Quick Bites:
🍝 What we ate: Takoyaki and tonkotsu ramen
🍷 Best for: casual dining
🌅 Location perks: within the hustlin and bustling Beaumont st., home to a some of the best local shops and cafes
⭐ Vibe: casual and low key
📍 Where? Beaumont st., Hamilton
💰 Price: $
The iced coffees have been swapped out for hot lattes, the oil heaters are out, and my my toddler refuses to wear socks and jumpers even though it’s freezing.
And just like that, autumn is in full swing.
The cold has officially crept in — mornings are crisp, fluffy blankets are out, and I’m finding more and more excuses to trade in my beloved iced coffee for a warm one cradled in both hands. We’re deep in autumn now and I honestly love it. The slowness, the layers, the early sunsets — it’s the perfect excuse to lean into all things cosy. And of course, with the weather turning, pasta salad season has ended and we’ve officially entered soup season.
My new fave gem: Hokkaiya Japanese Restaurant
On one particularly grey afternoon, I found myself at Hokkaiya — a small Japanese eatery tucked away in Beaumont st. at Hamilton that I’d been meaning to try for a while. It’s the kind of place you hear about through friends or stumble upon while looking for something comforting to eat. Low key and a little underrated, Hokkaiya has slowly built a loyal following, especially among locals who know good food when they see (or slurp) it.
Lowkey Japanese Restaurant in Newcastle
I ordered the tonkotsu ramen — because how could I not? — and a serve of takoyaki, which I’m always on the hunt for. I’ve had some decent ones around town, but these might be at the top of my Newcastle list for now. Crispy on the outside, soft and molten inside, with just the right drizzle of sauce and a good amount of bonito flakes dancing on top. Super yummy. I’d go back for the takoyaki alone.
The ramen was everything you’d want on a cold day — rich, savoury, full of flavour, and served piping hot. It wasn’t overly heavy either, which I appreciate. Just comforting, delicious, and exactly what my autumn-loving soul needed. The noodles could have been a bit more firm and chewy, though, but that’s a personal preference.
The space itself is small and cosy, with just a handful of tables and a laid-back vibe that feels almost like a secret you want to keep to yourself. It’s not flashy or trying too hard — just good food, quietly done well. That said, if you’re heading in with a bigger group, be prepared to wait or be seated separately. A few people came in while I was eating and couldn’t be accommodated right away. It’s perfect for solo meals, date nights, or catching up with a friend over steaming bowls of noodles.
And for the quality of the food? The prices are so reasonable. It’s rare to find places that deliver this kind of flavour and comfort without burning a hole in your wallet, but Hokkaiya delivers, and then some.
Should you eat here?
Hokkaiya is definitely in my top list for Japanese food in Newcastle. So if you’re after something warm and satisfying this season, Hokkaiya is worth seeking out. It might not be the loudest spot in town, but it’s quietly doing some of the best Japanese comfort food around. Just don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your regulars.
