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

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.

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.

Located at the entrance to Pokolbin, this award-winning European-style restaurant is found in the picturesque Keith Tulloch Wines courtyard. The menu is focused on Hunter Valley’s finest local produce. The restaurant’s crisp-white exterior is complemented by views of the nearby mountain ranges. Three course minimum for lunch.