Welcome to Australia’s oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley. A place where fine wines meet exquisite dining, where the views are as delectable as the food, and where culinary dreams come alive amidst the vineyards. The Hunter Valley, located in New South Wales, is not just a haven for wine lovers but is also a gastronomical paradise, boasting an incredible array of restaurants and bars that serve up everything from local classics to international flavours.
Our culinary journey takes us from vineyard picnics and rustic farm-to-table eateries to sophisticated fine dining establishments. We traverse cosy cafés, delightful cheese factories, and even an adventurous brewpub. Each establishment tells its own unique tale of the Hunter Valley, offering a slice of its vibrant culinary landscape. These venues serve up mouth-watering dishes crafted from locally-sourced, seasonal produce, each plate narrating a story of the region’s abundant land.
In the Hunter Valley, dining is not merely about eating; it’s an immersive sensory experience. The food is carefully paired with world-class wines, the dining rooms overlook lush vineyards or serene countryside, and the atmosphere ranges from the laid-back and casual to the refined and elegant.
So, whether you’re a foodie seeking the next culinary adventure, a wine enthusiast looking to pair your sips with delicious bites, or simply someone who appreciates good food and great ambiance, this guide to the top 30 restaurants and bars in the Hunter Valley is your passport to an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
Without further ado, let’s embark on this culinary adventure!
- Restaurant Cuvee at Peterson House ($$):
Nestled in the heart of the Hunter Valley and famous for its stunning sparkling wines, Restaurant Cuvee at Peterson House is a must-visit. This restaurant offers a delightful marriage of food and wine in a stunning setting. Known for their innovative take on Australian cuisine, every dish is designed to complement the sparkling wines they produce. The restaurant itself is housed in a classic country manor with a charming vineyard backdrop, providing a truly scenic dining experience. Whether you’re indulging in a leisurely breakfast, a sumptuous lunch, or simply stopping by for a wine tasting, Restaurant Cuvee at Peterson House is sure to leave a sparkling impression on your Hunter Valley visit.
Contact: (02) 4998 7881
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- Baumé ($$$):
A jewel in the crown of the Hunter Valley dining scene, Baumé offers an unparalleled fine dining experience. Housed in the elegant Ben Ean estate and surrounded by lush vineyards, the restaurant provides a serene and luxurious setting. Baumé’s menu is renowned for its creative, modern Australian cuisine, with a particular emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and an impressive selection of wines from the region. Each dish is a work of art, crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a flair for culinary innovation. For those in search of an unforgettable, sophisticated dining experience, Baumé is a must-visit. The elegant ambience, coupled with the exquisite cuisine, makes it a perfect spot for a special occasion or a refined gastronomic treat.
Contact: (02) 4993 3705
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- Ridgeview Restaurant ($$):
Ridgeview Restaurant offers stunning views of the valley while you enjoy exquisite modern Australian cuisine. Their menu includes locally sourced seafood and farm-fresh produce.
Contact: (02) 6574 7332
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- Lovedale Bar & Grill ($):
A casual dining spot known for its hearty dishes. Lovedale offers a variety of comfort foods, including burgers and steaks, making it perfect for a relaxed meal.
Contact: (02) 4991 0947
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- Yellow Billy Restaurant ($$):
This restaurant offers a unique and innovative menu that revolves around their custom-made fire pit. Expect beautifully cooked meats and an inviting, rustic atmosphere.
Contact: (02) 6574 7204
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- Blaxland Inn ($$):
Blaxland Inn serves traditional country meals in a charming, rustic setting. Known for their quality steaks and generous portions, it’s a must-visit for meat lovers.
Contact: (02) 4998 7550
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- Locavore Restaurant ($$$):
A fine dining experience that focuses on using local, organic, and sustainably sourced ingredients. Their innovative menu changes with the seasons, always offering something new and exciting.
Contact: (02) 4998 7680
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- Restaurant Botanica ($$$):
Combining modern Australian cuisine with a spectacular vineyard view, Restaurant Botanica offers a premium dining experience with a strong emphasis on seasonality and freshness.
Contact: (02) 6574 7229
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- The Wood Restaurant ($$):
Specialising in wood-fired pizzas and hearty pastas, this restaurant offers a relaxed dining experience amidst the backdrop of vineyards.
Contact: (02) 4998 7559
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- Mt Pleasant Wines ($$):
Known for their incredible selection of wines, this is more of a tasting room than a restaurant. However, they do offer light meals that perfectly complement their wines.
Contact: (02) 4998 7505
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- The Gates Restaurant ($$$):
This fine dining restaurant offers a sophisticated menu that showcases the best of the region’s produce. The setting is elegant yet comfortable, making it perfect for special occasions.
Contact: (02) 4998 7499
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- EXP ($$$):
EXP focuses on providing a sensory dining experience in a relaxed and intimate setting. Each dish is thoughtfully created to ensure a unique and memorable meal.
Contact: 0478 374 677
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- Redsalt Restaurant ($$$):
This restaurant offers a high-end dining experience with a menu that showcases the best of local produce. Expect beautifully presented dishes and an extensive wine list.
