13 Excellent Mudgee Restaurants To Try Now

Mudgee over-delivers on everything from fine dining to sophisticated wine bars and cosy cellar doors.

With more than 35 family-owned cellar doors, a distillery, brewery and countless restaurants and cafes it’s little wonder that Mudgee has become a household name among Australian foodies.

Explore the wining and dining scene with our pick of the best places to dine and wine when visiting Mudgee and its surrounds.

1. The Zin House

Best for: Sunset drinks followed by dinner

Serving as the cellar door restaurant at Lowe Wines & Co. – the organic, small-batch producer that put Mudgee on the map.

Chef Kim Currie at The Zin House in Eurunderee, near Mudgee — Chef Kim Currie has curated a new menu at The Zin House. (Image: Destination NSW)

Following a short hiatus, chef, owner and regional food identity Kim Currie has returned with a new menu that continues to lean heavily on fresh produce from the garden and local region. The Zin House’s extensive orchard and zinfandel paddock supplies most of the restaurant’s organic produce, which is then prepared from scratch using classic techniques. What they don’t grow themselves, they source from local producers to provide a truly local experience.

a woman dining at The Zin House — Dishes are created with fresh ingredients from the garden and local region. (Image: Destination NSW)

Long lunch sittings are popular, so be sure to book in advance. The optional wine pairing is highly recommended, featuring a mix of regional and estate-produced wines.

The Zin House Mudgee — Food is made from scratch, to be both refined yet simple. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 327 Tinja Lane, Mudgee

2. Pipeclay Pumphouse

Best for: Long lunches

The rustic Pipeclay Pumphouse  restaurant at Robert Stein Vineyard takes its paddock-to-plate philosophy seriously. Most of the veggies and herbs are grown on site; the cattle, chicken and sheep are farmed here; and they make their own prosciutto and cured meats.

people dining inside Pipeclay Pumphouse, Mudgee — The elegantly rustic restaurant boasts panoramic views. (Image: Destination NSW)

While the restaurant is well known for its dinner sittings, you needn’t overlook it’s impressive long lunch offering. The six-course degustation, featuring a signature charcuterie, salmon tartare with lemon, gnocchi with duck and mushroom ragu, beef short rib and lemon sorbet will have you rolling out the door. Add matching wines from nearby Robert Stein for an extra $40.

a close-up shot of a dish at Pipeclay Pumphouse, Mudgee — Don’t miss out on the six-course degustation. (Image: Destination NSW)

It’s also worth mentioning that Pipeclay shines for both lunch and dinner. Just don’t leave town without going!

outdoor dining at Pipeclay Pumphouse, Mudgee — The restaurant takes on a paddock-to-plate philosophy. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: Pipeclay Lane, Budgee Budgee

3. Eltons Bar and Bites

Best for: Sunny afternoons in the courtyard

A schmick fit out has transformed the original 1896 Elton’s Pharmacy building into a modern hangout with a menu that delivers on its namesake – expect to do lots of eating and drinking at Eltons.

the restaurant exterior of Eltons Bar and Bites, Mudgee — Snag a spot at the open-air courtyard.

Take a seat in the main bar, the open-air courtyard or on the sunny footpath out front. The share plate menu is packed with a variety of small bites, tacos and sides – perfectly portioned for enjoying during a day filled with Mudgee’s best wining and dining experiences.

a plate of pancakes at Eltons Bar and Bites, Mudgee — Satisfy your sweet tooth with chocolate-coated pancakes.

Address: 81 Market Street, Mudgee

4. Roth’s Wine Bar

Best for: Cosy nights out

If your winery bucket list is too long to conquer you can always sample a local drop at Roth’s Wine Bar.

friends clinking wine glasses at Roth's Bar, Mudgee — This quaint spot offers a rotating weekly wine list.

