New South Wales’ restaurant and cuisine scene is mainly centered around Sydney. This beautiful cosmopolitan city boasts an assortment of restaurants, including a list of Australia’s most elegant and decorative dining establishments. A world of tastes can be found throughout the streets of this amazing city. However, in coastal areas of the state, seafood has become an important feature of New South Wales’ culinary industry. Cities like Newcastle and Wollongong are blessed with stunning seafood delicacies worth sampling. Of course, Sydney is also the center of New South Wales’ night life. But, visitors will be able to experience a memorable night out in most cities and towns throughout the eastern coast of the state.

Bars and Pubbing in New South Wales

Sydney is filled with enticing night venues and pubs. A month-long holiday would not give enough time to sample all the heart of New South Wales has to offer. Darling Harbour is a fascinating night spot, as is North Sydney and young revelers frequent these areas. Home (Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Park, Sydney) is one of Sydney’s liveliest night clubs. The Cargo Bar and Lounge (King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour, Sydney) is now a popular club with a diverse music scene. In North Sydney, the Greenwood Hotel (36 Blue Street, North Sydney) attracts a young crowd with its four bars. Most of these pubs and clubs remain open well past 1:00 a.m.

Wollongong is home to plenty of relaxing and head-banging establishments of its own in New South Wales. A more laid-back and social night out can be found at The Builders Club (61 Church Street, Wollongong). For both bar and nightclub entertainment mixed into one, tourists should head to Harp Hotel (Corrimal Street, Wollongong). Castro’s (Victoria Street, Wollongong) is a hidden secret in Wollongong. This club is an electric venue that hosts different several parties on the weekends.

Newcastle has a surprisingly vast number of pubs and clubs. On a Friday or Saturday night, try mixing with the locals at MJ Finnegans Irish Pub (Corner Darby and King Street, Newcastle). Famous for its own beers and foreshore views, Queens Wharf Brewery (150 Wharf Road, Newcastle) is not to be missed. Live music is the main drawcard at Northern Star Hotel (112 Beaumont Street, Hamilton, Newcastle).

Dining and Cuisine in New South Wales

Sydney’s dining scene is unmatched anywhere in New South Wales, and only by Melbourne outside of the state. Tetsuya’s (529 Kent Street, Sydney CBD) is one of the most famous Japanese fusion restaurants in Australia. For a twist of modern Australian and French tastes, no restaurant does it better than Est (252 George Street, Sydney CBD). Seafood delights, with an Asian influence mind you, are found at Rockpool (107 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney). Also, Quay (Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay, The Rocks, Sydney) is a top restaurant that has received many awards since opening. The prices here are quite high though.

Newcastle boasts several interesting restaurants worth visiting. Bacchus (141 King Street, Newcastle) is a tremendous dining experience offering the latest French-influenced cuisine. Scratchleys on the Wharf (200 Wharf Road, Newcastle) provides intricate meat dishes, although its seafood cuisine is the number one lure. Restaurant II (8 Bolton Street, Newcastle), otherwise known as Restaurant Deux, is another French-inspired establishment with delightful fare.

Wollongong is a wonderful host, especially when it comes to dining in New South Wales. Lorenzo’s Diner (Keira Street, Wollongong) provides a romantic and succulent dining experience, complete with traditional Italian cuisine. This restaurant maintains a friendly rivalry with its close neighbor, Caveau (122-124 Keira Street, Wollongong), which serves brilliant French-inspired dishes. Marco’s (Corrimal Street, Wollongong) is another Italian-focused restaurant that serves large portions at excellent prices.