Your Ultimate Foodie Guide: Best Places to Eat in Hobart
Hobart’s culinary scene has exploded in recent years, earning its reputation as a must-visit destination for food lovers. From fresh farm produce and artisan markets to inventive fine dining and relaxed waterfront eateries, there’s a wealth of options for those seeking memorable meals.
Hobart is serving up culinary events, like pop-up dinners and food festivals, that fuel creativity and community spirit. It all adds up to a vibrant scene where both visitors and locals find endless reasons to explore and savour Hobart’s distinct flavours. And when you stay at Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, you’re perfectly positioned to tap into this dynamic food culture, with many top venues just a short walk or drive away.
Ready to dive into the flavours, aromas, and experiences that make this city a true food capital? Let’s load up your plate with the best restaurants, coffee spots, and cafes Hobart has to offer.
Why is Hobart a Food Capital
Hobart’s rise as a food capital stems from Tasmania’s rich natural resources and a thriving farm-to-table ethos. The island’s cool climate and fertile soils produce exceptional fruits, vegetables, dairy, and seafood, which local chefs transform into creative dishes that celebrate seasonal flavours.
Sustainability is often front of mind: many restaurants emphasise locally sourced ingredients, supporting small growers and ethical producers. The proximity of farms, orchards, and wild coastlines means freshness is a given, no matter if you’re tasting farm-gate cheeses or the day’s catch straight from the sea. This commitment to quality, combined with innovative cooking techniques, has put Hobart restaurants on the map both nationally and internationally.
Although the capital of Tasmania, Hobart’s small size means chefs and producers collaborate easily, while diners can traverse neighbourhoods to sample diverse offerings –from fine dining to casual shared experiences within minutes.
Where the Locals Eat
Credit: Aloft
Where the Locals Eat
Go where the locals go, eat where the locals eat -- that's the best way to dine on the taste of Hobart's best ingredients. These beloved neighbourhood spots are where you'll find Hobartians enjoying their regular meals, from quick coffee catch-ups to leisurely dinners.
Shipwrights Arms Hotel
Tucked into the heart of Battery Point, The Shipwrights Arms Hotel (usually just called Shippie's by locals) is a Hobart icon with plenty of salty charm. A favourite with locals, yachties, and visitors alike, this historic pub is the first stop for Sydney to Hobart crews when they hit dry land.
Beyond its status as a world-class watering hole, the bistro plates up some of the freshest seafood in town. Expect some very non-pub cuisine like seafood chowder, paella and of course, the classic marinara.
Aloft
For more of a fine-dining experience, Aloft offers a sophisticated experience on Brooke Street Pier. Set against some of the city’s best views, the menu focuses on contemporary Australian dishes using seasonal herbs and vegetables, harvested seafood, small-farm free-range meat and poultry and any other local produce they can get their hands on. If you ask us, their wine list is one of the best you’ll find in town!
Best Hobart Seafood Restaurants
Tasmania’s coastline yields world-class seafood, and Hobart restaurants capitalise on that abundance. Below are three standout seafood venues, each offering a distinct experience.
Mures Upper Deck
Located on Hobart’s waterfront, Mures Upper Deck offers both stunning views and a menu celebrating local seafood. Here, you can indulge in dishes like seared scallops with native pepperberry or daily catch specials featuring fresh fish sourced from Tasmanian waters. Mures’ commitment to sustainability and quality means you can trust that each dish highlights the best of Tasmania’s seafood bounty.
The setting is relaxed yet refined, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the harbour, making it ideal for both a leisurely lunch and a special-occasion dinner.
The Drunken Admiral
A Hobart classic, The Drunken Admiral sits in an old waterfront building, offering a cosy, maritime atmosphere with brooding dark interiors and memorabilia. The Drunken Admiral’s location near the water means you can pair your meal with views of passing boats and harbour lights after dark.
The menu focuses on hearty seafood dishes, such as fisherman's stew brimming with mussels, scallops, and local fish, or pan-fried fillets served with seasonal accompaniments. It’s a favourite among locals for dinner, for those seeking familiar flavours done well.
Given its popularity, we recommend booking ahead or arriving early, particularly on weekends.
Pearl + Co
For a modern yet approachable seafood experience, Pearl + Co on Victoria Dock is a top pick. With both bar-style seating and table service, it caters to various moods like first dates, anniversaries and business meetings.
The team at Pearl + Co emphasise local sourcing and creative presentations, making each visit feel both familiar and novel. Drop in for oysters and a glass of sparkling at the bar, or settle into a table for a multi-course meal featuring inventive seafood dishes like lobster with native herbs or smoked fish paired with seasonal salad components.
Hobart’s Best Coffee
Hobart is the most southern (and coldest) city in Australia, so it only makes sense that the city’s coffee culture is thriving. With roasters and cafés serving expertly brewed cups alongside tempting pastries, these are the top picks for your next trip:
Pilgrim Coffee
Pilgrim Coffee is often cited among Hobart’s top cafés. Renowned for single-origin beans roasted in-house, it’s home to Hobart’s most awarded baristas, and it shows, consistently pouring excellent espresso and filter coffee.
The minimalist interior creates a calm spot to start your morning, and friendly baristas are happy to discuss roast profiles or recommend a blend. Pair your coffee with freshly baked pastries or savoury bites sourced from local bakers. Located in the heart of the city, it’s easy to drop in before exploring nearby attractions or markets.
Whether you prefer a classic flat white or a pour-over that highlights delicate flavours, Pilgrim Coffee delivers. The café’s attention to detail – from grind size to water temperature – ensures each cup is memorable.
Daci & Daci Bakers
Not far from Salamanca Place, Daci & Daci Bakers is famed for both its coffee and its patisserie offerings.
The espresso is smooth and rich, and the cabinet displays croissants, tarts, and cakes that tempt many visitors to linger over a leisurely brunch-style coffee session. Inside, the vibe is lively but welcoming, with large windows letting in natural light. Special dietary options (gluten-free pastries, for instance) are often available.
Many locals treat Daci & Daci as a weekend ritual: pick up a takeaway coffee and pastry to enjoy at Salamanca Markets, or choose to sit in and pair your drink with a seasonal tart. The quality of both coffee and baked goods makes it a standout in Hobart's gardens of café culture.
Machine Laundry Café
A Hobart institution, Machine Laundry Café combines quirky charm with reliably good coffee.
Why is it called Machine Laundry Café? Well, the clue is in the name. Here you can enjoy a coffee while your clothes get a good clean.
Baristas here craft each cup with care, whether you opt for a bold espresso or a lighter filter brew. It’s a comfortable place to plan your next foodie stop, step away from the Salamanca crowds, or just relax while your laundry goes for a spin.
The Ultimate Brunch Spots in Hobart
Brunch in Hobart is a cultural ritual, showcasing the best local ingredients to their local judges. Here are three prime brunch venues to add to your Hobart trip:
Jackman & McRoss
In Battery Point, Jackman & McRoss is beloved for its bakery offerings and brunch menu. Feast on house-made breads, pastries, and hearty breakfast plates featuring local eggs, avocado, and smoked salmon sourced from Tasmania’s waters.
Drawn by the aroma of fresh baking and the reputation for quality, locals flock to Jackman & McRoss, filling tables inside and outside daily.
Beyond classic brunch dishes, seasonal specials might include fruit compotes or dishes highlighting Tasmanian truffles when in season. Coffee here is strong and pairs perfectly with buttery croissants or a savoury tart.
Farzi
Located beneath the Salamanca Wharf Hotel on Hobart’s waterfront, Farzi brings a fresh take on modern dining with dishes that evolve alongside the seasons. The menu draws on local Tasmanian produce, offering everything from creative daytime favourites—like their playful take on avo toast—to laid-back brunches served with specialty coffee.
As evening sets in, the focus shifts to vibrant share-style plates, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free choices available. Diners can opt for the five-course Chef’s Menu, which might include highlights like kingfish ceviche or smoked butter chicken. For a deeper dive, the ‘Feed Me’ experience takes guests through a curated selection that blends contemporary Australian influences with neo-Indian flair.
