Coastal Italian fare, a martini trolley and plush daybeds await.
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to enjoy summer in Sydney is on a boat on the harbour. Now, a new restaurant, cocktail bar and beach club aboard a superyacht is set to take things up a notch, promising to bring Mediterranean vibes aplenty to the sparkling city. In a world-first, Solaré offers three levels of distinct hospitality venues, each designed for sun-soaked days filled with long lunches and relaxed drinks.
The venues will showcase Australian produce through a coastal Italian lens from Executive Chef Pablo Tordesillas (ex Totti’s Bondi and Ortiga) and Head Chef Nick Mathieson (ex Bistecca, Otto and Compa) and refined tipples to keep the good times rolling.
Solaré is a world-first: a restaurant, cocktail bar, and beach club onboard a superyacht. (Image: Supplied)
Each level takes cues from Europe’s iconic beach clubs, channelling retro Mediterranean glamour with a palette of sunshine yellow, burnt orange, burgundy, olive green and teal. Hardwood teak and luxurious green marble are further elevated by retro-style commissioned artworks by Daimon Downey, Jeremy Kay and Tiarna Herczeg.
Order elevated martinis from the glamorous Martini Trolley. (Image: Jonny Valiant)
On level one, the Dining Room offers a sophisticated sitting space for long lunches while admiring the harbour views. The menu features polished plates such as reginette with Moreton Bay bug, crustacean butter and chilli; a potato scallop topped with caviar; and lemon myrtle and amaro pound cake finished with pistachio and ricotta. Solaré’s signature Martini Trolley will also wheel its way around to keep the drinks flowing.
Savour coastal Italian fare. (Image: Jonny Valiant)
For a more relaxed affair, head upstairs to The Terrace Bar to indulge in small bites such as zucchini flower with ricotta and goat’s cheese; spaghettini with spanner crab, tomato, chilli and garlic; and Amalfi lemon and mascarpone sorbetto. These are to be paired with punchy cocktails, including the Veluto Frozen Daiquiri with Amaro Montenegro, Red Mill Coconut Rum, mango, banana and lime or the Mirror Margarita with Don Julio Blanco, salted lemon, tangerine and lime leaf.
Head upstairs again to the Sun Deck, fitted with beach umbrellas, where you can enjoy the same menu while relaxing on day beds or in VIP booths, all with panoramic views of Sydney’s skyline.
Enjoy sun-drenched days from the Sun Deck. (Image: Jonny Valiant)
“Solaré is about reimagining what’s possible on Sydney Harbour," said Founder Scott Robertson. “We’ve created a world-first, a restaurant, cocktail bar, and beach club onboard a 150-foot superyacht designed entirely around leisure. It is a completely new way to experience the city. We wanted to capture the carefree spirit of the Mediterranean, long lunches, relaxing on a daybed, cocktails in the sunshine, and the simple pleasure of slowing down as you drift between decks."
Indulge in the Caviar Martini with Belvedere Vodka and dry vermouth, with potato crisps, crème fraiche and caviar. (Image: Jonny Valiant)
Ready to celebrate summer in style? Solaré will set sail around Sydney Harbour twice daily, Thursday to Sunday, starting October 30th.
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
Newcastle’s 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.
When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.
Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)
Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.
1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle
Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)
Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the 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 ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.
Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.
Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry 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 .
Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – 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’ octopus.
One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , 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.
Peregrin 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. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.
3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks
Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)
What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?
Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.
Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk 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 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 .
You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.
Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.
4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle
Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)
In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.
Humbug 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 neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.
Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.
5. Newcastle nightlife
Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)
As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.
