THE GRAPEVINE BLOG
14 must-try seafood dishes in the Hunter Valley this summer
With the ocean just an hour away, Hunter Valley’s menus are infused with coastal influence, bringing fresh, high-quality seafood to the table. From freshly shucked oysters to kingfish with fresh lime, seared scallops and Spanish-style crispy octopus, our local chefs are making the most of our close connection to the sea, and seafood’s incredible pairing with the Hunter Valley hero white varietal Semillon.
Here’s a curated selection of seafood dishes that you simply must try in the Hunter Valley.
Salmon Gravlax
A pioneer of fine dining in the Hunter Valley, Esca Bimbadgen exemplifies the unique nature of a winery restaurant. You’ll find the spectacular entrance suspended above the winery is second only to the views from (and on) your table. Their new Spring/Summer menu boasts lots of great seafood options including this Salmon Gravlax with crème fraiche, citrus and shaved fennel salad.
Whole market fish over charcoal
Iron Gate Kitchen
Be transported to the Mediterranean at the stylish Spanish-inspired Iron Gate Kitchen set on the grounds of the iconic Iron Gate Estate winery. The menu is guided by elements of wood, smoke, fire and grill and infused with fresh, seasonal produce and bold Iberian flavours. Their whole market fish cooked over charcoal is a showcase of their fresh seasonal menu and iberian cooking style. The market fish pairs lovely with their Iron Gate Estate Semillon, Rose and Verdehlo.
Cured kingfish
Restaurant Botanica offers a dining experience that harmoniously blends modern Australian cuisine with views overlooking the vineyards. Their menu features locally sourced ingredients, complemented by an extensive wine list showcasing some of the region’s best wines. This summer, don’t miss their cured kingfish with cucumber, buttermilk and finger lime. The native finger lime create a deliciously fresh lift to the kingfish.
Spanish-style crispy Octopus
Enjoy an intimate dining experience at Boydell’s Restaurant in the historic village of Morpeth. Set in a character-filled slab hut, Boydell's effortlessly blends historic rustic charm with a contemporary dining experience of small and larger dishes designed to be shared with friends. Complementing the seasonal menu is Boydell’s own selection of award winning wines. This summer join Boydell’s for their Spanish-style crispy Octopus with ricotta cream, crisp radish, chorizo and crisps. Suggested pairing with their Verdelho.
Seared Scallop
Circa 1876, nestled within a historic ironbark cottage in Pokolbin, offers a rustic and charming dining experience in the Hunter Valley. Their fresh, seasonal menu draws from their on-site organic kitchen garden and is matched with a hyper-local wine list to holistically represent the flavours of the Hunter Valley. Their menu boasts popular favourites like seared scallops with cauliflower and crisp chorizo crumb and lobster bisque with Murray cod and prawns.
Market fish crudo
The Wood Restaurant, located within Halliday 2026 Winery of the Year Brokenwood Wines delivers an exceptional dining experience that seamlessly pairs with their range of premium wines. The modern-Australian menu champions local and seasonal produce, with a European influence in flavours and technique which brings an exciting new element to your dining experience. Seafood lovers, don’t miss the market fish crudo with fresh yuzu, green apple and cultured crème. The menu also boasts other seafood favourites like Coffin Bay pacific oysters, scallops, and northern Queensland prawn.
South Indian fish curry
The charming Amanda’s on the Edge boasts stunning views of vineyards and surrounding countryside from every table. In the warmer months bask in the sun on the alfresco, or cosy up by the fire during winter. Their seafood infused menu includes garlic seared prawns and king prawn risotto, or for something different try their south Indian fish curry with steamed basmati rice, chutney, lemon yoghurt & handmade roti bread.
Fresh Oysters & Garlic Scallops
At Jimmy Joans
Go where the locals go, Jimmy Joans is a beloved hangout for Hunter Valley winemakers and locals alike. Whether you're in the mood for a laid-back afternoon on the spacious lawn or a more refined à la carte experience indoors, this spot has you covered. Start with a half-dozen fresh oysters or garlic scallops, best enjoyed with a glass of Hunter Valley wine in hand.
Dry aged snapper tartare
Experience true farm-to-table dining at Margan Wines and Restaurant. Their one-hectare kitchen garden, olive groves, free-range chickens, beehives, and sustainably farmed vineyards inspire a hyper-local menu that evolves with the seasons. Using only the freshest ingredients and locally sourced seafood, Head Chef James Clark and his team craft innovative dishes that celebrate the kitchen garden’s produce and flavours. A standout feature of their menu is the dry aged snapper tartare served with preserved lemon, estate manzanillo olive, fig leaf oil, garden.
House made prawn linguine
At Bistro Molines you could easily imagine you were in the South of France. Wrought iron chairs and candelabras, white painted cupboards and casual flower arrangements, paved courtyard and vines that stretch almost as far as the eye can see. Bistro Molines has built a loyal fanbase, well-known for their eclectic French/Australian menu which has been awarded a Sydney Morning Herald Chef’s Hats for over 10 consecutive years. The house-made linguine with prawns, saffron fennel, fresh peas and bisque cream is an absolute must-try for seafood lovers.
Risotto with Australian prawns
Boasting panoramic views of the working Ridgeview vineyard, Harvest Restaurant offers a modern Australian dining experience with an Italian flare. The menu showcases fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced produce, including ingredients from their own organic kitchen garden and orchard. Don’t miss the pan fried Australian prawns, saffron risotto with garlic and lemon butter.
Roasted Market Fish with Steamed Mussels
eRemo Restaurant celebrates the passion and deeply rooted traditions of Italian cuisine throughout its share-style menu. Complementing the menu is a well-travelled wine list, featuring some of the Hunter Valley's best vintages and selections from further afield. Seafood lovers, don’t miss the roasted market fish with steamed mussels, fregola, tomato, gremolata and charred lemon.
Sydney Rock Oysters
Looking for a place that serves oysters in various styles? Look no further than The Gates Restaurant. Set within the stunning Leogate Estate winery, The Gates Restaurant offers a mouth-watering modern Australian menu overlooking the Leogate vineyard and Brokenback Ranges. Their extensive range of Sydney Rock Oysters includes natural, Mignonette, Mornay, Wakame, Kilpatrick and Finger Lime & Chardonnay.
Gin Cured Tasmanian Salmon
Positioned on the terrace overlooking the 18th green of the Greg Norman-designed championship golf course, Legend's Restaurant offers a relaxed yet refined dining experience with breathtaking views. Their menu features seasonal contemporary Australian cuisine including the must-try Gin cured Tasmanian Salmon with sea Samphire, rhubarb and sheep milk yoghurt.
Adobo Fish Tacos
Located inside the historic Ben Ean Winery, this warm, inviting restaurant boasts both indoor and outdoor dining, designed for gathering together with family and friends over great food and Hunter Valley wine. The Adobo Fish Tacos served crispy slaw, chilli sauce, lime aioli which is a great seafood option for those wanting a more casual seafood dish in the Hunter Valley.
This blog was created by the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association.