executed concept.

Good is sensational, tapas/share plates only, but everything is unique and really good! I had the…read morezucchini spaghetti, I'm no veg, but it ad great and the spanner crab was sensational! Nice building, grant ambience, highly recommend!

By definition, a larder means a room or a large cupboard that's used for storing food. And woah,…read moredoes this shop live up to its name. The Larder is a beautifully arranged store full of gorgeously packaged products that will have you wondering whether you're buying something just for its pretty jar or for the actual product itself. It does make for handy gift shopping though (whose mum doesn't love a block of French chocolate or Blue Mountains handcrafted coffee?). They stock a really great range of Australian and international cheeses, Hunter Valley olive oil by the litre, and top brands like Christine Manfield, Byron Bay Chilli Co and Toby's Estate. If you're on your way to a dinner party or BBQ and need to take along a token offering, grab a loaf of Brasserie sourdough or a cheese platter. The specialty grocer store opened after the owners returned from France and realised how difficult it is to find all the quality local and imported products you wanr in the one place. The staff are helpful and knowledgeable and clearly love what they're doing. There's plenty of parking available, just look for the green and white striped storefront.

Looking for some fine ingredients? Stop here…read more They've got some fine cheeses, breads, pastas, sauces, and more. Lots of artisan-produced foodstuffs from Australia and around the world. Good stuff for gifts to foodie people, or when you need to lay out bits and bites that need to impress. You can also buy quality olive oil in bulk - in their or your own containers - that is much closer to cheap bottled brands. Nice!

This was only my second visit but it was in perfect contrast to the loud, crowded and somewhat…read moredaunting wedding reception I attended years ago. 4pm on a Saturday allowed my group of four freedom of seating amongst the gorgeous (French inspired?) furniture, ease of conversation with minimal noise and nearly the barman to ourselves. There was a large party of 30 arriving at 7:30pm but we had moved on by then. Ramsey behind the bar was awesome and since I find most cocktails too strong he asked what I liked and made me something to match. It was fruity but most importantly sweet which I loved! Food certainly ranks higher than alcohol for me and Bar Petite has this well covered. We ordered arancini balls, sweet potato fries and spring rolls which I can't fault. They were all delicious. I'll definitely be back.

This is a unique place in the heart of newcastle, accessible and comfortable. It provides a warm…read moreand homely atmosphere that is a delight during winter. Set right on near newcastle beach it leads up to a delightful after dinner walk, and hidden away it ensues a relaxing and intimate vibe. It isn't ideal for large groups, preferably small groups of friends (3-5) looking for a great selection of wines with a tasty menu. The cheese platter is a delectable selection of seasonal treats, preparing you for a moorish and extravagant main menu. Perfect for an easy and simpler night out. Barramundi is strong recommended.

This is our go to local place, great italian food always, the owners provide excellent service. We…read moretry to get their once a month. Not cheap but always amazing food.

Sevardi Italian restaurant has evolved into a wine and tapas bar. The wine menu is interesting and…read morealso includes Australian spirits and ciders. However the tapas menu is very disappointing. The menu shows very little imagination and the execution of the tapas did not live up to the hype on their Facebook/Web pages. We started with eggplant tapenade and pâté, both straight out of the fridge which was a mismatch to the warm toasted bread. Eggplant was bitter, however the gherkins helped lift the pâté. Salt and pepper calamari was the worst I've ever had -- enormous rings with no salt or pepper. The one highlight was the garlic prawns which were well seasoned and tasty. The last dish we tried were the beef skewers - unseasoned mince on skewers with the same salad we'd seen twice before -- mixed leaves with a balsamic glaze. Unless someone gives the food some taste and oomph this great opportunity for a longed-for wine bar in Beecroft will slip away.

Love this bar! Sister took me right after my flight landed…read moreand was treated to a nice vibe, helpful services and awesome drinks! It's also nice that the place has an outdoor deck as well as a little place to drink by the sidewalk.

Part of the 'new' Newcastle, this funky wine/cocktail/tapas bar has New York vibes and combines…read morefriendly and efficient service with skilled mixologists (choose from a cocktail list or have them make your own) with a modern tapas menu (prawn soft tacos and the wagyu sliders are highlights). A mostly local crowd were enjoying a live DJ on the Friday night I was there.

A great little place on Darby St. We were lucky to get in. Got to sit at a bar in front of the…read morekitchen. Wagyu brescaola entree was amazeballs. Pumpkin bruschetta was very good. Next up was a brisket and ricotta gnocchi with a mushroom pasta. Watching it cook was mouth watering. Seriously one of the best Italian meals I have ever had.

Amazing pasta and fantastic service! Simply a must for those who enjoy good, simple cuisine. One of…read morethe best new restaurants in Newcastle.

This is a little bar on the main strip in Avalon. A friend of mine brought me here, and let's just…read moresay that it is a great little beach bar. If you are expecting fancy drinks and cocktails, then you need to head somewhere else. But if you want a nice drink, with a relaxed vibe and atmosphere then come right in. They do have a fine list of cocktails (nothing overly fancy - but sometimes that is not a good thing), and very good list of wine. This bar also does food - I honestly didn't try the food but it looked (and smelled) quite good. There is seats outside the bar, and also if you head back there is a small sitting area out the back. However, this is a small bar so if you are coming with a large group you might find it hard to get a table. Especailly because all the tables are for an average size of 4.

There aren't that many places where you can grab a drink less than 100m from the beach- and there…read moreare even less that aren't some old RSL crammed full of pokie machines and tooheys old on tap.* luckily this is one of those places! The Mill has a really quiet, easy going vibe (which is pretty much just Avalon in general) and has a decent selection of beers, wines and cocktails on offer. Staff were friendly and willing to make suggestions and the food smelt pretty awesome too! It's quite small- so don't come here with the extended family, but I will definitely be coming back here again. *for the record, nothing wrong with a Tooheys old every now and then- just making a point.