13 Of The Best Restaurants In Launceston, Tasmania

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.

Stillwater Launceston — 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.

pork-trout-tartare-and-cod-roe at Stillwater, restaurants Launceston. — 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.

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.

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.

Looking out over Josef Chromy Wines Vineyard. — 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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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.

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.

Crowd at Saint John Craft Beer Bar. — 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

Looking into Saint John Craft Beer Bar in Launceston. — 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 sign — 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

Wine rack at Bar Two — 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 Royal Oak in Launceston. — ‘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.

Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With ALL Accor as your home away from home, fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

Where to stay

Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart . Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique to your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles . Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

A stylish, Tasmanian-inspired bedroom at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, your perfect base for relaxing after the best day trips from Hobart. — Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

1. Bruny Island

Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

Catch a rare glimpse of the white furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked . Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. — Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Image: Elise Weaver)

2. Mount Wellington

At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the City's beloved mountain, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington — Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Image: Paul Flemming)

2. Port Arthur

Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most important heritage sites and tourist destinations. Located on the scenic Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula in the south east of Tasmania, it offers a unique and essential experience for all visitors to the area. — Wander convict-built grounds and gardens. (Image: Dearna Bond)

3. Launceston

You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo , for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Image: Nick H Visuals)

4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary . This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. — Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol , said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart. — Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)

Plan your trip to Hobart and beyond with ALL Accor at All.com .

The 12 best bars and restaurants in Launceston