Roberts Restaurant

I had waited for so long … we drove to the Hunter Valley … he had told it was casual but refined … he was perfectly correct. The bed and breakfast was at the end of a small laneway and Roberts a short stroll away. When we arrived we sat in a secluded room and had a glass of champagne … the waiter was friendly but deferential … we were not auditioning for friends and nor was he. We began with the soft shell crab and the quail … it was divine … or perhaps it was the way he put some on his fork and fed me. He had a steak and I had the fish … but to describe it like that makes it seem ordinary and it was everything but ordinary … his steak was perfection and the fish was so light so divine … baby clams and white bean puree … impossible to beat. Unless you chose the Toffee Peanut Ice cream with Salted Vanilla Crumble then … well then you would know what heaven is. The barest hint of background music, the gentle hum of our fellow diners, the wine, the walk back … I think this might be love! 31/01/2012

Fine dining and silver service at its almost best! The food at Robert's was exceptional. Attention was given to every component of each dish in relation to both taste and presentation. The quail entrée was a standout for my partner. The duck and venison mains were both tender and delicious. The strawberry soufflé was a delight to the taste buds, slightly tangy and sweet. A fire raged in the hearth, however as the formality of the wait staff caused them to be slightly robotic which paradoxically made the atmosphere seem cold. We were asked if we wanted bread, it didn’t arrive and requested that our bottle of wine be left at the table as the refill was so slow. Robert’s is highly recommended and promoted by the neighbouring Pepper’s Convent which would indicate that a percentage of their cliental would be visitors to the area. Welcoming country style hospitality would enhance the overall dining experience and match the charm of Robert’s rustic cottage. 15/09/2011

The food was wonderful, the restaurant interior made you feel as if you were dinner guests in a french cottage, the service was excellent. We were however unfortunate enough to be joined half way through our meal by a large table of rather vocal diners. But the whole night was topped off by my partner proposing to me on the quaint little bridge out the front as we waited for our transport back to our accommodation. **** 14/10/2007