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 making waves.

Locals and weekenders alike are spoiled for choice when it comes to dining at this foodie hotspot, with an ever-growing list of trendy new eateries that have been swinging open their doors across the Hunter Valley.

Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a fancy dinner spent amongst the vines, we’ve whittled down the best restaurants in the Hunter Valley that are guaranteed to impress. 

Harkham Bar Restaurant 

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 an epic wine collection.

With a modern Australian influence, you will be taken 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 you want to while away the hours in a truly stunning setting inside one of the best restaurants in the Hunter Valley, éRemo is the perfect place.

57 Ekerts Road, Pokolbin

EXP. Restaurant

Food is central to the EXP. experience (pun 100% intended). At EXP., food is practically perfected. The six-course tasting menu (also available for vegetarians) is downright delectable.

With plates ranging from sea scallops and locally sourced duck to plated vegetables and a creamy ice cream dessert served in one of the most gorgeous settings we have seen, 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, the fine dining restaurant Muse Dining is the ultimate date night spot amongst the vines.

Serving local produce in a delicious and decadent way via a five-course seasonal menu in their stunning dining room, the restaurant has a strong focus on quality and hospitality that is hard to ignore. Spring menu highlights include freshly shucked Sydney Rock oysters, Hiramasa kingfish in a dashi broth, and Kinross lamb cooked over ironbark. 

2450 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Yellow Billy 

With a chef's hat to its name, Yellow Billy is easily a top contender in this roundup of the best restaurants in the Hunter Valley. Focusing on the technique of cooking over an open 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.

Piggs Peake Winery, 697 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin 

Tower Lodge Restaurant 

Part of the celebrated Spicers Group, Tower Lodge 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 local Hunter Valley wine.

6 Halls Road, Pokolbin

Esca Bimbadgen

Simple, elegant food in a jaw-dropping setting, Esca Bimbadgen is the ideal winery restaurant in the Hunter Valley.

Prepare yourself for a truly epic meal selected from the seasonal menu, which is full of delicious dishes made with fresh produce and fresher flavours designed to perfectly complement the region's wine offerings.

If you’re looking for a show-stopping foodie experience, check out the signature Experience option, which includes a five-course menu and selected premium Bimbadgem 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, while the estate’s very own range of award-winning wines can be matched with your meals.

1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke

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 features produce picked fresh each morning and seasonal dishes perfectly matched with local Hunter Valley wines. With a gorgeous garden to sit in on a sunny day, this is one of the best restaurants in the Hunter Valley.

555 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin

The Gates Restaurant

Fine dining at its finest, The Gates Restaurant sits pretty on the award-winning Leogate Estate vineyard in the Hunter Valley. Here you can sample the estate’s signature range of wines — all while enjoying views of the vineyard 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. The menu features refined dishes like Hiramasa kingfish crudo with burnt orange ginger soy, Paroo kangaroo tartare with chimichurri, and wagyu beef Lyonnaise with Paris mash. Desserts include a passionfruit tres leches sponge and Mandarin tonka bean pavé.

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.

576 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin 

Lovedale Smokehouse

Famous for its share-style charcuterie platters, Lovedale Smokehouse is a popular artisan local, with both a cafe and a gourmet pantry. The platters offer a taste of their smoked and cured cold-cut meats, cheeses, and chutneys, and the 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 and 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. It is served inside its carefully curated and charming space, where antique details and modern touches are beautifully blended.

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

Made your way through the best restaurants in the Hunter Valley? Why not continue to explore the best of NSW with a stay in a luxury tiny cabin, or head to the coast for a meal at one of Newcastle's best restaurants?