Circa 1876 at The Convent Hunter Valley

We had a really pleasant night; the food and service were highly commendable.

Wow! The food was amazing, every bite was heavenly delicious. My partner and I even said it’s the best meal we have tasted. The atmosphere and outdoor environment made it even more special. Highly recommend!

Really loved the food and atmosphere and service.

This used to be one of my favourite restaurants in NSW, but the chefs have changed and the food is not of the same high standard of presentation or taste.
This is the second time since the change that we have experienced a massive change in the food, so it wasn’t just a bad day.
Our steak was tough and undercooked. One of our table had a food allergy to canola oil which they had alerted to the kitchen at the time of booking. In every course canola oil was used so they took the lazy decision to give other diners at the table the same restrictive menu, with elements missing rather than just prepare food for the one person without the use of canola. They use this cheap oil in pretty much all their dishes including their deserts.
Despite Covid, they have actually increased the number of tables in the restaurant, so rather than an intimate space it is now like a school dining room. This has clearly negatively affected the delivery of a fine dining experience they used to reliably deliver.
Sadly I would no longer recommend this restaurant to others, the food isn’t up to standard whilst the prices have remained the same.

The food was delicious and the service was fantastic.
Our waiter was Jen and she is amazing.
The portion sizes are big.

Staff were more focused on setting up tables for next event or sitting eg my food didnt come with cutlery! No one asked how we were going with the food or if we needed anything . Service was very poor and it was not an enjoyable experience . The food was good though.

We shared a beautiful meal to celebrate our 30th anniversary. However, we were left standing at the entrance to the restaurant for approximately 5 minutes upon our arrival, whilst 5 staff walked past without acknowledging our presence. Eventually. we were shown to our seat.
We have recommended the restaurant to our friends and will continue to do so, however the importance of a friendly 'meet and greet' by the staff cannot go unmentioned.

Incredible food, atmosphere & service - can’t wait to revisit...Highlight of our trip to The Hunter!

the best restaurant in the hunter valley. fine dining yet rustic food matched with great wine.

Fabulous service, so impressed by the menu and quality. Servers very happy to discuss wine list also

Amazing food, incredible service and beautiful grounds to see

This restaurant was incredible. The atmosphere the food the furniture.

Beautiful ambience, delicious food and friendly service - we very much enjoyed our visit to Circa 1876.

Food is not valuable , the pork belly is very dry. Service and ambiance are excellent.

Due to health reasons and with six weeks notice I was refused a refund of $ 398.00 for 2 guests.
I found this totally unacceptable and will never dine there again or recommend this restaurant to family and friends in the Hunter.

Fabulous Christmas Lunch. Food and service was fantastic. Will return.

This is actually a very competitive price considering the level of care and the attention to detail the chefs put into the food.

I winged this booking hoping it wasn't a pretentious tourist trap and I'm glad I did. Who cares about anything else, the food itself was a wonderful and memorable experience. Good luck getting a booking though

We loved all of our courses. The meal sizes were very generous. Wait staff were helpful and professional. Our only complaint was when the aircon was turned on, it was too cold, though as soon as we mentioned the problem, they turned it off. We’d definitely recommend Circa 1876 and will go back again.

This restaurant, created by Robert and Sally Molines, used to be spectacular with a wonderful casual classy country feel. Now if feels like a Sydney restaurant on an industrial scale. Too many tables, very little local wines. This is situated in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine region and you really wouldn't know. Wonderful Australian country architecture and gardens that feels like it's been appropriated by a multinational.

Food was creative and excellent. Service was attentive and efficient, too. Highly recommend for a special occasion.

The steak was magnificent, also the strawberrys and cream dessert was a winner,, and the homemade sourdough and butter at the start is simply perfect

Flavour combination of all dishes was excellent. Service was informed, pleasant and timely.

The food and service was outstanding, we will certainly be returning

The food as usual was perfection.....our waiter Jason was very knowledgeable about the wine list and had a wonderful demeanour.

I strongly believe one of my dish, the oil they use to cook is not fresh

Excellent service and food highly recommend book ahead

We had a gorgeous 3 course dinner with the family. Beautiful venue, friendly service, quality ingredients and delicious food. Highly recommend!

Little bit warm in the restaurant and a tad dark. Some other customers were a little rowdy but overall it was amazing.

Love our waiter, staff was so so but only 1 has shown us his personality and we loved him. Keep us the great work. Salted caramel butter was sensational.
The duck parfait was lovely but everything else on that plate was abit confusing like I didn’t understand the nuts and the crisp bread. It would just be nice with some sourdough. But the potato puree was absolutely amazing!!!!! Please order that and also the steak was cooked to perfection

We have an amazing experience with them, every course was cooked to perfection. Lovely staff and good music etc.

Food was amazing! Beautifully presented and tasted just as beautiful, cannot fault this restaurant. Can’t wait to go back!

Beautiful food, complex flavours, lovely extra touches, understated service.

Best 3 course meal I've had in a long time. Hatted restaurant quality!

Stayed at the Convent. Delightful walk to Circa 1876. Food amazing! Service wonderful! Golf buggy ride back.

Restaurant and setting is beautiful. Service is excellent. Food was disappointing.

The food and the service was excellent
Staff were very helpful and obliging
Look forward to a return visit

The food was amazing. Various options to choose from. Combination of food just worked beautifully, extremely creative chef. Had local selection of drinks that you wouldn't really visit in the region but was extremely delicious

Absolutely amazing dining experience, food was exquisite staff were extremely friendly.

100% recommended.

Amazing service, atmosphere and great food. Will be back again.

Fantastic meal. Locally sourced amazing produce cooked to perfection. Great staff. Beautiful building