EXP. opened in 2015 and is one of the few Hunter Valley dining rooms that is not attached to a cellar door. It occupies a tenancy in the Pokolbin Village shopping row, which leaves it independent of any single producer. Frank Fawkner owns it with co-founder Emma Fawkner, and Josh Hannan is head chef. The kitchen cooks a multi-course tasting menu built on Hunter Valley produce, native ingredients and house-made ferments, with an all-Australian drinks list. Service is a single small room of around 28 seats, with counter places looking into the kitchen.
At this restaurant
- Tasting
- Cellar-door tastingBooking required
- On site
- Dining on site
- Who it suits
- Step-free access
Photos
Food & stay
EXP.
| Sun – Mon | 5:30pm – 11pm |
|---|---|
| Tue – Thu | Closed |
| Fri | 5:30pm – 11pm |
| Sat | 12:30pm – 11pm |
Around 28 covers per service. Six-course tasting menu alongside à la carte; counter seats face the kitchen. Dietary requirements must be given at booking.
Background
- Ownership
- Owned by chef Frank Fawkner with co-founder Emma Fawkner
- Two Chef HatsSMH Good Food Guide · 2025
- Two Chef Hats, and Regional Restaurant of the YearSMH Good Food Guide · 2026
- Best Destination DiningGourmet Traveller · 2024
Getting here & good to know
EXP. restaurant is at 2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin, in Hunter Valley.
Do I need to book ahead at EXP. restaurant?
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Nearby places to visit
Details last checked 2026-08-22.