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Esca Hunter Valley - Esca Bimbadgen, Pokolbin, AU-NSW

Esca Bimbadgen

4.8
4.8
418 Reviews
$41 to $100
Australian
Top tags:
Welcome to Esca, Bimbadgen’s flagship dining experience.

Esca is dedicated to showcasing the wines of our estate by pairing them with simple yet elegant food in spectacular Hunter Valley setting. Our food philosophy is to use the best quality local ingredients combined with our own Bimbadgen produce. Right here on site we have our own bee boxes, vegetable garden and extensive citrus orchard.

Our menu has been designed to allow you to design your own tasting experience. You have the option to choose as the number of courses you wish, and in which order you wish to enjoy these. We begin our menu experience with 3 courses, but you can select 4, 5 or more if you wish.

To enjoy the full Esca and Bimbadgen experience, we highly recommend you enjoy each dish with our wine pairings. Our Executive Chef, Mark Marshall and Winemaker Richard Done, have carefully selected a perfect wine match to each menu item.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 3 times today
Experiences are available.

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Australian

  • Hours of Operation

    Lunch Wed–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Fri, Sat 6:00 pm–8:30 pm

  • Phone number

    (02) 4998 4666

  • Website

    https://www.bimbadgen.com.au/dining/

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress Code

    Smart Casual

  • Catering

    Welcome to Esca, Bimbadgen’s flagship dining experience. Esca is dedicated to showcasing the wines of our estate by pairing them with simple yet elegant food in spectacular Hunter Valley setting. Our food philosophy is to use the best quality local ingredients combined with our own Bimbadgen produce. Right here on site we have our own bee boxes, vegetable garden and extensive citrus orchard. Our menu has been designed to allow you to design your own tasting experience. You have the option to choose as the number of courses you wish, and in which order you wish to enjoy these. We begin our menu experience with 3 courses, but you can select 4 5 or more if you wish. To enjoy the full Esca and Bimbadgen experience, we highly recommend you enjoy each dish with our wine pairings. Our Executive Chef, Nick Samaras and Winemaker Richard Done, have carefully selected a perfect wine match to each menu item.

Experiences

  • Esca Signature Experience

    $150.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Our winemaker’s selection of 6 premium Bimbadgen wines matched with 5 courses. Designed for the whole table to enjoy, our winemaker has selected wines of distinction from our 2 old vine vineyards right here on our McDonalds Road property and across the paddock at Palmers Lane. These wines come expertly matched by our Executive Chef with a 5 course menu.

  • Melbourne Cup Day

    $110.00 per person

    1 Nov 2022 only
    Join us for an intimate lunch at Esca Bimbadgen this Melbourne Cup Day. Indulge in a glass of Mumm Marlborough on arrival, followed by a four course set menu to enjoy whilst cheering your winner home! There will be sweeps on the day and awards for best dressed! As well as screens to watch all the action at the track! 12pm arrival, lunch served at 12:30pm, event finishes at 4pm

What 418 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • New South Wales

    Best Overall

  • New South Wales

    Best Service

  • New South Wales

    Best Value

  • New South Wales

    Fit for Foodies

  • New South Wales

    Notable Wine List

  • New South Wales

    Romance

  • New South Wales

    Special Occasions

  • New South Wales

    Australian

Sort by

Filters

  1. TH

    TamaraH

    Canberra

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    One of our favourite places to visit. Will be back soon!
  2. H

    johnH

    New South Wales

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great night out, I will recommend to others and we will definitely be back
  3. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Sydney

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 3 August 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great food, fabulous views and professional staff. Most importantly the restaurant listened and catered to our needs. Food and wine pairing experience was perfect.
  4. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Sydney

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Highly recommended Esca! The service, food, ambience was 5 stars 😁 can't wait to come back!
  5. A

    Alan

    Sydney

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 July 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The food was really lovely and enjoyed the choices on the menu with the course difference. The service is very attentive and the staff are happy to help where possible. We had 2 birthdays and both deserts came out with happy birthday chocolate plaques which was a lovely touch. Would definitely recommend Esca.
  6. S

    Sasha

    Sydney

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 30 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely beautiful, exceptional service, the most amazing dinner in the Hunter. Will definitely return
  7. JS

    JohnS

    New South Wales

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 29 July 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The dishes were innovative, tasty and reasonable sized portions at a fair price of a minimum of three courses for $75. The wine list was extensive and reasonably priced .
  8. LL

    LauraL

    Sydney

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 27 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and excellent service. Could not be happier with the experience we had!!!
  9. PS

    PennyS

    New South Wales

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 27 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing view, fabulous food, wonderful wine and great service …..a perfect day all round - thank you
  10. E

    Emmal

    Sydney

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 23 July 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We came back for a trip down memory lane as we had our wedding reception in 2010 at Esca. It did not disappoint! The staff were very friendly and accommodating and the ambience was so romantic- perfect scene to reflect and reminisce :-)
  11. SP

    StuartP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 23 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Signature menu with matched wines is amazing. Great food and great wines. Leave the car at home
  12. FW

    FoodWench

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 23 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful food in a lovely location. Great views of the local vineyards.
  13. JB

    JeffreyB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 21 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Food was amazing and a real experience, we chose the accompanying wines and discovered a few favourites.
  14. D

    Danielle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 16 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful food at a perfect location. It had been a while between drinks but as soon as we arrived we remembered why it was a favourite Hunter valley spot. Friendly staff.
  15. DC

    DonnaC

    Liverpool

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous food, fabulous service , highly recommended
  16. T

