20 of the best Hunter Valley restaurants

A great weekend away in NSW wine country calls for an equally excellent food scene; the Hunter Valley delivers on both.

It’s a new meeting point for millennials and a much-loved destination for oenophiles, but the Hunter Valley has earned a reputation for its restaurants, too. Here is our definitive guide on the best restaurants in the Hunter Valley.

1. Iron Gate Kitchen

The latest foodie addition to the Hunter Valley is Iron Gate Kitchen, a Spanish eatery serving rustic yet elevated Mediterranean bites. Located in the iconic Iron Gate Estate, the restaurant embodies a refined interpretation of minimal Spanish design with an earthy palette and clean lines.

Iron Gate Kitchen channels a minimalistic Spanish aesthetic. (Image: Megann Evans Photography)

The menu is designed for long, shared lunches. Begin with Gildas and salt cod croquettes before moving onto woodfired flatbread with nduja, burrata and basil. Larger plates from the charcoal oven include lamb shoulder with salsa verde and garlic prawns, which are to be paired with patatas bravas and fried corn ribs. There’s also a cheese cart offering Spanish styles such as Cueva de Campillo and Garrotxa. And it wouldn’t be a perfect Spanish meal without finishing with a burnt Basque cheesecake – this time served with a citrus-infused crema Catalana.

Tuck into delicious Mediterranean share plates. (Image: Megann Evans Photography)

Address: 178 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin

2. Myrtle & Stone

Myrtle & Stone in the village of Wollombi, in the thick of NSW’s wine country, morphs into a tapas and gin bar by night. The charming eatery is housed in an old stone and wood cottage built in 1932 that has a rich history of serving food along the Hunter River.

two people talking at the counter of Myrtle & Stone, Hunter Valley

Make a pitstop at Myrtle & Stone.

Adjust your waistband to better enjoy the vego brekky with spinach, avocado, roast tomato, garlic mushrooms and crispy chats. Stay overnight at the beautifully renovated Myrtle Cottage next door so you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then slink back into your luxury boutique accommodation.

The charming eatery serves up smooth-yet-strong coffee.

Address: 2877 Wollombi Rd, Wollombi

3. Usher Tinkler Wines

Thirsty, hungry travellers road-tripping to the Hunter should factor in a visit to Usher Tinkler Wines to enjoy a platter of salumi alongside local varietals from this next-gen winemaker’s cellar. Usher Tinkler Wines is regarded as one of the best in the mix of Hunter Valley wineries.

the dining interior of Usher Tinkler Wines

Sit in the cellar door of Usher Tinkler Wines.

While there are multiple platter options designed to cater for different groups, the focus here is on the wine tasting. Sit in the cellar door, located in the original Pokolbin Church, to enjoy light streaming through the stained-glass windows and thank the heavens you’re in the Hunter.

an antipasto platter at Usher Tinkler Wines

Feast on a generous antipasto platter at Usher Tinkler Wines.

Address: 97 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

4. Margan Restaurant

Margan Restaurant is regarded as one of the best Hunter Valley winery restaurants for a multitude of reasons.

Soak up the serene ambience at Margan Restaurant.

For starters, the one-hatted restaurant is renowned for its inspired approach to agri-dining and sustainability; the rammed-earth restaurant is also the place to enjoy the farm-to-fork tasting menu of your dreams and feel good about supporting a family-run business that is so committed to sustainability.

a breathtaking scenery at Margan Restaurant

Enjoy breathtaking scenery from your table.

Don’t just book a table; book the Ultimate Margan Experience, which includes a guided tour of the abundant kitchen garden followed by a five-course degustation lunch.

wine tasting at Margan Restaurant, Hunter Valley

Select from a range of excellent wines.

Address: 1238 Milbrodale Rd, Broke

5. eRemo Restaurant

Take in the views of the undulating hills in the distance at éRemo Restaurant at the newly restored Spicer’s Guesthouse.

an elegant dining setup at éRemo Restaurant, Hunter Valley

Elegant dining at éRemo Restaurant.

