Esca Bimbadgen Restaurant

Perched above Bimbadgen winery in Pokolbin, Esca Bimbadgen Restaurant makes the most of its setting, with broad views across the vineyards and golf course. The dining room is light-filled and polished without being overly formal, while the balcony provides another way to take in the landscape. It is a strong choice for a long lunch, a relaxed meal with friends or a more intimate dinner for two in Newcastle’s Hunter Valley.

Esca’s menu changes with the seasons and brings subtle pan-Asian influences to modern Australian cooking. It is designed for sampling and sharing, with dishes matched to Bimbadgen’s estate-grown wines. The website also lists à la carte dining, a Chef’s Table sunset menu and vegan options, although individual dishes are not specified. That makes the restaurant’s appeal more about the seasonal approach, local produce and wine pairing than a fixed list of signature plates.

For a more casual visit, Friday’s Sunset Sessions begin from 5pm on the Esca balcony. The offering includes small bites, $12 martinis and live music below, making it suited to an early evening drink and snack as the light changes over the vineyards. Standard lunch service runs from Wednesday to Sunday from midday, while dinner is available from Thursday to Saturday from 6pm.

Head Chef Raphael ‘Rapha’ Martinez returned to Esca in 2024 after first working with Bimbadgen in 2018. He now oversees the culinary offering across Bimbadgen’s restaurant, wedding, retreat and event venues. His stated focus is on modern techniques, bold seasonal flavours and showcasing local produce, reflected in Esca’s modern-Australian menu with pan-Asian touches. The restaurant also appears in Bimbadgen’s event and wedding enquiries, so it can suit occasions beyond a standard meal. Esca’s website advises that card payments attract a 1% surcharge, with additional Sunday and public holiday surcharges.