Heading to the Hunter Valley?
It’s Sally Scarborough’s stomping ground – and she has tried and tested all the top places to eat and discovered a few insider secrets to let out of the bag.
Tourism and the Hunter Valley go hand in hand – it’s been one of Australia’s top wine destinations for decades. Sydneysiders can venture north to Pokolbin in an easy two-hour drive and find themselves in the heart of one of Australia’s most loved wine regions.
The Hunter Valley is buzzing with brilliant places to eat, and we thought it only fair to share our insider secrets. We hope this helps you plan and book your dining experiences well in advance.
Let us know what you think of these spots the next time you’re in the neighbourhood. Bon appétit!
Casual Hunter Dining
Amanda’s on the Edge 1039 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
This Hunter Valley icon is consistently delicious and only an 8 minute drive from our Gillards Rd cellar door, Amanda’s on the Edge sits on the hill of Windsor’s Edge Vineyard and has been a fixture in the Hunter Valley for more than 2 decades. The daily curry is always a winner and a local’s favourite – you can expect a rotating Sri Lankan or Thai inspired dish depending on the week. From an outdoor table you’ll get lovely picturesque over the vines. Highly recommend booking ahead as this is one of the most reasonably priced restaurants in the Hunter Valley.
Pescara 609 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
A relatively new addition to the Hunter dining scene this Italian restaurant is named after a town in Italy where chef Calvin used to play football when he was younger. The restaurant is only a 3 minute drive from our cellar door and worth a visit if only to order the Limoncello tiramisu that features their housemade Limoncello. Sit back and admire the walls that are adorned with Amedeo Modigliani artwork while you enjoy some of the best Italian in the Hunter.
4 Pines at the Farm Corner Hermitage Road and Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin NSW 2320
This is fairly new addition to the Hunter Valley dining scene being a joint venture between 4 Pines Brewing Co and the local Helé family, who’ve grown grapes on the property for over 50 years. The restaurant is set within the Hunter Valley Resort and Farm where you can see the whole working-farm experience next door — horses, an ostrich, farm animal feeding, horse-drawn buggy rides and even Segway tours around the property.
Esca Bimbadgen 790 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Another restaurant that is just stones throw away – it will take you about 6 mins to drive there after a tasting with us at our Gillards Rd cellar door; you’ll be able to spot where you’re travelling to as you can see the distinctive bell tower from the front lawn outside our cellar door. It’s always a thrill to walk through the working winery to get to the restaurant, and during vintage you can the cellar crew hard at work.
Nineteen Hunter Valley 1 Claret Ash Drive, Pokolbin NSW 2320
There’s something for everyone here and it is just a 10 minute drive from our cellar door and is nestled within The Vintage Estate in Pokolbin, and quickly became a local favourite for its relaxed atmosphere and versatile offerings. It’s open from 7am everyday and is a genuinely kid-friendly venue. If you’re away for the weekend and need to catch a game on the big screen then this is the place to do it.
Jimmy Joans 84 Wilderness Road, Rothbury NSW 2325
The name Jimmy Joans is a tribute to owner Kim Starkey’s grandparents, Jim and Joan Moyle. Once you enter the restaurant you can see many nostalgic artefacts dotted around the main dining area including some of Jim and Joan’s actual possessions, including their restored 100-year-old dining table. The restaurant offers both a more formal dining space and casual and different menu’s for each space. If I had a go to it would be the scotch egg – it is a must try!
Romantic Hunter Restaurants
Bistro Molines 749 Mount View Road, Mount View NSW 2325
Just outside of Pokolbin in Mount View, Bistro Molines is run by husband and wife team, Robert and Sally Molines. Robert is originally from the south of France and moved to the Hunter Valley in the early 70’s. You can not overstate the contribution both Robert and Sally have made to the food culture of the Hunter. My very first try of pate was sitting under a table at The Cellar Restaurant (Robert and Sally’s second Hunter restaurant) in the late 1970’s and I have never found a apte to rival it since. The menu leans French Provincial and seasonally driven. You will be transported as soon as you arrive and never want to leave because the food, wine and service is so excellent.
Muse Restaurant 2450 Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Sitting at the entrance to Pokolbin at Hungerford Hill winery, this two hatted restaurant leans heavily on produce from owners Troy Rhodes Brown own kitchen garden (an absolutely mind blowing garden on his home property). One of the few restaurants in the local area to hold two chefs hats for over 10 years. The signature dish at Muse is the Muse coconut is the stuff of legend. The restaurant is only a 10 minute drive from our cellar door, but you need to be sure to book well in advance.
