Where to eat in Mudgee this Easter long weekend (without the kids, unless you HAVE to) - Pipeclay Pumphouse

If you’re Googling what to do in Mudgee this Easter long weekend and you’re craving a proper night out… this is your sign to book dinner at one of my all-time favourite restaurants.

Yes, you can take kids. But my honest recommendation? Leave the husband (or the mother-in-law) at home, or book the babysitter for a girls’ night or a rare adult night out.

Where are you going?  Pipeclay Pumphouse at Robert Stein Winery.

Yes, the cellar door is beautiful… but I’m here to talk about dinner

During the day, the winery itself is a beautiful spot for a charcuterie board and a wine tasting at the cellar door. It absolutely ticks the box if you’re looking for wineries in Mudgee, AND you can pick up some of our Pebbly Path rocky road while you're there (to thank your mother-in-law for looking after the kids!)

But this is about dinner at the restaurant - and it’s a completely different experience.

They’ve just moved into their autumn menu, and we went on Friday night - just me and the girls - and I genuinely couldn’t fault it (which TBH is rare, because I can be very picky when it comes to "fine dining").

It started with the service (and honestly, that set the tone)

If there's one thing that consistently puts me off about the so-called "fine dining" experience, it's up-tight staff who make you feel like you have to be on your best behaviour, or otherwise masking your true self.  It's a hard no from me.

However, our waiter at Pipeclay was one of the most fun and interesting people I’ve ever met. We actually tried to convince her to have a cocktail with us… but she had (unfortunately) just enough professionalism to decline, but the banter throughout the evening was top tier.

Speaking of cocktails - they have a mixologist on staff, and you can tell.

I can personally recommend: 
– The Spicy Margarita 
– The Pomegranate Cosmo 
– & the classic Tommy’s Margarita

What we ate (and what I’d order again)

Everything we chose was faultless - and that’s not just me saying it, all 3 of us agreed.

The flat bread sounds like a basic choice, but it was divine with their whipped feta and dukkah.

The kingfish ceviche with salmon roe was the absolute standout - and while raw fish 4-hours west of the seaside seems risky, I can 100% vouch for the freshness and definitely recommend it here!

The baked halloumi with pomegranate was also a standout *chefs kiss*.

And then - the fish and chips.  A staple on most pub menus throughout regional NSW, but never like this...

Snapper fillets cooked to perfection with shoestring fries and smoked paprika aioli… Not too heavy, and happens to be a quintessential Easter meal to boot!  Perfect if you're visiting the Mudgee region this upcoming Easter Long Weekend.

Wines worth knowing about

If you haven't already been to the cellar door during the day (which, you should) these are my unmissable picks with dinner: 
– Start with the Robert Stein Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir - a must, have 2
– With mains, the Robert Stein Reserve Shiraz 
– And finish with the Robert Stein Harvest Gold if you like a sticky

And Dessert (we didn’t on this occasion… but I'm no stranger to Pipeclay)

We were too full for dessert - which says a lot.

But I can 100% recommend the dark chocolate skillet with cherries and ice cream. I’ve had it before, multiple times, and it’s one of those desserts you think about later - made with local bean-to-bar chocolatier Spencer Cocoa (no, not our Pebbly Path chocolate, but I can still appreciate and champion the competition when it's this good).

What to know before you go

They’re open:
– Lunch: Friday to Sunday from midday
– Dinner: Thursday to Saturday from 6pm

Book ahead. Especially for Easter long weekend in Mudgee - this is not a walk-in-and-hope situation.

Also… book ahead a ride home. It’s about 15 minutes from Mudgee town centre and if you order even half of what we did, you’re not driving.  I can recommend Steph & the team at Mudgee Rides.

Final word

If you’re planning what to do in Mudgee this Easter long weekend and want one night that feels a bit more special… this is it.

And if you’re mapping out your full weekend, check this out: What to do in Mudgee this Easter long weekend