TL;DR: While many regional venues close at the start of the week, the Hunter Valley still offers exceptional Monday dining. Leading the list is two-hatted EXP. Restaurant with its signature dinner service, alongside picturesque winery bistros, Italian trattorias, and relaxed vineyard grillrooms.
The Hunter Valley is a region of spectacular views as well as a paradise for lovers of good food and wine. But finding somewhere to eat on a Monday may be more of a challenge because it is a day when some restaurants choose to close.
The good news is that plenty of restaurants are still open and you just need to know which ones they are. To help you, we list and describe some of the best, so you won’t be wondering where to go.
EXP. Restaurant
This restaurant is open Friday through Monday and is a fine dining establishment you can always rely on. As the winner of a number of awards, including receiving two Chef’s Hats, being Regional Restaurant of the Year 2026 in the SMH Good Food Guide, gaining the Gourmet Travellers’ Best Destination Dining Award in 2024 and being a Top Five Finalist in the National Restaurant Guide 2024, the restaurant has a hard-earned reputation that is well deserved. It is, in fact, reckoned to be one of the region’s best dining establishments.
It’s one of the few places where guests can enjoy a 2 Chef-Hat experience with a seasonal degustation menu and an open kitchen with personal chef service from our intimate dining room and chef's bar. Pair your dishes with our curated wine list, or ensure your spot by securing a Monday reservation in advance.
Bistro Molines
Set on the edge of a valley on Mount View Road, this restaurant has sweeping views across the countryside and is perfect for a leisurely lunch on a Monday. It’s one of the most picturesque restaurants in the area with traditional French décor inside and a pleasant courtyard area for those warm and sunny days. It is a very popular place, so reservations are essential.
The spectacular setting is complemented with warm hospitality and great food and wine. Dishes are firmly rooted in France, particularly the Provence region, and are based on local and seasonal produce. Special dietary needs are catered for and visitors, both locals and tourists, praise the excellent food and ambience.
éRemo Restaurant
Based at Spicer’s Guesthouse, this restaurant features Italian classics that have a contemporary flair and are based on local produce. Lunch is served seven days a week, so you are not limited to Mondays, nor do you have to be staying at the guesthouse.
As well as great food, including luscious pasta and excellent steaks, the restaurant has spectacular views. Lunch and dinner are a la carte or there’s the option of an Avido (or ‘greedy’) menu for large groups that are feeling hungry.
Goldfish Bar & Restaurant
Surrounded by vineyards, this restaurant offers a more casual dining experience that may be more appropriate for Monday meals. Despite this, it offers award-winning wines, handcrafted cocktails and excellent hospitality that match the quality of the food and overall give an unforgettable dining experience.
The menu is inspired by modern Australian cuisine together with local flavours and it changes with the seasons using local produce. For a leisurely lunch or intimate dinner, it’s highly recommended. But, to avoid disappointment, do book in advance.
Blaxland Inn
A 28-acre property in Pokolbin, Blaxland Estate houses the Blaxland Inn that is renowned for its excellent steaks from the grill. A steakhouse twist is even applied to breakfasts that feature top quality ingredients and bold flavours.
As well as steaks, Blaxland Inn offers smoked meats, craft beers, boutique wine and exquisite cocktails. It’s open seven day a week so provides a welcome treat on any day as well as Mondays. To learn more or to explore regional dining, discover EXP. Restaurant or contact our team today.