The saying ‘you eat with your eyes first’ has never been more true at the Flotilla. Whilst the presentation and refined flavors make this restaurant a fine-dining experience, the personalities, decor and overall attention to sustainability transforms it into a more laid-back and homely affair. The principal team at the restaurant come from fine-dining backgrounds from all around the world. Yet they knew to blend this luxurious knowledge with the local community. By working with the local producers and seasonal ingredients, the team at the Flotilla engage in a complex yet creative process every six weeks to design new menus which rotate around seasonality. 

The Flotilla earned its reputation as one of Newcastle’s premier restaurants since opening its doors in 2018. It embraces one thing in a way that only few have managed to do so with such elegance: creativity with the local and seasonal produce. In 2022, they were awarded their first Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Hat and again in 2023.

Their kitchen is run by Jake Deluca and Darren Price, two of the most established chefs in the Hunter Region. The Flotilla was designed to bring fine dining to Newcastle with a casual yet sophisticated edge. It initially started out as a local bistro but quickly evolved into an establishment that attracts visitors from Sydney and beyond, eager to experience its elevated approach to contemporary Australian cuisine. The Flotilla’s name, which refers to a fleet of small boats, reflects the restaurant’s ethos of collaboration and creativity, where the chefs work closely with local suppliers to create a seasonal and ever-evolving menu.

The Flotilla’s cuisine is defined by an inventive approach to Australian flair, highlighting local ingredients while drawing inspiration from global influences. The menus are crafted in a way that celebrates the region’s best produce, from fresh seafood to artisanal vegetables and high-quality meats. Signature dishes change as the seasons do but here are some notable mentions from their archives: grilled prawns with fermented chili and seaweed, a flavor-packed tribute to the Australian coastline, and the Berkshire pork neck, expertly prepared to achieve a balance of tenderness and depth.

The set menus are where its culinary philosophy truly shines, offering diners an immersive experience that takes them on a journey through the restaurant’s best creations. Eduardo Molina is a hospitality veteran and has had experience in some of the most demanding establishments in the Californian culinary scene. As he explains, the menus are intricate creative processes which take time to perfect. 

Highlights of the degustation includes the Sydney rock oysters topped with a seasonal tabasco sauce, and the Flotilla’s famed fennel soup, perfectly seasoned and paired with ‘nduja. For those with a penchant for seafood, the tasting menu features scallops served with a refreshing cucumber, spring onion and kombu dressing, a dish that exemplifies the restaurant’s flair for pairing delicate flavors with bold, unexpected accents. Wine pairings are available for each course, hand-selected by the sommelier to enhance the flavors and provide guests with a deeper appreciation of Australia’s wine regions. 

The Flotilla offers a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere, providing a memorable dining experience without pretension. The ambiance is intimate, with soft lighting that creates a warm and inviting setting. Diners can observe the open kitchen, where the chefs’ meticulous process adds a dynamic, engaging element to the experience. 

This balance of warmth and formality makes the Flotilla a world-class dining experience in a setting that feels welcoming and genuine. The restaurant’s service philosophy is centered on anticipation and personalization, from recommending dishes based on dietary preferences to sharing insights about the origins of ingredients. This thoughtful approach to hospitality elevates the restaurant beyond a typical fine dining venue, ensuring that transparency plays just as a big a part.

The Flotilla’s design is both modern and inviting, with an understated elegance that emphasizes comfort within a warm atmosphere. Earthy tones, natural wood accents, and bespoke furnishings — such as producing their ceramics from scratch — create a space that feels luxurious whilst keeping it laid-back. 

The decor is inspired by Newcastle’s coastal landscape, with blue and green hues that subtly echo the nearby ocean. The bar area is a focal point of the space and is a sophisticated spot to begin or end the evening, offering a curated selection of craft cocktails, premium wines, and local spirits. It’s just a short stroll from the waterfront, a nod to their emphasis of keeping their staple ingredients — such as their fish — local.

For luxury travelers visiting Newcastle, the Flotilla provides an exceptional dining experience that combines the best of Australian ingredients and innovative cuisine. From the thoughtfully crafted set menus to the inviting atmosphere and coastal-inspired decor, every element of this establishment is designed to offer a unique and memorable culinary journey. Whether savoring the flavors of a seven-course degustation or enjoying a glass of fine wine by the bar, guests are treated to a level of sophistication and charm that reflects Newcastle’s rising reputation as a destination for luxury and culinary excellence.