Pokolbin Restaurants

This was our selection of eating places based on the 3 choices suggested to us at the Visitors Information Centre.

Can't say I was personally over the moon about the food or the ambience despite the pleasant surroundings & the free entertainment, but I think for dinner with a good lively crowd it would be a good night out for dinner, drinks & entertainment.

The girls were happy enough with our choice, but I think there are a lot more interesting & worthwhile choices throughout the Valley to explore.

Yes, that's its real name in toto. The friendly Rosa runs this establishment and she has come up with success in her first dabble into running-your-own-restaurant.
Located in the upper part of the Roche complex to the east of the Hunter Valley Gardens it has lovely views across to Broken Back Range but, I have to be honest, I enjoy the atmosphere inside so much I've never taken a lot of notice!
She has a broad menu selection which is wise considering the number of international tourists dropped off by the various bus companies generally emanating out of Sydney.

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We went in here instead of the more upmarket The Mill Restaurant adjacent because we wanted a quick meal but it's all part of the same complex of the Tuscany Wine Estate, part of Arrowfield Estate. The location is a prime one in these parts with lovely scenic views over to Brokenback Range.

Favorite Dish: Recommend the pizza and the salad. We ordered on spec though our host was waxing lyrical in his praise and, on this occasion, he was right.
The pizza was very tasty (we chose the prawn one) and the salad was fresh, though all green, but the additives were delicious and made the taste different to any other I've eaten.
You can buy the additives (mainly special cheeses) right next door.
This place is worth a stop because it has several strings to its bow.

This is a beautiful folky kind of place. The head chef is responsible for all the painted artwork and funky interior. The food is minimalist and unique, using local ingredients. Their house wines are their own label.

Lovely food, but the prices are on the high side. I think the mains were around $32 bucks a person and they aren't huge poritions. I had a fantastic wagyu beef stew that was amazing. A very romantic restaurant full of candles and bright colors.

The mill. This restaurant had only been opened for a week and a half. It was just across the road from our accommodation at the Hunter Resort, the opposition you could say :o) We liked the thought that we didn't have to travel too far to get home..haha. The food was supurb. Tip - always ask if you can bring your own wine as it works out heaps cheaper than buying it there.

We stayed at the Hunter Resort and this is the Restaurant on site. This was where we had our yummy hot breakfast every day and we had a dinner here that was very nice a reasonably priced. Please remember that in Australia you can take your own wine to most restaurants that have byo (bring your own) sign and you will save heaps on the cost.

First of all, it's set in the bush and the surroundings could comfortably be labelled "rustic". There is dining outside on the extended patio or dining inside for when the weather isn't complying with you wishes.
The service was excellent but the dishes are all listed on a chalk board that we just happened to be sitting next to so we had a constant supply of people near our table.
It's located at Mangan's Wines so, should you be desirous of partaking of same, it's just a matter of going into the free tasting room and selecting one you like (as we did - the verdelho will do nicely thank you).

Favorite Dish: When the food came we were shocked. Here the idea is for all parties to share each dish and our first selection was tomato (though it had some fancy name). There were four slices and some green leaves. $24!! We were shocked. The next dish was whitebait and it was four small pieces and some greens. Then the mushrooms, just four and some more greens. We then had calamari and, after that, some spaghetti cabonara, the latter was spicy but a more generous helping. Though initially we were somewhat appalled at the price, we ate on.
Then came dessert. I selected a poached pear with macadamia pastry and a scoop of wonderful icecream followed by some hot chocolate.
Because we have an Entertainment Book (a local Aussie thing that supports charities) we got a 25% discount and so it was that we only ended up paying $35 each which was reasonable considering the superb quality of the food.
If money's not an issue, go there. Our three hours left us with fond memories.

As with most restaurants in this area, it caters for the "Sydney market" as we locals like to say. Translated, that means it's more expensive than your local cafe but, what you pay more for is class and ambience. This idyllically situated establishment overlooks a newly created (2003/2004) Greg Norman designed golf course.

Favorite Dish: Since I haven't personally eaten here I can only pass on what other people have said and I haven't heard a bad word about it yet. It is on a par with the other restaurants in the area inasmuch as it is a wonderful place to relax, especially with friends, and enjoy the quality food and view.