Gluten Free Dining in the Hunter Valley
It’s no secret the Hunter Valley is a food and wine-lovers paradise. There are hatted restaurants offering exceptional dining experiences and plenty of casual dining options scattered between award-winning wineries. While it is not hard to find a delicious meal in the Hunter, for those who are coeliac or gluten-free, it can be difficult to uncover where to eat. With many friends visiting us who are coeliac or have gluten intolerances, we’re always on the lookout for great restaurants that cater for dietary requirements, and the good news is that there are loads of places to discover. Here are some of our favourite Hunter Valley restaurants catering to gluten-free diners:
The best Hunter Valley restaurants for gluten-free diners
Whether you’re after fine dining, Asian flavours, artisan chocolate or a family pizza feast, try these Hunter Valley dining destinations.
Sally and Robert Molines are hospitality veterans and a meal at their French inspired restaurant is a dining experience that you won’t forget. With some of the most stunning views in the Hunter Valley, pulling up a chair here is like being transported to a dreamy pocket of French countryside. The team are aware of cross contamination and there’s plenty on the menu that can be prepared gluten-free. Go on and treat yourself – this will be a memorable dining experience that you can enjoy for years to come!
749 Mount View Road, Mount View
Bimbadgen have a woodfired pizza oven in their Tuscan-inspired courtyard that is the perfect spot for a casual bite. There are gluten-free pizza bases available, along with some additional gluten-free options. The Pork and Fennel pizza is a must try! Open for lunch seven days a week, and dinner Friday-Saturday.
790 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin
Many of the delicious dishes at Yellow Billy are already gluten-free, however, they are very familiar with coeliac requests. Just make sure when you are booking to let the restaurant know and they will have a separate menu prepared on arrival.
697 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin
The breakfast buffet in Redsalt Restaurant is infamous with the locals, and gluten-free diners don't have to miss out on the amazing spread. The resort provides a separate breakfast buffet and toaster for coeliacs, with all of the dietary information clearly displayed to ease any food worries.
430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale
Satisfy sweet cravings at Cocoa Nib, a local favourite for sublime small-batch artisan chocolate. Located directly opposite Scarborough on Hermitage Road, this is a must-visit for a decadent gluten-free hot chocolate and handmade praline or chocolate bar.
989 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin
Oishii Japanese and Thai Cuisine
There are plenty of gluten-free items on the menu at Oishii, from hand-rolled sushi to satay chicken, curries and stir-fries. The menu is vast with plenty of choices and you can dine in or take away.
2144 Broke Road, Pokolbin
This family-run restaurant has a comprehensive gluten-free menu that contains all manner of comfort food, from chicken schnitzel to mixed grills and burgers. Blanchies make as much fresh to order, including their own battered fish to chicken schnitzels – All 100% gluten-free. There’s gluten-free toast for the breakfast menu and the gluten-free sticky date pudding is worth saving room for.
485 McDonalds Rd Pokolbin (Inside Leisure Inn)
The Hunter Region – Travelling Further afield
Venture a little further afield and you’ll find some great gluten-free options beyond the Hunter Valley and our home of Pokolbin.
Bread and Water is Newcastle’s first 100% gluten free cafe-bakery, offering breakfast and lunch seven days a week. Located outside the Old Maitland Gaol, this is a gluten-free paradise for lovers of baked goods – pick from lamingtons, pies, focaccia, freshly baked loaves of bread and even a ploughman’s lunch to go.
After your carb fix, you can visit the gaol. It stopped operating in 1998 after 150 years, and is now a museum with self-guided tours so you can uncover some of the fascinating stories from inside the walls.
6-18 John Street, East Maitland
Looking for a quick bite to eat on your road trip north? Heatherbrae Pies is a popular pit stop for their award-winning flaky pies and recently they added gluten-free pies to their menu. Located near the roundabout in Raymond Terrace, the gluten-free options are packaged off site and kept separately to minimise cross contamination.
Corner Pacific Highway & Masonite Road, Raymond Terrace
Plan ahead
While we certainly take great care in keeping our dining and travel tips up-to-date, menus are subject to change. If you’re visiting any of the locations we have recommended, we suggest you call in advance where possible and advise them of your dietary requirements to confirm that their gluten free options are still available to avoid disappointment.
And, while you’re visiting the Hunter Valley, be sure to book in for a tasting at our Scarborough Cellar Door. We have gluten free crackers available for our complimentary cheese plates, please just request these when you book. We’d love to see you!