Best Eats
Best Restaurants in Mudgee
11/09/2024
Image: Mudgee town centre. Credit: Mudgee Region.
Words by Aleney de Winter.
There’s something about Mudgee that just makes life taste that little bit sweeter. Could it be the way the sun spills golden over the vineyards as the afternoon fades, or the contented locals that seem to be in on the secret to a good life? Or maybe it is the charming town centre, located on the idyllic banks of the tranquil Cudgegong River. Perhaps it’s the historic streets lined with charming heritage-listed buildings, many lovingly restored and now home to some of the best restaurants in Mudgee. Whatever it is, this bucolic town, just a three-and-a-half-hour drive west of Sydney, has mastered the art of culinary alchemy, turning fresh air and fertile soil into first-class food.
Cradled by vineyards and farmlands, this is a region where farm-to-table is not a trend, but a tradition. Thanks to the bounty of fresh produce, the town's chefs are never short on inspiration when it comes to creating dishes as delightful as the friendly residents (who, by the way, are happy to point you in the direction of their favourite restaurants in Mudgee).
Don’t miss the Flavours of Mudgee Festival (24-28 September). Over 60 local food and wine producers will gather for a free event to celebrate Mudgee’s culinary scene, with tasting packages available for those who want to sample the region’s best food and wine.
Whether you’re planning to attend the festival or simply looking for a taste of the local cuisine, here are our top picks of the best restaurants in Mudgee.
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The Zin House
Mudgee, Central West, New South WalesOverlooking Lowe Vineyard and farm, Chef’s Hat winner, The Zin House, specialises in sublime farm-to-table dining. The ever-changing menu highlights seasonal, local produce from their own gardens and nearby producers. A tasting menu featuring refined yet simple dishes like smoked Tinja beef or warrigal green linguine, reflects chef Kim Currie’s commitment to authenticity, generosity, and quality. The Zin House accepts the Best Restaurants gift card, and we highly recommend the optional wine pairing.
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Warakirri Dining by Indigiearth
Mudgee, Central West, New South WalesWarakirri Dining, a unique choice among the best restaurants in Mudgee, is an immersive celebration of Indigenous Australian ingredients and sustainable practices, combining traditional and contemporary cuisine. Savour a five-course degustation with dishes like wattleseed damper, bush tomato chutney, and kangaroo fillet with native spices over four hours, enhanced by Aboriginal music, storytelling, and insights from Sharon Winsor, a proud Ngemba Weilwan woman and founder of Indigiearth.
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Pipeclay Pumphouse
Mudgee, Central West, New South WalesPipeclay Pumphouse, a standout among the best restaurants in Mudgee, provides a gourmet dining experience with a menu focused on a paddock-to-plate philosophy and innovative cooking techniques, served in a rustic yet refined setting. Bespoke dishes, including heirloom beetroot carpaccio and crispy skin barramundi with muhammara, are presented in a seasonal degustation menu that showcases the best of the region’s ingredients.
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Eltons Bar + Bites
Mudgee, Central West, New South WalesOne of Mudgee’s best wining and dining experiences, Eltons Bar and Bites is known for its modern and vibrant atmosphere and creative small plate and tapas-style dishes. Enjoy crab claw sliders, gourmet fries, and larger share plates like salt and pepper spiced squid and charcuterie boards. The focus is on bold flavours and a relaxed dining atmosphere, perfect for enjoying with a diverse selection of drinks.
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The Barn at Blue Wren Farm
Mudgee, Central West, New South WalesThe Barn at Blue Wren Farm showcases ingredients sourced directly from the property in an authentic farm-to-table experience. The cattle, poultry, and sheep are raised on the farm, and the veggies are cultivated on-site. The result is fresh, simple flavours with share plates such as burrata with confit garlic and anchovy, plus heartier fare such as confit duck and roast pumpkin rigatoni with stracciatella. And of course, it’s all paired with luscious local wines and incomparable views.
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Smokin Bro & Co
Mudgee, Central West, New South WalesSmokin Bro & Co. specialises in smoky, slow-cooked American-style craft barbecue meats with standout dishes like smoked brisket, kransky tacos, and barbecue beef ribs, all cooked to perfection with a blend of spice and wood smoke. Accompanying sides include bacon mac and cornbread, with the casual, laid-back setting complementing the hearty, flavourful barbecue that’ll have you licking your fingers clean.
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Isabella's Trattoria
Mudgee, Central West, New South WalesIsabella’s Trattoria has been a beloved fixture among the restaurants in Mudgee for 24 years and continues to charm with upscale, authentic Italian and Mediterranean flavours, prepared in an open-plan kitchen, where diners can watch the chefs work their culinary magic. The extensive wine list complements classic dishes like home-style pasta, risotto, and crostini, as well as heartier options such as glazed pork ribs and meatballs.
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Charnwood Food & Wine
Mudgee, Central West, New South WalesLocated just a short stroll from the centre of town, Charnwood Food and Wine is fast becoming known for its sophisticated food and wine pairings. The menu includes bold flavours such as crispy harissa pork belly and a chargrilled eye fillet topped with creamy High Valley blue cheese. Each dish is designed to complement an extensive list of local wines, with a focus on the award-winning Charnwood Estate collection.
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Vine Restaurant & Bar at Parklands Resort
Mudgee, Central West, New South WalesAt Vine Restaurant and Bar at Parklands Resort, enjoy al fresco à la carte dining with panoramic views. The modern menu, crafted from the freshest local produce, changes with the seasons, and is complemented by a curated selection of local Mudgee wines. The restaurant’s outdoor seating enhances your dining experience, making it a perfect spot to savour both the food and the scenic Mudgee Hills.
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