    Tracy

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We took the set 3 course meal and the Bimbagen sparkling blanc de blanc. The food was simply delicious, all the flavours worked together in harmony and the presentation was beautiful. The staff were friendly and attentive. The view was beautiful. Highly recommend, especially for a special occasion. If you are thinking of joining the Bimbagen wine club do that first as you get a discount at Escas.
  17. RD

    RonD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Exceptional food complemented by polite, informative and helpful staff. Had a very enjoyable and relaxed lunch with friends
  18. WG

    WarwickG

    New South Wales

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 13 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I went to esca for a late lunch. The food was amazing and the service was next level.
  19. PW

    PeterW

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 12 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really great food and excellent choice. We had 3 courses. Perfect lunch looking over the vineyard. And the service couldn't have been better. Going back next time we visit the Hunter Valley.
  20. V

    Vicki

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 2 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Sensational food and wine celebrated my sister's birthday and it turned into a very memorable day. I would highly recommend dining here, it's a great experience.
  21. LC

    LorelleC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 1 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Absolutely recommend the signature experience. The food and service are equal or better than some of the Sydney fine dining restaurants I have been to. The wines were excellent.
  22. PM

    PhillipM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 1 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great menu with interesting choices Food quality was excellent Great value for money A memorable meal and ESCA is now one of the best in the Hunter
  23. ME

    MeaganE

    New South Wales

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 June 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Lovely food and great service from attentive staff. Very relaxing overlooking the landscape
  24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 June 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Very nice food and wine. Friendly staff
  25. TG

    TomG

    Aberdeen

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From the moment you walk in Esca is special. The menu was excellent and the staff went above and beyond. A must visit while in the Hunter.
  26. FM

    FelixM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful food all round. Definitely a 5 star experience price is high but worth every cent. I would return. Not for kids but that’s not what you are there for. Best place we visited all weekend
  27. P

    Penycraig

    Sydney

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Esca was chosen to mark an important family clebration and surpassed our expectations (including two family members who are chefs). The restaurant delivers stunning views, a beautiful dining space, and unobtrusive but excellent wait staff. The wine was great and the food was simply beautiful. Absolutely recommended.
  28. SP

    SamP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 22 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best meals and experiences you could ask for. Very reasonably priced for the quality of food. Excellent service, very kind abd polite and every single dish was extremely impressive. Highly, highly recommend.
  29. NC

    NatalieC

    Sydney

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 June 2022

    overall2food1service2ambience1
    Highly dissatisfied with Esca. We had the signature experience, which would of been one of the worse dining experiences we have ever had. I am not one to put up reviews, but our dining experience needs to be expressed. The first course was the trout, this was explained to us it was boneless, I found it boney. Second course was the red spot whiting, this was tough and chewy,I couldn’t even put the knife through it, almost like it was frozen and defrosted in a microwave. Third course was the chicken this was ok. Forth being the lamb quiet ordinary. Our wines were suppose to be matched with the meals, the wines weren’t served simultaneously with our dishes. Some of the staff seemed distracted and non engaged.
  30. JV

    JustineV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Excellent food and matching wines. The restaurant has an excellent Chef, every dish in the signature experience was well thought out and delicious. The service was also excellent with very friendly, informed and attentive staff. A wonderful way to spend Saturday afternoon!
  31. RD

    RebeccaD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 16 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic service, interesting menu Meals fresh and delicious
  32. PT

    PippaT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My guests have all enjoyed their time at ESCA and ALL have said it was fantastic and food great !!
  33. RM

    RobM

    Sydney

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always look forward to visiting. Friendly, relaxed and the food was exceptional again!
  34. SM

    SimonneM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Degustation and matching wines plentiful and great value,
  35. RT

    RecT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thank you for having us on the weekend. We totally enjoyed the food and atmosphere.
  36. E

    Elsy

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best restaurant in the Hunter Valley! Amazing service and even better food - highly recommend.
  37. IS

    IanS

    Brisbane

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 June 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The degustation menu was excellent. The service was very friendly and efficient. Thoroughly enjoyed the lunch. Planning to go back again soon.
  38. LM

    LeslieM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 1 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The most delicious menu, beautifully presented, excellent service and in a relaxing ambiance with modern chic decor. All round … perfect.
  39. M

    Mary

    Sydney

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 May 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Great value, good sized courses. Service was great. Quality of dishes varied between diners.
  40. JS

    JoelS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. Service was outstanding and food was delicious!

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Esca Bimbadgen is rated 4.8 stars by 418 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 3 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Esca Bimbadgen

790 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin, AU-NSW 2320

Additional information

  • Area

    Hunter Valley

  • Hours of Operation

    Lunch Wed–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Fri, Sat 6:00 pm–8:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    Australian

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress Code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking Details

    Public Parking

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Beer, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Website

    https://www.bimbadgen.com.au/dining/

  • Phone number

    (02) 4998 4666

  • Catering

    Welcome to Esca, Bimbadgen’s flagship dining experience. Esca is dedicated to showcasing the wines of our estate by pairing them with simple yet elegant food in spectacular Hunter Valley setting. Our food philosophy is to use the best quality local ingredients combined with our own Bimbadgen produce. Right here on site we have our own bee boxes, vegetable garden and extensive citrus orchard. Our menu has been designed to allow you to design your own tasting experience. You have the option to choose as the number of courses you wish, and in which order you wish to enjoy these. We begin our menu experience with 3 courses, but you can select 4 5 or more if you wish. To enjoy the full Esca and Bimbadgen experience, we highly recommend you enjoy each dish with our wine pairings. Our Executive Chef, Nick Samaras and Winemaker Richard Done, have carefully selected a perfect wine match to each menu item.

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