Clare Valley Restaurants You Must Try

We’ve rounded up our favourite Clare Valley restaurants for you to enjoy on your trip to this charming and historic wine region.

The area might be known for its wineries and cellar doors, but the Clare Valley restaurant scene is not to be underestimated. With plenty of dining options, from multi-course degustations to casual woodfired pizzas, you’ll be spoiled for choice. We’ve rounded up our favourite Clare Valley restaurants for you to enjoy on your trip to this charming and historic wine region.

1. Skillogalee Restaurant

If farm-to-table dining is your thing, look no further than the lovely restaurant at the acclaimed winery Skillogalee . The refined menu celebrates local Clare Valley and South Australian produce, including ingredients from local suppliers as well as the restaurant’s kitchen garden.

people dining al fresco at Skillogalee Restaurant — Skillogalee Restaurant elevates the farm-to-table dining experience. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Mike Annese)

With dishes such as chicken-liver parfait with pickled cherries, hand-rolled gnocchi with zucchini, pistachio and mint and a delectable 12-hour lamb shoulder, you’ll get a taste of Clare Valley with every mouthful.

a close-up of a dish at Skillogalee Restaurant — Choose from the refined menu at the acclaimed winery Skillogalee.(Image: John Montesi)

Address: 23 Trevarrick Rd, Sevenhill

2. Ragu and Co

Delicious Italian food in the heart of Clare? Don’t mind if we do. Ragu and Co is a warm and authentic restaurant serving saucy pastas, fresh pizzas and traditional Italian dishes that’ll transport you straight to the med.

an array of Italian dishes on the table at Ragu and Co — Relish in Italian fare at Ragu and Co.

Our pick? The crispy skin barramundi with tomatoes, capers and olives – perfection.

mushroom and truffle arancini and pasta with wine at Ragu and Co — Try Ragu and Co’s mushroom and truffle arancini paired with wine.

Address: 308 Main North Road, Clare

3. Slate Restaurant at Pikes

Known as one of the best restaurants in Clare Valley, Slate serves modern Australian dishes designed to showcase the beautiful wine produced at Pikes vineyards.

a spacious dining setup at Slate Restaurant at Pikes — Nab a table inside the spacious and elegant Slate Restaurant at Pikes. (Image: Pikes Wines)

The seasonal menu boasts a fusion of Japanese, Middle Eastern, Italian and French flavours, offering guests a surprising culinary experience that delights the palate and pairs perfectly with their delicious drops!

a chef doing meal preparations at Slate Restaurant at Pikes — Slate Restaurant at Pikes offers a fusion of international cuisines. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 233 Polish Hill Road, Sevenhill

4. Watervale Hotel

This understated gem in Watervale might not have the crisp tablecloths and abundant cutlery of a fine-dining restaurant, but when it comes to excellent food, it sure delivers.

a staff arranging the dining table at Watervale Hotel — Snag a spot in the long table for lunch at Watervale Hotel. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

The hotel team prides themselves on their commitment to providing an ‘ethical epicurean’ experience, offering a range of delicious, seasonal and local dishes that cater to all dietaries.

a plate of food on the table at Watervale Hotel — Watervale Hotel commits to provide an ‘ethical epicurean’ experience. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 37 Main North Road, Watervale

5. Seed Clare Valley

If you’re after a relaxed restaurant in Clare Valley serving delicious cocktails and woodfired pizzas, look no further than Seed . This casual spot has a fun rooftop bar where you can enjoy a cold drink and a slice of pizza, as well as a bistro menu for more elevated dining. Don’t miss the fab deli full of gourmet goodies including specialty cheeses and fresh cuts of meat.

specialty cheeses and meat on a platter at Seed Clare Valley — Order gourmet goodies at Seed Clare Valley.

Address: 268 Main North Road, Clare

6. Bush Devine Winery Restaurant

Native ingredients shine on the menu at Bush Devine Winery , the restaurant at Paulett Wines in Polish Hill. Expect to see lemon myrtle, saltbush, bunya nuts and finger limes enriching the dishes with a distinctly Australian twist and showcasing the outstanding flavours this area has to offer.

a food platter with matching wines at Bush Devine Winery Restaurant — Bush Devine Winery Restaurant draws ingredients from their very own Australian native garden.

If you’re opting for the five-course set menu (you should!), give yourself plenty of time to enjoy this gastronomic experience with matching wines – you won’t be disappointed.

guests enjoying food and drinks at Bush Devine Winery, Paulett Wines in Polish Hill — Indulge in a five-course set menu at Bush Devine Winery, the restaurant at Paulett Wines in Polish Hill. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 752 Jolly Way, Polish Hill River

7. Mr. Mick

Mr. Mick is one of the most popular Clare Valley restaurants, and for good reason.

transferring pork belly from a pan — Mr. Mick’s twice-cooked pork belly is extra savoury. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

The historic building oozes character, while the relaxed menu features fan favourites such as cheesy arancini, squid with sweet chilli jam, and an indulgent twice-cooked pork belly you’ll be thinking about for days. They also serve a range of yummy pizzas on Sundays.

a close-up of dishes on the table at Mr. Mick — With Mr. Mick’s diverse offerings, you’ll be surely spoilt for choice. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 7 Dominic Street, Clare

8. Reilly’s Restaurant

The charming town of Mintaro is home to Reilly’s Restaurant , where the tastes of the region are explored in their seasonal menu.

old people dining outside Reilly’s Restaurant — Opt for a five-course ‘Long Lunch’ with matching wines at Reilly’s Restaurant. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission)

Whether you opt to order à la carte or fully indulge in the five-course ‘Long Lunch’ with matching wines, you’ll enjoy gourmet classics guaranteed to delight. Prefer a more relaxed bite? Try Reilly’s cellar door, where you can order grazing platters alongside your wine tasting.

a close-up shot of a food plate at Reilly’s Restaurant — Enjoy gourmet classics guaranteed to delight.

Address: Corner Leasingham Road & Hill St, Mintaro

9. O’Leary Walker Restaurant

The sleek O’Leary Walker is one of the most contemporary Clare Valley restaurants, offering a chic menu designed to share. The tightly edited selection is heavy on the small plates, so you can taste a variety of flavours from the area.

pouring wine into a glass on the dinner table at O’Leary Walker Restaurant — Wine and dine at O’Leary Walker Restaurant. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

We’re ordering the pork and lemongrass wontons, the sticky Thai peanut cauliflower, and the Shiraz-glazed beef rib with celeriac and garlic – foodie heaven. Got dietaries? Stress not. There are lots of options for our GF, DF and vegan friends, too.

a close-up shot of a dish at O’Leary Walker Restaurant — The menu is heavy on the small plates. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 7093 Horrocks Highway, Leasingham

10. Antidote Kitchen

A new venture from the former head chef of Clare Valley institution Indii of Clare, Antidote is bringing Indian street food to the table at this buzzy new spot.

a close-up shot of a food on a plate alongside a drink on the table at Antidote Kitchen — Savour mouth-watering meals at Antidote Kitchen.

Originally a pop-up kitchen servicing local wineries on weekends, Antidote found their permanent home in the old Chaff Mill in Clare just a few months ago, and have been delivering mouth-watering meals every day since.

a table-top view of food plates at Antidote Kitchen — Antidote brings Indian street food to the table.

Address: 308b Main North Road, Clare

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

10 Clare Valley restaurants to book