The Best Restaurants in Pokolbin, Hunter VAlley, NSW
Beyond its vineyard-laden landscape, hunter valley’s Pokolbin offers a phenomenal culinary scene.
As one of Australia’s leading wine regions, the Hunter Valley is a well-loved destination, thanks to not only its chardonnay, semillon and verdelho, but also a wide range of accommodation options and more laidback pub fare when you’re in between vineyard visits.
In the heart of the iconic valley, Pokolbin is a living legacy of Australia’s wine country, home to the region’s highest concentration of wineries. Steeped in history, this New South Wales town has viticultural roots dating back to the 1800s. Today, still very much in touch with its heritage, a number of award-winning winemakers are based in Pokolbin.
But for Pokolbin, it’s not just the vineyards that have earned critical acclaim; the town has a top-tier culinary scene with an impressive count of award-winning restaurants. The area’s fertile soils and sustainable farming are at the forefront of the food-scape; here, you can find themes of seasonality and ingredient-driven chef’s creations with multi-course and pairing menus abound from renowned chefs set in stunning alfresco venues, from rustic courtyards to spots perched above the rolling hills.
Whet your appetite for an enchanting journey where exceptional wines and exquisite dining converge at the best restaurants in Pokolbin.
Muse Restaurant
If you’re keen on fine dining, the prestigious Muse Restaurant of owner and head chef Troy Rhoades-Brown should be on your list of Pokolbin restaurants worth trying. This culinary centre offers an elevated eating experience, celebrating the best of Hunter Valley produce with a strong focus on seasonality and quality. Contemporary Australian cuisine is artfully presented with great attention to technique as well. The venue is spacious and boasts a large fireplace, making for a relaxed yet classy atmosphere.
The ever-changing, set five-course menu reflects a gastronomic voyage through the seasons. Indulge in dishes like freshly shucked oysters, wood-fired quail, and Pukara lamb cooked over ironbark with smoked eggplant butter. If you’ve got the space, go for the optional cheese platter. Or, treat yourself to their iconic and indulgent coconut addition, which involves a dark chocolate coconut husk, fresh shaved coconut, coconut cloud mousse, and coconut water with vanilla bean. Enhance your experience with thoughtfully curated pairings featuring Hunter Valley wines, Australian all-star selections, and a delightful non-alcoholic beverage option.
The Deets
Muse Restaurant
2450 Broke Road, Pokolbin
(02) 4998 6777
muse@musedining.com
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EXP. Restaurant
Another fine dining option among the top restaurants in Pokolbin is EXP. Restaurant, the award-winning culinary establishment of owner and head chef Frank Fawkner. The focus is on a flavour-packed tasting menu starring premium produce and wines from the Hunter region and beyond. Guided by a stellar team of chefs, sommeliers, and attentive waitstaff, along with the personable restaurant manager, Harrison, the dining experience is set in a dark, moody, and intimate ambience, complemented by handcrafted local furniture.
Highly recommended for those who appreciate fine cuisine, they offer a Chef’s EXP.erience for a behind-the-scenes glimpse, with chefs explaining each dish’s artistry; foodies, best dine along the chef’s bar for a firsthand look into the kitchen, where the team works its culinary magic. While it may be a splurge, it’s a worthwhile investment for the true food enthusiast seeking a culinary adventure. The ever-evolving menu reflects seasonal changes and innovative chef creations, featuring delights like Bonito torched over a wood fire, Lancer Wheat Sourdough, and the indulgent duck salami with duck liver pate. Because it’s the Hunter Valley and you’re in wine country, explore the wine pairings, including premium and reserve selections.
The Deets
EXP. Restaurant
2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin
0478 374 677
reservations@exprestaurant.com.au
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Yellow Billy
For excellent value for money among the Pokolbin restaurants, experience the warmth of food over fire at Yellow Billy, another critically acclaimed gem in the Hunter Valley. Some standout dishes include the lamb ragout pappardelle, pork terrine, and the delicious cheesecake. Though famous for their banquet-style dining with multiple courses, Yellow Billy has recently reintroduced an a la carte menu; but be warned, portion sizes are heaping, and they’re built to share. They have beautiful outdoor garden seating, perfect for enjoying good weather.
As a nod to the region’s heritage, the restaurant’s name comes from the local celebrity Gentleman Bush Ranger, Yellow Billy, who roamed Broke and Pokolbin in the 1860s. With its own kitchen garden, Yellow Billy caters to diverse diets, including coeliac, GF, lactose-free, dairy-free, vegan, and more. For a more casual experience, visit The Sty, an on-site cafe serving gourmet breakfast and lunch jaffles along with premium coffee, decadent milkshakes, homemade sparkling teas, and even independent beer labels.
The Deets
Yellow Billy
697 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin
(02) 6574 7204
contact@yellowbillyrestaurant.com
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Cafe Enzo
One of your best options for breakfast and lunch among the Pokolbin restaurants is the inviting Cafe Enzo. Since 1996, this cafe, nestled within a breezy courtyard, has been offering great coffee, delectable homemade dishes, and warm service. Located in the Tuscan-inspired Peppers Creek Village at the heart of the Hunter Valley, Cafe Enzo is not just a hyped up food stop for tourists. The quaint cottage decor sets the stage for must-try dishes like scones with jam, fish and chips, pork belly, and the 12-hour slow-braised beef cheek. Fret not; portion sizes here are generous.
