In this Mudgee restaurant guide listed in the order of our most favourites, you will discover some of the best Mudgee restaurants carefully curated to ensure your Mudgee food experiences is unforgettable!

The Cudgegong River is part of the Macquarie catchment within the Murray-Darling basin supplying nutrient filled water that helps sustain the lush pastures and fertile soil of the Mudgee region.

Mudgee is not just about wine and cellar doors, it’s also well known for its fresh produce. The region grows asparagus, beans, beetroot, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbages, cauliflowers, cucumbers, lettuce, peas, potatoes, pumpkins, silver beet, sweetcorn, tomatoes, turnips, and zucchinis. The harvesting season for vegetables runs from mid-October to mid-March.

Apart from the obvious grapes and olives, other fruits like cherries, figs, desert limes, pomegranates, stone fruit, lemons, grapefruit, apricots, watermelons, rock melons and garlic are also grown and harvested across the region.

With sheep and cattle roaming the green hills, its not hard to walk into any restaurant and sink your teeth into some prime cuts.

If you care for seasonal local produce when wining and dining or want to take home some local products, then you must download the Mudgee Farm Gate Trail (PDF 3.9MB). It’s a great guide to help you select products and restaurants dedicated to seasonal local produce.

Restaurant Recommendations

With that said, here are some of our favourite restaurants! You must reserve a table and sometimes months ahead, especially for Zin House, Pipeclay and MillBrie.

1. Blue Wren Farm – The Barn  $$$ – 433 Ulan Rd Mudgee (Direction)  FOOD: Set Menu and A la carte. ATMOSPHERE: Farm barn.  Blue Wren Farm is a working farm and vineyard in the heart of the Mudgee wine region.  The Barn at Blue Wren Farm offers a relaxed dining experience with a focus on simple, seasonal, delicious food.  Their wine list has been carefully curated to highlight the amazing wines produced in Mudgee and wider region, complemented by an array of boutique beers and other drinks.  Blue Wren believe in seasonal eating, if it’s not in season it won’t be on their menu. They also believe in simplicity and take the highest quality ingredients sourced as locally as possible, and allow it to speak for itself.  Blue Wren Farm take care to minimise the impact on the environment, choosing sustainably produced, ethical food and the business practices to go with it.  Open for lunch and dinner Thursday to Sunday – 12:00pm to 8:00pm, Monday lunch only – 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Bookings essential. – www.bluewrenfarm.com Ph: 0473 858 146

   

2. Pipeclay Pumphouse Pipeclay Ln Budgee Budgee $$$$ (Directions) FOOD: 6 course degustation – ATMOSPHERE: Upmarket restaurant setting.  Mudgee’s unique fine dining restaurant at the Robert Stein Vineyard & Winery. Their produce is home grown or locally sourced and prepared with a fine touch in a relaxed atmosphere. For menu diversity they also source some produce from further afield. The menus are designed and created to pay homage to the land that surrounds Mudgee and the produce that it provides. They use simple techniques that accentuate the freshness of the produce. Pipeclay produce continues the paddock to plate philosophy, where locally grown, free range old world pigs graze happily in the pastures surrounding the Robert Stein Vineyard and Winery. Lunch Friday to Sunday 12noon and Dinner Thursday to Saturday from 6pm Bookings essential. – www.pipeclaypumphouse.com.au Ph:(02) 6373 3998

   

3. Zin House – (1 Chef Hat) $$$$ 329 Tinja Ln Eurunderee (Directions) FOOD: 5 course degustation  – ATMOSPHERE: Upmarket country cottage.  Zin House is relaxed, with time to wander the extensive food gardens or watch the sun set over the Mudgee hills. The food and courses are plentiful, five flowing, shared style courses showcasing seasonal produce grown in their gardens or sourced across the region. Adopting the guiding principles of authenticity, generosity and quality – balanced with a refined and technique driven approach. The optional matched wines, selected by David Lowe of Lowe Wines to take things up another notch. Paired with the flavours of each course, wines include those from Lowe’s museum stock, as well as their favourite producers across Mudgee, Orange and in between. Numbers are limited but time is not, they don’t turn tables and recommend you allow a minimum of three hours to dine. Zin House is open for lunch Thursday through Monday from 12pm. They recommend you to arrive beforehand to stroll through the gardens, enjoy a glass outside as you soak in the views, or take the time to do so between courses. Bookings essential. – www.lowefamilywineco.com.au Ph: (02) 5858 4026

