The allure of a roaring fire, a cosy dim lit restaurant and delicious food and wine. If we are speaking your language then don’t miss these fireside dining venues tucked away in the Hunter Valley.
Here’s our wrap up of restaurants with a fireplace in the Hunter Valley that you simply must try.
Harkham Wines
Perch up next to the stunning circular indoor fireplace at Harkham Restaurant and enjoy a cosy meal at this family owned Italian eatery. The Italian-influenced menu features winter favourites such as beef ragu & parmesan Pappardelle, creamy chicken pesto and sun-dried Orrechiette and even a family recipe Tiramisu. Pair your meal with Harkham’s natural wines or a handcrafted cocktail from their signature list.
Circa 1876
Circa 1876, nestled within a historic ironbark cottage in Pokolbin, offers a rustic and charming fireside 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. Menu highlights include seared scallops with celeriac and pickled cucumber, marinated zucchini flowers with goats curd, basil and baby squash and lamb shoulder with garden carrots, cauliflower and salsa verde.
Jimmy Joans
Don't miss Jimmy Joans, a warm neighbourhood favourite in the quaint Lovedale region. Unwind fireside at one of the four outdoor fire pits with a casual share-style menu or venture inside to their eclectic restaurant with exposed timber beams, mismatched antique furniture and perch up near the indoor fireplace. During these winter months be sure not to miss out on their Sunday roast.
Muse Restaurant
Muse Restaurant has earned its reputation as one of the best regional dining spots, with two Sydney Morning Herald’s Chef Hats awarded every year since 2015. It's moody, sophisticated atmosphere makes for an exceptional winter dining experience. Enjoy a seasonal menu that showcases the best of local produce all while relaxing in the cosy ambiance provided by the large sandstone fireplace.
The Gates Restaurant
Set on an estate at the foot of the Brokenback Ranges, The Gates Restaurant at Leogate boasts stunning vineyard and mountain views with a dining experience to match. Choose the alfresco area to soak in the views, or seek warmth by the fireplace in their cosy dining room. Their menu features modern Australian cuisine, specialising in house dry-aged Angus beef and is complemented by Leogate Estate's award-winning wines.
éRemo Restaurant
éRemo Restaurant, headed by Chef Jayden Casinelli brings a contemporary flair to traditional Italian cuisine. The menu, designed to be reminiscent of a long luxurious meal in the abundant European countryside includes italian-favourites like baked ciabatta, Sicilian olives, hand-tied vannella burrata, a range of handmade pastas and traditional Torta Caprese. Their cosy dining room overlooking scenic bushlands includes a crackling fireplace to create the ultimate winter dining experience.
Nineteen Hunter Valley
This casual eatery loved by locals and visitors alike is perfect for those looking for a laidback, casual fireside setting. Nineteen Hunter Valley combines rustic charm with a contemporary modern feel featuring wooden tables, comfortable seating, and a grand roaring wood fire. Keeping everyone pleased, their menu features a large selection of wood fired pizzas, salads, main meals and children meals.
Harrigan's Hunter Valley
Boasting a contemporary Australian feel while staying true to its roots, this much-loved Irish pub features cosy fireplaces, booths and all the charm you’d expect from a classic Irish pub. Warm and welcoming by nature, Harrigan's serves up hearty meals including local favourites Beef and Guinness pot pie, bangers and mash and full rack of pork ribs.
Margan Restaurant
Dine in style at Broke Fordwich’s hatted restaurant, Margan Wines and Restaurant. With a hyper-local focus, the seasonal menu is crafted entirely around the harvest from their one-hectare kitchen garden & orchard. They also have free range chickens, beehives and raise their own lambs, all of which are incorporated into their menus.
Boydell's Restaurant
Set within a historic slab hut in the charming town of Morpeth, Boydell’s is made for cosy winter dining. This relaxed yet refined restaurant champions seasonal produce and local growers, seamlessly paired with Boydell’s own award-winning wines. The winter menu is rich with comfort and flavour, highlights include the mushroom and Bay of Fires cheddar pie, spiced fried cauliflower with saffron aioli, truffled potato gratin with comté, and pan-seared ocean trout.
Amanda's on the edge
With panoramic views from every table and a warm, inviting interior complete with a crackling fireplace in winter, Amanda’s on the edge is primed for a memorable winter dining experience. The modern Australian menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients and is complemented by a selection of local wines.
