Romantic restaurants outside of Sydney well worth the drive

Deep in the Blue Mountains – just a five-minute walk from the iconic Three Sisters lookout – towers the 100-year-old homestead of Sir Frederick Darley, the sixth Chief Justice of NSW.

Today, the heritage-listed Lilianfels House is home to a five-star luxury resort and spa, and the award-winning, hatted restaurant Darley’s. It’s the perfect setting to indulge in a romantic dinner over views of the lush Jamison Valley.

Featuring old-world furniture, crystal chandeliers and two open fireplaces, the 50-seater dining room alone is an experience to behold. But it’s the creative kitchen here that really sings.

Think unique pairings like butter poached Murray cod with dashi emulation or dry aged duck breast with wild rosella, salsify and black trumpet mushrooms.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Three-course menu ($135 per person)

Feeling nostalgic about your old childhood treehouse? The Gunyah could be the next best thing. Set high in the crisp air of a treetop canopy, this timber-built restaurant gets the cosy factor just right.

While many of the guests are from surrounding luxury glamping spot Paperbark Camp, that doesn’t mean out-of-towners aren’t welcome too, though you do have to book. ‘Gunyah’ means ‘meeting place’ in the local Indigenous language.

Start with late afternoon drinks on the Sundowner deck and see if you can spot a possum or two. Then take a seat to enjoy a multi-course feast of local Jervis Bay produce under the stars. If it’s still available when you go, try the juicy spiced lamb with gremolata and native pepperberry.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Three-course menu ($80 per person)

If you and your partner are the kind of couple who think there’s nothing more romantic after a long drive than a dozen fresh oysters, just-caught fish and a pair of ice-cold pints – Woy Woy’s Fishermen’s Wharf is the place to make a stop.

The award-winning eatery on the Central Coast boasts tranquil waterside views and a custom-made fish trap for the morning’s catch. It’s a refreshingly simple approach to seafood dining.

On any given day, delights can range from sashimi plates and grilled scampi to Singaporean-style chilli crabs and steaming hot mussels. You’ll find your classic Aussie staples on the menu too, like classic fish and chips and barbecued prawns.

Grab a cocktail jug of Negroni or Pimm’s to share and your afternoon is set.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Whole Szechuan salt and pepper snapper with chips and slaw ($49.90)

On a winery crawl out in the Hunter Valley, Hungerford Hill needs to be on your to-visit list.

But for a truly romantic experience, why not pair your wine tastings with a decadent meal at its fine dining restaurant Muse? Attracting scores of tourists and locals alike, the understated dining room aims to showcase the very best Hunter Valley produce.

If you go this winter, you might get a chance to taste the woodfired kangaroo with black garlic, plum and wood sorrel or the Loligo squid and zucchini noodles with XO, yuzu and sunrose. The contemporary Australian menu focuses on seasonal, local ingredients, prepared creatively with finesse.

We recommend opting for the four-course menu format ($140 pp), with wine pairings to match ($95 pp).

Dish Cult’s top pick: Four-course menu ($140 per person)

For a long lunch with views over the breathtaking Mudgee hills, book a table at The Zin House.

The experience is designed so that you and your partner have plenty of time to roam and relax in the nearby biodynamic food gardens, so you can make a complete day of it.

Over the duration of your five-course, share-style menu, you’ll enjoy regional produce grown on-site, with the option to match wines from the restaurant’s favourite local producers.

While the menu changes with the seasons, a sample menu gives an idea of what to expect at Zin House. Consider smoked tinja beef with beetroot creamy mash, baby leeks, and sorrel, or the warm hoshigaki pudding with miso caramel and vanilla ice cream.

All this book-ended, of course, with an abundance of delicious local charcuterie, sourdough and cheeses.

Complete the meal with Zin Garden tea and petit fours while the sunset streams through the windows. We can’t think of a more romantic afternoon.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Five-course menu ($135 per person)