The Best Restaurants in Hunter Valley

Muse Restaurant is everything you'd expect from a contemporary dining experience in the grounds of a winery. Experience the 6 course tasting menu on a Saturday evening, or choose between an a la carte or 5 course tasting menu on other days. Service is attentive, fine wine glasses glint in the light of the open fire and sophisticated, Modern Australian dishes stream from the kitchen. The stunning views through the floor-to-ceiling windows are just a bonus.

At Hunters Quarter in Pokolbin, their philosophy is all about creating a place where good times, food, wine and memories can be shared and created. Through the use of high-quality ingredients that are sourced locally, the menu sings of well-balanced dishes that take their inspiration from European cuisine like duck prosciutto and porcini mushroom gnocchi. This charming venue is also a popular Hunter Valley choice for private dining, functions and weddings, enquire now for your next celebration.

Located in the heart of the Hunter Valley Wine Country, Bimbadgen is a striking winery and vineyard encompassing an expansive cellar door, award-winning Esca Bimbadgen Restaurant, Tuscan style courtyard serving woodfired pizza, outdoor amphitheatre, modern tasting rooms, and accommodation - all in the one stunning location. Esca's Modern Australian cuisine, fresh, local and home grown produce and spectacular views make for a truly memorable dining experience.

Located on Wynwood Estate in Pokolbin, Twine Restaurant offers Modern Australian cuisine. The signature dishes here are chilli mud crab from the tank and a platter of oysters done six different ways. The restaurant's dining room is modern and spacious and it overlooks the rolling vineyards and spills out onto a deck bordered by roses. Sundays are special at Twine, when a range of meats are slow-roasted over a wood fire for an al fresco feast dubbed, 'Fireside Sundays.'

Amidst the scenic Hunter Valley Vineyards, Bistro Molines offers a delightful dining experience with its light-filled space and country-chic decor. Renowned for refined French cuisine, Chef Robert's menu showcases locally sourced, seasonal produce alongside timeless favourites. Drawing inspiration from his native Provence, Robert's dishes exude French charm and are complemented by ingredients from the restaurant's own herb and vegetable garden. With panoramic views of the vineyards, visitors can enjoy sophisticated yet rustic French Provincial dishes crafted by Robert, Garreth, and the talented team at Bistro Molines.

Photography: Courtesy of Bistro Molines

Situated within a family owned and operated vineyard, RidgeView Restaurant in Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley, uses the best in fresh local produce for the Mediterranean inspired menu which is expertly paired with their award winning wines. With al fresco dining overlooking the picturesque vineyards, RidgeView is the perfect setting for a relaxing dining experience. RidgeView can also cater for small or large functions, with seating available for up to 100 and an expansive lawn area that is perfect for cocktail style dining and lawn games.

Harvest Restaurant: Breakfast Friday-Sunday 8.30am-10.30am, lunch Thursday-Sunday 12pm-3pm and dinner Thursday-Sunday  5pm-7.30pm. Snacks available all day in the cellar door.

Set amongst rolling vineyards and natural bushland in the heart of the Hunter Valley is Wandin Kitchen. After a wine tasting at the cellar door, head to the cafe and experience local Hunter Valley produce at its best. From breakfast and lunch, through to dinner, the Lovedale cafe offers a range of tasting plates, and two, three, and four-course lunch options, complete with wine pairings to celebrate any and every occasion. Wandin Estate is also home to seven beautiful self-contained villas, ideal for a weekend getaway.

Wandin Kitchen is open: Thursday - Lunch, Friday - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner and Sunday  Breakfast & Lunch

Cellar door open Monday - Sunday 10am-5pm

Established in 1990, Saddler's Creek Winery is a passion project of making award-winning wines and a love for horses in the iconic Hunter Valley. The cellar door offers a bountiful of tasting experiences like the summer wine and seafood flight, bringing together the best of the wineries premium wines with oysters, prawns and smoked salmon. Saddler's Creek own food van provides a seasonal platters on the weekends, and it's recommended to book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Meander your way through the many vineyards of the Hunter Valley to Mount View and explore the property and cellar door of Briar Ridge Wines. The five-star winery was first established in 1972 and has had a long history in the Hunter region and wine-making industry. The open cellar door overlooks the property and is the ideal spot to try your way through the wine list with a plate of local gourmet cheeses and antipasto nibbles.

Photography: Courtesy of Briar Ridge

Housed in a cottage that was once the Rural Lands Protection Board on Scone's main drag, The Cottage's quaint exterior belies a chicly styled interior and an even more impressive menu. The Cottage's kitchen is serious about its meat, with the chef's signature dry aged beef and charcuterie dominating the menu. The restaurant's front rooms are styled like a wine bar, while two larger dining rooms and a pretty courtyard receive a la carte service.

(The Cottage Cafe Tuesday - Saturday 7.30am-11.30am)

The Restaurant Thursday - Saturday for dinner

Restaurant Lunch Thursday, Friday & Saturday 12pm-2pm

Dinner Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 6pm