   

4. Indigiearth Huntington Estate, 641 Ulan Rd, Mudgee $$$ (Directions) FOOD: 5 course degustation – ATMOSPHERE: Private dining – MUSIC: Indigenous dance. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Australian native foods, botanicals, culture and rituals at this 5-course degustation dining experience. Over four magical hours, enjoy Australian native food + beverages, prepared in a unique fusion of modern techniques with traditional methods. Be transformed by authentic cultural entertainment, musical and cultural storytelling, and the in-depth knowledge of Aboriginal culture + food, pioneered by owner and Ngemba Weilwan woman, Sharon Winsor. This is bush tucker dining at its finest, incorporating seafood, game meats, rainforest fruits, desert delights, and native beverages. Limited to 22 guests per night, this intimate dining experience showcases the beauty of 60,000 years of culture. Warakirri is 100% Aboriginal owned + operated and champions the development + employment of Indigenous people. Dining experience is suitable for 16 years and over only.  Varied opening hours, bookings essential. – www.indigiearth.com.au Ph: 1300 551 525

   

5. MillBrie Mudgee (New! Opened 18 May 2023) $$ – 89 Market St Mudgee (Directions) Food: Modern Australian. ATMOSPHERE: High Street Café. The team of renowned chefs has skilfully crafted a cutting-edge and modern Australian cuisine menu. They prioritise the use of only the freshest ingredients, ensuring an unwavering commitment to quality. With two decades of fine dining experience, head chef and owner, Andy Crestani, leads a team of skilled hospitality professionals. Having owned and operated the popular local eatery Pipeclay Pumphouse for the past ten years, Andy sought to provide patrons with a fresh perspective of outside-the-box dining. His family have also acted as the catalyst for change, inspiring him to pursue new endeavours. Millbrie – whose name derives from the combination of his children’s names – is the result. Open for breakfast and lunch between Tuesday to Saturday – 7am to 3pm. Bookings essential – www.millbrie.com.au Ph: 02 6372 6662

   

6. Three Tails Brewery 13A Lewis St Mudgee $$ (Directions) FOOD: American Smoke House – ATMOSPHERE: Hip and trendy – MUSIC: Resident DJ.  Everything they serve is sourced from 100% independent producers, from their beer & wines to their snacks and soft drinks. Three Tails offers an American Smokehouse inspired menu. The rich culinary history of the southern American barbecue-style is cooked low and slow in king-sized smokers that infuse the meat with smoke while cooking it softly, resulting in fall-apart tenderness and full-on flavour. A variety of meats and cuts served on a tray with pickled veg and chillies that go down well with craft beer brewed onsite.  Varied opening hours, but always open for lunch and dinner on the weekends. Walk ins only. – www.threetailsbrewery.com.au

   

7. Mudgee Brewing Company 4 Church St Mudgee $$ (Directions) FOOD: French Italian American – ATMOSPHERE:  Brewery hall – MUSIC: Live music. Located in across the road from the famous art deco Regent Theatre  With an array of craft beers on the menu between an ale and a stout, a porter and a lager.  The food is pretty decent with dishes to suit most palates, the Mudgee Brewing Company has been a Mudgee staple for many years.  Opening hours Wednesday – Sunday 11am – Late. Bookings not essential but highly recommend you book on weekends. – www.mudgeebrewing.com.au Ph: (02) 6372 6726

   

