Pokolbin · Hunter Valley
EXP. Restaurant: Immersive, Ingredient-Driven Dining in the Hunter Valley
EXPerience Australian cuisine and seasonal tasting menus with local produce.
Two Chef Hats & Regional Restaurant of the Year — SMH Good Food Guide 2026
Celebrating ten years
A personal, immersive restaurant, founded by Emma & Frank Fawkner
Founded in 2015 by husband and wife duo Emma and Frank Fawkner, EXP. Restaurant was born from a shared vision: to create memorable dining experiences that celebrate the Hunter Valley's rich landscape and community. Over the past decade, EXP. has grown into a destination for food lovers seeking something truly personal and immersive.
Now celebrating 10 years, our restaurant continues to evolve, shaped by the seasons and driven by curiosity. Much of what we serve is enhanced by a wide range of fermentation techniques that we are always refining — from house-made vinegars and garums to miso, koji, cheese, and charcuterie. Every menu is a reflection of our commitment to local produce, native ingredients, and the craftsmanship that happens every day in our kitchen.
At EXP., hospitality is at the heart of what we do. From the moment you arrive, our team welcomes you — offering genuine warmth, attentive service, and a connection to the stories behind each dish. We invite you to relax, savour, and become part of our ongoing story.
A destination degustation in the heart of the Hunter Valley
Nestled in the heart of the Hunter Valley, EXP. combines innovation, sustainability and the finest local produce to create a culinary journey like no other.
Why choose EXP.?
Award-winning dining
Two Chef Hats and Regional Restaurant of the Year in the 2026 SMH Good Food Guide, Gourmet Traveller's Top 100 Restaurants 2026, No. 3 Fine Dining in Australia on Tripadvisor 2026, and Gourmet Traveller's Best Destination Dining 2024 in the National Restaurant Guide 2024 — among Australia's finest.
Locally inspired menus
Tasting menus highlighting the best of Hunter Valley produce and native Australian flavours, with an all-Australian beverage list. Ferments, charcuterie and condiments are made in-house.
Sustainability at heart
We minimise waste and repurpose by-products into house-made condiments, sauces and seasonings. Sustainability is woven into everything we do.
An intimate setting
Just 28 seats per service in a dark, moody dining room with handcrafted local furniture and a chef's bar — close to the artistry and people behind every plate.
“The Hunter Valley’s newly two-hatted restaurant is the most exciting in the region.”
“Generous and genial, this is one of the Hunter’s great destinations.”
No. 3 fine dining restaurant in Australia, as voted by Tripadvisor travellers.
Meet the team | EXP.ertise
Our team is the cornerstone of your dining experience. Each member brings knowledge, passion and dedication to their craft, ensuring every visit is exceptional.
Frank Fawkner
With a background rooted in fine dining and a creative vision for showcasing the best of Australian cuisine, Frank leads the EXP. kitchen with innovation and precision. His commitment to sustainability and local produce is reflected in every dish.
Josh Hannan
Josh's experience in some of Australia's most renowned fine dining establishments, including Yellow, Monopole and Bentley, brings finesse and bold flavours to EXP. — every plate a balance of creativity and taste.
Isabella Stibbard-Ribeiro
Since joining in 2019, Bella has worked her way through the ranks. A passion for cocktails and exceptional wine shapes the pairings with our seasonal tasting menu, making every experience something exceptional.
Weddings & events
One of a kind private dining in Hunter Valley
For food lovers, dining out is so much more than a meal — it's a chance to discover new flavours, enjoy local ingredients and create memories with loved ones. Our intimate setting, seasonal tasting menus and exceptional hospitality make EXP. a wonderful choice for celebrations and private events.
We also host exclusive weddings and events for larger celebrations.
Accolades
Recognised by Australia's leading critics and guides.
Plan your visit
Hours
Dinner: Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday
Lunch: Saturday
Join us for an unforgettable evening
A special occasion, a romantic dinner, a Saturday lunch, or simply your love of fine food — with only 28 seats a service, we recommend booking ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I go for restaurant tasting in Hunter Valley?
For those seeking a memorable degustation Hunter Valley experience, EXP. Restaurant offers a carefully curated tasting menu offering seasonal produce and Australian ingredients.
Is your restaurant suitable for a special occasion?
Absolutely. From all the restaurants in Pokolbin, dinner has never been more memorable than here at EXP. Restaurant. We offer an intimate setting, unique seasonal tasting menus and exceptional hospitality, making us a wonderful choice for your celebration or private event. We also host exclusive weddings & events for larger celebrations.
Where is EXP. Restaurant located?
You can find our Hunter Valley restaurant at 2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin 2320 NSW, on the left-hand side of Pokolbin Village. Have questions? Feel free to contact us anytime.
When are you open?
You can visit us for an unforgettable degustation Newcastle NSW experience during the following: Dinner service Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday. Lunch service Saturday only.
How can I book a table?
To book a table at our Hunter Valley dinner restaurant, simply make a reservation online or get in touch with our team directly, and we'd be happy to welcome you! As one of the most popular Pokolbin Hunter Valley restaurants, we always recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment.