Lunch in the Hunter Valley

It’s time to take a day off from work and head out into the country to breathe the fresh air. Revel in the feeling of space around you this winter and indulge yourself with a delicious lunch in the Hunter Valley. Only two hours from Sydney, this idyllic location is the perfect place to get away from it all, to take some time to chill with friends or your loved one and enjoy a tasty meal. Choosing a venue for lunch in the Hunter Valley however is no mean feat, simply because there are so many excellent restaurants offering wonderful seasonal quality food, in equally stunning surroundings. So, in this article we go some way to help you make that decision.

Lunch in the Hunter Valley

Bistro Molines

Robert Molines opened his first restaurant in this region four decades ago and is renowned for the shaping the whole dining scene within the Hunter Valley. His Provencal roots are seen clearly in his choice of menus often showcasing dishes such as rabbit cooked in mustard and olives which can be relished while enjoying some of the best views in the area.

Amanda’s on the Edge Restaurant

This has been a favourite place for a great lunch in the Hunter valley with locals and tourists for over two decades. It offers a modern Australian menu with excellent local wines and lovely views from the veranda, situated right in the heart of the Hunter region. It has a very laid back vibe and is the perfect place to while away a relaxing afternoon enjoying the fresh, local and tasty meals that are on offer.

Muse Restaurant, Hungerford Hill

Muse Restaurant is considered by many to be one of the best high end restaurants in the region. With its grand stately dining room and roaring fireplace, this modern contemporary winery is the place to visit at any time of the year. Seasonal quality food is very much their ethos, with the ingredients sourced locally whenever possible and their service and attention to detail second to none. For a special occasion, this has to be at the top of your list.

The Gates Restaurant on the Leogate Estate

Situated on the Leogate Wine Estate in Pokolbin this wonderful fine dining restaurant fools you into thinking that you are dining at a luxury Villa in rural France. With its stunning decor, breathtaking views and exquisite dishes washed down with excellent wines it is the perfect location for a romantic lunch for two.

Restaurant Botanica

Nestled among the grapevines and gumtrees at Spicers Vineyards Estate is this lovely small restaurant with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, alongside naturally sustainable practises. It offers five star dining to casual diners at reasonable prices, with food that has been picked the same day from the wonderful kitchen garden.

Cafe Enzo

This charming Tuscan inspired restaurant with its sandstone buildings and beautiful gardens is the perfect place to come and enjoy some wonderful homemade Italian food.  With a lively ambience, great music and enchanting courtyard it is the perfect place to spend a thoroughly relaxing and tasty lunch. 

NSW Weekend Escapes’ top hotel pick!

If you are planning on staying in the region and making the most of what the Hunter Valley has to offer, then make the Hunter Gateway Motel your choice of accommodation. With easy access to all of the wineries and landmarks in the region, it’s a great place to rest your head before heading out to indulge in the offerings of the Hunter Valley.