The Icky Sticky Patisserie
This indulgent café, located in the charming village of Loren, is a haven for chocolate lovers. Pick up addictive chocolate-and-caramel custard profiteroles, silky chocolate-raspberry mousse, passionfruit meringues, and raspberry-and-white-chocolate pistachio tarts. Wait until you get these treats in your hands to start drooling. It’s almost impossible to eat the cakes and other goodies on display at this cafe. Almost. Sigh. Order coffee, sweets, and… sigh. Is this Hunter Valley’s finest brunch?
Cru Bar + Pantry
Cru Bar + Pantry, located at Brokenwood Wines is a relaxing spot for brunch, lunch and breakfast. Breakfast options include brioche with caviar, smoked salmon, and Bombay-style egg. You can also enjoy delicious pizzas, charcuterie, toasties, and pies at lunch. The self-service wine dispenser offers rare wines that are not normally available to taste at the Cellar Door.
Cafe Enzo
The team at Café Enzo has been serving up coffee, eggs and toast in the courtyard of its rustic, enchanting building since 1996. The baked beetroot with smoked salmon, blood orange ham and Binnorie Dairy’s feta are two of the menu favourites. There is also a vegan option for those who don’t eat meat. A cosy spot in winter, the open-air fire in Pokolbin’s Pepper Creek Shopping Village is a great place to sit.
The Bikesmith & Espresso Bar
This family-owned café-sum-bike-shop is a local hub for cyclists. You can enjoy a delicious Reuben Toastie or an espresso shot while you wait to get your bike part serviced. The friendly atmosphere is worth a visit, even if you’re not an outdoor sports enthusiast.
Fawk Foods Kitchen and Bakery
The same team that runs the EXP. This part café, part bakery follows the same philosophy as the restaurant: “To provide a menu that is driven by the season and focused on flavor”.” The cafe focuses on local products, such as free-range eggs and bacon from Maitland’s Hungerford Meat Co., along with its house-baked white bread and black garlic. Highlights include the buttermilk-glazed breakfast rolls and pancakes with maple and biscuit crumb. Grab-and-go baked products are available for those on the move. You can choose from banana bread, blueberry muffins, chocolate brownies and vanilla and salt cookies. Dogs are welcome to join you for breakfast on the patio.
The Deck Café Lovedale
Deck Cafe has the kind of atmosphere where you can go for breakfast and then stay on to eat lunch. It’s that good. Breakfast scones with homemade jam, Chantilly, and strawberries are a great example. Or, the ‘powerplate’ combines everything good for you, including avocado, spinach and broccoli, beets, seeds, and hummus. You’ll thank your stomach. Tapas are available all day long if you’re looking for a quick snack while enjoying the beautiful countryside around Lovedale. What about truffled mushrooms and goats’ curd served with a glass of wine?
Worn Out Wares
Wearn Out Wares is the place to go if you’re looking to try out local produce in the Hunter Region. This cozy cafe, florist, and store serves breakfast, lunch, and dessert, using seasonal local produce. You can also buy flowers or browse beautiful homewares.
Garden Terrace Cafe
The Hunter Valley Gardens, in addition to the vineyards, are another major attraction of this beautiful pocket of New South Wales. The 14-hectare manicured grounds feature flora from all over the world. After your explorations, you can enjoy a meal in the Garden Terrace Cafe overlooking the Oriental Garden. Why not indulge in a bacon-and egg burger? Smoked salmon eggs benedict, fish and chips or smoked egg burgers are all available. The food is delicious, and the outlook is fantastic. What else could you ask for?