8. Eltons Eating + Drinking 81 Market St Mudgee $$ (Directions) FOOD: Tapas – ATMOSPHERE: Casual hip.  It’s always a good time at Eltons with a buzzing atmosphere and casual vibe. Eltons boasts a unique, ever-evolving menu designed around shared plates, a great range of on-tap craft beers + a diverse wine list, featuring many of the best Mudgee has to offer. Enjoy a casual craft beer + share good food over great conversation with friends or come in for Saturday brunch + fresh coffee or finish your night in their open-air courtyard with a cheeky cocktail. Lunch: Saturday Only – Dinner Thursday to Saturday. Bookings essential. – www.eltons.com.au Ph: (02) 5300 2275

   

9. Our Chow 234 Castlereagh Hwy Burrundulla $$ (Directions) FOOD: Delicious snacks and hearty lunches – ATMOSPHERE:  Casual Vineyard Dining. Our Chow amazing foodie crew is made up of friendly and helpful local guys and gals who will go out of their way to make customers happy whether they are in the café or at a wedding or event. Rachael the owner and chef loves creating great food that can be accompanied by good old-fashioned hospitality and a fun time. You know the kind that keeps you wanting to come back for more. For more than 20 years, Rachael has been wowing people far and wide with her food. Before Mudgee, she spent time at well-known establishments such as Balmain Bug, The Boathouse at Blackwattle Bay, Simone Logue’s and The Wharf. In addition to running Mudgee Catering Co and Our Chow, Rachael has worked with some of Australia’s leading chef’s, at the ‘guest chef dinners’ at Logan Wines in Mudgee. Lunches Wednesday to Saturday 11am – 3pm and Lunch and Breakfast Sundays 9am – 3pm. – www.mudgeecateringco.com.au Ph: 0427 791 059

   

10. Cade Kitchen & Bar 97 Market St Mudgee $$$ (Directions) FOOD: French Italian – ATMOSPHERE: Casual upmarket.  Located in the courtyard at Cobb and Co Boutique Hotel. The sense of history is palpable. As you walk up the cobbled courtyard where the horses were stabled in the days of the stagecoaches, with original style staircases leading up to the rooms, to the warm ambiance of the Restaurant and the upstairs Attic which was used to store fodder once upon a time. They combine modern conveniences while retaining a heritage feel with good old fashioned service. The building is one of the oldest known original hotel buildings still standing in Mudgee. The section currently housing Cade Kitchen & Bar still retains the original shingle roof underneath the iron, and the beautiful old hand mortised and plugged beams can see be seen in the Attic of the Restaurant. Built in 1850s, it was well known as an overnight stop for the Cobb & Co Royal Mail Coaches. It was substantial brick building, with the Restaurant section being used to house the Cobb & Co coaches and store fodder for the horses. For 2 shillings a traveller could obtain bed and breakfast, and it cost 8 shillings to stable 2 horses. Breakfast Everyday 7.30am – 11.30am, Lunch Everyday 11.30am – 2pm, Dinner Monday – Saturday 6pm – Late. Bookings essential. – www.cadekitchenandbar.com.au Ph: 0409 932 339

    

11. Red Heifer Bistro 1 Church St Mudgee $$$ (Directions) FOOD: Pub food and steaks (Dry aged on menu) – ATMOSPHERE: Pub  – MUSIC: Live music.  Lawson Park Hotel is the historical pride and joy of the Mudgee community and home of the award winning bistro “The Red Heifer”. Guests are invited to discover and enjoy the beauty of “The Lawson”, with an experience that encompasses; a warm welcome, charming country service, fresh local produce and wine, live local entertainment and house made cocktails. The bistro is dedicated to delivering fresh quality pub meals. Enjoy a perfectly cooked meal by their amazing chefs or just relax in front of one of the fireplaces with an icy cold beer or local Mudgee wine and watch the world go by. The Lawson Park Hotel boasts a heritage Main Bar, separate Sports Bar, a beautiful Beer Garden, secure children’s play area (visible from the Beer Garden) and a private dining room. The daily specials are popular amongst the locals and are available 7 days a week. Bistro kitchen open everyday 12pm-2.30pm and 5.30pm-8.30pm, Friday & Saturday nights 2 bistro sittings 5.30-7.30pm & 7.30pm – close. Bookings not essential on weekdays but essential on weekends. Ph: (02) 6372 2183

