The Hunter Valley is renowned for its world-class wineries, breathtaking landscapes, and a vibrant dining scene that attracts food enthusiasts from all over. Whether you’re a wine lover, a couple looking for a romantic getaway, or friends seeking a memorable dining experience, the Hunter Valley offers a plethora of culinary delights. Here are the top five best restaurants in the Hunter Valley that promise to tantalize your taste buds with exquisite local cuisine paired with fine wines.
1. Baumé Restaurant
Location: Benean
Baumé (pronounced bow-may) Restaurant offers a casual, family-style dining experience with a focus on local ingredients. The gourmet pizza, with dough made in-house and baked in a Moretti pizza oven, is a must-try. The Mediterranean-inspired share plates and slow-braised Italian lamb shoulder are other highlights that promise a memorable dining experience.
Highlight: Baumé’s relaxed atmosphere and delicious menu make it a great choice for casual dining with family and friends.
2. Esca Bimbadgen
Location: Bimbadgen Estate
Perched above a winery, Esca Bimbadgen offers a dining experience that is as visually stunning as it is gastronomically delightful. The restaurant showcases a passion for the Hunter Valley, with a menu designed to complement the region’s wines. Enjoy dishes that emphasize simplicity and freshness, paired with an extensive wine list featuring the best of Bimbadgen Estate and other Hunter region wines.
Highlight: Dine with panoramic views of the vineyards, making it a perfect spot for romantic dinners or celebratory meals.
3. Restaurant Botanica
Location: Spicers Vineyards Estate
Restaurant Botanica is a culinary gem in the heart of the Hunter Valley, known for its generous and playful dishes. The menu features Australian-grown ingredients and a blend of classic and modern French techniques. Guests can savor locally sourced sourdough, fresh seafood, and a variety of roasted, pickled, and preserved vegetables. The wine list is extensive, offering the best of the region’s iconic wines.
Highlight: The intimate and sophisticated setting, along with a private dining room for exclusive gatherings, makes Restaurant Botanica an ideal choice for intimate celebrations.
4. Muse Dining
Location: Hungerford Hill Estate
Muse Dining is a regional restaurant that embodies the essence of the Hunter Valley’s culinary heritage. As the seasons change, so does the menu, reflecting the best of local produce. Muse Dining offers a five-course set menu for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, showcasing thoughtful and delicious dishes that honor the region’s producers.
Highlight: Enjoy the cosy ambiance created by the sandstone fireplace during cooler nights and savour a menu crafted with care by passionate chefs and producers.
5.Locavore Restaurant
Location: voco™ Kirkton Park Hunter Valley
Locavore Restaurant embodies estate-to-plate dining, celebrating the Hunter Valley’s exceptional regional produce. The name “Locavore” reflects their commitment to sustainability and freshness by using locally grown and produced ingredients. Indulge in seasonal dishes made with ingredients from voco’s™ own kitchen garden and sourced from small local businesses. Each dish is thoughtfully paired with local wines, offering an authentic taste of the Hunter Valley.
Highlight: Experience fine dining in a charming manor estate, perfect for special occasions or a delightful evening after a day of wine tasting.
Bonus: Margan Restaurant
Location: Margan Winery & Vineyard
Margan Restaurant is a pioneer of agri-dining in the Hunter Valley, offering a farm-to-table menu that changes with the seasons. The restaurant sources its ingredients from its own kitchen garden, orchard, and farm, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful dishes. With a focus on sustainability, Margan has earned accolades for its environmental stewardship and commitment to local produce.
Highlight: Enjoy the ultimate Margan experience with a guided tour of the farm, vineyard, and winery, followed by a farm-to-table tasting menu in their hatted restaurant.
Ready to embark on a culinary adventure in the Hunter Valley? Book your table at one of these top restaurants today and experience the best in local cuisine and fine wines. Visit voco™ Kirkton Park Hunter Valley to start planning your unforgettable dining experience!