A Taste of the Italian Coast in Wine Country
Located at Pokolbin's Hermitage Lodge, Pescara brings the essence of Italian coastal dining to the Hunter Valley. Co-owners Nicole Panetta and Executive Chef Kelvin Foster have masterfully created a dining destination that marries authentic Italian cuisine with the region's renowned wine-country atmosphere.
The restaurant's seasonal menu celebrates the art of simplicity, focusing on premium local ingredients transformed into dishes that transport diners to the Italian coastline.
"Our dishes are a genuine reflection of us - fresh, uncomplicated, and heartfelt," explains Nicole, whose vision for authentic Italian dining has found its perfect home among the vines.
Signature dishes have quickly become favourites among locals and visitors alike. The Impanato features a perfectly executed breaded pork cutlet garnished with arugula, tomatoes, and parmesan, while the Vitello Limone presents tender veal scaloppine in a bright lemon, caper, and leek sauce. Seafood aficionados celebrate the oven-baked Scampi, finished with a delicate lemon, garlic, and butter drizzle.
House-made specialties showcase the kitchen's dedication to craft, particularly evident in their pillowy gnocchi, pan-seared and served with spicy Calabrese salami, pancetta, and spinach. The delicate spaghettini with Australian blue-swimmer crab meat, chilli, garlic, and white wine demonstrates their commitment to combining Italian tradition with local ingredients.
Adjacent to the main dining room, Bar Pescara elevates the experience with crafted cocktails and Italian nibbles. The bar menu tempts with offerings like cacciatore salami served with fresh bread, saffron arancini accompanied by aioli, and premium Cantabria anchovy fillets dressed with extra virgin olive oil and bread crisps.
"At Pescara, our bar is more than just a prelude to dinner. It's where drinks mingle with small bites, and conversations bloom," shares Nicole.
Whether seeking an intimate dinner with vineyard views, a family celebration, or simply an aperitivo hour, Pescara offers an authentic Italian experience in the heart of the Hunter Valley. For reservations and menu details, visit www.pescara.com.au
