EXP. Restaurant, Pokolbin NSW: Restaurant Review

EXP. Restaurant

The service at this Hunter Valley icon is as almost as pleasing as the low-waste, high-taste cooking.

Low waste, high taste dishes at EXP. restaraurant in Polkobin, Hunter Valley.

NEW SOUTH WALES

Address

Pokolbin Village, 2188 Broke Rd, Pokolbin, NSW

If you can, snag a seat at the bar at this charcoal-coloured – and charcoal-fuelled – Hunter Valley fine-diner. That’s the prime spot to enjoy the soft symphony of “yes, chef”s as the expert team glides, coordinates and collaborates around the open kitchen, as smooth as the bowl of sour cream, salmon caviar and native tamarind that’s served as one of the opening snacks. This theatre makes a diverting backdrop to dishes like savoury dashi koshihikari risotto served with a lozenge of Murray cod, zig-zagged with dual sauces made from sorrel, grape tomato and koji, or barbecued bavette steak – an underutilised cut that prioritises flavour over poshness – resting in a mirrored bordelaise. Native flavours such as muntries, rosella and water apple are employed with grace, while the wine list celebrates almost every region in Australia, not just the one you’re sitting in. Generous and genial, this is one of the Hunter’s great destinations.

Price Guide

$$$$$

Bookings

Essential

Wheelchair Access

Yes

Opening Hours

Lunch Sat; Dinner Fri-Mon

The Gourmet Traveller Team

Gourmet Traveller is Australia’s trusted authority on food, travel and luxury lifestyle, bringing the latest news and trends to life through quality journalism, enticing recipes and evocative photography. For more than 55 years, it has been inspiring and informing Australians with the best in cooking, dining, travelling and shopping. Our critics bring the expertise of years of critical eating, drinking and writing to the table. Plus, as the country’s leading title in the luxury sector, Gourmet Traveller works closely with Australia’s leaders in the travel and hospitality industries to give our readers exclusive access. The Gourmet Traveller legacy is one of trust, prestige and relevance.

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