    

12. Roths Wine Bar 30 Market St Mudgee $$ (Directions) FOOD: Woodfired pizza and tapas – ATMOSPHERE: Free and rowdy – MUSIC: Live music.  Roth’s bar kitchen team pride themselves on producing some of the best food you will come across. Everything on the menu is made from scratch, and sourced locally. Tapas is their style, fresh is their ethos, and quality is their promise. Not to mention their amazing woodfired pizzas which will blow you away. The place is buzzing on Friday and Saturday nights with live music from local talent on both nights. Opens from 5pm Wednesday to Saturday. Bookings essential on weekends. – www.rothswinebar.com.au Ph: (02) 6372 1222

    

13. Isabella’s Trattoria 52 Market St Mudgee $$ (Directions) FOOD: Italian – ATMOSPHERE: Tuscan restaurant. Traditional Italian cuisine cooked with fresh local produce, some of the best Italian you will have in Australia hands down.  Feast on all your favourite Italian dishes from Osso Bucco to spaghetti bolognese, a local favourite. Open 6pm from Tuesday to Saturday. Bookings recommended for weekends. – www.facebook.com/isabellastrattoriamudgee Ph: (02) 6372 2120

    

14. Oriental Hotel Mudgee 6 Lewis St Mudgee $$ (Directions) FOOD: Modern Australian – ATMOSPHERE: Modern pub bar with kids area.  Located in the centre of Mudgee, the Ori is one of the towns most iconic hotels. Warm & welcoming it is a popular location for all occasions. They offer indoor & outdoor dining spaces with an atmosphere that acts as a place for friends, wanderers, and adventurers to share a drink and meal together. With their carefully curated drinks menu, you’re sure to be delighted with every sip. Famous for its food the “ORI KITCHEN” features Aussie Grass Fed steaks & burgers, classic pizzas, fish & chips plus a wide range of Modern Australian fare, and homemade desserts. Monday – Saturday 10am till late, Sunday 11am till late. Bookings not essential but recommended. – www.orientalhotel.com.au Ph: (02) 6372 1074

    

15. Charnwood Food & Wine Church St Mudgee $$ (Directions) FOOD: French mediterranean seafood – ATMOSPHERE: Motel cafe restaurant.  Probably one of the only places to get a seafood platter in the country side, but if you’re dying for seafood this is the place to get your seafood platter to pair with your white wine palette.  Open 7 days a week from 6pm.  Bookings not essential but recommended. – www.charnwoodfoodandwine.com Ph: (02) 6372 3333

    

16. 29Nine99 28 Louee St Rylstone (Directions) $$ FOOD: Yum Cha, Tea House and Thai – ATMOSPHERE: Country tea house.  Yes, though a bit out of the way, if you are visiting Rylstone then we highly recommend 29Nine99. Yum Cha in the country is generally uncommon, but they serve up an array of delicious dumplings and authentic asian dishes, It’s a must visit if you’re in Rylstone, but service can be hit and miss, but hey its the countryside and some old country folk can be abrupt. Yum Cha Lunch 11:00-3:00pm. Monday to Sunday. Thai dinner Friday to Sunday  5:30-7:30pm bookings essential. – www.facebook.com/29nine99yumcha Ph: (02) 6379 1984

    

Wineries that do lunch

1. Blue Wren Farm 433 Ulan Rd (Directions)
2. Lowe Wines Tinja Ln Mudgee (Directions)
3. Zin House Tinja Ln Mudgee (Directions)
4. 791 Estate 791 Ulan Rd Budgee Budgee (Directions)
5. Pipeclay Pumphouse Pipeclay Ln Budgee Budgee (Directions)
6. Moothi Estate 85 Rocky Waterhole Rd Mudgee (Directions)
7. Di Lusso Estate 162 Eurunderee Ln Mudgee (Directions)
8. Burrundulla Wines 234 Castlereagh Hwy Mudgee (Directions)
9. Vinifera Wines 194 Henry Lawson Dr Mudgee (Directions)