Restaurant Eighty Eight - Pokolbin

My friends and I had a meal here recently, excellent service and decor. A surprising serve of amuse bouches for us started the night well. The tasting platter was an ideal and tasty entree.The beef cheeks were superb and were well complemented by some of the local wines. Restaurant Eighty Eight and its beautiful setting and food all way up for a very expensive evening but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised when the bill hit the table.Wouldn't hesitate in going back again.

We came here to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary last Friday night. The restaurant was empty, as the hotel had been booked out for a wedding, and that was initially off-putting but the friendliness or the staff really made it a special experience. The limited menu was great because it allowed us to choose quickly, and all our choices were delicious. We had the tasting plate starter followed by beef cheeks and risotto. The risotto was definitely the standout, although it was all very good. After our good experience with the first two courses, we decided not to share dessert but have one each, and we were so glad we did, as the candy floss on top of the dessert and the sago pudding were outstanding. And the waiter brought out a special "Happy Anniversary" share plate for us, which really was unexpected, especially since there was only one other table there in the end and he didn't need to go to any effort if he didn't want to. If I have some suggestions, it's that they dim the lights, turn up the music a little, and put away the breakfast serving bowls/cereal etc that are visible on a table at the back of the room, and should be at least put under the tablecloth so that it gives it an atmosphere suitable for dinner. Overall, it didn't detract from our enjoyment however.The breakfast buffet the following day was one of the best we've ever had - coconut yoghurt was especially nice, and the corn fritters to rival Bills in Sydney! Honestly, a great experience all round. Can't wait to return.

Booked last minute as the Circa 1876 their other restaurant wasnt open. They only offer a couple of choices but it was just what we wanted, tasty, good service. We had the cauliflower soup and then the mushroom risotto. We could have had meat or something else but this was perfect at the end of a long day of tasting and eating.

We had in fact booked the main restaurant Circa 1876 for dinner but turned up there to be told there was a wedding on and the 'head office' should not have taken the booking. This should have been a 'sign' but we were shuffled off to their sister restaurant 88, where we were met with a very short menu (only 2 starter and 3 main options) charging $65 for 2 courses with pork ribs and chips and beef cheeks on the menu (crazy given they are the cheapest cuts of meat - you would expect this in a pub and not a fine dining restaurant). Waited ages for our starter and various ordered drinks - red wine served in a combination of small white wine glasses and larger red glasses (new waiter had no idea), we were given a wow-full dessert of sago and candy floss as compensation which did little to improve matters. We were told they have just been bought out as a group in September - I have actually dined here before and was totally different. I would recommend giving the whole thing a wide steer until they have their act together again....disappointing given I was trying to take my folks out,who are here from the uk,somewhere nice and there are so many good places in the hunter valley!! This currently is not one.

Partly disappointed as Circa closed for a wedding and 88 is where we had breakfast so it still looks like a breakfast room with cereals etc so def missing ambience of a restaurant to start with !Service however very sweet and young staff did a wonderful job!Very limited menu and tasting board very disappointing and flavourless !Beef cheeks however good but not outstanding for the price - Handy though as staying at Convent and didn't have to drive !