Top Restaurants in Cessnock
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Cessnock Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Cessnock
Nestled in the fertile Hunter Valley, Cessnock’s wine region is one of the oldest and most diverse in the world, making it a terrific destination for oenophiles. There are over 100 wineries in the area, and vineyard and cellar tours are among Cessnock’s most popular attractions. World-class golf courses, gourmet eateries, lush gardens and blissful spas round out the local appeal.
Things to do in Cessnock
1. Cafe Enzo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Enzo warmly welcomes you to our charming sandstone restaurant. . . As the story goes, 'enzo' have been established since 1996, yes one of the original cafes in wine country Pokolbin! When there were dirt roads 'n stuff! We are historically known for our alfresco dining and 7 days trade throughout our years! Over the years this once upon a time homestead, home to the Irelands, has expanded and evolved and become home to enzo. Original fittings of the kitchen areas and fireplace still remain untouched. Hand cut sandstone, laid by hand, and the hardwood beams from the wharf of sydney harbour, create the lived-in feel that people return for. We welcome you to our home of dining, celebrating and good times, and ask you to continue to share with us. Enjoy!
Reviewed By Lyn M
We were staying in Pokolbin so went for breakfast before our day of golf. All of us thoroughly enjoyed our choices and such a great setting. The coffee was lovely, staff were very friendly and efficient. Coming from a tourist area we felt the prices a bit high but we noticed the same at the restaurant where we had dinner. The meals were great and got us through the day. Obviously a very popular cafe from the number of patrons. Perfect place to relax and eat. Lyn M
2. The Cellar Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 458 reviews
This ultra-popular restaurant (especially with locals who love a long lunch here) serves appetising Mediterranean meals in a relaxed, inviting space. It has a great outdoor courtyard, surrounded by wisteria, with tables shaded by large umbrellas and inside there’s a huge open fireplace in the centre of the room, surrounded by crisp, white-clothed tables and indoor Gardens. Owner/chef Andy Wright offers a seasonal menu using the best Australian produce with regulars returning for popular á la carte dishes like pan-fried barramundi and eight-hour slow-braised Milly Hill lamb or the signature dish – whole suckling pig roast (48 hours’ notice required).
Reviewed By Isi_99_100 - Budapest, Hungary
We walked into this reastaurant just before the kitchen was closing. We ordered based on the recommendation of our waitress, a grilled king prawns and a wonderful steak. The wine selection was naturally good being in the middle of the Hunter Valley. The dessert was also wonderful. We enjoyed a very nice service, so if you are in this area, this is the place not to miss!
3. Muse Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Muse has become renowned for not only its food but also for its professional and friendly service. Offering a season driven Contemporary Australian menu, the food is fresh and exciting without overcomplicating the ingredients. Using quality produce, sourcing locally whenever possible, the dishes show technique, restraint and respect.
Reviewed By PeterHarvey - Norwich UK
This was the best dinner we had during our 6 week wine and gastronomic tour of Australia and actually by a fair margin. Can't fault it but more to the point it was positively wonderful and no, I am not being swept up in some kind of naive enthusiasm of an unaccustomed fine dining experience in which I was out of my depth. I rate it above Quay, for example. Anyway we had the 4 course dinner with paired wines each choosing a different dish and my, they were excellent in all respects. The service was so chilled, and neither patronising or obsequious, and without an eyelid blink as we arrived in our cycling attire, and we were treated as I would have expected. Best dish ? for me the chicken, polenta and corn, and my jaw dropped when the sommelier produced a Lakes Folly 2017 Chardonnay. And the "coconut" dessert ranks alongside Quay's snow egg in the bonkers but brilliant stakes. One of the few meals which will be a treasured memory for a lifetime. The cost ? who cares.
4. Mojo's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By Eric T - Yarramundi, Australia
Came here for breakfast and it was a pleasant surprise. A small menu but everything we ordered was delicious and cooked to perfection The service was top notch. The coffee is also great. Well worth a visit, you won't be disappointed. They certainly have the Mojo!!!!
5. Leaves & Fishes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 267 reviews
Leaves & Fishes offers a fresh, smart and simple approach to dining in the Hunter Valley. A range of Asian-fusion and Australian meals are complimented by a Hunter-focused wine list. A Lovedale favourite for more than 14 years, Leaves & Fishes is a must-visit on your next trip!
Reviewed By John M - Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Went with friends and had a wonderful meal. Mixed entrees followed by stunning snapper all washed down with a lovely semicolon proved a wonderful evening. Staff were attentive but not intrusive and contributed to a very enjoyable night out. Highly recommendedThank you so much for sharing your experience John! So glad to hear you enjoyed your visit. ??