Robert Roth originally opened the space as a general store, serving a sneaky tipple to thirsty farmers on occasion before licensing the premises as a wine bar in 1923. There are now over 100 premium local and regional wines on offer and the wine list changes fortnightly to showcase a variety of drops available from the surrounding Central Ranges.

Aside from wine, the bar serves craft beer, pizzas, tapas, cheese and charcuterie boards for the ultimate casual night out in Mudgee.

the exterior of Roth's Wine Bar, Mudgee — Roth’s have been pouring wine since 1923.

Address: 30 Market Street, Mudgee

5. Isabella’s Trattoria

Best for: Comfort Italian

You’ll know you’ve arrived at Isabella’s Trattoria when you spot the sign that says you have found the “food you’ve been looking for". This place ups the ante when it comes to upscale Italian fare.

Maroon awnings feature cursive decal out the front, transporting customers to an Italian side street from the get go. An open-plan kitchen allows customers to see the masters at work, manoeuvring around the kitchen with beautiful European finesse. Match the risotto, garlic prawns and seafood pasta with a drop from the lengthy wine list. For dessert, the tiramisu is the sweet pick-me-up your evening needs.

Address: 52 Market St, Mudgee

6. 29 Nine 99

Best for: Taking tea

Artist turned tea house owner, Na Lan, has been steaming handmade dumplings at 29 Nine 99 in a quaint sandstone building in Rylstone since 2008.

the Yum Cha & Tea House at 29 Nine 99 — 29 Nine 99 slings delicious dumplings. (Image: Destination NSW)

Find a spot amid the artworks and gifts and settle in for rounds of tea and pillowy-soft dumplings. While Na Lan never trained as a chef, she says she likes to “spoil her tastebuds", which leads to deliciously crafted dim sum. This diminutive restaurant is hugely popular, so book ahead on weekends.

al fresco dining at the Yum Cha & Tea House at 29 Nine 99, Mudgee — Dine al fresco in the sunny courtyard. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 28 Louee Street, Rylstone

7. The Barn at Blue Wren Farm

Best for: Barn vibes

Taking simple, seasonal ingredients and finessing them to become the best versions of themselves, the fare at the Barn on the idyllic Blue Wren Farm is sustainable, elegant and wholly delicious. Take a seat outdoors and enjoy a procession of plates that pair well with the accompanying wine list.

outdoor seating at Blue Wren Farm, Mudgee — The venue exudes barn-style charm.

From prosciutto with persimmon and pickled chilli to larger plates of chargrilled lamb backstrap skewers with lentils and yoghurt and a chicken cotaletta with fried capers, the Italian-leaning menu is long lunch perfection, but you can also dine in the evenings from Thursday to Saturday.

a spread of lunch on the table at The Barn at Blue Wren Farm — The Italian-leaning menu is long lunch perfection.

Groups of 10 or more will need to book in for a set menu experience, which is an entirely agreeable way to spend a few hours – just be sure to book a taxi back to your accommodation.

a woman holding a plate of Prosciutto & Fig recipe at The Barn at Blue Wren Farm — The Prosciutto & Fig recipe is a must-try.

Address: 433 Ulan Road, Mudgee

8. Cade Kitchen and Bar

Best for: Staying out late-ish

Set in one of Mudgee’s oldest buildings, which also houses the Cobb and Co Boutique Hotel, the history in the lively Cade Kitchen and Bar is palpable and lends the evening an air of bygone pleasure. Settle in with a well-stirred cocktail before meandering onto larger plates, such as confit duck leg with crispy kale and carrot reduction or sesame-crusted salmon.

