Julio's Is Port Stephens' New Poolside Mexican Bar and Restaurant Inside Bannisters

If the beaches and ocean views weren't enough to have you packing your car and heading up to Port Stephens, Bannisters is sweetening the deal this summer by expanding its already-stacked lineup of dining options to include a new Mexican bar. From Friday, November 6, Bannisters' Terrace Bar will be transformed into Julio's: a poolside bar and restaurant committed to showcasing the freshest produce Port Stephens has to offer.

Julio's menu has been created by Head Chef Mitch Turner who has been working alongside Rick Stein for over a decade. Stein's seafood restaurant operated out of Bannisters Mollymook for nearly ten years before expanding to Port Stephens in 2018. Turner shares Stein's passion for fresh, local seafood which has been reflected in the Julio's menu, which also features traditional Mexican flavours and techniques.

You'll find fish, lamb barbacoa, slow-roasted pork and smoky eggplant tacos with house-made tortillas as starters, while banana leaf-wrapped market fish and steak carne asado are the centrepieces of the mains, and churros and sweet corn cake round out the meal as dessert.

If you're a fan of sipping frozen margaritas by the water, Julio's also has you covered with a drinks menu designed for warm coastal nights.

On the decision to expand Bannisters' dining options, beyond the existing Rick Stein and Cheeky Dog Bistro, Turner said: "with Rick's and Cheeky Dog doing so well at Bannisters, we wanted to provide our guests and the local community with another food venue through summer. I'm a big fan of Mexican cuisine and it seems like the perfect fit, poolside on a warm summer night."

As they say, Julio's is here for a good time, not a long time — so, if you're keen to check it out, book in a road trip and stop in at Bannisters for a poolside treat. You can check out our guide to Port Stephens here to plan out your perfect getaway.

Find Julio's at Bannisters, 147 Soldiers Point Road, Soldiers Point from Friday, November 6. It's open from 5.30–9pm daily.