If you are looking for unique dining experiences, Tasmania is the place to go!
This world-class foodie destination is home to some excellent venues, so if you want to taste some incredible dishes that will stimulate all of your senses, you won’t be disappointed.
Located throughout the state, not just in the capital city of Hobart, the ten venues outlined below are places you simply have to eat at.
Reservations are often required, but loose-fitting pants are optional!
Grain of the Silos
Invermay is a gorgeous town situated about 3km north of Launceston, which is home to the wonderful Grain of Silos restaurant.
Located within the Peppers Silo Launceston building, the venue is a little bit remote, but it is worth making an effort to go there as the food is sensational.
Operating with a philosophy of serving up top-notch and artfully plated food from local producers, this charming establishment is known for its relaxed vibe, efficient service and reasonable prices.
Presenting upscale, fine-dining, food menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you could choose to start your day here with dishes like croque madame or coconut chia seed pudding or end it with nettle tagliatelle or the steak cut of the day.
Whatever you decide to have, you will be able to pair it with an exceptional coffee or your choice from their robust wine list.
Address: 89 Lindsay Street, Invermay TAS 7248
Phone: (03) 6700 0600
Website: https://grainofthesilos.com.au/menu
Hours: Mon to Fri 6.30am – 10.30 am & 11.30am – 3pm & 5.30pm – 9pm, Sat & Sun 7am – 11am & 12pm – 3pm, & 5.30pm – 9pm
Cataract on Paterson
Nestled on the outskirts of Launceston, Cataract on Paterson offers an engaging and contemporary dining experience for those who enjoy good food.
Open every day for dinner, the venue boasts a chic and sophisticated ambience generated by its classic interior decor.
Their a la carte menu proudly champions the best of fresh Tasmanian produce. Incorporating a delicious tasting, seafood plate with scallops and oysters that have been locally caught in Tassie waters and top-quality, grass-fed beef sourced from the Great Southern Pinnacle.
If you are the kind of diner that enjoys a more interactive culinary experience, consider trying their stone grill option. You will be able to enjoy prawns, salmon, scallops or steak cooked at your table, just how you like them, on a volcanic stone heated to 400 degrees.
Address: 135 Paterson Street, Launceston TAS 7250
Phone: (03) 6331 4446
Website: https://www.cataractonpaterson.com.au/
Hours: 5pm – 10pm Daily
Urban Greek
If you are a fan of Hellenic food and regularly feast on memories of dining at the tavernas of Crete, then you’ll want to head to Urban Greek.
Situated on Murray Street, in the heart of downtown Hobart, this venue oozes authentic character and charm with its classic blue and white decor and striking murals of notable Greek Gods. The quaint pendants, which softly glow as they drape from the exposed ceiling beams, are a particularly nice touch.
A quick glance at the menu will reveal a slew of classic Cretan dishes and share plates that have passed the test of time. Think moussaka, gyros, Charcoal-grilled octopus, kalamari, lamb cutlets and of course a mixed grill.
While you can order them as individual servings, it wouldn’t be a true Greek restaurant worth its salt if they didn’t also offer a hearty banquet. Unless you are a vegan or vegetarian, in which case the seafood option is great, I recommend going for the premium banquet. It is an epicurean feast that would have made Adephagia very happy!
Address: 103 Murray Street, Hobart TAS 7000
Phone: (03) 6169 1129
Website: https://urbangreek.com.au/
Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs & Sun 5 pm – 9pm, Tues Closed, Fri & Sat 5pm – 9.30pm
View Dining
You’ll get no prizes for guessing the inspiration for the name View Dining. However, you will get one of the more unique dining experiences Tasmania has to offer.
Located within the clubhouse at the splendid King Island Golf & Bowling Club in Currie, this venue showcases incredible views of the Bass Strait coastline as well as the greens and fairways of the King Island Golf Course. There is no better way to spend an evening than taking it in with a sumptuous meal and a nice glass of Tasmanian wine.
Comprising huge windows that accentuate the views and polished wooden tables and floors that create a classy feel, the dining space is relaxed and refined. The menu caters to a wide range of tastes, with offerings like prawn and crab linguini, scotch fillet and vegan gnocchi sure to impress.
Given the spectacular views on offer, you are advised to make a reservation well in advance of your visit to secure one of the prime tables for taking them in.
Address: 1 Owen Smith Drive, Currie TAS 7256
Phone: 0461 505 504
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555878680567
Hours: Mon Closed, Tues 5.30pm – 8.30pm, Wed to Fri 2pm – 8.30pm, Sat 9am – 11am & 2pm – 8.30pm, Sun 10am – 3pm
Mudbar Restaurant
Launceston has some excellent dining venues and Mudbar Restaurant is right up there with the best of them. This fabulous, fine-dining, chef-hatted venue resides at the Peppers Seaport, right on the waterfront.
As well as a wonderful, chic dining room, which showcases floor-to-ceiling windows that convey stunning harbour views, it also has a fabulous al fresco dining space, and cool lounge areas with an excellent bar. Subsequently, you have the freedom to choose what kind of dining space you want.
One of the main drawcards here is their incredible wine list, which includes a strong focus on Tasmanian Pinot Noir. They also offer a superb range of inventive cocktails. However, it’s the food that really impresses me.
Their fantastic Asian-influenced lunch and dinner menus include their signature Mudbar sashimi plate and soy-roasted duck. They also present an excellent range of cheeses and desserts.
Address: 28 Seaport Boulevard, Launceston TAS 7250
Phone: (03) 6334 5066
Website: https://mudbar.com.au/
Hours: 11.30am – 12am Daily
Pearl + Co
Love oysters? Then you should indulge in your fondness for them at Pearl + Co in Hobart’s Franklin Wharf.