The modern Italian restaurant is run by head chef Jayden Casinelli whose menu will suit those in the mood for food that is Italian with a twist, running from pumpkin ravioli in sage burnt butter to sirloin tagliata with green peppercorn sauce, zucchini, pecorino and rocket. Enjoy a bottle of local wine on the side.

Reward yourself with a plate of premium-graded Wagyu beef.

Address: 57 Ekerts Rd, Pokolbin

6. The Wood Restaurant at Brokenwood Wines

The architect-designed revamped cellar door and restaurant complex at Brokenwood is a destination in its own right.

the terrace at The Wood Restaurant at Brokenwood Wines

Dine on the aesthetic outdoor terrace in The Wood Restaurant at Brokenwood Wines. (Image: Cody Adams Media)

Sit on the shaded terrace of the Wood Restaurant Brokenwood and build your own banquet with a mix of small plates (kingfish crudo with finger lime dressing) and large plates (grilled Hunter Valley spatchcock or hand-rolled gnocchi).

a woman eating at The Wood Restaurant at Brokenwood Wines

Feast on a range of mouth-watering dishes at The Wood Restaurant. (Image: Moonshine Media)

While you’re here, book a behind-the-scenes tour, the ultimate Brokenwood winery experience with Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia.

Address: Brokenwood Wines, 401-427 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

7. Restaurant Botanica

Adam Frey is now at the helm of Restaurant Botanica, conveniently located near Spicer’s Vineyards Estate overlooking the beautiful bony ridge of the Broken Back Mountain range. Frey pays strict adherence to local produce and seasonality with the menu inspired by the restaurant’s huge kitchen garden.

The restaurant is worth the detour down the pretty country lane for the duck and prosciutto roulade with pickled cabbage, black pepper, brandy and orange jus alone. It’s one of the hidden gems of the Hunter Valley.

lush greenery outside Restaurant Botanica, Hunter Valley

Follow the scenic route to Restaurant Botanica.

Address: 555 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

8. Bistro Molines

Ask Hunter Valley locals what the most romantic restaurant in the Hunter Valley is and they will point you toward Bistro Molines. The restaurant overlooking a terraced hillside of rose-lined vines belonging to Tallavera Grove Vineyard is run by Robert Molines, a much-loved French transplant who moved here in 1973.

an alfresco dining setup at Bistro Molines

Vineyard views don’t get much better than those at Bistro Molines.

Working alongside Molines is head chef Gareth Robbs, whose efforts in the kitchen have helped the restaurant retain a hat in multiple editions of the Good Food Guide.

the restaurant interior of Bistro Molines, Hunter Valley

The sophisticated dining space is just as inviting.

Address: 749 Mount View Rd, Mount View

9. Wandin Kitchen

Divvy means to ‘divide up and share’ and divvy dishes define the menu at Wandin Kitchen, a haven for foodies visiting the Hunter Valley.

The countryside estate at Wandin Kitchen.

The Lovedale locale is a fine example of a restaurant with rooms, located as it is on the wider Wandin Valley Estate near to accommodation options that overlook the vineyards.

Dine at Wandin Kitchen while admiring the picturesque vineyards.

Everything, from the prawn linguine to the house-made chicken is elevated to outstanding thanks to Wandin Kitchen’s bucolic country setting and chef John Rutherford’s attention to detail. The eatery is open from Fridays to Sundays for breakfast.

a smoked chicken dish at Restaurant Wandin

Try the specialty smoked chicken.

Address: 12 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale

10. EXP.

Walking into the intimate EXP. dining room feels like going to a friend’s house for dinner. Expect pre-dinner theatre and polished service here, whether you sit at the bar watching chef Frank Fawkner (ex-head chef at Muse) plate up at the pass or in the restaurant filled with handcrafted furniture and local art.

Kangaroo cooked over the BBQ with butternut pumpkin, macadamia and saltbush from EXP. Restaurant.

Keep it simple with seasonal dishes such as Morpeth butternut pumpkin soup, or Paroo kangaroo with smoked beetroot and an emulsion featuring the small-batch black garlic Frank sells at Fawk Foods Kitchen & Bakery.

Delicious eats at Fawk Fine Foods.