Room for a Pony
Room for a Pony is a café that has garnered acclaim for its inventive brunch dishes and specialty coffee. Located near the city centre, it offers a menu that rotates seasonally, featuring dishes such as ricotta hotcakes with local berries or savoury plates with Tasmanian mushrooms and herbs foraged from nearby forests.
Each cup of brew here is tamped to highlight bean origin characteristics, often showcasing single-origin roasts from Tasmanian or Australian roasters. The combination of thoughtful dishes and excellent coffee makes Room for a Pony a brunch destination.
Unique Hobart Dining Experiences
For those seeking something beyond traditional restaurants, Hobart offers distinctive dining experiences that engage multiple senses.
Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures
Set sail on a culinary journey with Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures. This immersive “deep-to-dish” experience takes you by luxury catamaran into Southern Tasmania’s pristine waters.
This is a hands-on experience where you harvest seafood such as abalone, sea urchins, oysters, and rock lobster, directly from the ocean, then have it prepared on board by chefs who highlight the natural flavours with minimal adornment and local accompaniments like seaweed butter or native herbs.
The adventure combines breathtaking coastal scenery with ultra-fresh seafood tasting, offering a connection to Tasmania’s maritime heritage that few other experiences can match.
Glide past ancient cliffs and secluded beaches as you sip on Tasmanian wines or craft beers and enjoy the spoils of your adventure.
Long Lunch at a Vineyard Near Hobart
Tasmania’s cool-climate vineyards produce acclaimed wines, and many estates near Hobart offer long lunch experiences. A typical afternoon includes a guided tasting of estate wines – Pinot Noir, sparkling, or Chardonnay – followed by a multi-course meal featuring local produce paired thoughtfully with each wine.
Venues range from rustic cellar doors with picnic-style tables to elegant dining rooms overlooking vineyard rows. These vineyard lunches showcase how Hobart restaurants extend beyond the city, connecting diners to wider Tasmanian terroir.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Hobart Food Tour
- Plan Ahead and Make Reservations: Many popular Hobart restaurants, especially seafood venues and fine-dining spots, book out quickly, particularly on weekends. Reserve tables in advance to avoid disappointment, and check cancellation policies in case plans shift.
- Follow Seasonal Menus: Tasmania’s fleeting seasons mean the freshest produce changes throughout the year. Embrace menus that highlight current harvests—spring berries, summer stone fruits, autumn mushrooms, or winter root vegetables—to experience the full spectrum of Tasmanian flavours.
- Balance Indulgence with Light Bites: With so many enticing restaurants, it’s tempting to overindulge. Incorporate lighter meals between richer dining experiences, so you can sample more without feeling weighed down.
- Embrace Local Recommendations: Chat with hotel staff at Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart for insider tips and up-to-date suggestions. Our team is on the pulse of newly opened spots or under-the-radar cafés loved by locals.
- Pack Appropriately: Hobart’s weather can shift quickly. If you plan outdoor dining (markets, vineyard lunches, seafood adventures), bring layers, sunscreen, and perhaps a waterproof jacket. Hobart is a hilly city, so wear shoes worthy of an adventure.
- Stay Hydrated and Rest Well: Balance your foodie explorations with hydration (carry a refillable water bottle) and downtime. After full days of tasting and indulgence, unwind at Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, where you can enjoy plush bedding, in-room amenities, and perhaps a relaxing evening drink at the hotel bar to recharge for another delicious day.
Eat, Sleep, and Enjoy at Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart
When you choose Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, you place yourself at the heart of Hobart’s dining scene. Our central location means you’re minutes from Salamanca Place, waterfront seafood restaurants, and cafés that serve the city’s best coffee.
Every stay in Hobart is a chance to chase the world’s freshest seafood, bountiful brunch spots, unique market finds, and dining events – and the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart is your ideal base.
Start embarking on your food journey and book now at Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart. We look forward to welcoming you and ensuring your stay is as satisfying as the meals you’ll discover.