4 Best Restaurants in The Hunter Valley Wine Region, New South Wales

Local French-born celebrity chef Robert Molines, who used to run Roberts Restaurant, has a restaurant on the grounds of the lovely Tallavera vineyard, which has one of the best views in the valley. Make sure you nab a table on or near the veranda. Food isn't overly complicated or styled, which fits nicely with the relaxed (but professional) service. The twice-roasted Hunter duckling on braised cabbage is delicious, while seafood fans love the Jewfish with jamon consomme. It's a two-course minimum at A$85. Those who want a nap after a long lunch, or don't want to drive home, might want to book into the two-bedroom cottage (operated by Robert and his wife Sally) that's just a stroll from the restaurant.

This restaurant in grapevine-covered, 1876-built Pepper Tree Cottage wins the ambience award hands down. The seasonal Mod Oz menu draws inspiration from regional recipes of France and Italy and applies it to local game, seafood, beef, and lamb. A good choice is the chef specialty cherry glazed duck breast or the curry myrtle smoke emu fillet. Lunch is set at a three courses costing A$110. The cozy fireside lounge is perfect for enjoying after-dinner liqueurs, or another wine from the extensive wine list.

Serving up a vast selection of northern Italian specialties, the outdoor terrace at Il Cacciatore is the perfect place for a leisurely weekend lunch. The exterior is classic Australian, with a veranda overlooking the vineyards. Once you step inside, your senses will be overwhelmed by the wonderful aromas wafting from the kitchen. Italian favorites crowd this menu, with pasta and gnochi the staple. Make sure you leave plenty of room for the long list of desserts, too. An extensive list of local and imported wines complements the menu. One of the few restaurants in the area also open every night for dinner. 

A rustic boathouse-style café with a deck that projects over a fish-stocked dam and a lovely garden, this is the place to savor delicious seafood with an Asian twist, and share antipasto dishes. Fish comes straight from farm to plate, and wines are from local vineyards. You could start with the roasted Harvery Bay scallops or the soft shell crap with Singaporean chilli. Those who are not fans of seafood can tuck into the crispy chicken cutlets roasted in harissa. Desserts from the specials board might include steamed fig and ginger pudding. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, and it's a two-course minimum (A$68) at both lunch and dinner. There is also boathouse-style accommodation on the property, ideal for couples.