6. Bistro Molines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 777 reviews
Reviewed By Ron T - Booker Bay, Australia
Bistro Molines has excelled again with our family (8 including two children) celebration of my 70th Birthday at luncheon on Sunday.
It is hard to think of any facet of the luncheon that could be improved upon for such a delightful and memorable day - even the weather was on side.
My partner and I have enjoyed Bistro Molines on other occasions, but the rest of the family rested upon my selection of venue, and all were in rave mode after the occasion.
The feature for us was the excellent wait staff attention, especially for initially settling the children, and the attentiveness throughout the luncheon. For a group of 8 everything happened without any fuss and in a very timely manner - and which we were consulted about for our rest times between courses. Thank you for your thoughtful service.
The menu has a wide and varied selection, with of course specials, to suit all palates. For our group, there were a number of different choices but in terms of entrees the Lambs brains were selected by two - a delight. Whilst the leek tart was a favoured choice of two others.
The mains were excellent but the fillet Mignon, Venison, veal (2), warranted special mention
It is hard to rate every meal but suffice to say that all servings were delightfully presented, with good supporting vegetables, and were hot - as expected for such an establishment.
For those with a sweet tooth there were good desert choices but only 3 of the party made selections.
The beverage list is very good, and supports two local wineries, but also has wide choices by the glass and bottle to suit any connoisseur. In terms of wines we chose bottles of the Peppertree Sparkling to start, then followed by the Pinot Gris from Brokenwood and with the meat selections we enjoyed the Cote de Rhone - perfect.
On this celebratory week long visit to the Hunter Valley, where we have experienced 6 fine dining restaurants, for luncheon and dinner, we again rate Bistro Molines the best dining standard and favourite for our tastes - which is now the a la carte dining go to venue in the Hunter Valley for my family.
Recommended for your enjoyment!
7. Blaxland Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 899 reviews
Reviewed By blweis - Williamsburg, Virginia
The food and ambience here are very nice - quite characteristic of the Hunter. It's not a huge menu, but it's tasty and reasonable.
8. The Legends Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 358 reviews
Reviewed By Leonie O - gold coast
The menu was not extensive but still covered many options. The waiters were attentive and the food was served quite quickly. The two dishes we had were very good and generous without being excessive. We would certainly return on our next visit.
9. Emerson’s Cafe & Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 447 reviews
After 3 years in Pokolbin, Owner/Head Chef Emerson Rodriguez is excited to announce the re-location of their multi-award winning restaurant 'Emerson's at Pokolbin' to Adina Vineyard.Now appropriately renamed Emerson's Cafe & Restaurant, Emerson's is located within Adina Vineyard. Adina Vineyard is set in the heart of the Hunter Wine Region on Lovedale Road in Lovedale, surrounded by acres of established vineyards & an impressive olive grove. With newly renovated Cellar door on-site, Providore, Reflections Spa & Accommodation.
Reviewed By Tlb1974 - Cessnock, Australia
We’ve been to Emerson’s half a dozen times and it’s consistently good.
My mother, daughter and I celebrated our Christmas here today and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Mum and I had the roast suckling pig with fried Brussels sprouts, roast potatoes, apple chutney and gravy. One dish between two would have been adequate but hey, it’s Christmas! The pork was melt-in-the-moth delicious, the potatoes crispy and hot. I had my doubts about the sprouts but I can honestly say they were amazing.
My daughter had the char grilled sirloin. She is a bit fussy about her food and enjoys really plain food, so she wasn’t overly keen on the cafe de Paris butter but she said the steak was lovely.
Despite not needing dessert, we decided to share an amazing lemon meringue pie inspired dish served with limoncello sorbet. Very summery, sweet but not sickly and gone too quickly!
The wine list seems quite extensive and we partook of cocktails to celebrate in style.
The service was good, we didn’t feel rushed. It was a pleasant, leisurely lunch in a comfortable and quite picturesque setting.
Thanks guys! We’ll be back.
10. Restaurant Cuvee
Overall Ratings
4 based on 380 reviews
Part of the vineyard Peterson's Champagne House
Reviewed By tinky321 - Singleton, Australia
We live locally and love a good breakfast and lunch out. Restaurant Cuvee is one place that we know will provide us with great food and service. Nothing is cheap in the Hunter Valley, but we know at this restaurant we get served decent quantity and great quality food always. The kids meals are good value too and a good size ($12 breakfast which includes juice). The coffee is okay (not as strong as I usually like) but at least it is hot. This restaurant is definitely worth a visit and revisit.
