Newcastle's culinary scene is buzzing with a fresh recipe from a top local chef and exciting news about restaurant relocations and new openings. This week, Thermidor Oyster Bar & Brasserie's Josh Gregory invites home cooks to recreate his vibrant restaurant starter, while two beloved venues announce big changes.
Josh Gregory's Punchy Raw Tuna Starter
Following last week's Oysters Bloody Mary recipe, chef Josh Gregory of Thermidor in Newcastle is sharing another signature dish. This week, it's his Raw Tuna with Spring Melon and Pesto Trapanese, a bright and floral beginning to any meal.
"At the restaurant we plate this in a fancy looking rose but it's just as beautiful a dish plated as a salad," Josh says. He encourages cooks to have fun with presentation, adding, "Ignore what mum said and play with your food when it's time to plate up."
The dish features sashimi-grade tuna, with Josh noting that while Bluefin is used when available, the current Yellowfin tuna from Ulladulla is "unreal." He advises buying the best tuna your budget allows and asking your fishmonger to "block" it for easier preparation. The recipe serves it with wafer-thin slices of rockmelon and honeydew, a zesty sundried tomato and almond pesto, and a simple boiled dressing of soy, rice wine vinegar, and sugar.
To finish, the platter is garnished with baby capers, sliced green olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. The pesto trapanese can be stored in the fridge for later use, making parts of this impressive dish perfect for preparing ahead.
Frenchie Restaurant Announces City Move
In other Newcastle dining news, the popular Carrington restaurant Frenchie is moving to a new location. Co-owner Mitch Steel confirmed the venue will relocate to 9 Darby Street, Newcastle, taking over the former bar area at MEET. The move is scheduled for March.
"Carrington has been incredibly good to us," Steel said, reflecting on the restaurant's time in the suburb. "This move isn't about saying goodbye, it's about evolving Frenchie into the next chapter." He described the new Darby Street home as "intimate and full of character" and expressed excitement about joining the thriving city dining precinct.
Frenchie will continue trading at its Carrington address until January 10. To farewell the original site, the team will be open every Sunday for lunch throughout December and will operate for both lunch and dinner on New Year's Eve.
New Cafe Haze to Launch in Stockton
Meanwhile, in Stockton, hospitality veteran Ben Richardson is set to open a new cafe this summer. Haze will open at 42 Mitchell Street—the familiar site of the former Autumn Rooms Stockton.
Richardson, known for Crumb and Autumn Rooms, says the new menu will take a brighter, seasonal direction. It will feature acai bowls, fresh takeaway options, and the signature specialty coffee and matcha the group is known for. The interior is also receiving an update, with new colours and branding designed to reflect Stockton's coastal palette.
"Haze is about creating a place that feels grounded and sun-soaked," Ben explained. "Stockton has its own energy - it deserved a cafe designed specifically for this community." The team assures patrons they will see familiar faces behind the bar, with the same focus on quality.
New menu items will roll out later in December, with community events like the Haze Stockton Sunrise Run and a Crumb Run Club pop-up already in the works.
QT Newcastle's Festive 'Friendsmas' Feasts
Adding to the festive season offerings, QT Newcastle has launched a special 'Friendsmas' set menu available throughout December. Designed for celebrations with friends or chosen family, the share-style menu is served at Jana Restaurant & Bar.
The feast includes starters like Zucchini Flowers and Grilled Skull Island Prawns, mains such as Turkey Roulade and Grilled Whole Flounder, and desserts including Tiramisu and a Hazelnut Bomb. The set menu is available for lunch and dinner, Monday to Saturday, offering a festive alternative for group gatherings.
