A rare kid-free weekend away is always something to look forward to, but I was particularly keen to head to the Hunter Valley to check out its brand-new dining destination.
My husband and I made the two-hour road trip to Roche Estate. We left mid-morning and arrived with plenty of time before lunch.
Walking into Lucia Roche Estate in Pokolbin, the first impression was warm and contemporary. The bar was particularly striking, with earthy browns, cream tones and soft lighting.
We were seated at a table of eight, which gave us the perfect excuse to share our way through the menu. Within minutes of sitting down, warm pillow bread and creamy burrata had arrived. I was also handed Lucia’s signature cocktail, which was as delicious as it was strong!
A chef with serious pedigree
Lucia opened in September 2026 at Roche Estate. It is the Hunter Valley’s newest Italian-inspired restaurant and bar, led by chef Jack Zideluns, whose background includes Merivale, Society and Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill in London.
Despite the impressive pedigree, Lucia feels warm and welcoming. It’s more like a relaxed Italian eatery than somewhere overly formal.
Our table was inside, where heavy curtains gave the restaurant an evening feel, even during the day. If the sun is shining, there’s outdoor seating too, perfect for an afternoon cocktail or a pizza between wineries.
What to order
Lucia’s food is rich, generous and unmistakably Italian, designed to be shared with friends.
My favourites included the freshly baked “pillow bread”, beautifully puffed pizza dough made for tearing apart, served alongside burrata with romesco sauce. It’s the sort of combination that encourages you to order another glass of wine (which I did!).
Arancini is always a personal favourite, and the wild mushroom version was a standout, along with the prawn linguine. My husband loved the pork and veal meatballs, as well as the prosciutto rucola stone-fired pizza.
We washed it all down with a beautiful Shiraz made on the estate, as well as the venue’s own Lucia Lager, which got the stamp of approval from the beer drinkers at the table.
Zideluns says the menu has been shaped by the Italian cooking he grew up with, particularly the tradition of gathering around a table and passing dishes between family and friends. Sharing is definitely the best way to navigate the menu here.
More than a restaurant
Lucia has deliberately positioned itself as a bar as well as a restaurant. If you don’t want anything too heavy, or you arrive between meals, you can sit at the bar, order a cocktail and something from the kitchen, and stay as long as the afternoon allows.
For a weekend away, that flexibility is particularly appealing. Not every meal in wine country needs to be a carefully timed cellar-door booking. Lucia can be as relaxed or as formal as you want it to be. A cocktail and pizza at 4pm? No problem. A full three-course lunch? Perfect.
Where to stay
For accommodation nearby, we stayed at Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens, literally across the road. It was extremely handy and meant we could walk to the restaurant with no driving required. It’s also right next to Hunter Valley Gardens, which makes it a very central base for many of the region’s attractions.
Would I go back?
Absolutely. I would especially use it as an “in-between” option, somewhere to stop for an afternoon cocktail, a few snacks and some sunshine.
I’ve always loved the Hunter Valley, and it’s great to see fresh, modern venues continuing to add to the region’s food and wine scene. Put Lucia on your list!
Lucia Roche Estate, Roche Estate, Pokolbin NSW. Book a table here.
