Best Cafes in the Hunter Valley

Enjoy the charming scenery of the Hunter Valley with a steaming cup of coffee and a delicious cake!

It’s common knowledge that the Hunter Valley conjures up images of sunny vineyards and picturesque cellar doors, a thought you wouldn’t be wrong to think. But if you find it’s the morning after your winery tour and you’re unsure of what to do, why not check out some of the cafes in Hunter Valley? Excellent coffee with a side of breathtaking Hunter Valley views sound like our idea of a perfect Sunday morning! These are the hotspots we think deserve the title of best cafés in the region. You might be in wine country but that doesn’t mean you should skip breakfast!

• Enzo

  Enzo is set in a Tuscan inspired village and features yummy Italian delicacies that you can nibble on next to the antique fireplace. Enzo is located in Peppers Creek Village, surrounded by sandstone buildings since 1996 with beautiful grounds that are used for wedding receptions. All the tasty treats are homemade, and the café is also open for lunch where they serve up fresh locally sourced produce in refined dishes. Enzo is a cult cafe in the Hunter Valley and extremely popular with the locals so be sure to head here for a true taste of the Hunter Valley.

• Deck Cafe

  When you’re talking about the Hunter Valley café scene, you’d be amiss not to mention Deck Café. Located in Lovedale, this restaurant-café sits just above a dam that’s surrounded by native Australian bushland. The cuisine here is Modern Australian, however, there is a fine-dining touch that is the work of chef Matt Dillow. Fresh scones and French toast will make their way on your breakfast wishlist before you head to the vineyard that the café shares it’s grounds with-; Gartelmann Wines.

• Simply D’vine Cafe

  Just outside Cessnock, this cafe also shares its home with a garden and plant gallery so you can stroll around and explore after your morning coffee fix. They serve up Delano speciality coffee alongside farm-fresh products that they whip into delicious dishes! They change up their menu a few times a year meaning that the season’s best produce is used in an array of bright colours and fresh flavours. It’s on the fringe of the Hunter Valley however if you find yourself in Nukalba, we recommend making a visit there for excellent coffee, it truly is one of the Hunter’s best-kept secrets.

• And the winner is…Oscars 

  This relaxed venue is located in the stunning Hunter Valley Gardens in Mclaren Vale. Here you have the chance to eat out on the deck, enjoying stunning views of the greenery surrounding you. It’s a favourite amongst the locals, perfect for a summer outing enjoying the great menu or even a scoop of ice cream on those warmer days. The cafe features a lunch menu as well with items like fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches and pizzas, and homemade pies. The location of this cafe is great as after your breakfast, you can spend the day discovering the many gardens on the grounds. You could even come back here for lunch!

Related article: What else does the Hunter Valley offer besides wineries?

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.