Wine time! The Hunter Valley’s best restaurants

Mouth-watering Italian treats await rumbling stomachs at Eremo Restaurant.

Situated at the elegant Spicers Guesthouse, Eremo is an extension of the guesthouse’s polished vibes. It sports stylish decor, immaculately presented table settings and a gigantic wine list sure to impress any discerning wine connoisseur.

Drink in the scenic Hunter Valley views, and a glass (or two!) of vino before Chef Michael Elfwing’s enticing menu takes you on a culinary journey across Italy.

Devour housemade pasta and gnocchi dishes like gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce or rock lobster bucatini. Alternatively, opt for a moreish main like the tender lamb rump with rosemary jus.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Dry-aged Aylesbury duck with muscatel chutney ($58)

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For hearty Spanish cuisine in an inviting dining environment, taste the flavours of the Basque region at Sebastian.

Housed within Spicers Tower Lodge, the fine dining experience at Sebastian takes on a more relaxed and informal approach. High ceilings with exposed beams, tiled flooring, and old-world chandelier lighting add to the rustic Spanish charm.

Head chef Gianni Moretto’s seasonal menus are lovingly crafted using high-quality local produce from around the Hunter region.

Begin with fire-roasted sardines in escabeche sauce and spanner crab salad before feasting on a tantalising main of vine-smoked lamb loin served with butter-poached turnips and lamb-apple crumble.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Three-course menu ($125)

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For refined dining in the Hunter Valley, look no further than Muse Restaurant.

Boasting two chefs hats, Muse is the brainchild of owner Troy Rhoades-Brown who runs this deliciously classy operation out of Hungerford Hill Winery in Pokolbin.

Here it’s all about sumptuous award-winning contemporary Australian fare. High-quality, seasonal ingredients, innovative cooking techniques and elevated plating combine to deliver a truly exquisite five-course menu.

Start with Jerusalem artichoke and Binnorie brie cream before enjoying woodfired quail with spiced quince glaze and grilled kangaroo with pickled shiitake mushroom.

The sleek, dark-accented dining room is the perfect spot for an extra special night with a loved one.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Five-course menu ($155)

With local culinary legend Robert Molines at the helm, Bistro Molines brings a scrumptious slice of Southern France to the heart of the Hunter Valley.

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Mount View, the bistro features dramatic vistas of the surrounding rolling green vineyards. The rustic French al fresco dining setting features a vine-covered courtyard complete with wrought iron chairs and candelabras decorated with bright flower arrangements.

The menu pays homage to Molines’ French roots. Tuck into Provencal dishes like twice roasted duck with orange glaze or slow-cooked beef short ribs in red wine jus.

Cap the night off with a sweet tooth’s delight: a decadent iced passionfruit parfait with lemon shortbread.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Three-course menu ($130)

Offering up fresh, zesty dishes with an Asian-inspired kick, Leaves and Fishes is a low-key, family-friendly eatery ideal for refuelling after a morning exploring the Hunter Valley.

Bathed in warm sunlight, the chilled dining space has an instant calming effect as soon as you enter. The mood is one of zen with antique wooden tables and bamboo screening overlooking a tranquil fish pond covered in water lilies.

Pick from highlights like crisp-skinned ocean trout with miso and lime slaw or Szechuan spiced chicken wings with pepper caramel. The kids fish and chips option is sure to be a hit with the little ones.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Soft shell crab with Singapore chilli sauce ($26)