Where do I even begin? Iâve never felt so compelled to write a review before - this experience was just that good!
When my in-laws visited from Perth, WA, a trip to the Hunter Valley was an absolute must on their itinerary. With no set plan for lunch, a quick Google search led us to three options. Estancia stood out immediately - not because I checked the menu (I didnât even bother) but because the photos of the food were simply irresistible!!
The moment we arrived, we were struck by a sense of peace and tranquility. The winery is the kind of place where you could easily imagine starting your morning with a coffee in hand, soaking in the breathtaking views and the serenity of nature.
Walking into the restaurant, we were warmly greeted by James and Gabriel, who welcomed us with the biggest, most genuine smiles. The space itself was fresh and inviting, striking the perfect balance between cosy comfort and refined elegance. Even the crockery and cutlery were beautiful, setting the tone for what turned out to be an unforgettable dining experience.
We had the choice of ordering from the Ă la carte menu or selecting one of the set menus, and honestly, you couldnât go wrong either way. Our table of four decided to go Ă la carte, opting to share dishes - and what a feast it turned out to be!
First up, the ciabatta. Do yourself a favour and order this for the table. It was hands down the best bread Iâve ever tasted - warm, fresh, and perfectly paired with olive oil, house-made balsamic, and butter. It was a generous serving, and we savoured every bite.
We also shared the tortilla and ceviche, both of which were phenomenal. The flavours were vibrant, and the freshness of each dish was unmistakable - these small plates set the bar high for what was to come.
For mains, we ordered two servings of the Wagyu beef, accompanied by roasted potatoes, burrata, and, on Jamesâs recommendation, the tortellini. Every single dish was incredible. The Wagyu was cooked to tender perfection, the potatoes were crispy on the outside and buttery inside, and the burrata with tomatoes and pesto added a lovely lightness to the meal. But the tortellini? That cheesy, indulgent house made pasta was easily the best Iâve ever eaten - it was pure joy on a plate.
We paired the meal with Moscato, which struck the perfect balance of sweetness without being cloying.
Though we were thoroughly full, Gabriel convinced us to try dessert, recommending the tiramisu and the dessert special. How could we resist? The tiramisu, with its pistachio twist, was delightfully light and unlike any Iâve had before. The special - think a super-caramelised crĂšme brĂ»lĂ©e - was equally divine. Gabriel even brought over glasses of Chardonnay to complement the desserts, a thoughtful touch that elevated the experience even further.
Simply put, Estancia delivered on every front: exceptional food, attentive service, and a stunning location. Itâs rare to find a place where everything is so perfectly on point.
Thank you, James and Gabriel, for creating such a memorable experience. Weâll be back - next time with friends, and maybe just for ourselves,...
   Read moreMy friend and I visited Estancia Osteria on our way home to Sydney after spending the weekend in the Hunter Valley and were unfortunately pretty disappointed by our dining experience!
While the food was nice, the restaurant only offers a $65 per person bottomless brunch between 10 am and 12 pm on weekends instead of their a la carte breakfast menu. Although this is on their website, it is unclear unless you actively look for it (you would think they would show this on the âmenuâ tab but alas, no)! As we didnât want to do bottomless drinks, the waiter told us we could do bottomless coffees instead for $40 per person. Although not ideal, we agreed to this until we went to pay, and the waiter attempted to charge us over $100 (mind you, we only had 1 coffee each)! Iâd advise you to check the bill before paying, especially since after asking for the receipt, the waiter could not provide us with one and told us he would âemailâ it to me and yet, never did.
The service was also a letdown. The waiters did not make us feel very welcome, and we were treated significantly differently to the table of 4 next to us (perhaps due to the fact we were two young girls?). We also had to ask the waiters to order our coffees despite there being only 6 other people in the restaurant. And to finish off, add the waiterâs frustration towards us when we corrected him on the price and then, asked for a receiptâŠ
Overall, this was a sad end to a great weekend, especially since there are so many amazing other restaurants you can support in the...
   Read moreIf youâre ever in the Hunter Valley and want a meal that actually blows your mind, you have to visit Estancia Osteria. This place is something else. Amazing food, warm service, and a setting that makes you want to sit back, sip wine, and stay forever.
From the moment you arrive, you can tell this isnât just another fancy restaurant. Itâs got heart. The vineyard views are stunning, the atmosphere is inviting, and the staff makes you feel like you belong there.
Every single dish was a hit. You know when a meal is so good you just stop talking and start making those âoh my godâ faces? Yeah, that happened.
The ceviche? Probably one of the best Iâve ever had (and thatâs saying something from a Peruvian here). Fresh, bright, and the perfect mix of flavors from different cultures. The slow-cooked meat was on another level. It was so tender it literally fell apart with a fork. No effort needed, just pure, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Even the greens and veggies were a standout. Fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor. And dessert? Those little bites of heaven at the end were the perfect sweet finish.
Great food is one thing, but when itâs paired with a setting like this, rolling vineyards, a relaxed but elegant feel, and that fresh countryside air, it becomes an experience. This isnât just another nice restaurant. Itâs the kind of place you remember. If you love incredible food, a great atmosphere, and a spot that feels special without being pretentious, Estancia Osteria is for you. Trust me, you wonât regret...
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