For more casual moods, share slices of the 72-hour hand-stretched dough pizza, from buffalina to a more Australian-accented meat lovers. Pizza also fortifies revellers in the Bianco Bar, where you can enjoy a drink until late between Monday and Saturday. Don’t miss happy hour between 5pm and 6pm Monday to Thursday.

a close-up shot of pizza at Cade Kitchen and Bar, Mudgee — Indulge in one of the 72-hour hand-stretched dough pizzas. (Image: Amber Hooper)

Address: 97 Market Street, Mudgee

9. Smokin Bro & Co.

Best for: Rib-sticking ribs

When the cool weather creeps into town or just when you feel like a robust dinner, head to Smokin Bro & Co. , an American-style diner where the meats are smoky and the beers are frosty.

cheesy baked mussels on a plate at Smokin Bro & Co., Mudgee — Devour a plate of cheesy baked mussels.

Tuck into everything from brisket burgers to a kransky taco and opt in for a stack of sides, such as cornbread, sweet potato casserole and bacon mac. The barbecue is stoked from Wednesday to Thursday nights and seasons the Mudgee air with curls of smoke over lunch on Friday and Saturday.

al fresco dining at Smokin Bro & Co., Mudgee — Pull up a chair outside at this American-style diner.

Address: 13A Lewis Street, Mudgee

10. Warakirri Dining Experience by Indigiearth

Best for: Exploring Indigenous flavours

Operated by Indigiearth founder Sharon Winsor, a Ngemba Weilwan woman from Western NSW, this intimate dining experience shared by only 30 guests per night unravels native bush tucker and botanicals across five courses.

the Warakirri Dining Experience by Indigiearth — Warakirri Dining Experience by Indigiearth takes diners on an immersive gastronomic journey. (Image: Jacquie Manning)

A deep love and respect for Indigenous food dovetailing with her culinary mastery enables Sharon to take diners on an immersive gastronomic journey into ancient skills and flavours. Over four hours, share incredible dishes paired with beverages, while enjoying cultural entertainment such as music and storytelling.

people enjoying a private dinner at Warakirri Dining Experience — Partake in the long table private dinner.

Address: Huntington Estate, 641 Ulan Road, Buckaroo

11. Mudgee Brewing Co.

Best for: Pints and pizza

Food at a brewery can go one of two ways: lacklustre pub grub or upscale regional fare. Thank goodness Mudgee Brewing Co. delivers the latter.

people dining inside Mudgee Brewing Co. — Hop over to Mudgee Brewing Co. for after-work drinks. (Image: Destination NSW)

Gary Leonard left the coal mining industry to open Mudgee’s only microbrewery in 2007. The 100-year-old former wool store has served as one of the town’s favourite watering holes ever since with eight taps pouring the latest onsite craft brews.

Find an extensive food menu featuring beer snacks, pizzas and a variety of mains; confit duck, prawn pasta and mussels will satiate sophisticated appetites, while the fish and chips, schnitzel burgers and wings are for those who don’t mind getting their hands dirty. Live music adds to the ambience and, unlike most breweries, this one goes the extra mile with table service.

a bartender pouring beers at Mudgee Brewing Co. — Beers are available on tap. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 4 Church Street, Mudgee

12. Paragon Hotel

Best for: Classic fare with friends

This 1857 gold rush-era hotel has Aussie pub ambience down to a fine art. The pub’s Bushman eatery isn’t reinventing the wheel and nor does it have to when classic grub comes this well finessed. You can tuck into your usual suspects, should you feel like fish and chips, steak or a chicken schnitty, but there are also nouveau pub classics, such as a warm cauliflower salad, grilled fish tacos and pan-fried salmon. The wine list is curated with local-leaning, as expected.

Address: 38 Perry Street, Mudgee

13. Jumbucks at the Woolpack Hotel

Best for: Asian with a side of fries

Not your stock-standard pub grub, the Woolpack Hotel sidesteps expectations with their casual Asian-fusion eatery, Jumbucks . You can get everything here from garlic prawns to san choy bow, gyoza and a range of stir-fries and omelettes. But this is still an Aussie country pub, so be comforted with an additional classics menu that doesn’t leave anyone out.

Address: 38 Perry Street, Mudgee

Follow our guide for the 21 of the very best things to do in Mudgee

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

13 of the best Mudgee restaurants to try now