Welcome to Hobart, a culinary wonderland where food becomes an art form, and dining transforms into an extraordinary adventure. Most people conjure up images of Sydney or Melbourne when the words ‘world-class dining’ are mentioned, but in my opinion, they don’t hold a candle to Hobart’s dining scene.
Very few places in Australia, actually, the planet, offer an onslaught of hyper-local cuisine as Hobart does. Thanks to a boom in the culinary pace over the past few years, Hobart’s still relatively sleepy tapestry boasts a charged-up bar and dining domain.
From farm-to-table feasts to avant-garde creations, delve into the flavours that make Hobart a true epicurean paradise.
Dier Makr
Newcomer Dier Makr is making the rounds in conversations whispered in whisky bars and hotel lobbies. We’ve heard of Modern Australian before but never Modern Tasmanian. Expect an ever-evolving tasting menu driven by seasonal produce and influenced by locals. The wine lists are stacked with low-intervention wines, and the serious cocktails all contain a local libation. Diners don’t get a menu beforehand, which is half the experience. Dier Makr is a new generation of Tasmanian dining, and we’re all for its atmospheric magic.
Landscape Restaurant and Grill
Not long ago, Hobart’s so-called fancy dining scene was sparse. Then Landscape Restaurant and Grill moved in and has since become the city’s gold standard for fine dining. Nabbing a seat isn’t as easy as one might think. Even guests staying at the Henry Jones Art Hotel are urged to reserve a spot at the time of booking the room. This is because, Landscape is a small restaurant with only a handful of tables, and its reputation for a quality meal echoes through the city. When you manage to get a reservation, expect a dimly lit, intimate dining room and thought-provoking flavours presented on dishes as beautiful and as mesmerising as the landscape art adorning the walls.
Fico
Dining at Fico is more than a mere meal; it is an experience that lingers in the memory long after the last bite has been savoured. The combination of innovative cuisine, heartfelt hospitality, and a cosy ambience creates an atmosphere of pure enchantment, where guests are transported into a realm where food becomes a symphony of taste and emotion. From delicately plated seafood delights to thoughtfully composed vegetarian creations and, of course, the delicate swirls of pasta, Fico makes you feel like an honoured guest at a friend’s table.
The Source Restaurant
Nestled within Hobart’s acclaimed Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), The Source Restaurant is a culinary destination that seamlessly merges art, gastronomy, and innovation. Offering a dining experience beyond mere sustenance, The Source delights diners with its creative and artfully crafted dishes, reflecting the same spirit of boldness and experimentation permeating the museum. Open for lunch only, The Source’s menu is a culinary canvas where ingredients are transformed into edible art. From delicate seafood creations to robust meat dishes, the menu draws inspiration from the museum’s exhibitions. For wine enthusiasts, a visit to the cellar door is an opportunity to explore and discover a diverse range of local and international wines, including Mona’s very own wine.
Peacock and Jones
Hidden in a former sandstone jam warehouse on Hobart’s waterfront, Peacock and Jones is an underrated culinary gem, showcasing the harmonious fusion of European techniques and Tasmanian ingredients. Above remnants of its jammy history remind diners of its origins, but modern touches, including a suspended fireplace, keep it warm and inviting. The menu pays homage to the region’s rich bounty, featuring dishes that celebrate the diversity of local produce, seafood, and meats. Simplicity is key here—only small puddles of sauce grace perfectly cooked steaks. Paired with local wines, it’s a meal to remember.
Templo
Templo’s menu may be small, but it packs a powerful punch. The focus is on quality over quantity, with each dish meticulously crafted to showcase the finest Tasmanian ingredients and Mediterranean-inspired flavours. Every plate displays Tasmania’s bounty, from vibrant seasonal vegetables to thoughtfully sourced meats and seafood. The gnochetti has become a signature dish and, therefore, a must-try. Find this pocket-sized, 25-seat neighbourhood haunt tucked away in the back streets of Hobart. Did we mention they stock a handful of boutique local minimal intervention wines? Templo stands as a testament to Hobart’s thriving culinary landscape.
Peppina
You don’t have to be a guest of The Tasman to enjoy its signature restaurant Peppina. The restaurant honours the rich culinary heritage of Italy, showcasing an array of classic Italian dishes prepared with a contemporary twist, highlighting the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. From handcrafted pasta dishes to wood-fired pizzas and flavourful antipasti, every dish is designed to share, family-style. The warm and rustic ambience, with its exposed brick walls, wooden furnishings, and soft lighting, creates an intimate and inviting atmosphere. The friendly and attentive staff add to the charm, making every visit to Peppina a truly memorable experience.
Aloft
Perched above Brook Street Pier, Aloft has the best waterfront seats in the city. The floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the dining room in natural light, creating a serene and inviting ambience. The culinary offerings at Aloft are nothing short of exceptional too. The menu showcases a fusion of international flavours focusing on locally sourced Tasmanian ingredients. Each dish is carefully crafted to showcase the region’s flavours, textures, and colours, resulting in a gastronomic adventure that is both exciting and satisfying. From innovative starters to exquisite main courses and indulgent desserts, Aloft is a sought-after dining destination in Hobart.
Sonny
In the heart of Hobart is Sonny, a long skinny bar and restaurant, pouring the country’s best drops, spinning classic vinyl, and serving a small, ever-changing menu. Each ingredient is carefully selected from farm-fresh vegetables to ethically raised meats and sustainable seafood to ensure the highest quality and minimize the ecological footprint. The open and inviting space, adorned with stylish decor and warm lighting, creates a casual and chic atmosphere. Sonny’s lively ambience sets the perfect backdrop for enjoying great food, engaging conversations, and a vibrant atmosphere, whether it’s a relaxed brunch with friends or a cozy dinner date. Doors open at 4.00pm, and there are no reservations, so get in line and wait. It’s worth it.
Just Beyond Hobart
The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery & Store
Sitting on the landscape of Hobart in New Norfolk, just a 20-minute drive away, is The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery and Store in Hobart, a farm-to-table haven celebrating the beauty and bounty of Tasmania’s rich agricultural landscape. With a deep-rooted commitment to sustainable and ethical practices, this farm-to-table establishment has become a beacon of culinary excellence.
The menu reflects the changing seasons and showcases the best of Tasmania’s local produce. Each dish tells a story, from vibrant heirloom vegetables to tender meats and perfectly foraged ingredients. Reclaimed timber, earthy tones, and a cozy fireplace all contribute to the inviting charm that permeates the space. Adjacent to the eatery, The Agrarian Kitchen Store is a treasure trove of culinary delights. From locally sourced pantry staples to handcrafted ceramics and specialty products, take a piece of Tasmania’s culinary heritage home with you.
Van Bone
At the end of a 45-minute drive from Hobart is Marion Bay, a small patch of countryside hiding one of the state’s greatest culinary destinations. Van Bone is nestled on the slope of a cattle paddock. You’d miss it if you didn’t know what you were looking for. Behind the timber door is a dimly lit restaurant overlooking rolling hills and filled with only a handful of black tables and chairs.
The menu follows a 14-course format that changes regularly. Diners are unaware of what’s in store until the waiter hands them a menu. While the complete dish remains a mystery, we can disclose the components are all locally sourced, including produce from the garden a few metres from the table. Peer into the open kitchen to find the wood fire oven and grill, the only cooking apparatus used at this restaurant. Van Bone is well worth the detour. Make a day of it, exploring Marion Bay’s beaches, Tasman National Park, and Cape Deslacs Lighthouse.
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