Address: 2188 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

11. Muse

If you really want to make the most of a trip to wine country then book ahead at Muse Restaurant, the two-hatted fine diner that is one of the Hunter Valley’s best restaurants.

the exterior of Muse Restaurant in Pokolbin

Book ahead at Muse Restaurant in Pokolbin.

It’s easy to fall under executive chef Troy Rhoades-Brown’s spell in the elegant dining room, where savvy wait staff pirouette around the tables.

a plate of food at Muse Restaurant in Pokolbin

The food at Muse is lavishly exquisite.

Rhoades-Brown marries French technique with local ingredients to deliver crowd-pleasing dishes such as whey and lemon risotto or Jurassic quail with smoked celeriac cream and local mushrooms.

a plate of food with wine at Muse Pokolbin

Indulge in aesthetically pleasing, delicious meals at Muse.

Address: 2450 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

12. Esca Bimbadgen

There is a sunny energy to the experience of dining on the balcony at Esca Bimbadgen where you are as likely to see a wedding party as a wedding proposal. While the restaurant’s interior is a neutral clean Scandi palette, the balcony pops given its proximity to these patches of green.

a table-top view of food at Esca Bimbadgen

Drink and dine at Esca Bimbadgen. (Image: Tim Pascoe)

Order a bottle of wine – perhaps a Bimbadgen Shiraz Viognier 2017 – with a main course of spanner crab tagliatelle or pork loin with chilli jam, rapini and BBQ shallot and then exit stage left like James Bond via helicopter.

Experience dining on the balcony at Esca Bimbadgen. (Image: Tim Pascoe)

Address: 790 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

13. Hunters Quarter

Hunters Quarter has been a hotspot since opening in 2017 as word of the head chef’s Brian Duncan’s credentials grew from a whisper to a roar.

Try the melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu steak. (Image: Dom Cherry)

Duncan has worked for the Dorchester Hotel (three Michelin stars) and Claridge’s Hotel (one Michelin star) in London and was executive chef at Level 41 and The Establishment in Sydney: try the Berkshire confit pork neck with wild boar salami and ocean greens or the mountain-peppered Paroo kangaroo with celeriac remoulade and beetroot gel. Exquisite.

Sit in an exquisite fine dining setting. (Image: Dom Cherry)

Address: 576 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin

14. Tower Lodge

The Hope Estate family-owned Tower Lodge is a celebration of Basque Country and its restaurant leans further into this obsession. Sit at the mighty tables in this grand dining room with furnishings that allude to this vibrant region in the western Pyrenees region of Spain. But when it comes to food and wine, the spotlight is firmly on local produce.

Experience dining like a royal at Tower Lodge.

Hope Estate Group Chef Anthony Fullerton (2022 recipient of the Regional Chef of the Year title) embraces a ‘farm to table’ approach to dining, overseeing the evolving onsite kitchen garden and the estate’s own local Angus cattle farm, as well as sourcing fresh local produce from the community of local producers and growers.

The seared scallop, cauliflower cream, chorizo crumb, salmon roe, and smoked extra virgin olive oil at Tower Lodge

Start your dining experience with the seared scallops.

Loosen up over an entree of seared scallop, cauliflower cream, chorizo crumb, salmon roe, and smoked extra virgin olive oil, followed by the duo of Margra Australian White Lamb, oven-baked rack, pressed shoulder, heirloom carrots, green pea, and black garlic jus for mains. Make sure you leave room for dessert.

The duo of Margra Australian White Lamb at Tower Lodge restaurant

Expect local produce to steal the show at Tower Lodge restaurant.

Address: 6 Halls Rd, Pokolbin

15. Boydell’s

Boydell’s Cellar Door & Restaurant in the main street of Morpeth has made a visit to Maitland a must. The restaurant is housed in a landmark 1820s slab hut that has, at different times over the past 200 years, been home to a blacksmith, pie man and clairvoyant.

a man pouring wine into the glass at Boydell’s Cellar Door & Restaurant

Sip the finest wines at Boydell’s.

Beyond the incredible food prepared by Chef Paula Rengger, dinner here is an exploration of the wines produced at Daniel and Jane Maroulis’s East Gresford vineyard, first established by Charles Boydell in 1826. Expect a memorable meal; Paula is renowned for her eclectic style, using locally sourced seasonal produce to create artwork on the plate. One current standout on the menu is Patagonian toothfish with diamond clams, tomato dashi and potato crisps.

