10 must-try foodie experiences in Mudgee

Alby & Esthers

It’s easy to miss Alby & Esthers, which is hidden away up an alleyway off Mudgee’s Market Street. But you won’t want to, as this is one of the best spots in town for coffee. The beautiful grapevine-covered courtyard is the perfect spot to start your day with an artisan coffee, their famous Esthers jaffle or the Alby's breakfast. 

Alby + Esters, Mudgee

Eltons Bar + Bites

Also known as Eltons Eating + Drinking, this cafe and restaurant serves up delicious food all day, and in the evenings on weekends. Set inside the original Eltons Pharmacy building, which dates back to 1896, you can choose to dine at the main bar or in the open-air courtyard. Enjoy brunch classics throughout the day and delicious share plates in the evening, accompanied by Mudgee wines and Australian craft beers on tap. 

Eltons Bar + Bites, Mudgee

The Little Cooking School

Learn how to dish up some of Mudgee’s amazing produce at The Little Cooking School. Whatever your cooking experience, you can enjoy taking part in one of the many courses on offer, from gnocchi masterclasses to kid's Asian dumpling workshops. After working away in the kitchen, you can enjoy your efforts under the wisteria canopy of the beautifully renovated historic homestead or cosy up by the fire in winter.  

The Little Cooking School, Mudgee

Roth’s Wine Bar

Operating since 1923, Roth’s is one of NSW’s oldest wine bars. This is a great spot to try local wines, with over 100 available by the glass or bottle. To accompany the wine, try one of the wood-fired pizzas or dine on delicious gastro-pub-inspired share plates, and visit on a Friday or Saturday night for live music. Old-timey furnishings give the quirky venue a charmingly rustic vibe, and craft beer is also available for those wanting a break from the grapes. 

Roth's Wine Bar, Mudgee - Credit: Mudgee Region Tourism

Mudgee Farmers’ Markets

Sample some of the region’s great produce, direct from the farmers, growers and makers at the Mudgee Farmers’ Markets. On the third Saturday of the month (come rain, hail or shine), the markets take place in Robertson Park. Listen to local musicians play as you browse the great range of goods – all products on sale have been grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked, smoked or processed by the stallholders themselves. The park is also the location of the monthly Makers Market, where you can find fresh produce, art, jewellery, clothing and craftwork from locals. 

Mudgee Farmers' Market, Mudgee

Pipeclay Pumphouse

Indulge in fine dining at Pipeclay Pumphouse, part of Robert Stein Vineyard and Winery. The restaurant follows a paddock-to-plate philosophy, using homegrown and locally sourced produce. Think heirloom beetroot carpaccio with ricotta and carrot; mussel mariniere with house-made bread; and braised lamb shoulder with pumpkin and parsnip. Pair the degustation menu with some of the winery's excellent wines and enjoy the beautiful surroundings while you dine.  

Pipeclay Pumphouse, Mudgee

29 Nine 99

Head to the tiny village of Rylstone for authentic Chinese yum cha and tea at 29 Nine 99. Here you can try more than 30 types of dumplings, steamed buns and desserts, as well as purchase frozen dumplings to take home with you. Dine outdoors in the courtyard or inside while admiring the original Chinese artworks, scarves and jewellery on display.  

29 Nine 99, Rylstone

Warakirri Dining 

Learn about Aboriginal culture, traditions and food on a five course degustation dining experience with Warakirri Dining. Over four hours, you'll enjoy Australian native foods, botanicals and native beverages, prepared in both modern techniques and traditional methods. Aboriginal music, entertainment and storytelling accompany the food, along with in-depth explanations from owner and Ngemba Weilwan woman, Sharon Winsor. 

Warakirri Dining, Mudgee

The Zin House

Located at Lowe Family Wines, The Zin House is a modern farmhouse restaurant, serving organic and biodynamic produce from their extensive kitchen gardens, orchards and farmland, along with other local produce. Expect dishes like Mudgee Valley brie gnocco frito with Tinja honey, and Zin Garden greens topped with miso cream, Arnaldo's charcuterie, Althea sourdough and saltbush butter. The seasonally changing set menu is designed to be enjoyed slowly, accompanied by excellent Mudgee wines. 

The Zin House, Eurunderee

Mudgee Wine + Food Month

Each September, Mudgee celebrates its produce with a fantastic food and wine festival. Running for more than 40 years, the annual fiesta features an exciting line-up of events including wine tastings and masterclasses, special lunches and dinners, markets, trivia, live music and tours. 

Mudgee Wine + Food Month in 2018, Mudgee