Top Places to Eat in the Hunter Valley

Top Places to Eat in the Hunter Valley

Heading to the Hunter Valley?

It’s Scarborough’s stomping ground – we’ve tried and tested all the top places to eat and discovered a few insider secrets to let out of the bag.

Tourism and the Hunter Valley go hand in hand – it’s been one of Australia’s top wine destinations for decades. Sydneysiders can venture north to Pokolbin in an easy two-hour drive and find themselves in the heart of one of Australia’s most loved wine regions.

The Hunter Valley is buzzing with brilliant places to eat, and we thought it only fair to share our insider secrets. We hope this helps you plan and book your dining experiences well in advance.

Let us know what you think of these spots the next time you’re in the neighbourhood. Bon appétit!

Casual Hunter Dining

Amanda's on the Edge restaurant

Amanda’s on the Edge 1039 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320

A local icon that is consistently delicious. The daily curry is always a winner, as are the picturesque views from the restaurant.

Baumé at Ben Ean 119 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320

La Casalinga 696 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320

Pescara 609 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320

4 Pines at the Farm Corner Hermitage Road and Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin NSW 2320

The Mill Restaurant Corner Hermitage Road and Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin NSW 2320

Gorgeous views over Hermitage Road accompany the comfortable surroundings of this restaurant.

Circa 1876 64 Halls Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320

Esca Bimbadgen 790 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320

It’s always a thrill to walk through the winery to get to the restaurant and the recent addition of the Bimbadgen Pizzeria just adds to the appeal.

Nineteen Hunter Valley 1 Claret Ash Drive, Pokolbin NSW 2320

Dimly lit restaurant interior at Jimmy Joans

Jimmy Joans 84 Wilderness Road, Rothbury NSW 2325

Romantic Hunter Restaurants

Table in the courtyard with countryside in the background at Bistro Molines

Bistro Molines 749 Mount View Road, Mount View NSW 2325

Restaurant Botanica 555 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320

Muse Restaurant 2450 Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320

éRemo Restaurant 57 Ekerts Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320

Specialised Hunter Dining (locally grown and sourced produce)

Margan Restaurant with the sun setting over the mountains in the background

Margan Restaurant

As the pioneers of Agri-Dining in the Hunter Valley, Margan are committed to ‘estate grown, estate made’ ethos. Their menus are crafted around the harvest from their one-hectare kitchen garden & orchard to maintain a hyper-local focus. In addition, they have their own olive trees, free range chickens, beehives and raise their own lambs, all of which is incorporated into the menus.

1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke

EXP. restaurant

Food is at the heart of EXP. and they create dishes that are an EXP.ression of Australian cuisine. The menu is driven by the seasons and produce but most importantly focused on flavour and a dining EXP.erience that is delicious, entertaining and interactive.

Pokolbin Village, 2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin 

Iron Gate Kitchen

With a focus on fresh, seasonal produce and bold Iberian flavours, Iron Gate Kitchen delivers a relaxed, rustic take on Mediterranean dining. From flame-charred meats to smoky seafood, vibrant sides and rich, classic desserts, each plate celebrates big flavours and honest ingredients in a setting designed for long, leisurely afternoons in wine country.

178 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin 

Takeaway

Sushi at Oiishi

Oishii

Arrived late afternoon and need a quick fix before wine tasting? Drop into the Hunter Valley’s Tempus Two winery centre in the heart of the region to pick up sushi, sashimi or spring rolls for small bites or teriyaki, teppan yaki or pad thai for larger appetites. It’s delicious and very portable! Tastes even better in your hotel room in front of TV.

Corner Broke and McDonalds Roads, Pokolbin

Burgers by HMC

Located right next to Hungerford Meat Co Butchery you can swing by, grab a burger and pick up something fabulous for your stay in the Hunter. You will not regret taking the little detour into Branxton.

47 Maitland St, Branxton 

Burgerfiend

If you’re craving a burger after a day of wine tasting, these are perfect. With classic cheeseburgers, vegetarian and a vegan option, these are super tasty and there’s an option for everyone.

 2 North Ave, Cessnock 

Local Hunter Valley Produce

Close up of cheese jars at Binnorie Dairy

Binnorie Dairy

Binnorie Dairy has been around for a while now, but they have more recently moved to larger premises on Lovedale Rd and are offering more than just cheese. You can grab a light lunch or a coffee while you try some of the Hunter Valley’s delicious local cheeses.

Corner of Lodge Road. and Lovedale Road, Lovedale

Lovedale Smokehouse

Think: platter heaven. A range of smoked cheeses, seafood and cured meats, along with jerky, pâtés and terrines.

64 Majors Lane, Lovedale

Wollombi Road Providore

Fresh, organic fruit and vegetables, complemented by a range of small goods, local dairy and meats.

80 Wollombi Road, Cessnock

Hunter Belle

Artisan cheese and milk products made in the Hunter Valley.

1616 Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320