Enjoying a meal at Boydell’s Cellar Door & Restaurant

Boydell’s Cellar Door & Restaurant is housed within a historic 1820s slab hut. (Image: Dom Cherry)

Address: 2 Green St, Morpeth

16. Yellow Billy

According to local legend, Yellow Billy was a local bushranger who raided and plundered around the Broke and Pokolbin region during the 1860s.

an alfresco dining terrace at Yellow Billy

Sit on the al fresco dining terrace at Yellow Billy. (Image: Dom Cherry)

Yellow Billy (a.k.a. William White) was also a forager who lived off the land so it only seems right to light a fire in his honour: the custom-made fire pit here is used daily to cook proteins and vegetables, which are served in the centre of the table to share.

a hand reaching for a snack at Yellow Billy

Hit up Yellow Billy for great-tasting meals. (Image: Dom Cherry)

Everything is better with a bit of smoke and char: expect fireworks with brown-ale braised brisket with fried Brussels sprouts and ginger-roasted pumpkin.

two people tasting wines at Yellow Billy

Or go to the cellar door for wine tasting. (Image: Dom Cherry)

Address: 697 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

17. The Mill

The Mill located on the grounds of Estate Tuscany is one of the destination diners in the upper Hunter Valley. Although the restaurant offers magic mountain views, it’s executive chef William Townsend’s contemporary take on comfort food is what really turns heads.

a rustic dining setup at The Mill, Hunter Valley

Settle at one of the rustic tables inside The Mill.

Order the 72-hour slow-cooked, hoisin, bone marrow croquette, carrot anise puree and spring onion with baked Brussels sprouts and you will feel, deeply, the chef’s devotion to his craft.

Food at The Mill Restaurant in Hunter Valley

Dine on artfully prepared dishes.

Address: 28 Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin

18. The Gates Restaurant

It’s an open-and-shut case: The Gates gives off everything from ‘girls’ weekend away’ to well-heeled wine lovers’ energy. Forget piling onto a party bus. The setting here is way too sophisticated for such shenanigans. Located at Leogate Estate, which was shortlisted for Winery of the Year by Halliday Wine Companion, the go-to at The Gates is grain-fed black Angus beef that is dry-aged in-house. Either that or plump for the degustation.

Address: 1693 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

19. Vines Restaurant at Hollydene Estate

It’s not a huge trek to the Hunter Valley from Sydney. And the fact that you can be dining at Vines Restaurant after just a couple of hours behind the wheel makes it a notable food destination. Start with an antipasto platter to share or pappardelle with ragu and parmesan you will want to keep all to yourself. The Upper Hunter Valley restaurant has a lovely outlook over Wollomi National Park and is one of the region’s best-kept secrets.

Address: 3483 Golden Hwy, Jerrys Plains

20. Restaurant Redsalt

Redsalt is hidden in plain sight in the Hunter. While the signature restaurant within Rydges Hunter Valley is relaxed, and family-friendly, it’s also well known for supporting local producers and being consistent with its focus on seasonality.

Redsalt is hidden in plain sight in the Hunter.

It’s well suited for a business lunch, popular with locals for its themed dinners, and has veg-friendly degustation dinners, too. Whatever you do, order the 18-hour beef short rib, which you’ll be dreaming about for the next decade.

Address: 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale

Interior of Redsalt Restaurant Hunter Valley

The stylish interiors round out the dining experience.

For more insider tips and must-do experiences, read our Hunter Valley travel guide.

The Lane Retreat gives guests VIP access to two of the region’s best wineries, an award-winning restaurant, an alfresco pizzeria, and an onsite gourmet pantry for a foodie-fuelled weekend that is low on fuss and big on value.

I’m watching kangaroos graze in the last light of day from the deck of my Lakeview Studio at The Lane Retreat, wine in hand. I arrived a couple of hours earlier with my husband for a two-night stay at the Hunter Valley’s newest winery accommodation.