Contact: (02) 4991 0944
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- Bimbadgen Wood Fire Pizza ($):
A great casual dining option for families and groups, offering delicious wood-fired pizza with a variety of toppings, set in the beautiful surrounds of the Bimbadgen winery.
Contact: (02) 4998 4650
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- Esca Bimbadgen ($$$):
Situated in the Bimbadgen winery, this fine dining restaurant offers a modern Australian menu paired with the stunning views of the vineyard.
Contact: (02) 4998 4666
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- NINETEEN Hunter Valley ($$):
Offering a contemporary dining experience, NINETEEN serves up a menu of modern Australian cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
Contact: (02) 4998 2244
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- Muse Restaurant ($$$):
Muse provides a premium dining experience with dishes that are as visually impressive as they are delicious. The menu features a mix of classic and contemporary techniques.
Contact: (02) 4998 6777
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- Circa 1876 Restaurant ($$$):
This fine-dining restaurant is set in a historic cottage and offers a menu of exquisite dishes made from local and organic produce, much of it sourced from their own kitchen garden.
Contact: (02) 4998 4999
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- Twine Restaurant ($$):
Twine serves up modern Australian dishes in a lovely vineyard setting. It’s perfect for a leisurely lunch or a romantic dinner.
Contact: 0491 758 432
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- Sebastian ($$):
Sebastian brings a touch of Europe to Hunter Valley with its hearty and rustic Basque-inspired cuisine. Think pintxos, paella, and a good selection of Spanish wines.
Contact: (02) 4005 6770
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- Amanda’s on the Edge Restaurant ($$$):
Situated on the edge of a vineyard, Amanda’s offers a delightful fine dining experience with an emphasis on fresh, local produce and a stunning view to match.
Contact: (02) 4998 7900
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- The Deck Café Lovedale ($):
A casual eatery known for its inviting outdoor seating area, The Deck Cafe offers a range of dishes from hearty breakfasts to satisfying lunches.
Contact: (02) 4930 9007
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- Goldfish Hunter Valley Restaurant ($$):
This cocktail bar and restaurant offers a varied menu of modern Australian dishes, from tapas-style small plates to larger, more substantial dishes.
Contact: (02) 4998 7671
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- Café Enzo ($$):
Serving up rustic, home-style meals in an enchanting setting, Cafe Enzo is known for its cosy atmosphere and delicious, locally sourced cuisine.
Contact: (02) 4998 7233
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- 4 Pines at the Farm ($):
This laid-back brewpub serves a range of 4 Pines beers alongside a simple, but delicious menu of pub classics. Perfect for a casual meal or a beer tasting.
Contact: (02) 9099 2720
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- Harrigan’s Hunter Valley ($$):
Known for its Irish pub atmosphere, Harrigans serves a mix of traditional Irish fare and modern Australian cuisine in a warm and friendly setting.
Contact: (02) 4998 4300
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- The Mighty ($$):
This modern, relaxed eatery offers a variety of dishes, from burgers and salads to steaks and seafood. It’s perfect for a casual meal or a family get-together.
Contact: (02) 4058 4155
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- IronBark Hill Brewhouse ($):
A great spot for beer lovers, IronBark offers a range of their own craft beers alongside a menu of hearty meals perfect for a relaxed, casual meal.
Contact: (02) 6574 7085
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- Binnorie Dairy ($):
More than a restaurant, Binnorie Dairy offers a delightful range of artisan cheeses. Stop by for a cheese tasting and pick up some of their local products to take home.
Contact: (02) 4998 6660
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- Hunter Valley Cheese Factory ($):
Another spot for cheese lovers, here you can sample a range of locally made cheeses, watch the cheese-making process, and enjoy a cheese platter on site.
Contact: (02) 4998 7744
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From the elegance of fine dining to the comfort of homely cafes, the Hunter Valley offers a culinary adventure that caters to every palate. Each venue we’ve explored brings something unique to the table, be it the charm of their location, the warmth of their hospitality, or the creativity of their menus. The Hunter Valley is a symphony of flavour, a celebration of local produce, and a testament to the region’s culinary prowess.
But the true beauty of the Hunter Valley dining experience is not just in its diversity, but in how well it complements the region’s vibrant wine culture and stunning landscapes. There’s no better way to enjoy this than by extending your visit, immersing yourself in the local atmosphere, and truly savouring what the region has to offer.
That’s where we come in. At Weekenda, we provide a range of delightful accommodation options right in the heart of the Hunter Valley. Our properties are the perfect base for your gastronomic adventure, allowing you to enjoy the local food and wine at your own pace. And who knows, your favourite restaurant or bar from this list might just be a short stroll away from your doorstep!
So why wait? Start planning your culinary getaway now. Taste the best of the Hunter Valley, one plate and one glass at a time, with Weekenda. Book your accommodation directly through our website to save up to 15~20% compared with other booking platforms. Your unforgettable Hunter Valley gastronomic adventure awaits!
Book now at www.weekenda.com!
