Hunter restaurants to discover
Pokolbin
Château Élan
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at Legends restaurant, nestled within Château Élan at The Vintage Hunter Valley. With dynamic menus and stunning vistas of the Greg Norman-designed golf course, this sophisticated yet inviting haven offers comprehensive selection of dining options, complemented by a range of exquisite local wines.
Legends captivates with a seasonal menu celebrating contemporary Australian cuisine and quality produce. Favourites include the Confit Duck Legs Maryland with a bitter green salad and orange star anise jus; and the Chocolate Peanut Tart with dulce ice cream for dessert.
Château Élan also has Spike Bar, a cosy venue offering bites designed to share and golf club classics. Ideal for relaxed meals or happy hour on the terrace.
Open seven days; breakfast from 7am – 10am; dinner from 5.30pm – 9pm.
Spike Bar menu available from 11.30am – 9pm.
Newcastle
Hope at the Landing
At home in the Hunter Valley for a decade, Hope Estate opened the doors to its latest offspring in August 2023, bringing a taste of the Valley to Honeysuckle’s boardwalk. Despite being a recent addition to Newcastle’s culinary landscape, Hope Estate at the Landing is already set to become one of the best waterfront venues in the city this summer.
Here, the brand proudly presents a coveted selection of wines, beers, and spirits, accompanied by a delectable tapas menu courtesy of Executive Chef, Anthony Fullerton. Favourites include the Crab & Prawn Arancini and Angus Sliders.
Whether you’re dropping by for a drink or settling in for an evening of tastings and engaging conversations, the venue is perfect for casual gatherings, celebrations, and corporate events.
Open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am – 10pm.
Newcastle
Humbug
A haven for food enthusiasts with an exceptional line-up of wines, Humbug is a contemporary Italian restaurant that has quickly become a culinary icon in Newcastle, drawing local foodies and tourists alike to the vibrant venue.
Recently earning its first hat at the 2024 SMH Food Guide Awards, the team’s expertise represents the very best of Newcastle’s dining scene right now.
Passionate about food and wine, owners Michael Portley and Stephanie Wells are big on aperitivo hour, inviting you to drop in for a drink before sampling their delicious seasonal menus championing fresh seafood and exotic flavour combinations.
Once the signage pulls you in, find yourself immersed in an art-filled, modern pasta joint that doesn’t complicate things.
Wednesday to Saturday from 5:30pm; Friday and Saturday 12pm – 2.30pm.
Central Coast
Little Miss Mezza
Little Miss Mezza in West Gosford offers Middle Eastern dining with a Modern Australian twist, transcending expectations in every aspect. From the mouth-watering menu to experimental cocktails, and a thoughtfully designed interior, there is nothing little about this venue.
The local gem, an expansion of Meraki Group’s Motel Mezza, seamlessly combines traditional Lebanese flavours with modern techniques. Boasting a vibrant atmosphere, the venue creates space for shared experiences, echoing the essence of mezza dining. Executive Chef Joshua Grant highlights unique flavour pairings via small and large share plates, sides, and a curated drinks list.
Top picks include the Grilled Japanese scallops with Israeli couscous, sumac and Aleppo compound butter; and the Medjool Dates stuffed with salted almonds and fried in cumin beer batter.
Tuesday to Thursday, 5pm – 10pm; Friday and Saturday, 12pm – 3pm, Saturday lunch, 4pm – 10pm.
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