It's no secret that the Hunter Valley has some of the best restaurants in NSW, if not Australia. Only 2 hours north of Sydney and an easy hours drive from Newcastle it is the ultimate playground for those obsessed with quality food and dining experiences.

From fine dining and relaxed bistro to restaurants with vineyard views, you are spoilt for choice, and here's just a few you need to know about.

Bistro Molines

A Hunter Valley institution and brought to you by the husband and wife team of Robert and Sally Molines. Bistro Molines is French-inspired, rustic and sophisticated, and features not only one of the best menus in the Hunter Valley but boasts enviable views of the Mount View region. A dining must-do on your next Hunter Valley visit.
Where: 749 Mount View Rd, Mount View NSW 2325

Hunters Quarter

Looking out onto Cockfighters Ghost Vineyard, Hunters Quarter melds together sophistication and elegance with a relaxed dining experience. Chef Brian Duncan has worked in some of the best kitchens in the world including the Dorchester Hotel (Three Michelin stars) and Claridges Hotel (One Michelin Star) in the UK, along with Sydney's premier restaurants, Level 41 and The Establishment. Not wanting to replicate his fine dining experiences of the past, Brian merges his years of technical kitchen experience with a more casual execution of the season’s freshest and highest quality locally sourced produce.
Where: 576 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320

Muse Restaurant

Situated within Hungerford Hill Winery at the entrance to the heart of the Hunter Valley, Pokolbin’s much-loved and Two Chef Hats awarded restaurant is brought to you by Troy Rhoades-Brown. Muse offers a spectacular dining setting and menu that focuses on contemporary Australian cuisine that has seasonality at the forefront of every hand-crafted dish.
Where: 2450 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320

Yellow Billy Restaurant

Chef Sam Alexander and Sommelier Pat Hester love to cook over fire, and that’s what Yellow Billy Restaurant is all about. Located on Hermitage Road, Sam has created a custom-made fire pit that is used to cook all the vegetables and proteins over. Offering a sharing menu Yellow Billy provides the ideal location for an intimate table for two to larger groups who love a unique restaurant experience.
Where: 697 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2335

EXP. Restaurant

If you’re looking for an interactive dining experience, EXP. Restaurant is a must-visit. The creation of Hunter Valley-based chef Frank Fawkner, Frank and the team offer a six-course tasting menu that has been designed to entertain and bring together some of the region's best produce to the table. Whilst you’re there be sure to check Frank’s other venue, Fawk Foods Kitchen & Bakery.
Where: 2188 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320

Emerson's Restaurant

Situated within the relaxed setting of Adina Vineyard on Lovedale Road and overlooking the estates olive grove, Emerson Rodriguez brings to the Hunter Valley more than 25 years of hospo experience. Emerson's Restaurant is a modern Australian menu that displays Hunter produce at its best that can be experienced either via the sharing plates or individual meal options. With an onsite cellar door, providores, spa and boutique accommodation on site, Emerson's Restaurant offers everything you would expect from a visit to the Hunter Valley. 
Where: 492 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale NSW 2325

The Gates

Situated within the grounds of Leogate Estate, The Gates restaurant offers both stunning panoramic views of the Broken Back Range and a spectacular fine dining experience. Dining decisions include a 2 or 3 course à la carte menu or 5 course degustation for those wishing to experience the full breadth of the modern Australian menu with matching wines from Leogate Estate's award-winning range. For those seeking out the best dry-aged steak in the Hunter Valley The Gates 6 Weeks Dry Aged Rib on the Bone 1kg, recommended to share between two, is a dining highlight.
Where: 1693 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

Amanda’s on the Edge

A favourite amongst locals, owner Amanda Patton had a dream to create a Hunter Valley restaurant that felt like a country home, and that’s exactly what she did with Amanda’s on the Edge. For more than 21 years the restaurant has consistently delivered quality food with a modern Australian menu.
Where: 1039 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320

Margan Restaurant

The original garden to kitchen concept, Margan Restaurant has been leading the way in its approach to Agri-Dining in the Hunter Valley. Crafting their menu based on what’s available for harvesting in their one-hectare kitchen garden, owners Lisa and Andrew also champion their local farm-gate producers sourcing locally at every opportunity.
Where: 1238 Milbrodale Rd, Broke NSW 1317

Muse Kitchen – Hunter Valley & Lorn

If it is a European Bistro dining your yearning for head to Muse Kitchen in Pokolbin. For quaint little French restaurant vibes Muse Kitchen in Lorn is your place. Chef Josh Gregory surprises guests with a revolving menu of produce-driven selections. With loads of passion and honest cooking, you will be swept away to the streets of Paris in no time.
Where: Keith Tulloch Winery Cnr. Hermitage &, Deasys Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
1/27 Belmore Rd, Lorn NSW 2320

éRemo Restaurant

The luxurious Spicers Guesthouse in Pokolbin is where you’ll find the equally luxe dining experience that is éRemo Restaurant. A destination in itself and easily one of the Hunter Valley’s best dining experiences, éRemo Restaurant showcases modern Italian cuisine that connects diners with some of the region's best local producers.
Where: 57 Ekerts Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320