Gently meandering through rolling landscapes, towering mountain ranges, fertile valleys and rustic towns, the Hawkesbury River is home to some of the best dining opportunities in the Greater Metropolitan Sydney area.
Heavily influenced by local flavours, seasonal produce and farm-fresh ingredients, the Hawkesbury River is heaven for those who appreciate upscale fine dining, haute cuisine and menus made for tantalising the taste buds – all set within some of the most stunning natural beauty in NSW.
To help give you a head start on where to grab a bite to eat, here are five restaurants on the Hawkesbury River you need to try when you have a chance to.
Harvest Restaurant
When it comes to locally-sourced ingredients, complementary flavours and professionally-prepared menus, Harvest Restaurant is the ultimate destination for foodies on the lookout for something that is a little bit extra-special. Soak up French provincial charm and culinary excellence as you sample exquisite European and Australian flavours combined for a palate-pleasing experience.
With 2-course and 3-course options available, every bite is full of flavour, freshness and love for seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. Why not begin with a beautiful Chargrilled Fremantle octopus, Romesco sauce, warm Kipflers and chorizo crumbs as an entrée, before moving onto a main of crispy skin Snapper served with braised peas, herbs de Provence and pancetta with sea urchin butter?
The VT backyard lemon tart served with crème Fraiche, and lemon dust is the perfect way to cleanse your palate without being too heavy. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options are also available, along with an extensive list of local and international wines, beers and ciders.
The relaxed atmosphere and upscale ambience make it ideal for an intimate, romantic meal for two, an important business dinner, or simply to enjoy a gastronomic delight that doesn’t disappoint.
Open on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m; reservations are essential. Guests staying at Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley will appreciate having fine dining on their doorstep, allowing them to indulge in a bottle or two of wine without worrying about getting back to the resort safely.
Book your table at Harvest Restaurant today.
Berowra Waters – What the Fish!
With a revamped all-day menu, sumptuous seafood platters and idyllic Berowra Creek views, Berowra Waters; What the Fish is well worth a visit when heading to the Hawkesbury Valley.
Breakfast kicks off from 7 a.m to 11 a.m, with various wraps, sides and veggie options. From 11 a.m onwards, the lunch menu takes centre stage, with favourites such as fish and chips, Moruya Salt & Pepper Squid and Bucket of King Tiger prawns served up.
Why not pair your meal with a glass of white or an ice-cold beer? Or, if you’re after something dry, grab an Antz Pantz espresso or a cup of chai. Open from 7 a.m to 3 p.m Sun – Thurs and 7 a.m to 8 p.m on Fri & Sat, reservations are recommended.
Barrels & Ashes
Dishing up modern Australian cuisine with a smokehouse twist, Barrels & Ashes is one of the best smokehouses in the Hawkesbury region. Melt in the mouth marinated, slow-smoked menu items are perfectly paired with an extensive array of spirits, wines and signature cocktails.
The 16-hour slow-smoked black Angus brisket and Pit Plate for 2 give an authentic Australian twist on traditional American BBQ favourites. Other favourites include fish & chips, Chicken Boscaiola and the Southern Style Buttermilk Burger will have your taste buds tingling with delight.
Barrels & Ashes is located just a 5-minute drive from Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley, open on Thursdays & Fridays from 4:30 p.m to 10 p.m, 11:30 a.m till late on Saturdays, and 11 a.m to 5 p.m on Sundays. Bookings aren’t essential but recommended.
Cricca
Located a couple of minutes drive from Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley, Cricca Italian restaurant offers a variety of set menu and a la carte options, serving lunch on Fri to Sun and dinner from Wed to Sat.
Dig into Olive Ascolana, Pumpkin and Gorgonzola Crostini, Wood Fired Sydney Rock Oyster, and Cured Hiramasa Kingfish. Or perhaps the Affettati misti, which consists of a selection of cold cuts. Meals come with wood-fired bread and cultured butter, enhancing the flavour and freshness of every bite.
A selection of wines, beers and ciders, along with a variety of cocktails and soft drinks, pair perfectly with authentic Italian cuisine and fusion dishes designed to satisfy all of the senses. Book your table in advance to avoid disappointment.
Easy Lane
Easy Lane Kitchen & Beer Garden is the perfect place to kick back and relax with simple yet satisfying food and drinks after a long day of exploring the Hawkesbury River region. Popular evenings include Wing Wednesdays and Burger & Beer Thursdays, serving up flavoursome plates and local beers on a budget.
From a mouthwatering beef and ale pie to loaded pizza and vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, every type of diner is catered to. Easy Lane is so popular because of its extensive cocktails list, including favourites such as Chocolate Eclair, Bloody Victoria, Bubblegum Sour and Japanese Slipper. A choice selection of white, red, rose, and sparkling wine is also available, along with plenty of dry options.
Open from 11:30 a.m to 8:30 p.m daily, reservations are required Currently, diners are limited to 90-minutes from arrival and must be double vaccinated to enter.
Book Your Next Hawkesbury River Restaurant
Ready to discover the best in fine dining and seasonal flavours? All it takes is a quick 45-minute drive from Sydney. Made for extra-special evenings, milestone celebrations, or simply for those who appreciate mouthwatering cuisine, Harvest Restaurant is the perfect place to go.
Want to make a weekend of it? Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley has over 100 newly-refurbished rooms and suites available, providing the best in style, comfort and modern facilities ideal for romantic getaways, business meetings and special occasions.
Reserve your table at Harvest Restaurant today.