Before spending the day sampling wines and exploring the vines of Hunter Valley, refuel at one of the region’s top cafes with an indulgent breakfast.
- 3 min read
The Icky Sticky Patisserie
If you’re a chocolate aficionado, look no further than this indulgent cafe in the quaint village of Lorn that specialises in the finer things in life. Pick up addictive chocolate-and-caramel custard profiteroles, silky chocolate-raspberry mousse, passionfruit meringues, and raspberry-and-white-chocolate pistachio tarts. If you’re not drooling yet, just wait until you have these goodies in hand. The cafe’s displays of cakes and bites are almost too pretty to eat. Almost. Order a coffee, a sweet treat and… sigh. Is this the Hunter Valley’s best brunch?
Cafe Enzo
Dishing up eggs, toast and coffee in its enchanting, rustic courtyard since 1996, the team at Cafe Enzo are experts in all things breakfast. Menu favourites include the baked beetroot ricotta with smoked salmon and blood orange ham, and the breakfast board, which comes complete with Berkshire ham off the bone, Binnorie Dairy feta and roast cherry tomatoes. There’s also a fantastic vego alternative for non-meat eaters. Found in Pokolbin’s Pepper Creek shopping village, an open outdoor fire makes it a cosy perch in the winter months too.
Cafe Enzo, Pokolbin - Credit: MJK Creative
The Bikesmith & Espresso Bar
A local community hub for cyclists, The Bikesmith and Espresso Bar on Maitland’s High Street will serve you a mouth-watering reuben toastie and an espresso shot after you have picked up a spare tube, or to pass the time while you get a part serviced in the workshop. Even if you aren’t an outdoor sports enthusiast, it’s worth stopping by for the friendly atmosphere and fantastic coffee.
The Bikesmith and Espresso Bar, Maitland
The Deck Cafe
The Deck Cafe is the kind of place you visit for breakfast, and still find yourself lingering over lunch. The menu and outlook are that good. Case in point, the scones with chantilly cream, homemade jam and fresh strawberries is a great option for breakfast. Or the ‘power plate’, uniting everything that’s good for you: poached eggs, hummus, avocado, spinach, broccoli, beets and seeds. Your stomach will thank you. If you find yourself settling in for a snack overlooking the bucolic countryside surrounding Lovedale, make the most of the all-day tapas menu. How does truffled mushroom and goats curd with a glass of wine sound?
The Deck Cafe, Lovedale
Worn Out Wares
If you want to sample local produce from the Hunter region, then make your way to Worn Out Wares. This cosy cafe, store and florist serves breakfast, lunch and something sweet, with a menu featuring locally sourced seasonal produce. While here, buy some flowers or shop for beautiful homewares.
Worn Out Wares, Hunter Valley
Garden Terrace Cafe
Aside from vineyards, the Hunter Valley Gardens are the other major draw card of this pretty pocket of New South Wales. The manicured grounds showcase flora and fauna from around the world across an immense 14 hectares. And when you’ve finished your wanderings, sit down for brunch at the Garden Terrace Cafe, overlooking the Oriental Garden. Drop in for an indulgent bacon-and-egg sandwich (because why not?) or scones with strawberry jam and fresh whipped cream. With generous portions, delicious meals and a stellar outlook, what more could you want?
Garden Terrace Cafe, Pokolbin - Credit: Garden Terrace Cafe
Ronnie's
Nestled in Hunter Valley Garden’s Shopping Village, you'll find the warm and welcoming Ronnie's. With a coffee the locals rave about, stop by for a cuppa and their spicy bacon and egg roll complete with hashbrowns and kewpie mayo. Their waffles with lemon and passionfruit curd is another crowd favourite, with plenty of gluten- and dairy-free options available.
Ronnie's, Pokolbin - Credit: Muse Photography | Ronnie's
