5 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 breakfast and lunch café is at Peppers Creek Village, a charming little shopping and dining enclave in Pokolbin with a village green atmosphere. Housed in a sandstone building, with a lovely attached sun-drenched courtyard overlooking a fountain, this is a great spot for a hearty lunch after a visit to neighboring David Hooks winery and the clothing and antiques shops. Meals are substantial and may include handmade linguine with tiger prawns and fresh chili or zucchini. It's a popular place in the warmer months, and even breakfast can be booked out on weekends.

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.