Exp. Restaurant

The food was absolutely amazing. The dishes were not only delicious using Australian flavours but also beautifully placed. Watching the chefs while they prepared each dish was a joy to watch and then to have them come and explain the dishes made for a memorable experience. The wine pairings for each dish were so well matched that that we did not dislike any of them, even though we can be a little fussy with our normal wine choices.

- Jenny S -

An unforgettable dining experience at EXP. Restaurant A beautifully curated tasting menu where every dish tells a story (full of creativity, balance and flavour harmony) The oyster was the perfect start — fresh, clean and bursting with umami that awakened the palate from the very first bite Each course that followed was artfully crafted — refined, delicate, yet full of depth and dimension. The fish course was exceptionally done — perfectly cooked, sweet and never fishy, while the duck was tender and juicy with a sauce that tied everything together beautifully. Fresh ingredients, flawless execution and excellent service made the entire evening truly special. A perfect place for anniversaries, celebrations or simply to indulge in a memorable fine dining experience

- Fai Natchanan -

What an EXPerience at Hunter Valley! EXP is a reminder of what fine dining truely epitomises. The ingredients were incredibly fresh and sourced locally, giving that authentic Hunter taste. Additionally, each bite of the dishes exploded with aromatic flavours and were beautifully presented. My favourites of the night were by far the oysters, farm duck and glistening cod. The oysters were an amazing start to the night! The vinaigrette pairing gave the sydney rock oysters such a delicate yet refreshing taste. Each oyster was also creamy and stunning. The duck had an incredibly crispy exterior and a succulent and mouth watering interior. The cod glistened in its own fat, was perfectly cooked, had no fishy taste and screaming for me to eat it and boy did i devour it! The mango sorbet was top notch but the magnum icecream could benefit from a crispier chocolate shell. Overall, masterfully crafted and would recommend!

- Samantha Zhang -

WOW! This was amazing. The service, food, wine, ambience. Everything. Cannot fault it. We were celebrating our anniversary. Everyone said happy anniversary including the chefs. The small details did not go unnoticed. The love hearts on our menu, to the stamping of the ice cream sticks. Well done team, food was truly unforgettable. We’ll be back, with friends. Having stopped raving about it.

- Chris-Deanne Isaacs -

Every single dish we ate was superb, full of flavour and a lot of wows coming with each bite. The service from the chefs explaining each dish to the warm and welcoming front of house really made the experience. Thanks for a great evening Exp team, can’t wait for another visit again soon. P.s please never remove the fig dessert of the menu - best dessert I’ve ever had.

- Becca Lynch -

Absolutely exquisite! What truly set this dining experience apart was the attention to detail. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, the pacing between courses was spot on, and every dish was presented by the Chef with an detailed description of the dishes presented. If you’re after a memorable meal that showcases the best of Australian produce and hospitality, this restaurant is a must-visit. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a first-rate meal, you’ll walk away planning your next visit. Absolutely exquisite!

- Tish Thomas -

Dining at EXP this weekend was nothing short of delightful. We had the pleasure of experiencing their spring menu, and it was truly one of the most memorable meals we've had - not just in the Hunter Valley, but anywhere. The culinary precision and creativity on display rivalled that of restaurant Quay, as well as Burnt Ends in Singapore, two of our all-time favourites. Chef Frank Fawkner and his team have created something extraordinary - a refined yet grounded menu that celebrates bold Australian flavours with finesse. Highlights included the beautifully prepared Duck main and the exquisite Kangaroo tartlet, both showcasing exceptional technique and balance. The sourdough, carried on from the winter menu was lightly crusted, warm, and full of character. A simple yet perfected addition we were glad to experience again. Service was impeccable, with the team going above and beyond to create a seamless, welcoming experience. Their professionalism and passion made the evening all the more special. I have been left again excited to see what the next season brings.

- Y B -

Great EXPerience! We had a fantastic time dining here. The food and atmosphere were both excellent. My wife especially loved the sourdough, and every dish we tried was thoroughly enjoyable. There’s a great variety on the set course, and everything was cooked to perfection. We would definitely recommend this place it’s probably the best restaurant in the region, in our honest opinion.

- Clay Lu -