The Hunter Valley’s Finest Restaurants 2025

Every year thousands of travellers ask us the same question: where should we really eat in the Hunter Valley? After escorting more than thousands of guests through Pokolbin and Lovedale, we know exactly which tables deliver magic. This is our definitive shortlist.

These are the ten restaurants our private clients request most — from two-hat dégustations to sun-drenched lunches. Make your lunch or dinner plans effortless with our Restaurant Transfer service. Whether it’s a special occasion, a family outing, or a relaxed meal with friends, we ensure you enjoy your evening without worrying about traffic, parking, or driving back home. Simply book your time, and we’ll handle the rest.

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Muse Restaurant

Two Chef’s Hats • Pokolbin

The only restaurant in the Hunter Valley to consistently hold two Chef’s Hats. James Holder’s dégustation is a masterclass in modern Australian cuisine with flawless wine pairings and vineyard views from every seat.

Founded in 2009 by chef Troy Rhoades-Brown after training in Europe, Muse was the first in the Hunter to earn two hats and has held them for over a decade, showcasing seasonal produce with innovative twists.

Must-try: Spanner crab with native greens or duck with quandong glaze from the dégustation menu.

2450 Broke Road, Pokolbin
musedining.com.au →

Hunters Quarter

Best Long Lunch • Pokolbin

Ex-Michelin chef Brian Duncan serves European elegance on a sun-drenched deck overlooking Pooles Rock vineyard.

Opened in 2015 by chef Brian Duncan from a family farm background, Hunters Quarter focuses on seasonal, local produce in a relaxed yet elegant setting, earning consistent accolades.

Must-try: Yellowfin tuna carpaccio or smoked duck with miso-glazed carrots.

576 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin
huntersquarter.com →

Restaurant Botanica

Spicers Vineyards Estate

Garden-to-table French cuisine with fire pits and sunset views. Pure romance.

At Spicers Vineyards, Botanica embodies the idea that great chefs are great gardeners, sourcing from a one-acre kitchen garden for seasonal, fresh dishes since its inception.

Must-try: Locally sourced sourdough or Mandagery Creek venison.

555 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin
spicersretreats.com →

Bistro Molines

Mount View

Provençal classics in a light-filled pavilion overlooking Tallavera Grove vines. A true legend.

Robert and Sally Molines have been in Hunter since 1973, starting at Happy Valley Winery, moving to Tallavera Grove in 2008; Robert's French heritage shines in rustic dishes.

Must-try: Orange honey-glazed twice-cooked duck or bouillabaisse with local seafood.

749 Mount View Road, Mount View
bistromolines.com.au →

Twine Restaurant

Wynwood Estate

Wood-fired dishes and panoramic Broken Back Range views. Famous for Sunday roasts.

Opened in 2013 at Wynwood Estate by chefs Matt Dillow and Adam Ireland, Twine blends modern Australian with Asian fusion, known for weddings and seasonal produce.

Must-try: Singapore chilli mud crab or oyster platter six ways.

310 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin
twinerestaurant.com.au →

Esca Bimbadgen

Best Views

360° vineyard views under the iconic bell tower. Wood-fired pizza by day, refined dinners at sunset.

Pioneer of Hunter fine dining at Bimbadgen Winery, revamped recently, with a history of awards and symbiosis with the estate's wines.

Must-try: Woodfired peaches with duetto cheese or seared blue-eye cod.

790 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin
bimbadgen.com.au/esca →

Circa 1876

Historic Elegance

Dine inside a restored 1876 convent with open fires and elegant modern Australian cuisine.

In a historic cottage on Roscrea Estate since 1876, Circa emphasises farm-to-fork with an organic kitchen garden, a Hunter icon for refined dining.

Must-try: Sesame crusted yellowfin tuna or two parts duck.

88 Halls Road, Pokolbin
circa1876.com.au →

EXP Restaurant

Most Innovative

Frank Fawkner’s bold, native-ingredient surprise menus in an intimate 20-seat room.

Opened in 2015 by Frank Fawkner after Muse, EXP earned two hats in 2026, focusing on sustainable, immersive Australian cuisine with local produce.

Must-try: Cobia with fermented chilli or duck with fermented cabbage.

2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin
exprestaurant.com.au →

Amanda’s on the Edge

Best Value

Feels like dining at a friend’s beautiful country home. $120 set menu includes a bottle of wine per couple.

Over 20 years family-run, built from the ground up, named after Amanda Patton, offering modern Australian with vineyard views.

Must-try: Garlic king prawns or thrice cooked duck.

1039 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin
amandas.com.au →

Restaurant Cuvée

Peterson House • Breakfast

Start your day with sparkling wine and oysters. The happiest breakfast in the valley.

At Peterson House, famous for sparkling wines, Restaurant Cuvée blends old and new in modern Australian cuisine with vineyard views.

Must-try: Bubbly Breakfast or corn fritters.

Corner Broke Road & Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin
petersonhouse.com.au →

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