EXP. Restaurant: Immersive, Ingredient-Driven Dining in the Hunter Valley
EXPerience Australian Cuisine and Seasonal Tasting Menus with Local Produce
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. Each detail at EXP. is a labour of love—shared with every guest who walks through our doors.
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.
Nestled in the heart of the Hunter Valley, EXP. Restaurant is a destination dining experience that combines innovation, sustainability, and the finest local produce to create a culinary journey like no other.
Why Choose EXP.?
Award-Winning Dining:
Proud recipient of 2 Hats and Regional Restaurant of the Year in the 2026 SMH Good Food Guide, Gourmet Traveller’s ‘Best Destination Dining Award’ 2024, and a Top 5 Finalist in the National Restaurant Guide 2024. EXP. has consistently earned one chef’s hat for four consecutive years, cementing our reputation among Australia’s finest.
Locally Inspired Menus:
Our tasting menus highlight the best of Hunter Valley produce, paired with native Australian flavours and complemented by an all-Australian beverage list. Many elements are made in-house, from ferments and charcuterie to condiments—offering guests a truly unique and authentic experience.
Sustainability at Heart:
We minimise waste and repurpose by-products into house-made condiments, sauces, and seasonings. Our commitment to sustainability is woven into everything we do.
An Intimate Setting:
With just 28 seats per service, our dark and moody dining room—featuring handcrafted local furniture and a chef’s bar—invites you to connect with the artistry and people behind every plate.
Reserve Your Table Today
Join Us for an Unforgettable Evening
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, exploring the region, or simply indulging in your love of fine food, EXP. Restaurant promises an experience that will linger long after the last bite. Explore our tasting menu, private dining & event options.
Meet the Team | EXP.ertise
At EXP. Restaurant, our team is the cornerstone of your unforgettable dining experience. Each member brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and dedication to their craft, ensuring every visit is exceptional.
Frank Fawkner | Owner & Chef
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, creating a dining experience that’s as meaningful as it is delicious.
Josh Hannan | Head Chef
Josh’s extensive experience in some of Australia’s most renowned fine dining establishments, including Yellow, Monopole, and Bentley, brings finesse and bold flavours to EXP. His expertise in crafting intricate dishes ensures that every plate is a perfect balance of creativity and taste.
Isabella Stibbard-Ribeiro | Restaurant Manager
Since joining the EXP. team in 2019, Bella has worked her way through the ranks, mastering every nuance of the restaurant. Along the way, she developed a keen interest in cocktail creation, whether it’s reimagining timeless classics or crafting innovative new concoctions. Bella also shares the restaurant’s passion for exceptional wine, contributing to the seamless pairing of wines with the seasonal tasting menu, ensuring every dining experience is something exceptional.
Accolades
EXP. Restaurant is proud to be recognised by Australia’s leading critics and guides:
2 Chef Hats – SMH Good Food Guide review by David Matthews 2025
Listed in Gourmet Traveller Top 100 Restaurants 2025
Gourmet Traveller ‘Best Destination Dining’ 2024
Top 5 Finalist – National Restaurant Guide 2024
Chef’s Hat – SMH Good Food Guide 2023, 2024, 2025
We’re honoured by these awards, which reflect our ongoing commitment to quality, creativity, and hospitality.
Read more about our Accolades here
One of a Kind Private Dining in Hunter Valley
For food lovers, dining out is so much more than eating a meal. It’s an opportunity to discover new flavours, enjoy local ingredients and create memorable experiences with loved ones. We are proud to announce that EXP. Restaurant offers all of this at our fine dining restaurant and so much more.
Founded and cherished by spouses Frank and Emma, their love and passion for the Hunter Valley and fine dining shines through their practise daily, so it’s no surprise why customers travel far and wide to see what our private dining in Hunter Valley has to offer. Read More
A Set Menu Based on Seasonal Australian Cuisine
One of the greatest things about EXP. Restaurant is the ever-changing set menu dinner, driven by the local produce through the seasons. EXP. Restaurant is an Australian cuisine restaurant, with ethically sourced ingredients gathered right here in Australia. But that’s not all, unlike other restaurants in Pokolbin, EXP. Restaurant place a huge importance on home-made fermentation techniques to produce vinegar, cheeses, miso and charcuterie, which offers a unique and luxurious element to your food in Hunter Valley.
An Intimate Fine Dining Restaurant
Withonly 30 seats per service, EXP. Restaurant is a real private dining restaurant, allowing customers to truly soak up the atmosphere, food and company. The team at EXP. Restaurant make every guest feel welcome within our restaurant in Pokolbin, and are driven to provide an outstanding customer experience. Each dish within our set menu in Hunter Valley comes with its own story, enabling customers to immerse themselves into the food and its origins.
Award Winning 2-hatted Restaurant in Newcastle
EXP. Restaurant have had significant recognition over the years, and is now proudly a 2-hatted restaurant in Newcastle, as well as earning ‘Regional restaurant of the year’ in the 2026 ‘SMH Good Food Guide’ alongside many other achievements. In fact, EXP. Restaurant have received a Chef’s Hat for four consecutive years, proving us to be one of the most consistent and committed hatted restaurants in Hunter Valley. View our media and accolades to learn more about our journey.
Sustainable Restaurants in Hunter Valley NSW
Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at EXP. Restaurant focusing on local produce within our set menu restaurant allows us to support local suppliers through our local producer collaborations, reduce food miles and also limit resources such as packaging and refrigeration energy during transportation. Furthermore, our restaurants in Hunter Valley NSW limits food waste by repurposing by-products into delicious home-made sauces, condiments and seasonings. Read Less