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.

Hunter Valley restaurants — 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.

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.

a cup of coffee at Myrtle & Stone — 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.

the terrace of Margan Restaurant — 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.

a Wagyu dish at éRemo Restaurant — 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 outdoor entrance of Wandin Kitchen — 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.

an alfresco dining at Restuarant Wandin — 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.

EXP. Restaurant, Hunter Valley. — 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.

Fawk Fine Foods, Hunter Valley. — 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.

plate of wagyu steak at Hunters Quarter — 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.

the dining setup at Hunters Quarter — 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.

the tower lodge courtyard at Sebastian — 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.

Restaurant Redsalt in the Hunter Valley — 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.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .