A Restaurant Favourite for All Seasons

Wine has had a long history of being served as an accompaniment to food, and it is no coincidence that some of the finest restaurants in the world can be found in the best wine-producing regions.

Where there is great wine, great food usually follows, and the Hunter Valley is no exception. Here the joys of eating fine food and drinking world-class wine are celebrated daily – providing a rich tapestry of food and wine experiences for the traveller and local alike.

With a reputation for producing some of Australia’s most awarded wines and having some of the most skilled winemakers, the Hunter Valley is also recognised as one of the most authentic culinary destinations in the country with some of the finest restaurants and home to a host of talented chefs.

A growing passion for food and wine, reinforced by popular cooking shows such as Chef’s Table (Netflix), The Final Table (Netflix) and Masterchef (soon to be in its 14th season), has resulted in consumers now having a far greater appreciation of what they are eating and drinking and are increasingly seeking out genuine and authentic food and wine experiences.

Globally, gourmet tourism is on the rise, and the Hunter Valley couldn’t be better placed to satisfy the need with a host of hidden gems, unique flavours and discreet pockets of gastronomic excellence known only to locals. And the more authentic, the better.

One such place is The Cellar Restaurant. Renowned for its fresh, authentic flavours, innovative menu and wonderful setting within the Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village and just a short stroll from the world-famous Hunter Valley Gardens, this is, without doubt, one of the most central and most convenient spots in the Hunter for a meal.

Specialising in contemporary modern Australian cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood, tender lamb and vegetarian dishes coupled with locally sourced produce, The Cellar Restaurant is, in a word, unique and, without a doubt, one of the finest restaurants in the region. Since taking over the restaurant in 2019, owners Vanessa Blake and Gary Schofield have made The Cellar Restaurant a summer and winter favourite amongst both locals and visitors.

The beautiful setting is like no other in the Hunter Valley. With an abundance of lush green foliage throughout, you get an almost tropical dining experience. Combined with the centrally located fireplace, the two elements blend perfectly for cooler months and dining alfresco during summer's long, warmer evenings.

With varying international backgrounds, both chefs share a deep passion for food and a desire to introduce new and exciting flavours to their seasonal menus, which are refreshingly diverse and well thought out with an emphasis on seasonal produce. Here there is something for everyone with both land and sea covered.

Starting with entrees, you will discover everything from Sydney rock oysters (natural) to goats cheese puff pastry, slow-cooked pork belly, 18-hour cooked beef flank, and salmon gravlax served with red cabbage, potato, gherkin and sour cream.

The mains are just as tempting and include a choice of dishes such as the two-bone rack of lamb, duck ballotine, Moreton Bay bugs, barramundi fillet, 12-hour cooked Black Angus rump, sirloin steak and slow-cooked lamb oyster with potato rosti, Dutch carrots, and roast onion jus (for two).

Dessert comes with a choice of 5 mouth-watering delights. It doesn’t matter what you choose – whether it is the malibu cheesecake, mango semifreddo, milk chocolate mousse, blackberry sponge with kaffir lime meringue and yoghurt or the cheese plate, you will not be disappointed.

There is a great deal to love about The Cellar Restaurant – the fabulous setting, the people, the food and warm, attentive service. With the emphasis on simplicity of ingredients, exceptional execution and presentation, The Cellar Restaurant is up there with the best in regional dining. For online bookings, visit www.the-cellar-restaurant.com.au