I’ve been travelling to the Hunter Valley wine region for over 20 years, and I would like to think I’m well-versed in how to do it well, but one thing I’ve found it has often lacked is access to diverse accommodation options. That’s been slowly changing in recent years with the opening of unique affordable glamping sites, luxury stays in renovated vintage train carriages, and the new five-star-plus hotel planned for Ben Ean Estate.

The 60 lakeside studios scattered alongside the historic Palmers Lane vineyard at The Lane Retreat are the newest addition to the region, and I’ve heard nothing but good things since it first welcomed guests at the end of 2023. Now, I finally get to test it out firsthand.

Location

Aerial view of The Lane Retreat in Hunter Valley

The studio retreats are nestled between vineyards and a lake with the Broken Back Range as its backdrop.

Located on one of Bimbadgen’s award-winning vineyards on Palmers Lane in Pokolbin, The Lane Retreat claims the craggy mountain peaks of Broken Back Range as its backdrop, a picture-perfect lake frequented by paddling ducks and elegant black swans, plus kangaroos can easily be spotted bounding through the vineyards and grazing around the retreat. It’s an eight-minute drive to Polkolbin Village and is perfectly positioned for a visit to any of the region’s 90-plus wineries.

Style and character

External view of The Lane Retreat studios

The design of the studio retreats reflects the beauty of the environment from every angle.

The eco-conscious charcoal cabins (they’re fitted with solar panels and run on tank water) are designed to optimise access to the natural beauty of the property through the use of glass in the floor-to-ceiling windows, doors and panels. From the outside, the reflection of the mountains, vineyard and sky gives the illusion that the studios are blending into their surroundings. While inside, we’re treated to unbeatable Hunter Valley views – sunset and sunrise offer primetime entertainment. The 60 studio retreats, owned by the Mulpha Group, were originally built to offer onsite accommodation to complement the Bimbadgen Palmers Lane wedding venue. And if you’re lucky enough to be staying during a wedding, it makes for a lovely vibe on arrival, as the high energy and excitement of wedding guests are palpable.

Facilities and services

A free door-to-door shuttle service is provided to guests.

A complimentary door-to-door shuttle service transports guests between the group’s cellar doors for tastings and dinner reservations. A service we make use of on the first night of our stay for an early evening Signature Tasting at Bimbadgen Estate, followed by dinner at the winery’s pizzeria that connects to the tasting room via the Tuscan courtyard. It was such a treat not to force one of us to be the designated driver or pay extra for a shuttle service. While we also had access to the shuttle between Emma’s Cottage and the accommodation the next day, I decided I’d prefer to drive us, but booked the free service again for dinner that night at Esca back at Bimbadgen Estate.

A gourmet platter with goods from the Pantry at Lane Retreat

Pick up all manner of delicious supplies from the gourmet pantry onsite to enjoy back in your room.

It’s a five-minute stroll to The Pantry for a barista-made espresso coffee in the morning. But it’s also perfect for picking up a bottle of wine, beer, mixers, soft drinks or Night Merchant gin. There’s a range of snacks, including lollies and chips, as well as locally made treats like Cocoa Nibs chocolates and all the provisions needed to make a delicious cheese platter. I enjoyed browsing the homewares and gifts for sale, too.

View of the heated pool at The Lane Retreat

Pack swimmers to enjoy the heated pool all year round.

There is a heated swimming pool (that I wasn’t brave enough to use during my visit) at the heart of the retreat, and the metal water bottles supplied in your room can be refilled here with cold filtered water.

The room

Interior of Studio Retreat at The Lane Retreat in the Hunter Valley

The king-sized AH Beard mattress provides unbeatable comfort.

We stayed at No. 32 in a Lakeview Studio Retreat, and when it comes to standout features, I’m torn between the bathroom and the bed. The double showers with two rain shower heads are an indulgent touch given the size of the studio room, as are the double vanities, heated towel rails and toiletries by Melbourne natural skincare company Hunter Lab. The AH Beard king-sized mattress was extremely comfortable. Rarely do I prefer a hotel bed over my own, but this one delivered.

Bathrooms of studio retreats at The Lane Retreat

Oversized bathrooms are a much-appreciated indulgence.

