Hello dear
Nestled in the heart of Pokolbin, Australia, Oak & Vine Cypress Lakes offers an elegant dining experience infused with Sri Lankan-inspired flavors. The restaurant beautifully showcases local produce, elevating dishes like the sweet and sour barramundi and sous vide Grainge eye fillet. Each plate reflects a perfect balance of artistry and technique, complemented by attentive service that strives to make every visit memorable. The exceptional ambiance, paired with scenic views of the golf course and lake, adds to the tranquil allure. For anyone seeking a refined yet welcoming culinary adventure in the Hunter Valley, Oak & Vine is an absolute must-visit.
About
Welcome to Oak & Vine Cypress Lakes, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Pokolbin, New South Wales. Located at 15 Thompsons Rd, this charming restaurant is part of the Cypress Lakes Resort, beautifully overlooking a serene lake and golf course. Here, the culinary experience is as much about the stunning vistas as it is about the exquisite flavors and presentation of the dishes.
At Oak & Vine, guests are treated to a menu that takes inspiration from Sri Lankan cuisine, creatively infused with local produce from the Hunter Valley. The result is a dining experience that harmonizes robust flavors with elegant presentation—a true celebration of culinary artistry. Customers rave about the sweet and sour barramundi, with one patron describing it as "delicious" and hard to choose from. This is a testament to the thoughtful crafting of each dish, ensuring that every bite tells a story.
As you embark on your culinary journey, start off with the half shell scallops, which are both impeccably fresh and artfully prepared. The tangy coconut crust paired with the popping finger lime pearls creates a delightful explosion of flavors, making for a memorable entrée. For the main course, indulge in the sous vide Grainge eye fillet—cooked to perfection, its tenderness is enhanced by a sweet mustard pumpkin purée and spiced mac and cheese croquettes, bringing a playful yet sophisticated balance to the plate.
You simply cannot overlook the dessert: the chocolate coconut raspberry pebble. This pièce de résistance effortlessly marries rich chocolate with a bright coconut sorbet and berry compote, creating a finale that resonates with freshness without overwhelming sweetness. Each dish reflects Oak & Vine's commitment to quality and creativity, inviting you to savor every aspect of the meal.
The ambiance at Oak & Vine adds another layer to the experience. The elegant yet relaxed setting, combined with attentive and knowledgeable staff, creates an environment that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. Many guests have left glowing reviews, praising the staff for going above and beyond to make special occasions even more memorable.
In summary, Oak & Vine Cypress Lakes is not merely a restaurant—it's a culinary destination that invites you to embark on a flavorful journey through Sri Lankan-inspired cuisine within a picturesque Australian landscape. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a casual evening out, this dining experience promises to be unforgettable. Highly recommended for those looking to explore the unique gastronomic offerings of the Hunter Valley!
“ Having recently been to Sri Lankan our dining experience was nothing short of amazing. Flavours were fantastic as was the wine list and staff. Istuti ”
“ A lovely restaurant within the cypress lakes resort in the Hunter Valley. The restaurant was located on the first level and provided a lovely aspect out over the lake and golf course. The Sri Lankan inspired menu on offer was impressive and difficult to choose from. I settled on the sweet n sour barramundi which was delicious, I would definitely go back. ”
“ Scrumptious fine dining with a Sri Lankan spin. Authentic well balanced flavours, beautifully presented and lovely service too. What a great find! ”
“ Amazing food, chef Vinura (Vinny) prepares his food with love but in a professional and modern manner. His personal touch of visiting every table to make sure your meal is up to his lofty standards. A must for any food lovers. The chicken curry is pure GOLD! ”
“ Chef Vinny is beyond incredible- the food is amazing and prepared with so much love and respect. We enjoyed several dishes the crab and barramundi were the highlight - highly recommended. Hands down the best in the HV. ”
“ Delicious and well presented Sri Lankan inspired cuisine. Food did miss a little more spice, but since it says inspired, I would ignore it. Winter night, so we missed what would be awesome views in the summer. ”
“ I came here to celebrate my birthday and had such a wonderful experience! The food was absolutely amazing - full of flavour and beautifully presented. The staff went above and beyond to make the night feel extra special, which made the celebration even more memorable. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend my birthday. Highly recommend! ”
“ Oak & Vine at Cypress Lakes Resort Nestled in the scenic Pokolbin area, Oak & Vine Restaurant at Cypress Lakes Resort offers a refined dining experience that beautifully marries local produce with Sri Lankan-inspired flavours. With a commitment to showcasing the best of the Hunter Valley, the restaurant strikes a graceful balance between creative flair and classic technique. Entrée: Half Shell Scallops A striking start to the meal, the scallops were impeccably fresh and delicately presented. The tangy coconut crust added both texture and an unexpected tropical brightness, while the finger lime pearls popped delightfully, providing a vibrant contrast that elevated the dish beyond the ordinary. Main: Sous Vide Grainge Eye Fillet Cooked to perfection, the Grainge eye fillet was rich, tender, and deeply flavourful. The sweet mustard pumpkin purée was a clever touch—its subtle sweetness and earthy warmth balanced the richness of the meat. The spiced mac and cheese croquette added a fun, indulgent crunch, while the fennel and jus brought aromatic lift and depth to the plate. A smart, satisfying main. Dessert: Chocolate Coconut Raspberry Pebble A standout finale. The presentation was both modern and inviting, with the coconut sorbet delivering a clean, creamy counterpoint to the richness of the chocolate. The berry compote tied the dish together with a tart flourish, while the raspberry notes enhanced the overall freshness. A well-composed dessert that avoided being overly sweet. The ambiance at Oak & Vine is both elegant and relaxed. Staff were attentive and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall experience with their professionalism and warmth. Oak & Vine at Cypress Lakes Resort offers a dining experience that is both sophisticated and welcoming. With its innovative menu, exceptional service, and picturesque setting, it stands out as a must-visit destination in the Hunter Valley for those seeking a memorable culinary adventure. ”