Eating Out Around Newcastle: Charlestown

Everybody loves a good dumpling and New Shanghai at Charlestown may just be the best venue for these Asian delights in Newcastle. And dumplings aren't the only thing available with an assortment of soup, noodle, rice and vegetable dishes on the menu to please even the fussiest of eaters. And don't forget dessert with the Sticky Rice balls being an absolute knockout. The restaurant is fitted out in Shanghai inspired design and has become a hit with Novocastrians since opening its doors last year. Bookings essential.

Another excellent Asian venue that is apart of the South Piazza precinct is Absolute Thai. Offering a selection of homemade curries, wok fried dishes and by being the only venue in Newcastle to serve genuine Thai street food, Absolute Thai is hugely popular with locals. Favourite dishes include the Stir Fried Pork Belly, the Hot & Spicy Jungle curry and if you're dining in a large group, check out their extensive menu of banquet items. Absolute Thai is both fully licenced and BYO so be sure to make a booking and pop in for a bit of Bangkok.

Not much beats a plate of fresh sushi and the best place to find it in Charlestown is at Sushi Bay. Starting as low as $2.50 per plate, grab a dish off the train and tuck into this healthy alternative. The perfect place to not only enjoy some healthy tucker, Sushi Bay provides good food and a little childish fun.

No list of places to meet would be complete without a burger joint. Situated in the back corner of the South Piazza, Grill'd is a burger joint with a difference. Grill'd specialise in delicious, yet healthy burgers that are full of flavour and low in fat. With an extensive range of beef, chicken and veggie burgers, names such as the the Kung Fu Fighter, Zen Hen and Bombay Bliss mean there is something to suit even the most descerning of burger lovers. Open from 11am daily, Grill'd is the perfect place to head to when looking to satisfy your burger craving.

Lets face it, there aren't too many of us that don't like a bit of chocolate. To satisfy your sweet tooth, pop across the piazza and visit everyone's favourite, Max Brenner. A chcolate lovers heaven, Max Brenner has a menu stacked full of chocolatey goodness. Chocolate mocktails, chocolate waffles, chocolate fondue and even chocolate pizza. I think you get the picture, this place is pretty amazing.

Away from the South Piazza precinct lies Taste Of Korea, a bit of a hidden gem on the Charlestown culinary scene. Family owned and operated, the BYO restaurant serves authentic Korean dishes that are arguably the best of their kind in Newcastle. With the option of having your meal cooked at the table rather than the kitchen, Taste Of Korea is Newcastle's very own version of Korean BBQ. They also serve an array of dumplings, sushi and soups made fresh before your eyes making this a must visit destination for food lovers. Bookings essential.