Alex O'Brien
Food & Wine

Top 10 restaurants in the Hunter Valley

From fine dining experiences to local pubs and steakhouses, the Hunter Valley offers an amazing range of dining options. Whether you’re coming to the region to visit some wineries, for a wedding or just on a weekender, you’re going to want to find somewhere great to have lunch or dinner.

Here a list of the top 10 restaurants in the Valley, put together by the knowledgeable Cellar Door staff at Mount Pleasant, in no particular order. And remember, Elizabeth’s Restaurant at Mount Pleasant offers an amazing dining experience for breakfast and lunch, so it’s also not to be missed.

1 Robert’s Circa 1876

Set in the shadow of the beautiful Pepper’s Convent in the heart of Pokolbin, Robert’s offers an amazing meal in some truly spectacular surroundings.  The exceptional food provided by Executive Chef George Francisco centres around Modern Australian Cuisine with a French influence. This is the place to come if your celebrating something special.

2 Redsalt at Crowne Plaza 

With views across the scenic 18-hole golf course, swimming pool and vineyard surrounds, Redsalt is Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley’s signature restaurant. It is renowned for its fresh, local produce, fine wines and innovative cuisine. 

3 Locavore at Sebel 

The Locavore resteraunt at the Sebel embraces whole heartedly the mentality of paddock to plate, growing much of their own produce and sourcing most of their ingredients from the Hunter Valley. The latest seasonal menus showcases the natural quality of the region presented simply yet dramatically to offer a gastronomic experience. 

4 Harrigan’s Pub

This is a great place to go when you want a casual pub meal that won’t break the bank, while still offering quality food The venue has plenty of indoor and outdoor dining spaces for any weather. As an added bonus they also have a playground to keep the kids busy!

5 The Legends Grill

An a la Carte restaurant focusing on succulent grilled meats. At The Legend’s Grill you will surround yourself with breathtaking views over the Greg Norman designed golf course, whilst sampling the Hunter Valley’s finest wines. 

6 Potter’s Brewery

To be fair, the emphasis at Potter’s Brewery is, predictably, on the beer. However they do great steaks and sausages and mash! There is also plenty of room for kids to run around on the grass.

7 Bodega Restaurant and Bar at Cypress Lakes

The recently renovated Bodega Restaurant and Bar is a great place for lunch. Open for guests and visitors, at Bodega you’ll enjoy relaxed all day dining with spectacular views overlooking the lake and golf course.

8 Bistro Molines

An old favourite, chef Robert Molines produces some of the best food in the Hunter. His food is classical French fare in a casual dining setting that boasts some really outstanding views.

9 Hunter Valley Steakhouse at Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens

Executive Chef Jean Marc Pollet has created a menu that features the highest quality local grain and pasture fed beef, along with many other dishes that use the best quality local ingredients. Open 7 nights for dinner and lunches Saturday and Sunday, the relaxed atmosphere and friendly service make the Hunter Valley Steakhouse house a must on the Hunter Valley Culinary “to do” list!

And during lunch on Saturday and Sunday throughout Autumn, the Hunter Valley Steakhouse allow guests to BYO a bottle of Mount Pleasant or McWilliam’s wine!

10 Muse Restaurant

A young restaurant set in one of the Hunter’s Valley’s most unusual buildings, Muse is really making waves, Chef Troy Rhoades Brown earned a chef’s hat with his innovative and satisfying menu.

 

Tags:
wine, mcwilliams, hunter valley, mount pleasant