The harbour city of Newcastle is a food lover's paradise, especially when it comes to dining out. Here we take a look at the top five restaurants in Newcastle – they include upmarket establishments, a more casual dining spot and an Indian restaurant that really knows how to prepare a sumptuous feast.

Subo Facebook

1. Subo

Taking pride of place on our list is Subo, an outstanding restaurant that locals and tourists can’t get enough of. While Subo may be compact in size, it’s big on sophistication, inventiveness and warm hospitality. With an emphasis on seasonal, locally-sourced produce, Subo offers a 5-course menu that changes twice a year, according to the seasons. Diners love the harmonious, well-balanced courses, comprised of unique dishes that complement each other perfectly. This is the kind of establishment that takes fine dining to a whole new level.

You can find Subo at 551D Hunter St, Newcastle West 2302

Sapphire Indian Restaurant Facebook

2. Sapphire Indian Restaurant

Sitting at number two on the top five restaurants in Newcastle list is the sparkling Sapphire Indian Restaurant. Offering modern, authentic Indian dishes, this restaurant showcases Indian food at its very best. You’ll find a delectable range of Indian specialities, including chicken tikka masala, daal makhni and lamb madras, just to name a few. Vegetarians are well-catered for, too, at this premium dining spot. As one reviewer on the Sapphire website puts it: “Absolutely delicious food full of Indian flavour and really fantastic service.”

You can find Sapphire Indian Restaurant at  367-369 Glebe Rd, Merewether NSW 2291

Restaurant Mason Facebook

3. Restaurant Mason

Known for its Australian and international-inspired menu, Restaurant Mason offers a short but tantalising selection of seasonal dishes. Whether it’s Murray cod and smoked eel or Junee lamb, Chef Chris takes a creative and exciting approach to his refined menu. His wife Ami, meanwhile, provides the kind of professional front-of-house service that makes diners feel relaxed and confident about their choices. What do reviewers have to say about this place? On TripAdvisor, words like “excellent”, “best” and “delicious” keep cropping up.

You can find Restaurant Mason at 3/35 Hunter St, Newcastle 2300

Three Monkeys Café Facebook

4. Three Monkeys Café

Three Monkeys Café may not technically be a restaurant, but it gets onto the top five restaurants in Newcastle list by virtue of its very high standards of food and service. "Monkeys has been my go-to breakfast spot for 10 years," says happy customer Sophia on the café website. So whether it’s eggs benedict or a succulent burger, let friends and business partners, Ant and Nic at Three Monkeys, treat you to Newcastle’s best breakfast, brunch or café lunch.

You can find Three Monkeys Café at 131 Darby St Cooks Hill, Newcastle, 2300

Paymasters Facebook

5. Paymasters

Overlooking the bustling Newcastle Harbour, Paymasters is a favourite dining spot for locals and tourists alike. Hosts Rod and Randolph specialise in serving up Newcastle’s finest modern Australian and Mediterranean fare. Housed in an attractive heritage-listed building with fine Georgian architecture, Paymasters is the ideal place for a family feast or a meal with friends. Both lunch and dinner are available from Wednesday through to Saturday. On Sundays, there’s lunch only.

You can find Paymasters at 18 Bond St Newcastle NSW 2300

When it comes to fine dining, Newcastle has the whole package. Think of this top five list as an appetiser – there’s a lot more to explore if excellent food is your jam. Next time you are in Newcastle, be sure to put some (or all) of our suggestions on your list of places to eat.