Monte

Monte is a café on Honeysuckle Drive in Newcastle, set beside the Hunter River with water views. Its offer is straightforward and broad: laidback breakfasts, catch-ups, takeaway treats and coffee, with an all-day brunch menu that runs from morning into the afternoon. The venue is open from early on weekdays and a little later on weekends, making it suited to a pre-work coffee, a relaxed weekend breakfast or an unhurried lunch by the waterfront.

The menu covers familiar café staples alongside more distinctive brunch plates. Sourdough toast, eggs your way, avocado on wholemeal sourdough and the Full Monte provide dependable choices, while the berry cheesecake French toast, ricotta and lemon pancakes, Turkish eggs and chilli scrambled eggs bring more variation. There are also savoury options including smoked salmon potato rosti, mushroom on toast, a chicken schnitzel Caesar and a cheeseburger with fries. Monte’s kebab is served in toasted pita with herb labneh, tomato and jalapeño salsa, pickles and herbs, with grilled chicken or haloumi available as the protein.

For something lighter or sweeter, the menu includes granola with natural yoghurt, lemon curd and berries, several acai bowls, baked treats and a kids’ selection of bacon and egg roll or French toast. The drinks list goes well beyond standard coffee, with iced drinks, tea, smoothies, fresh juice, cold-pressed juices, shakes, kombucha and soft drinks. Alternative milks are available, and the menu marks a range of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary options; guests should still check the current menu, as the café notes that it can change.

Monte’s setting and broad menu make it a practical option for different kinds of visits. Solo customers can keep it simple with coffee and toast, while friends have plenty of shareable catch-up territory across brunch, sweets and cold drinks. Families are catered for with a dedicated kids’ section, and the relaxed daytime focus should work for casual group meals as well as takeaway. The venue also offers table bookings. You’ll find it at Shop 1, 42 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle, in the Honeysuckle precinct.