The Best Restaurants In The Hunter Valley Australia

It’s not just wine lovers who flock to the Hunter Valley. With farm-to-table produce, agri-dining and plenty of gourmet options, Australia‘s famous wine region has become a foodie heaven, too. Here’s our guide to the best restaurants.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

EXP Restaurant

A seasonal menu curated by chef Frank Fawkner draws an international crowd to this popular restaurant in the small town of Pokolbin, in the Lower Hunter Valley region – also home to the world-famous Linderman’s winery. Handcrafted local furniture fills the dining room, or you can sit at the bar, under a decorative green wall, and watch the chef and his team make your dinner. The menu ranges from Paroo kangaroo with Davidson plum and saltbush to wild kingfish with chilli ferment and fennel pollen vinegar.

No matter where you sit in this light-filled French restaurant, you’ll be greeted by views of the rolling green Hunter Valley vineyards and fields. Positioned between Cessnock and Wollombi, Mount View remains one of the best kept secrets of the Hunter Valley. Decorative plates on the walls offset classic French country decor. If you have a sweet tooth, make sure you check out the extensive dessert menu.

Margan Restaurant

Head to the quaint village of Broke for picturesque views and some of the best boutique wineries around. When it’s time to eat, don’t pass up on the indulgence that is Margan Restaurant. This elegant estate offers spectacular views of 100ha (250 acres) of vineyards and gardens, and if you choose to dine outdoors, wall-mounted heaters will ensure that you keep warm.

Leaves and Fishes

Lovedale is the perfect destination for a weekend escape to the Hunter Valley and this family-friendly restaurant is a great spot for a relaxed seafood-inspired menu. Wooden chairs and bamboo curtains provide a laid-back feel. You can enjoy seafood dishes ranging from soft-shell crab to fresh Australian king prawns, all with an Asian twist. Linger afterwards by the riverfront, or if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for hot air ballooning.

The Cottage

Originally a hospital, the Cottage today plays host to a charming upmarket restaurant. It’s in Scone, which is the horse capital of Australia and the largest thoroughbred breeding area in the world. Enjoy a drink on the traditional Australian veranda before heading into the dining room, where exposed brick complements a working white fireplace, and small tables and chairs come in various shades of green. Do note that booking is essential.

Muse Restaurant

Here at award-winning Muse, you’ll find modern Australian cuisine with a local and seasonal focus. The large fireplace is the centrepiece of the main dining room, where oblong lights hover over the dining tables. Pair your meal with a recommended Australian wine from the Hungerford Hill Winery – try the award-winning 2017 shiraz for an extra indulgence.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.