Circa 1876 64 Halls Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
As the name may suggest the entrance to Circa 1876 is through an beautiful 150 year old ironbark cottage. The cottage was refurbished back in 1975 and is now home to one of the most stunning dining rooms in wine country. The restaurants boasts an very impressive kitchen garden; it’s well worth taking a stroll through after you have enjoyed my personal go to dish of white fish and prawn tortellini with lobster bisque.
Restaurant Botanica 555 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Just a 15 min drive from our cellar door you’ll find Restaurant Botanica that sits among 22 acres of gum trees and vineyard, with the Brokenback Range framing the horizon,the perfect spot for a sundowner on the verandah at Spicers Vineyard Estates, before you stroll over to the restaurant.
éRemo Restaurant 57 Ekerts Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
At this modern Italian restaurant you’ll be blown away by the floor to ceiling wine wall that contains some of the most impressive Hunter Valley wines you’ll ever have the chance to try. If you’re looking for some carbs after your day out wine tasting go no further. Try the delicious house made gnocchi or for something a little simpler stone baked pizzas. After you’ve eaten head outside in the cooler months and enjoy a glass of red by the fire pit and take in the starry sky.
Specialised Hunter Dining (locally grown and sourced produce)
Margan Restaurant
As the pioneers of Agri-Dining in the Hunter Valley, Margan are committed to ‘estate grown, estate made’ ethos. Their menus are crafted around the harvest from their one-hectare kitchen garden & orchard to maintain a hyper-local focus. In addition, they have their own olive trees, free range chickens, beehives and raise their own lambs, all of which is incorporated into the menus.
1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke
EXP. restaurant
Food is at the heart of EXP. and owner and head chef Frank Fawkner creates dishes that are a true expression of Australian cuisine. The menu is driven by the seasons and produce but most importantly focused on flavour and a dining experience that is part delicious food and part theatre. The open kitchen gives you a birds eye view of what goes into every single dish. The restaurant is located at the Pokolbin Village, just a 10 min drive from our Gillards Rd Cellar Door.
Pokolbin Village, 2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin
Iron Gate Kitchen
With a focus on fresh, seasonal produce and bold Iberian flavours, Iron Gate Kitchen delivers a relaxed, rustic take on Mediterranean dining. From flame-charred meats to smoky seafood, vibrant sides and rich, classic desserts, each plate celebrates big flavours and honest ingredients in a setting designed for long, leisurely afternoons in wine country.
178 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin
Takeaway
Oishii
Arrived late afternoon and need a quick fix before wine tasting? Drop into the Hunter Valley’s Tempus Two winery centre in the heart of the region to pick up sushi, sashimi or spring rolls for small bites or teriyaki, teppan yaki or pad thai for larger appetites. It’s delicious and very portable! Tastes even better in your hotel room in front of TV.
Corner Broke and McDonalds Roads, Pokolbin
Burgers by HMC
Located right next to Hungerford Meat Co Butchery you can swing by, grab a burger and pick up something fabulous for your stay in the Hunter. You will not regret taking the little detour into Branxton.
47 Maitland St, Branxton
Burgerfiend
If you’re craving a burger after a day of wine tasting, these are perfect. With classic cheeseburgers, vegetarian and a vegan option, these are super tasty and there’s an option for everyone.
2 North Ave, Cessnock
Local Hunter Valley Produce
Binnorie Dairy
Binnorie Dairy has been around for a while now, but they have more recently moved to larger premises on Lovedale Rd and are offering more than just cheese. You can grab a light lunch or a coffee while you try some of the Hunter Valley’s delicious local cheeses. You will find their triple cream brie featured with every tasting experience at our Gillards Rd cellar door.
Corner of Lodge Road. and Lovedale Road, Lovedale
Lovedale Smokehouse
Think: platter heaven. A range of smoked cheeses, seafood and cured meats, along with jerky, pâtés and terrines.
64 Majors Lane, Lovedale
Wollombi Road Providore
Fresh, organic fruit and vegetables, complemented by a range of small goods, local dairy and meats. This is fabulous place to pick up some gourmet produce for carpet picninc if you just can’t make it out for dinner after wine tasting.
80 Wollombi Road, Cessnock
Hunter Belle
Artisan cheese and milk products made in the Hunter Valley. The smoked cheddar is a mainstay on our cheese tasting plate which is included with your tasting fee when you book your tasting with us.
1616 Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320