Market St Basement
A cozy Italian eatery and cocktail bar in Newcastle, offering an intimate atmosphere, innovative drinks, and a flavourful, evolving menu.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Market St Basement
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cozy Italian eatery and cocktail bar in Newcastle, offering an intimate atmosphere, innovative drinks, and a flavourful, evolving menu.
"This restaurant has always been great. They’ve perfected the arancini dish, every component compliments each other."
Reserve Your Table
Consider making reservations to ensure seating in preferred sections for the optimal ambiance.
Inquire About Spice Levels
For milder palates, ask about spice levels as some dishes might have unexpected heat.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+61 2 4906 1386
Address
2/2 Market St, Newcastle NSW 2300, Australia
Website
marketstbasement.com.au/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Italian Flavors
Indulge in expertly crafted Italian dishes like the highly praised arancini and rich ragu. Perfect for a relaxed evening out.
Innovative Cocktail Creations
Sip on unique cocktails such as the coconut margarita and strawberry amaretto sour, expertly mixed for a delightful experience.
Cozy & Intimate Atmosphere
Experience a warm, sexy, and sophisticated setting perfect for date nights or intimate gatherings, blending old-world charm with modern touches.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve Your Table
Consider making reservations to ensure seating in preferred sections for the optimal ambiance.
Inquire About Spice Levels
For milder palates, ask about spice levels as some dishes might have unexpected heat.
Explore the Wine List
Their wine selection features strong reds and lovely rosés, perfect for pairing with your meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve Your Table
Consider making reservations to ensure seating in preferred sections for the optimal ambiance.
Inquire About Spice Levels
For milder palates, ask about spice levels as some dishes might have unexpected heat.
Explore the Wine List
Their wine selection features strong reds and lovely rosés, perfect for pairing with your meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Market St Basement is celebrated for its top-notch Italian cuisine and innovative cocktails, with many highlighting the warm hospitality and cozy atmosphere. While most reviews praise the food and service, some diners have experienced long waits for their orders or found certain dishes to be overly salty or unexpectedly spicy.
"Wonderful food. Great service. Went there last night for one of the best Italian meals we have ever had. This restaurant has always been great. They’ve perfected the arancini dish, every component compliments each other. Calamari fritti is the highlight as usual. Love how they never overcook them. The shellfish bisque is really aromatic, loved it! I’d love to try it with other kind of pastas with prawns etc. as well. Overall the food here is top notch!!!
They have many innovative yummy cocktails. I have tried coconut margarita and the strawberry amaretto sour, they both were amazing!!! Market St Basement is my most favourite restaurant in Newcastle."
Kathy around the world
"Finally, a good Italian restaurant! I ordered the calamari, ragu, and prosciutto pizza. The calamari was nice, but it would be nice if the serving size was a little larger. The ragu was amazing. The pasta was cooked perfectly, the sauce was seasoned well and delicious, and the meat was tender and flavourful. I loved it. Best ragu I've had. The prosciutto pizza was great, I loved the truffle honey touch. The bread was the star of the show with its light texture and savoury taste. My only critique is the layer of oil that was present on the pizza. Otherwise, great food would come back on my next Newcastle visit. The restaurant vibe was nice, staff were friendly, and the lady who greeted us cleared one of the nicest tables for us."
Arz Eats
"5/5. Food was amazing, service incredible. Staff were attentive and friendly the whole time, I had a great experience here. Highly recommend the pasta dishes to anyone seeking a warm, hearty authentic Italian meal."
Alex Ditton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Customers rave about the arancini, calamari fritti, shellfish bisque, and various pasta dishes like the ragu. The prosciutto pizza is also a highlight.
The restaurant offers gluten-free dining options and has a vegan antipasto board. It's advisable to check with the staff for specific dietary needs.
The atmosphere is described as dark, sexy, cozy, intimate, and sophisticated, perfect for dates and relaxed evenings.
Yes, it is recommended to make reservations to ensure seating, especially for preferred sections.
They offer a wide selection of innovative cocktails like coconut margaritas and strawberry amaretto sours, as well as local and international wines.
Some diners have noted dishes may have unexpected heat, so it's wise to inquire about spice levels if you prefer milder food.
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With a rustic, vintage-inspired vibe, Market St Basement is a cosy Newcastle cocktail bar ideal for an intimate night out. Their carefully curated menu features expertly crafted cocktails like the lychee martini, Italian stallion, and coconut margarita, alongside a stellar selection of local and international wines and craft beers. Pair your drinks with Roman-style pizza or fresh pasta for the ultimate treat.
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Step inside Market St Basement, and you will feel like you have fallen into one of your nonna’s sepia-toned photographs from life back in Rome. Located in Newcastle’s hip and happening East End, Market St Basement is all framed photographs and hanging greenery; bunker down in the basement bar for pizza Bianchi and a glass of Usher Tinkler rose. Address: 1/2 Market Street, Newcastle
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Newcastle has become the epi-centre of the craft beer revolution, with the Grain Store’s Corey Crooks the instigator of this revolution. Starting with the Albion Hotel which he ran for 5 years, before opening the Grain Store in Newcastle East in 2013, featuring 21 taps pouring 100% Australian brewed, 100% independently owned craft beers. It’s a craft beer lover paradise!
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Some of the top cocktail lounges in the area include Basement on Market St, known for its diverse drink selection in a cozy setting. Coal and Cedar stands out for its stylish ambiance and skilled bartenders, offering a unique cocktail experience. MoneyPenny is a trendy venue with a contemporary interior, lively atmosphere, and a wide range of cocktails to choose from.
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Incredible tapas, good vibes and a formidable range of drinks to choose from – these are the things that make Basement on Market Street a must-visit establishment the next time you’re in Newcastle. Try their green tea infused gin, vodka with popping candy, their pomegranate Negroni or all three at the same time. The choice is yours.
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like the vegan antipasto board, all served in a setting that blends old-world charm with modern touches, making it a standout choice for gluten-free dining. A beautiful place with a welcoming environment & staff members that are absolutely lovely. Food & drinks were amazing & great options for those who are gluten free
Newcastle Restaurants
For something a little more romantic, try Basement on Market St. The popular Italian eatery is a gem amongst a growing list of Newcastle restaurants, offering a flavour-filled and ever evolving menu. Cosy up in the seductive, sophisticated setting with a cocktail in hand and ready to feast!
The ultimate long weekend in Newcastle
FogHorn Brewhouse serves classic American-style wings and burgers to accompany its impressive range of tap beers brewed onsite, while Market St Basement has an extensive wine and cocktail list and moreish antipasti plates.
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For something a little more intimate, try Basement on Market St. Cosy up in the sexy, sophisticated setting, sip on a classic cocktail and choose something delicious from the the ever evolving Italian menu.
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Over in the hip and trendy enclave of the East End, Basement on Market St is a very cool spot.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit