Tasmania has a lot of food specialties. Truffles, cheese, leatherwood honey, wagyu beef, wild abalone, and Pacific oysters – they truly have it all. And nowhere is that better showcased than Launceston.
The small city of Launceston packs a punch when it comes to its thriving culinary scene, playing host to an array of food and drink experiences that are unlike anywhere else on the island. It’s abundance of high-quality lcoal produce and local culinary talent have earned the city recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy – not bad for a small city of just over 70,000!
If you find yourself in town with an empty stomach, you’re in luck. Whether you prefer classic restaurants, charming bars or quaint cafes, there’s plenty to discover. Here, we’ve rounded up the best restaurants in Launceston to visit.
Restaurants
Launceston is blessed in its proximity to abundant landscapes and farm fresh produce. Hit up Launceston’s bustling restaurant scene to experience the iconic Tasmanian produce fused with flavours from around the world. There’s plenty to explore from upscale establishments to laid-back local hotspots. We’ve singled out a few of the best Launceston restaurants below.
1. Stillwater
Stillwater is one of the most awarded restaurants in Tasmania. You’ll find this hatted-restaurant sitting pretty on the water, within the four walls of an old flour mill.
Located in an old flour mill by the river, Stillwater is one of Tasmania’s most lauded restaurants. (Image: Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett)
Stillwater is somewhat of a destination diner due to its charming, character-rich interior and finely tuned flavours that incorporate the very best of local produce. Select from a delightful array of small and large plates – each brimming with grandeur. Or eliminate the decision-making with the Chef’s five-course tasting menu. Available with or without a Tasmanian wine pairing. And thanks to the recent opening of the attached accommodation property, Stillwater Seven, you can now sleep here too.
Try the five-course tasting menu. (Image: Anjie Blair)
Address: 2 Bridge Road, Launceston
Black Cow Bistro
Veggos might want to sit this one out – meat is full focus at Black Cow Bistro, which showcases premium dry aged, free range, grass-fed Tassie beef.
Black Cow Bistro is the go-to restaurant for sampling prime cuts of Tassie beef. (Image: Tourism Australia)
You can sample plenty of cuts, from a juicy scotch fillet sourced from Robbins Island in Northern Tas, to a flavorsome eye fillet from Cape Grim in Northwest Tasmania. There’s a delicious array of sides, as well as oysters and shellfish for the ultimate surf and turf experience.
Appreciators of a good steak should make a beeline for Black Cow Bistro. (Image: Tourism Australia)
Address: 70 George St, Launceston
2. Josef Chromy Wines
A trip to Launceston without plugging Josef Chromy into your GPS is a missed opportunity. It’s located on the outskirts of the city, but it’s well worth the short trip as it’s one of the state’s best culinary spots. The cellar door and accompanying restaurant is the perfect place to indulge in a fresh, local lunch offering.
Incredible food and wine awaits at Josef Chromy Wines. (Image: Samuel Shelley)
The charming timber cottage setting is only made more idyllic by the lake views . If you’d like to explore the surrounding vineyard and processing facility, book a ‘Behind The Label’ tour, or one of the other extensive experiences. If you’re interested in vineyard dining, we’ve also written about the best Tamar Valley vineyards and restaurants.
Josef Chromy is the perfect place to indulge in a fresh, local lunch offering. (Image: Osborne Images)
Address: 370 Relbia Rd, Relbia
Stelo at Pierre’s
What do you get when you cross the highest quality Tasmanian produce with Italian fine dining? You’ll find the answer at Stelo at Pierre‘s, a much-loved Italian restaurant in the CBD. Examples of this heaven-sent Italian-Tasmanian crossover include Burrata with preserved local figs, and slow-cooked Tassie Octopus with polenta crumb. Seasonal ingredients and different menu items frequently rotate through the menu, so there’s always something new to try. Next door’s Stelo Bar is a great place to settle in for an expertly made negroni (or cocktail of your choice) and a casual bite.
Address: 88 George St, Launceston
Grain of the Silos
When you dine at Grain of Silos, you know every ingredient on your plate comes from a close, personal partnership with local farmers. The owners are on a first-name basis with the growers who provide the fresh produce, a testament to the restaurant’s philosophy to offer a warm, personal dining experience to every patron. Grain of the Silos is located Peppers Silo Hotel, built into transformed grain silos on the banks of the Tamar River. Go for the awesome ethos, stay for the pasta of the day.
Address: 89 Lindsay St, Invermay
Mudbar
Mudbar is a restaurant with its very own farm to provide a true paddock to plate dining experience. You can take in the best of the region’s flavours in the form of contemporary Australian cuisine, right on Launceston’s dazzling waterfront. The cocktail list is extensive and impressive – with The Mudbar Spritz (Aperol, lemon, sugar, soda with either vodka, elderflower or limoncello) making for a particular lovely sundowner.
Address: 28 Seaport Blvd, Launceston
Brisbane Street Bistro
Brisbane Street Bistro beckons with its elegant, painterly interiors, resplendent in rich timber textures and antique flair. The menu is inspired by classic French dishes, but with Australian sensibility and produce that proves to be a winning combination. Don’t pass up the entree of liver parfait, quince jam, baby leaves, brioche doughnut. Bon appétit!
Address: 24 Brisbane St, Launceston
Boatyard
If you’re after a meal with a view, then pull up a seat on the expansive deck of The Boatyard, overlooking the Tamar River and sequestered in the lush greenery of Cataract Gorge. The restaurant also has views into one of the oldest slipyards in Australia, adding a hint of history to the charming location. The Boatyard is open for coffee, lunch and dinner.
Soak up water views at the Boatyard. (Image: Jess Bonde)
Address: 28 Seaport Blvd, Launceston
3. Rupert & Hound
Following the conversion of an old shipyard and dry dock, Launceston gave rise to one of the state’s premiere waterfront public spaces.
If you find yourself strolling the boardwalk and taking in the views, you’re going to work up an appetite. Rupert & Hound is your next stop. The menu features an extensive array of locally-sourced options, and is vegan, vegetarian and dairy-free friendly. They’ve even perfected a gluten-free beer battered fish recipe – a huge selling point for those with celiac.
Seafood on the menu at Rupert & Hound.
Address: 30 Seaport Blvd, Launceston
Top bars and pubs
Tasmania is a world-class producer of wine, gin and whiskey. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Launceston is teeming with trendy bars serving up the best of Tasmania’s produce coupled with great plates to pair. Check out the best bar and pub-style restaurants in Launceston where you can enjoy a tipple and a bite to eat.
8. Saint John Craft Beer Bar
If you wander through Launceston’s main street on a Friday or Saturday night, you’ll wonder where all the people are. Turns out, they’re all swilling a schooner at Saint John, a cosy ale bar that wouldn’t look out of place in a Melbourne laneway.
There’s something to satiate every appetite at Saint John Craft Beer Bar.
Food-wise, order one of the signature burgers over the bar. Fried chicken, beef, pork, vegan – there’s something to satiate every appetite. Wash it down with one of the 14 on-tap beers brewed in Tasmania, Australia and overseas. There’s also an extensive (170+) array of bottled beer, craft ciders, wines and top-shelf spirits.
Address: 133 St John St, Launceston, TAS
Saint John has Melbourne vibes.
9. Bar Two [TEMPORARILY CLOSED]
Entering Bar Two will make you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a local secret. Inside, you’ll find a quiet, intimate atmosphere reminiscent of an upscale NYC bar. If you don’t have time to head up to Launceston’s famed Tamar Valley winery region— don’t sweat. You’ll find a great selection of local wine over at Bar Two, which has something to offer everyone from wine newbies to seasoned connoisseurs.
Bar Two has an atmosphere reminiscent of an upscale NYC bar.
The owners spent nearly a year personally meeting winemakers from the region and across Tasmania to curate the perfect wine list, which they’re now eager to share with patrons. Local products are a focal point here— with Tasmanian gins and whiskeys on offer, as well as tapas-style share plates that include local cheeses and freshly-shucked oysters.
Address: 47A Brisbane St, Launceston, TAS
Bar Two has curated the perfect wine list.
10. The Royal Oak Hotel
There’s no better way to end a day of exploring than a hearty pub feed and a cold pint. If you’re looking for a pub with character, The Royal Oak Hotel won’t disappoint. In this classic pub located next to City Park, you’ll find local musicians bringing the vibes on most weekends. Sit back and relax in the company of some local Launceston talent while the kitchen serves up hearty, elevated pub classics made from seasonal produce. Lastly, there’s an extensive range of Tasmanian craft beers to seal the deal.
Address: 14 Brisbane St, Launceston, TAS
‘The Oak’, as locals call it, has character and quality eats. (Image: Ness Vanderburgh)
Read our ultimate travel guide to Launceston for more tips, guides and itineraries.