Given its location within Ironbark Hill Vineyard, the cafe boasts an exceptional wine selection to complement your meal. Keep in mind that bookings, especially for groups, are not required but highly recommended to secure your spot as it gets quite busy. The cafe is super kid-friendly, with special kids’ menus available for breakfast and lunch.
The Deets
Cafe Enzo
694 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin
(02) 4998 7233
hello@enzohuntervalley.com.au
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eRemo Restaurant
If you’re hunting Pokolbin’s restaurants for Italian food, look no further than eRemo Restaurant which specialises in modern Italian cuisine. Chef Jayden Casinelli’s contemporary flair elevates the menu to modern Australian culinary classics, celebrating the rich flavours of Italian gastronomy while using locally sourced ingredients. Open every day for all-day dining, the restaurant offers friendly service and portions ideal for sharing, so it’s a great place to bring the family or come with friends.
Dishes of note include prawn arancini balls and scrumptious pasta like duck egg carbonara and creamy potato gnocchi; don’t miss their killer cocktails if you’re in the mood for spirits. For some real culinary excitement, tuck into the multi-course Avido, or “greedy” menu, a special shared experience for dinner. With a relaxing vibe and lovely grounds, eRemo provides a family-friendly setting, complete with a dedicated kids’ menu featuring smaller plates like bolognese, carbonara, and fish and chips.
The Deets
eRemo Restaurant
57 Ekerts Road, Pokolbin
(02) 4022 1801
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Muse Kitchen
Not to be confused with Muse Restaurant, another Pokolbin restaurant, Muse Kitchen, located at Keith Tulloch Winery offers what they refer to as a regional European bistro experience. Open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch, at the helm of the restaurant is Chef Richmond Rodrigues, whose passion for local ingredients shines in the menu, which gets updated frequently. While it doesn’t have a vineyard view of the hills, Muse Kitchen is known for its relaxed yet elegant atmosphere in an elegant courtyard, with outdoor and indoor seating options available.
Given its winery location, the wine list is fabulous, including classic Hunter wines and international selections. Food highlights include the Appellation oysters, half-shell baked scallops, spanner crab, pork cutlet, and market fish. Choose from relatively reasonably-priced two-course and three-course dining options, and be sure to save room for dessert, especially the Baked Alaska.
The Deets
Muse Kitchen
Keith Tulloch Winery Corner Hermitage and Deasys Road, Pokolbin
(02) 4998 7899
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Bistro Molines
Not directly in Pokolbin, but just a stone’s throw away over in Mount View is Bistro Molines, a hidden gem serving proper French cuisine with spectacular views of the vineyards and rolling hills. Bistro Molines takes pride in its superb service as well as a commitment to locally sourced, seasonal produce, with a menu that gets updated with the changing seasons while preserving long-time favourites.
At the French bistro, expect a mouthwatering array of French cuisine, from classic pâté and chicken terrine to baked figs with gorgonzola wrapped in prosciutto; a must-try signature is the twice-roasted duck. Chef Robert’s dedication to his French roots is evident in every dish. The restaurant even has its own herb and vegetable garden just outside the kitchen door. The menu, requiring a minimum of a two-course meal, presents enticing two and three-course options, complemented by a diverse selection of local reds, whites, sparkling, and dessert wines.
The Deets
Bistro Molines
749 Mount View Road, Mount View
(02) 4990 9553
dine@bistromolines.com.au
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Jimmy Joans
Another restaurant not right in Pokolbin but worth the short drive away is Jimmy Joans, an all-day casual dining spot in Rothbury, open Thursday to Sunday. Find a diverse menu of substantial share-style main dishes, juicy burgers, savoury pies, and tempting bar snacks; also check out their a la carte menu in their dining room for something more substantial. Complementing the food menu is a comprehensive drinks list featuring local and international wines, creative cocktails, beer on tap and in tins, spirits, and specialty roasted coffee.
The vibe at Jimmy Joans is nice and chill – a relaxed dining setting either inside or outdoors, where gourmet plates are served unpretentiously. Recommended dishes include the scotch eggs and the chargrilled sirloin for two. The friendly and attentive service, dog-friendly policy, and kids’ menu make Jimmy Joans a choice spot to bring the whole family, furry companions included.
The Deets
Jimmy Joans
84 Wilderness Roads, Rothbury
(02) 4930 9041
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Esca at Bimbadgen
Located at the winery and vineyard at Bimbadgen, another of the best restaurants in Pokolbin is Esca Bimbadgen. The winery restaurant is a feast for the senses; the breathtaking entrance suspended above the vineyard is only surpassed by the stunning views from your table. The extensive wine list includes local Hunter and Australian regions and international selections.
Esca’s food menu favours simplicity, allowing the flavours and freshness of the produce and other ingredients to take centre stage and complement the wines. What sets Esca apart is the flexibility to choose courses from any part of the menu. Select from garden, sea, farm, or desert, with options for three, four, or five courses, including the signature food and wine pairing menu. Delight in well-presented and delicious dishes, whether it’s the wood-fired peaches, beef tartare, confit chicken thigh, yellowfin ceviche, or the tempting brown sugar pavlova from the dessert menu.
The Deets
Esca at Bimbadgen
790 McDonald’s Road, Pokolbin
(02) 4998 4666
office@bimbadgen.com.au
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