The Best Restaurants in the Hunter Valley for Foodies

As Australia's oldest wine-growing region, the Hunter Valley has managed to build up quite the name for itself when it comes to exquisite drops. But it's the burgeoning foodie scene that's currently making waves. Locals and weekenders alike are spoiled for choice when it comes to dining at this foodie hotspot.

An ever-growing list of trendy new eateries have been swinging open their doors across the Hunter Valley and it's time for you to get in on the action. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or dinner spent amongst the vines, we’ve whittled down the best restaurants in the Hunter Valley that are guaranteed to impress. 

éRemo Restaurant

Before you’ve even seen the menu, éRemo Restaurant will have you swooning. The crown jewel of Spicers Hunter Valley Guesthouse, you'll be greeted by elegant interiors adorned with spectacular lighting, immaculate table settings and a wine collection that needs to be seen to be believed. With a modern Australian influence, Head Chef Jayden Casinelli will take you on a culinary expedition across Italy, unbound by regions or borders. Designed to share, snack on the likes of salumi and fried zucchini flowers before feasting on homemade pasta, dry-aged meats, and whole rock lobster. If your wish is to while away the hours in a truly stunning setting, éRemo is the perfect place.

57 Ekerts Rd, Pokolbin

EXP. Restaurant

Food is central to the EXP. experience (pun 100% intended). Owner and head chef Frank Fawkner has been cooking in the Hunter since he was fifteen years old, and you can taste the benefit of his experience in every single bite. At EXP. they have food practically perfected. The six-course tasting menu (also available for vegetarians) is downright delectable. With plates ranging from sea scallops and locally sourced chicken to wagyu and sorbet! This is an absolute must-add to your Hunter Valley restaurant itinerary. 

2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Muse Dining

Located at the iconic Hungerford Hill Winery, this fine dining restaurant is the ultimate date night spot. It serves local produce in the most delicious way via a five-course seasonal menu. After dining here, you'll find yourself booking your next trip to the Hunter just to enjoy the delicious Muse Dining fare, one more time. With an emphasis on high quality local and seasonal produce, you'll find the menu here switching up regularly which means each time you visit will be a fresh new delight! Sitchu tip: Say YES to the optional cheese course. 

2450 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Yellow Billy 

With a chefs hat to their name, Yellow Billy are easily a top contender in this edit of the best restaurants in the Hunter Valley. Focusing on the art of cooking over the fire, whether you're a vegetarian or meat eater, you'll find plenty to indulge in here. Their custom-made fire pit will sort you out for all kinds of goodies from pit-fired pulled pork to brisket, kingfish and spatchcock. They even offer whisky pairings with their fire-cooked banquets if you fancy elevating your dinner to the extreme. 

Piggs Peake Winery, 697 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin 

Sebastian Restaurant 

Part of the celebrated Spicers Group, Sebastian Restaurant brings the flavours of Basque Country to the Hunter Valley. Pared back interiors emanate warmth and simplicity and set the scene for a dining experience like no other. Enjoy a three-course menu for either dinner (vegetarian options available) and pair with sherry or wine. If you're popping by at lunchtime, the selection of tapas cannot be beaten. Expect traditional Spanish flavours combined with the freshest produce the Hunter had to offer. 

6 Halls Road, Pokolbin

Esca Bimbadgen

Simple, elegant food in a jaw-dropping setting, Esca Bimbadgen is the ideal winery restaurant. Prepare yourself for a truly epic meal selected from the seasonal menu full of delicious dishes made with fresh produce and fresher flavours – think BBQ quail, fennel risotto, roasted cauliflower, and chicken & duck terrine - but, if you’re looking for a show-stopping foodie experience, check out the $160 per person signature menu with matching wines. 

