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Okay Read MoreDiscover the Best Places to Eat in The Hunter Valley
25th July 2022
The Hunter Valley may be best known as one of Australia’s best wine regions, with vast vineyards producing internationally acclaimed wines. However, the Hunter region is also home to some culinary delights. With a growing foodie community amongst locals, there are lots of hidden gems to tempt your tastebuds. Keep reading to discover the best places to eat in the Hunter Valley.
Fine wine and fantastic food
If you are a food lover then a weekend getaway in The Hunter Valley could be just what you need. There are so many fantastic venues on the food scene in the Hunter Region, we have narrowed down the best of the best for you, to ensure you have the ultimate foodie experiences. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner or anything in between, we got you!
Breakfast
The Deck Café
It is important to start your day off right in the Hunter Valley with a delicious breakfast to fuel your morning. The Deck Café at Lovedale is a lovely place to enjoy the early morning sun overlooking the dam in young forest bushland. The breakfast menu has something for everyone, from Belgian waffles, and homemade muesli, to big plates with all the breakfast favorites including bacon, eggs, avo and so much more.
Mockingbird Café at Tatler Wines
Mockingbird Café was first established in Newcastle by James & Tess Borg, following the success of their multi-award-winning catering company Fennel & Co Catering. Mockingbird Café has since found itself a home in the Hunter Valley at Tatler Wines, bringing together two incredible businesses and providing fantastic food and wine. You will be spoilt for choice with their diverse breakfast menu including red velvet pancakes and satay French toast…delicious!
Lunch
Goldfish Bar and Restaurant
Goldfish Bar and Restaurant is one of the best places to eat in the Hunter Valley, especially if you are looking for a relaxed lunch spot to graze and enjoy a cocktail. The menu is designed for sharing, so it’s perfect for a long lunch with friends or for a light bite. Sit on their outside deck whilst listening to live music and tuck into a selection of small and large plates. If you can’t decide what you are in the mood for, opt for the set menu and for a selection of their most popular dishes.
Osteria
The perfect way to spend an afternoon on your weekend getaway in the Hunter Valley is a trip to Osteria at Briar Ridge Winery. Sit back and relax with a wine-tasting flight on their terrace, accompanied by one of their artisan antipasti platters, made with the best local spread of cheeses and charcuterie. Or if you would like a heartier lunch, try one of their Italian icons including homemade pasta of the day or Italian-inspired pizza.
Café Enzo
Another great lunch spot when looking for the best places to eat in the Hunter Valley is Café Enzo. Full of rustic Tuscan charm, Café Enzo is known for its exceptional atmosphere and quaint courtyard. The menu offers homemade dishes using fully locally grown ingredients and includes a selection of salads, pasta, and fresh seafood.
Dinner
Estate Tuscany
Pair your evening meal with mountain views at Estate Tuscany, located at the foothills of the Brokenback Ranges in charming Pokolbin. Once you manage to tear yourself away from the stylish grounds set amongst 26 acres of countryside, you’ll have a choice to make; laidback dining featuring cafe-style meals at Brokenback Bar, or an award-winning restaurant experience and spectacular modern menu at The Mill. Either way, Tuscan-style decor and mountain views set the scene here for unmatched Hunter Valley dining experiences.
Margan Restaurant
Enjoy the ultimate dining experience at the Margan Restaurant. Margan Wines began in 1996 and 10 years later the restaurant followed. Their ethos is simply ‘estate grown, estate made’ and the menu is built around the products which are grown and farmed on site. Book one of their dining experiences from bespoke degustation menus to a guided experience with the Head Chef. To top it off, you can enjoy all the incredible food paired with their award-winning wines.
Muse Restaurant at Hungerford Hill Winery
If you are looking for the best places to eat in the Hunter Valley, then Muse Restaurant needs to be on your dinner list. Set in the beautiful Hungerford Hill Winery, the stylish restaurant offers contemporary Australian cuisine using some of the best local produce in the Hunter Valley. The menu focuses on seasonal high-quality produce and is therefore constantly changing and adapting. The menu is a 4-course format, which can be enjoyed alongside a wine pairing and optional extras.
EXP
EXP is an award-winning restaurant located in the charming town of Polkobin. They aim to create a dining experience that is delicious, entertaining, and interactive. The restaurant itself is cosy and intimate with an open kitchen for interactions with head chef and owner Frank Fawkner. The menu is a multi-course tasting menu with optional wine pairing. Be sure to book in advance to secure your table.
NSW Weekend Escapes’ Top Hotel Pick
When looking for accommodation in the Hunter Valley the Hunter Gateway Motel is the perfect choice. Ideally located to explore all that the charming region has to offer, accommodation consists of comfortable, contemporary rooms with all the amenities you need for your stay. Facilities include on-site parking and an outdoor swimming pool.
Discount code: Get 10% off your next stay. Use the promotional code SAWE10 on our hotel’s website when booking.
For more information on things to do in The Hunter Valley, check out our ultimate guide.