From the moment you arrive at Estancia Osteria, it’s clear this is no ordinary restaurant. Tucked away within the Briar Ridge Vineyard in the tranquil Mount View area of the Hunter Valley, it has quickly garnered a reputation for live-fire cooking, authentic hospitality, and a menu that reads like a journey through South America, the Mediterranean, and Northern Italy. If you’re looking to explore beyond the classic cellar-door experience in Pokolbin, Estancia Osteria offers a warm, family-run atmosphere where every dish is an event—one that food lovers will remember long after the last forkful.

A Culinary Dream Team

The visionaries behind Estancia Osteria, Gabriel Rodrigues and James Orlowski, bring an eclectic blend of worldly influences. James, a New Zealander who spent part of his childhood on a dairy farm, discovered a passion for fresh produce and hands-on cooking while preparing meals at a hunting lodge. After a decade living in Peru—where he fell in love with its fusion of Spanish, Japanese, and Latin-American flavours—James returned to Australia with a fire in his belly to create something special.

Meanwhile, Gabriel, originally from Brazil, honed his craft working alongside Michelin-starred chefs and immersing himself in French, Spanish, and Northern Italian cuisine. Their paths crossed multiple times in kitchens across Australia, but it was the post-pandemic shift in the hospitality industry that spurred them to forge their own culinary path. When James stumbled upon a vacant space at Briar Ridge—a venue serendipitously named ‘Osteria’—they knew they had found their home.

From Reclaimed Timber to Treehouse Views

Estancia Osteria embodies the idea of family and passion at every turn. Gabriel and James personally undertook much of the renovation work, crafting furniture from reclaimed timber and even tackling the electrics and plumbing themselves. The result is a cosy space that feels like a secret treehouse tucked into nature, with an open kitchen that invites guests to witness live-fire cooking in all its sizzling, smoky glory.

A mere 50-seat capacity keeps the ambience intimate. Diners can chat with the chefs and immerse themselves in the drama of the kitchen—smoke curling from the grill, embers glowing under succulent cuts of meat, and the chefs deftly plating creative dishes.

A Live-Fire Menu That Evolves with the Seasons

At the heart of Estancia Osteria is a commitment to fresh, top-quality ingredients. Local suppliers, farmers, and the bounty of the Hunter Valley itself guide the menu, which changes every six to ten days. Gabriel and James refuse to compromise on the quality of their produce—if they can’t secure the best ingredients, they switch up the dish entirely. Nearly everything is house-made, from bread dough to sauce bases. And yes, that means no freezing of main ingredients: it’s all about harnessing local, in-season products at their peak.

Among the signature creations you might find are:

• Iron Bark Smoked Lamb Shoulder: Tender, juicy lamb infused with that irresistible smoky aroma.
• Smoked Brisket Ragout Pappardelle: A hearty pasta dish that marries slow-cooked brisket with ribbons of fresh pappardelle.
• Signature Ceviche: Bursting with citrus notes, a nod to James’s love affair with Peruvian cuisine.

But the menu is only half of the story. Weekly themed events have quickly become a local favourite. Here’s what to look out for:

• Smokey Sunday Parilla (AUD 89 per person): A feast of open-fire cooking featuring Pukara Estate Lamb Rump, Wagyu Skewer, Chicken Supreme, and Spanish Chorizo, paired with chimichurri and crunchy house pickles.
• Friday Paella Share Banquet: Revel in Spanish flavours with a seafood-rich paella, plus shared tapas and sangria that transport you straight to the streets of Madrid.
• Thursday Pasta Night (3 courses for AUD 39 per person): Handmade tortellini, gnocchi with pistachio cream, and a rotating roster of sweet treats (the tiramisu is a showstopper) make for a cosy midweek indulgence.

Old-School Hospitality, New-Age Flair

One of the restaurant’s biggest draws is the personal touch. James often works the floor himself, ensuring diners’ needs are met and allergies or dietary preferences are communicated seamlessly to Gabriel in the kitchen. This blend of front-of-house chef expertise and behind-the-scenes culinary artistry creates an experience that feels tailored to each guest.

Families and groups are warmly welcomed. Children have room to explore the lawn, which is dotted with birds and sometimes features simple lawn games. Dogs are welcome, too, making Estancia Osteria ideal for a laid-back afternoon in the sunshine. And if you’re keen to pair your meal with exceptional wine, the Briar Ridge cellar door is just steps away, offering award-winning bottles that elevate each dish.

Building the Mount View Community

Though Estancia Osteria only opened in April 2024, its impact on the Mount View area is already tangible. James and Gabriel frequently collaborate with neighbouring businesses—like local cattle farmers and honey producers at Briar Ridge—to bring the best of the Hunter Valley directly to their diners. They’re even planning to expand the kitchen garden in 2025 for a more robust farm-to-plate experience. With the addition of new villas and restaurants nearby, Mount View is fast becoming a compelling destination on its own, complementing the well-known offerings of central Pokolbin.

Future Plans & Ongoing Innovations

The duo behind Estancia Osteria has big dreams for the years ahead. Expect an expanded wine list featuring more local boutique producers, continued improvements to the dining area (think more fans and windows for summer comfort), and farm-to-table events celebrating freshly sourced produce. James and Gabriel see Mount View as the perfect backdrop for forging deeper connections between chefs, farmers, winemakers, and the community.

“We’ve cracked it at Briar Ridge,” James says with a confident smile.
“The future is bright, and we’re excited to keep growing with our community.”

Visiting Estancia Osteria

Estancia Osteria is open Wednesday to Sunday, serving dinner from Thursday to Saturday. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a themed feast with friends, or a relaxed family lunch, you’ll find yourself drawn in by the restaurant’s warmth and wonderful flavours. As the sizzling fire pit illuminates the evening sky, don’t be surprised if you feel like part of the Estancia family yourself.

• Bookings & Reservations:
  Email: bookings@estanciaosteria.com.au
  Phone: 0409 631 147

Come discover why Estancia Osteria has become the talk of the Hunter Valley. It’s a celebration of food, fire, and family—backdropped by the stunning natural beauty of Mount View, and a standout example of the region’s evolving culinary scene.

For More Local Insights & Travel Tips

Visit Made in Pokolbin for more inspiring stories, event announcements, and curated recommendations. Discover the best of Hunter Valley Wine Country—from hidden cellar doors to family-owned restaurants that bring together tradition, innovation, and heartfelt hospitality. Whether you’re a returning visitor or new to the region, we aim to inform, educate, and entertain as you plan your next Hunter Valley adventure.