You’ll find this accomplished waterfront restaurant and bar at the Victoria Dock and will instantly be captivated by the splendid marina views you are treated to through the adjustable floor-to-ceiling windows.
This sophisticated venue allows diners to relax on couches, tables or bar seats either on its outdoor deck or within its relaxed indoor space. Thus creating an enjoyable ambience to savour their freshly shucked oysters and premium Tassie produce.
A good way to start a meal here is with an entree of New England-inspired oyster chowder. For mains, try their salmon which is glazed with sesame oil and ssamjang or their lamb shank which is slow-cooked for hours.
Address: Mures Building Victoria Dock, Franklin Wharf, Hobart TAS 7000
Phone: (03) 6231 1790
Website: https://www.pearlandco.com.au/
Hours: 12pm-9pm Daily
The Black Footed Pig Tapas Bar & Kitchen
For those craving authentic and delicious Spanish Tapas, the intriguingly named The Black Footed Pig Tapas Bar & Kitchen is the place to go.
After recently moving to the MACq 01 waterfront hotel, this is now a very popular venue. With many locals and tourists coming here to socialise and enjoy superb food. It boasts a hip and funky vibe that instantly puts you at ease.
The great thing about eating here is that the menu constantly evolves to keep up with the supply of fresh, locally and ethically sourced produce they use. However, dishes like Tasmanian octopus and Tassie Porterhouse, which have been grass-fed and dry-aged, are perennial favourites.
Make sure you try something from their excellent wine and cocktail list and leave room for dessert. The Earl Grey ice cream and chocolate tart are sure to satisfy you.
Address: MACq 01 Hotel, 18 Hunter Street, Hobart TAS 7000
Phone: (03) 6224 2222
Website: https://www.theblackfootedpig.com.au/
Hours: Sun, Mon & Tues Closed, Wed & Thurs 4.30pm – 9.30pm, Fri & Sat 12pm – 10pm
Mures Upper Deck
Another venue worth trying at the Victoria Dock is the Mures Upper Deck. This family owned business is known for offering a sensational seafood dining experience and also possesses glass floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase tremendous waterfront views.
The venue emphasises a fresh new approach to a la carte dining, offering an experience that promotes the best locally made catches by championing a ‘fishing line-to-plate’ philosophy.
Their signature mains include the likes of Steak & Southern Rock Lobster, Mures Blue Eye Trevalla and Tasmanian Indigenous Abalone and they also have plenty of dishes suitable for those with gluten, dairy and other other food allergies.
If you have any room left for dessert, their Tasmanian Lavender ice cream and Earl Gray Brulee are utterly divine.
Address: Victoria Dock, Davey Street, Hobart TAS 7000
Phone: (03) 6231 1999
Website: https://www.mures.com.au/upper-deck/
Hours: 11am to 9pm Daily
Stelo at Pierre’s
Seafood lovers, and those who enjoy Italian food in general, should also try and visit Stelo at Pierre’s in Launceston. There you will be able to enjoy a superb menu of shellfish, anitpasti, premium fish, pasta and plenty of other dishes that will need you requiring a carry to the car service!
Spread across two huge dining rooms, the venue also comprises a bar and a really cool private dining space that is fitted out with leather bench seats that have been locally crafted with Tasmanian Oak.
You should instantly warm to this place on account of its relaxed vibe, friendly staff and lovely decor. However, your approval of the establishment will instantly elevate a couple of notches further when you try the food.
Here you can feast on seafood caught in the waters off Tassie’s rugged coastline, indulge in premium Wagyu beef and delight in organically grown vegetables you forgot existed. The menu is ever-changing but typically includes favourites like scallops, served in their shell, lamb rump and beef crudo.
You can enjoy your meal with a robust wine list and follow it with a coffee and decadent chocolate fondant. Considering the excellence and presentation of the food, the prices are not too exorbitant.
Address: 88 George Street, Launceston TAS 7250
Phone: (03) 6331 6835
Website: https://stelotas.com/
Hours: Mon 5.30pm – 10pm, Tues to Fri 11.30am – 3pm & 5.30pm – 10pm, Sat 11.30am to 3pm & 5.30pm to 11pm, Sunday Closed
Josef Chromy Restaurant
Located in Relbia, at the heart of the iconic estate on Relbia Road, is the Chef-hatted Josef Chromy Restaurant. This venue provides an immersive dining experience for you to enjoy and is also an essential lunch spot for any foodie to add to their itinerary whilst touring the Tamar Valley.
The property is set among old-style English inspired gardens with stands of 100-year-old oak trees overlooking a picturesque lake, winery, and a 61-hectare vineyard. It is about a 15-minute drive south of Launceston and has been touted by some food critics as one of Australia’s top 10 dining destinations.
The restaurant’s cellar door is housed in an original 1880s homestead. It is the kind of place where a log fire burns while you savour a wide range of award-winning cool-climate wines.
The food menu features innovative plates such as octopus wood-grilled in North African spices, cold smoked Lenah wallaby carpaccio, lemon-glazed and Riesling pork collar and Pepperberry cured ocean trout that have been created through the culinary vision of Nick Raitt, the Executive Chef.
Reservations are imperative as this is a very popular establishment. However, if you are looking for a place for to celebrate an event or milestone, or just somewhere to enjoy an upscale date night, Josef Chromy fits the bill nicely.
Address: 370 Relbia Road, Relbia TAS 7258
Phone: (03) 6335 8700
Website: https://josefchromy.com.au/
Hours: 10am – 5pm Daily