790 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

Margan Wines & Restaurant

Located within a tranquil and rural setting of Broke, foodies flock to Margan Wines & Restaurant to enjoy a complete food and wine experience. Serving seasonally-inspired cuisines, everything on the menu is sourced from local and mostly organic producers, as well as picked fresh from the restaurant’s onsite Margan Kitchen Garden. What’s more, the estate’s very own range of award-winning wines can be matched with your meals — so there’s really no going wrong with a visit to Margan Wines & Restaurant.

1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke

Muse Kitchen

Located at the entrance to Pokolbin, Muse Kitchen is an award-winning European-style restaurant, situated in the picturesque Keith Tulloch Wines courtyard. Showcasing the very best of Hunter Valley’s local produce, with an emphasis on seasonality and quality, the restaurant’s crisp-white exterior is complemented by views of the nearby mountain ranges. Indulge in the three-course menu if you're feeling hungry. The perfect pairing lunch is also a delight if you're here to enjoy your wine and food equally. 

Keith Tulloch Winery, Hermitage Road & Deasys Road, Pokolbin 

Restaurant Botanica

Located at Spicers Retreat, Restaurant Botanica is a warm and inviting space, thanks to the interior’s cosy fireplace, smooth, earthy tones, and ambient light fittings. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu delivers produce picked fresh that morning with seasonal dishes perfectly matched with local Hunter Valley wines.

555 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin

The Gates Restaurant

Fine dining at its finest, The Gates Restaurant sits pretty on the award-winning Leogate Estate vineyard. Here you can sample the estate’s signature range of wines — all while enjoying views of the vines and taking in a healthy dose of country air. To make the most of their hospitality, start with a wine tasting at the cellar door, before indulging in the restaurant's sumptuous degustation experience. The Gates are also well known for their dry-aged steaks so be sure to get in on some of that! 

Leogate Estate Wines, 1693 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Hunters Quarter

Hunters Quarter is an elegant yet relaxed restaurant, located in the Cockfighters Ghost Vineyard. Every seat is spoilt with sweeping vineyard views, thanks to the restaurant’s fishbowl-like panorama, and an outdoor deck provides the perfect spot to soak up some sun while enjoying a couple of drinks from one of the best Hunter Valley wineries. Should you fancy something different, opt for Hunters Quarter's high tea. 

576 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin 

Lovedale Smokehouse

Famous for their share-style charcuterie platters, Lovedale Smokehouse is a popular artisan smokehouse local, with both a café and a gourmet pantry. Not only do their platters offer a taste of their smoked and cured cold cut meats, cheeses and chutneys, but their menu also features low 'n slow USA barbecue smoked meats. Keen to learn how to smoke your own meats? These guys run a cooking school, too! 

64 Majors Lane, Lovedale

Leaves & Fishes

Perched over a pond of friendly fish, overlooking luscious lily pads, Leaves & Fishes Restaurant provides a truly unique dining experience within the Hunter Valley. The restaurant’s seafood-focused menu with an Asian twist is a winner, served inside its carefully curated space, where antique details and modern makes are blended beautifully.

737 Lovedale Road, Lovedale 

Bistro Molines

Perched on the foothills of Mount View, just a ten-minute drive from Cessnock, Bistro Molines is a renowned European-inspired restaurant. Our favourite French restaurant in the Hunter Valley, serving a revolving menu of Provincial dishes, guests can enjoy dining out on the alfresco terrace, while taking in sweeping views of the nearby Hunter Valley vineyards.

749 Mount View Road, Mount View 

Vines at Hollydene

Located on picturesque grounds and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, Vines Restaurant provides the perfect dining destination for your next trip to the Hunter. Offering a well-rounded menu of modern Australian dishes, the restaurant has a farm-to-fork ethos and champions local producers. Stuck for breakfast? Vines can sort you out with waffles, fritters and plenty more. 

3483 Golden Highway, Jerry Plains

Loving our edit of the best restaurants in the Hunter Valley? You definitely need to pair your gourmet tour with our favourite Hunter Valley wineries. Keen to keep learning about this wine region? Check out the best things to do in the Hunter Valley or head to neighbouring Pokolbin.