Best Date Nights in Newcastle: St Lucia, Honeysuckle

On a Friday night we went to St Lucia for a date night, our first time there. I think I may have found my new favourite restaurant in Newcastle.

St Lucia is the latest venue from Garry and Melissa Risteski, the couple behind Blanca, The Kingfish and The Swordfish Co. It opened on Honeysuckle Drive in May. The menu is Latin-inspired small plates built for sharing, but you can do whatever you like.

The vibe

It's intimate, with mood lighting. The service is great and friendly, and the drinks flow.

What to order

We started with the Hiramasa Kingfish Ceviche ($22): pepino, jalapeño dulce, coconut and tiger milk. Really good.

From there we went through the tacos, which are priced individually: chicken al pastor with piña and salsa cruda ($13 each), guajillo prawns with salsa de maíz and fennel ($14 each), and pork confitada with guacamole and tomatillo ($14 each). The prawn taco was the standout.

We also got the asado lamb skewer with salsa macha ($13 each), and the 300g Westholme MBS 7+ rump cap with warrigal greens, black garlic and chimichurri ($72). The rump cap in particular was exceptional.

Drinks

The cocktail menu is worth your attention, particularly the Morada Margarita and Agua Rosa. They also have a solid selection of South American beers.

What it costs

Budget around $100 per head with drinks and sharing across everything. You could easily come in lighter with a few plates and a cocktail or two.

Before and after

St Lucia is right near the Honeysuckle Hotel, so grab a drink there before or after dinner.

The details

• Address: 1/11 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle NSW 2300
• Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm until late. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
• Bookings: book at least a couple of weeks ahead at stluciadining.com.au/reservations
• Phone: (02) 4070 9997
• Instagram: @stluciadining

Highly recommend. One of the best dining experiences Newcastle has to offer right now.

Prices from St Lucia's food menu at time of writing. Check the venue's site before you go.