If you’re looking for one of the coziest and most quaint dining experiences around Sydney, then taking a day trip to Bistro Molines in Hunter Valley is something you absolutely need to do. This French bistro is known for its delicious food and seasonal menus that serve only the freshest of ingredients, evoking a sense of luxury and beautiful dining experiences reminiscent of the French Riviera. The ambiance and menu reflect Chef Robert's French roots, emphasizing the authenticity of the dining experience.
Along with expertly crafted meals, guests can enjoy a range of high-quality wines straight from the vineyards of Hunter Valley, and if a wine-tasting experience is in your wheelhouse, then the nearby Stay n’Sip makes for the perfect beginning or end to a tasty meal at Bistro Molines. Along with nearby accommodations for couples and groups alike, Bistro Molines really does have it all. This is your guide to Bistro Molines!
Address: 749 Mount View Rd, Mount View NSW 2325, Australia
Phone: +61249909553
Website: Bistro Molines
Email: dine@bistromolines.com.au
Open Hours: Thursday to Monday, 12PM – 3PM (and 7PM – 9PM on Saturdays). Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Friday evening group dinners available by appointment.
Table of Contents
- Wine Experiences at Bistro Molines in Hunter Valley
- Dining on Delicious French Cuisine at Bistro Molines
- Hosting an Event
- Accommodations at Bistro Molines
- How to Get to Bistro Molines
- The Origins of Bistro Molines
Wine Experiences at Bistro Molines in Hunter Valley
Although Bistro Molines may not be a winery per say, it still has an extensive wine menu worth looking at. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what to expect from the Bistro Molines wine list.
Bistro Molines is home to a wide variety of vintage and modern wines, including sparkling wines such as Prosecco and Champagne, white wines including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Riesling, rose wines including Provence Rose and Pinot Noir Rose, red wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz, and dessert wines including Sauternes, Tokaji, and late harvest Riesling.
The majority of wines available here come from the Hunter Valley, France, New Zealand, and Tasmania. As you'll see below, they pair rather perfectly with the variety of tantalizing foods that Bistro Molines has to offer.
Although there may not be any wine tasting experiences at Bistro Molines itself, guests can visit the Stay n’ Sip wine tasting venue nearby, a fan-favourite for both intimate and group wine tastings.
Dining on Delicious French Cuisine at Bistro Molines
Robert prepares one of the freshest and most delicate menus in the Hunter Valley region. Robert's menu, from Robert Molines himself, is influenced by his French heritage and dedication to using local and seasonal ingredients. The vegetable garden outside the restaurant provides fresh herbs and vegetables, enhancing the authenticity and quality of the dishes.
It means knowing that all of the ingredients used at this great French Bistro are fresh, seasonal, and local. It means that not only are you supporting local businesses by eating here, but you can also rest assured that your food is as tasty as can be.
As the name of the restaurant implies, the menu is mostly French, with a bit of Mediterranean inspiration. What’s really cool is that right outside the restaurant kitchen door there is a vegetable and herb garden, and Robert even uses his own chickens to supply the restaurant with eggs.
Below is an example of one of the latest sample menus at Bistro Molines, the mains.
- Mains Market Fish, Taramasalata, Broccolini, Chive Beurre Blanc.
- Mixed Grill of Lamb, Baby Artichokes and Courgettes ‘Barigaule’, Rosemary Jus.
- Twice Roasted Duck, Braised Red Cabbage, Speck and Peas, Orange Glaze.
- “Little Hill Farm” Chicken, Cavatelli, Spring Peas and Broadbeans, Jus Gras.
- Roast Pork Belly, Apple and Morcilla Tart, Parsnip Puree, Pork Jus.
- Slow Cooked Beef Short Rib, Roasted Jerusalem Artichokes, Shitake Mushrooms, Red Wine Jus.
- Noisette of Venison, Turnip ‘Ecrasse’, Kipfler Potato, Quince Jam, Game Jus.
Of course, being a French bistro means that there are also plenty of delectable desserts for you to try after your meal. As with the main menus, the dessert menu is also subject to change due to seasonal availability. However, you can expect a variety of light and fresh desserts made with only the highest quality ingredients. But for additional creme brulee with berries and biscotti is a time-tested favorite at Bistro Molines.
Hosting an Event
With advanced reservations for group bookings, it is possible to host an event at Bistro Molines. The paved courtyard evokes a charming and authentic ambiance reminiscent of Provence, France.
Wrought iron chairs contribute to the rustic and inviting setting, enhancing the overall dining experience. One of the most popular types of events to host at this Bistro is a wedding. The wisteria covered courtyard and dining room that has French provincial touches, combined with a breathtaking scenery of the surrounding vineyards makes for a perfect wedding venue.
Here you can cater to up to 130 guests with European style long tables that overlook the vineyard, and you can even add the semi-private sunroom and wrap around verandas with floor to ceiling glass doors to your package, therefore making for one of the most special days ever.
Worth noting is that you can hold your wedding ceremony here, create customized dining layouts, have a custom menu, and get access to some of the best wedding photographers in the country. Once the wedding ceremony is over, you can continue your celebrations in the beautiful courtyard well into the night. The casual flower arrangements you’ll get on every table are some of the most beautiful in the area.
Accommodations at Bistro Molines
Bistro Molines itself does not feature accommodation. However, as listed on the website, there is a fantastic B&B nearby, the Little Orchard Cottage. List B&B features accommodations for up to four guests, and comes with all of the comforts of home including comfortable couches, i fully furnished entertainments corner, a real fireplace, views of the vineyard, full kitchen facilities, two bedrooms, and more.
How to Get to Bistro Molines
Luckily, there are a few different ways to get to Bistro Molines, some of which are a little more exciting than others!
By Car
If you're looking to take a leisurely day trip, you can always take the M1 from Sydney up to hunter valley where Bistro Molines is located. It's about a two hour drive, so be prepared for a full day trip. Remember that the Bistro is generally only open for lunchtime, so do plan for this.
By Tour Bus
Another great way to get to Bistro molines is by tour bus or through chartered tours. There are plenty of tour operators that go to hunter valley and specifically Bistro molines on a weekly or even daily basis.
By Private Helicopter Flight
OK, so by far the best way to get to Bistro Molines is by helicopter. It takes just a few minutes to get there, meaning that you don't have to spend several hours driving back and forth.
Not only is a private helicopter ride to Bistro Molines and exciting way to travel, but it also provides you with an aerial view of the awesome Hunter Valley below.
With the Bistro Molines helicopter package from Rotor One, you get a 45-minute private flight to the Hunter Valley each way, along with two hours of ground time at the bistro, where you get to enjoy a three-course lunch and a wine tasting.
The Origins of Bistro Molines
Robert and Sally Molines are the proud owners of Bistro Molines, which they started back in 2008, driven by their shared enthusiasm for culinary excellence and Sally's passions. With a menu inspired from the South of France, the restaurant has flourished ever since its inception. The ambiance and menu deeply reflect the essence of la France, particularly the southern region of Provence.
Thanks to the warm hospitality offered at Bistro Molines, along with its tantalising French cuisine, fresh vegetable garden, great wine, and stunning views, it makes for a perfect venue for virtually any occasion.
It was awarded a Sydney Morning Herald Good Guide Chefs Hat in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, much thanks to the current head chef of ten years, Garreth Robs. This officially makes it one of the highest rated restaurants in the Hunter Valley Region. The white painted cupboards, along with wrought iron chairs and flower arrangements, contribute to the rustic, charming atmosphere reminiscent of a French bistro.
