Hunter Region Dining Restaurants Cafes

Hunter Region Dining

Dine In The Hunter Region

The Hunter Region offers an exceptional dining experience, showcasing a diverse range of culinary options to suit all tastes. From fine dining to casual cafes, the region’s gastronomic landscape is as impressive as its acclaimed wines.

Restaurants such as Margan Restaurant and EXP. Restaurant in Pokolbin exemplify the farm-to-table philosophy, sourcing fresh ingredients from local farms and serving modern Australian cuisine paired with award-winning wines. For a more relaxed atmosphere, Cafe Enzo in a Tuscan-inspired village and Arthur’s Pantry in Cessnock focus on seasonal produce and local ingredients.

The area also features unique dining experiences, such as Lovedale Smokehouse Cafe, which specialises in traditional smoked meats, and Leaves & Fishes, offering Asian-inspired dishes in a scenic setting. Many venues, like Muse Restaurant at Hungerford Hill winery, provide tasting menus that highlight local flavours and often include wine pairings.

The Hunter Region’s commitment to sustainability is evident at Locavore at Voco Kirkton Park, where seasonal menus feature ingredients from the hotel’s kitchen garden. With options ranging from artisanal coffee shops to sophisticated dining venues, the Hunter Region presents a culinary journey that reflects its reputation as a premier wine destination, ensuring that every meal is an authentic taste of the region’s terroir.

Hunter Region Restaurants

The Hunter Region boasts a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants offering everything from fine dining to casual eateries. Many establishments showcase local produce and pair their dishes with the region’s renowned wines. Pokolbin, the heart of wine country, features upscale restaurants like Muse Kitchen.

In Newcastle, innovative eateries like Subo and Restaurant Mason have earned critical acclaim. For those seeking a unique dining experience, Leaves & Fishes in Lovedale offers Asian-inspired cuisine in a picturesque setting. Many restaurants offer seasonal menus, highlighting the region’s fresh produce. Visitors can enjoy long lunches at vineyard restaurants or opt for intimate dinners with stunning views of the rolling hills.

With options ranging from modern Australian to international cuisines, the Hunter Region’s restaurants cater to all tastes and budgets.

Hunter Region Cafes

The Hunter Region’s cafe scene is thriving, offering visitors a range of options for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. From artisanal coffee shops to charming country cafes, there’s something for every palate. Cafe Enzo in Pokolbin is a popular spot, known for its enchanting courtyard and locally-sourced menu1. For cycling enthusiasts, Bikesmith Espresso Bar in Maitland combines great coffee with bike accessories5. In Cessnock, Arthur’s Pantry serves up fresh, locally-inspired dishes in a minimalist setting. Many cafes in the region, like Lovedale Smokehouse Cafe, are pet-friendly, making them perfect for family outings. With an emphasis on quality coffee, fresh produce, and warm hospitality, Hunter Region cafes offer the perfect start to a day of wine tasting or sightseeing.

Cooking Schools & Classes

The Hunter Region’s cooking schools offer visitors the opportunity to learn culinary skills while immersing themselves in the local food culture. These schools often focus on utilising the region’s fresh produce and pairing dishes with local wines. Participants can learn everything from basic cooking techniques to advanced gourmet preparations.

Many cooking classes are held at wineries or in purpose-built facilities with state-of-the-art equipment. Popular themes include farm-to-table cooking, wine and food pairing, and traditional Australian cuisine. Some schools offer hands-on experiences where students can pick ingredients from on-site gardens before cooking.

These classes not only provide valuable skills but also offer a unique way to experience the Hunter Region’s rich culinary heritage.

Fresh Produce & Farms

The Hunter Region is renowned for its high-quality, locally-grown produce. The Maitland, Singleton and Wollombi areas in particular, are home to passionate producers growing olives, garlic, citrus, and a variety of fruits and vegetables using sustainable farming practices. Visitors can purchase fresh produce from retail outlets in town or directly from farm gates.

The region’s Mediterranean-like climate is ideal for growing olives, and several estates produce award-winning extra virgin olive oils. Local smokehouse delis, like Lovedale Smokehouse, offer a range of cold and hot smoked produce made on-site. For cheese lovers, the Hunter Valley Cheese Company produces a variety of artisanal cheeses, including their award-winning Branxton Brie.

The region also boasts organic markets, such as Organic Feast Wholefoods Market, offering freshly harvested, certified organic food.

Hunter Region Bars

The Hunter Region’s bar scene complements its renowned wine industry, offering visitors a diverse range of drinking experiences. In Newcastle, trendy bars and pubs cater to a vibrant nightlife, while regional areas feature sophisticated wine bars and cellar doors. The Huntlee Tavern stands out as a popular spot, offering a curated selection of beers and cocktails crafted with precision. Many bars in the region focus on showcasing local wines, craft beers, and spirits, often paired with gourmet bar snacks or tapas-style dishes.

Visitors can enjoy everything from intimate wine bars with vineyard views to lively pubs with live music. Some bars offer themed nights, such as jazz evenings or cocktail masterclasses, adding to the region’s dynamic nightlife offerings.

Breweries & Distilleries

While the Hunter Region is famous for its wines, it’s also home to a growing number of craft breweries and distilleries. These establishments offer visitors a chance to explore locally-made beers, spirits, and ciders. Many breweries in the region focus on using local ingredients, creating unique flavors that reflect the Hunter’s terroir.

Visitors can enjoy brewery tours, tasting paddles, and often pair their drinks with locally-sourced food. The region’s distilleries produce a range of spirits, including gin, vodka, and liqueurs, often infused with native Australian botanicals. Some notable producers include the Hunter Distillery and Pokolbin Cider House. Many of these breweries and distilleries offer cellar door experiences, allowing visitors to sample and purchase their products directly.

With the rise of craft brewing and distilling, this sector adds another dimension to the Hunter Region’s rich beverage culture.

Hunter Region Dining Reviews

Thank-you for the delish catering. Online ordering was easy, service was beautiful when I rang with queries, pick up went smoothly and everyone enjoyed the gourmet salads, frittatas, sausage rolls, sandwiches and wraps which were gorgeously presented. I will definitely be ordering again!

The Letter Q, NewcastleAja

Overall 5 stars for Margan Wines & Restaurant. My husband and I were celebrating our Wedding Anniversary and were blown away. The atmosphere was amazing and matched perfectly with the incredible food & wine. I would love to come back again and hope to do so!

Margan Wines & Restaurant, brokeMadeline

Delicious, wholesome food that never disappoints. This is such a beautiful place to catch up and have a good meal, great service and food every time. I haven't found anything on the menu that I didn't love, the scones deserve a special mention, must try.

Myrtle & Stone, Wollombi Brix