Lock's Paddock — Restaurant in Newcastle-Maitland

I’ll start by saying that the food was good and the front-of-house were very friendly and attentive. The Cacio e Pepe pasta was perfectly cooked, al dente, and was tasty. It being served out of a large cheese wheel is an interesting novelty.

We were told that 2 starters and a large share plate is usually what they recommend for 2 people. While it was about right, we were a bit disappointed with the serving size of the ‘large share plate’. It honestly didn’t seem much bigger than what I’d expect for a single serving and we both felt like we could’ve eaten more. Being my first time eating here it was nice to get a taste of the cauliflower dish and empanadas, but if we were to go again I think we’d probably get one large plate each, maybe with a starter to share.

On arriving there was only a handful of other people there, so we were surprised to be seated outside when the weather wasn’t particularly great–a bit cold and windy with rain forecast within a couple of hours. After making a comment about the rain we were told that there was a table coming at 7:30 and we could fit inside before them if we wanted. We decided to stay outside, not to cause any hassle (as we had drinks by this point), or potentially having to rush our meal. The not so great thing about being outside was that the wind made our food go cold pretty quickly, especially the pasta, being served out of the cheese wheel onto a cold enamel plate.

I would maybe go back for the good veggie options and nice vibe, and the novelty of the Cacio e Pepe pasta being brought out in a cheese wheel. But with starters and a glass of wine each it wasn’t exactly a cheap meal out, so maybe on a nice warm evening to sit outside, otherwise request a table inside so that we could relax and enjoy it a bit more.

It was also quite disappointing to find out that they are not checking if people are vaccinated, or if they are even checking in. I’m pretty sure this is a legal requirement? It’s quite concerning that they’re willing to violate the law and put all their patrons at risk. I cannot recommend it until this changes. It’s not worth risking your health, or your family’s,...

What an amazing Saturday night dining experience! From the moment we walk in I’m greeted by the most amazing smells of garlic, fresh herbs and something else I can’t quite put my finger on but only makes me that much more excited to eat! All the staff are buzzing around us, smiley, polite and dressed effortlessly cool. It’s not hard to spot the host/owner with his easy charm and dazzling dress sense, who escorts us over to our seats. It’s a gorgeous green leather booth! Score! After the most delicious smoked chilli margaritas to start we dive into a selection of dishes to share. We settle on sharing a mix of entrees. We settle on some super fresh seafood, and a copious amount of garlic butter accompanies , that I’m very excited to see comes with a generous serve of bread to mop up with, leaving me excited for the next course. My best friend chooses an incredible gnocchi dish with Brussel sprouts that blows my mind and a fresh salad to cut through it all, and our amazing host pairs it all with a delicious red for us (all about being led to the best choices by staff and making as fewer decisions as possible!) My only complaint is that I didn’t get to try everything! (Also loving the fact that they have a super affordable children’s menu, which makes me excited to think I can bring the whole family here) After some questions, I find out it’s a family owned business and somehow this makes it feel just that little bit more special. Everything has been thought about, cared about and discussed. The bill comes and I’m pleasantly surprised to see its super affordable and I’m so excited to go back again and again. Thank you Locks for making my girly dinner date one to remember . Can’t wait to return with...

My dinner at Lock's Paddock was literally the best dinner I've had in years. I've dined at most of the fine-dining restaurants around the Hunter Valley and Newcastle, but NONE have felt as caring and wholesome as this place. I rate it higher than some of the hatted restaurants in NSW that I've eaten at. Truly. Lock's Paddock is not just a meal, it's an experience and it's a vibe. There's a genuine & authentic atmosphere, with music and a beautifully decorated interior. So much thought has gone into this little gem. It's small, cozy, welcoming and the owners are SO warm, caring and humble that it's a delight to support their creation and taste their meals and wine selection.

Lock's Paddock is great value for money and the food is incredible (I had the meat board, scallops, and the famous truffle spaghetti which is served from a pecorino cheese wheel!!! This dish has a much fancier name which I can't recall, but it was my highlight of this decade).

There is so much love, care and passion evident when you enter Lock's Paddock. I discovered this restaurant when I was recommended to eat here by five or six friends around Newcastle, entirely randomly, during conversations, which weren't even about restaurants. Hahaha!

Everything felt warm, cozy, friendly, personable and fun. Not to mention the incredible meals on the amazing menu! I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone thinking of booking a dinner here.

Thanks so much for having me Nick & Rebecca! A memory for the ages. See you guys again ASAP! I'll bring my entire family here, when they...