A Complete and Unforgettable Dining Experience
With stunning ocean views, superb Mediterranean cuisine and inspiring décor - Rustica Newcastle Beach is the ideal dining experience - lunch or evening.Meaning 'rural' in Italian, Rustica was inspired by the social style of Mediterranean dining and the spice of North African cuisine.
Established in 2011, by Will Creedon and celebrated chef Mark Hosie, Rustica Newcastle Beach provides diners with a unique 16th and 17th century Mediterranean themed dining experience with a menu that includes tapas style dishes to mains. The food is fresh and whenever possible is prepared using locally sourced produce such as Port Stephens oysters, Upper Hunter lamb, and Hunter Valley verjuice. Try the six or eight course banquet – it’s often the answer to any menu decision woes!
The generous wine list compliments the menu, with a selection of top Hunter Valley wines as well as some regional and international varieties from some lesser known producers to suit all palates. They also have lovely liqueurs, whiskeys and a comprehensive selection of spirits and cocktails.
The atmosphere at Rustica is hard to beat and the Dion Ackland-designed interior features authentic and hand-crafted pieces sourced and salvaged from countries such as Spain, or that have been created using time honoured methods showcasing workmanship rarely seen today.
This includes a 17th century stone window salvaged from an Italian chapel, and an archway constructed using reclaimed material from a demolition site in Spain. Then there is the bar!
Constructed using handmade tile with the bar top made from aged iron and created in the style of an old 19th century Parisian bistro.
The ceiling timber, from which over 500 lanterns are suspended, is largely reclaimed oak and the large pillar in front of the bar is covered with a copy of a painting which can be found in a small chapel in Chile.
This is not just dining at its best – instead it is the complete experience – dreamed up and delivered by two passionate men who have raised the bar for dining experiences in Newcastle.