Soothing greens and terracotta feature heavily throughout the interiors – from the art to soft furnishings and the sofa. There is also a dining table for two and a kitchenette that includes a fridge, microwave, coffee machine and kettle, as well as all the basics: cutlery, mugs, plates, bowls and glassware.

Food and drink

Breakfast provisions at The Lane Retreat

Delicious breakfast provisions are left for guests in the kitchenette.

There is no onsite restaurant, but The Pantry provides the perfect walkable option for snacks, coffee and drinks. Breakfasts are also taken care of with gourmet breakfast hampers included. We had Brookfarm muesli topped with Paris Creek Farms organic blueberry yoghurt, fresh sourdough with jams and butter and cold-pressed juice and milk.

Wood-fired pizzas are pumped out to happy customers in the Tuscan courtyard.

Bimbadgen Estate has two dining options: the award-winning flagship restaurant, Esca, and a pizzeria. The estate is a short drive away (make use of the free shuttle service) and we dined at both during our stay. The pizzas were cooked to doughy perfection and a glass of the 2019 Signature Shiraz paired with it beautifully.

The menu at Esca changes with the seasons. (Image: Katie Carlin)

Esca Bimbadgen delivered one of the best meals I’ve had in the Hunter. The award-winning fine dining restaurant’s menu changes with the seasons, and you can choose between the Signature Experience, which includes five courses and a wine pairing option or select from the à la carte menu. We opted for the latter and chose garlic buttered king prawns with romesco and capers; kingfish ceviche topped with sesame dressing, tomato water, strawberries and bonito flakes; and shared rosé panna cotta with candied pastry, rhubarb and macerated strawberries for dessert.

Build your own gourmet platter to enjoy alongside a tasting at Emma’s Cottage. (Image: Katie Carlin)

Emma’s Cottage, Bimbadgen’s other cellar door, serves up a build-your-own grazing platter to dine in or take away. The menu features Binnorie Cheese, salumi tuffle, Hunter Valley Foods quince paste, Pepe Sayo butter, Mount Zero mixed olives, as well as fresh baguettes, crackers, chutneys and more. But I’d recommend staying and enjoying your platter with a tasting of the Alter Wines, Bimbadgen’s alter ego; here, the winemakers get to be a bit more experimental with what they produce, with excellent results.

Does The Lane Retreat have access for guests with disabilities?

Yes. The Studio Retreat – Accessible features a fully accessible room and bathroom.

Is the Lane Retreat family-friendly?

The lakeside views are pretty even in the rain. (Image: Katie Carlin)

Families are welcome to book. The studio retreats are designed to sleep two and are more suited to couples or friends, but each studio is clustered together with three or four others, so you’ll be accommodated well when travelling as a group or for a multi-generational family getaway.

Is the Lane Retreat pet-friendly?

Dogs are welcome at The Lane Retreat for an additional fee per night. There are also terms and conditions to abide by.

Does the Lane Retreat offer wedding accommodation?

Yes. The Lane Retreat can accommodate up to 120 guests across 58 individual retreats. They also offer a Bridal Preparation Suite for the day, and if you host your wedding at Bimbadgen Palmers Lane venue, guests get a discounted rate for their stay.

Details

Friends by the firepit at The Lane Retreat

Take advantage of the winter escape package.

Best for: Romantic winery stays or Hunter Valley wedding accommodation

Address: 409 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin, NSW

Getting there: The Lane Retreat is a 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney. Newcastle Airport is a 50-minute drive from the Hunter Valley and direct flights are available from Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.

Price: The Lane Retreat is currently offering The Winter Escape Package, priced from $341 per night when staying a minimum of two nights in a premium studio retreat. The package also includes breakfast provisions for two people, a bottle of Bimbadgen Shiraz, a S’mores Kit to toast by the outdoor fire pit, a wood-fired pizza lunch at Bimbadgen for two and a late checkout until noon. The offer is subject to availability, some blackout dates apply and is valid for stays until August 31, 2025.

Check-in process: You check in online prior to arrival and receive a unique code to access your studio (twin share and fully accessible options are also available).

Discover the best things to do in the Hunter Valley while you’re there.