Boasting an eclectic dining scene, superb local produce and a new generation of world-class chefs, Tasmania is gourmet Australia’s rising star. While a sophisticated dining culture from across the Bass Strait has revolutionized Tassie’s eating culture, local high-quality produce is what makes the island a foodie’s paradise. From fresh seafood to cool-climate wines and mouthwatering berries, Tasmania is blessed with first-class ingredients.
Tasmania’s foodie scene is centered on Hobart and Launceston, where most people pay homage to superstar chefs. However, if you head to the rural regions, you’ll find some tucked-away treasures offering succulent traditional British cuisine - just call before and follow the sign outside: ‘If you don’t book, we don’t cook’. From world-class Atlantic salmon to rock oysters, prime cheeses, premium beef, cool-climate wines and glorious whiskey, the taste of Tasmania won’t disappoint. If you want to spice things up, exotic cuisines in the island range from Indian to Thai, Chinese and Mexican.All seafood is excellent in Tasmania, namely the island’s supreme smoked salmon. A true culinary experience comes with the Tasmanian Scallops Pie, spiced local scallops cooked with a creamy sauce and topped with puff pastry.
Hobart
As a rising foodie capital of Australia, Hobart has an increasingly sophisticated dining scene and the largest selection of restaurants in Tasmania. Whether you’d rather dine on gourmet fare in North Hobart or tuck into fish and chips at the docks, seafood in Hobart shouldn’t be missed. The best area to enjoy the local specialties of scallops, lobster and salmon is at Victoria Dock, home to Mures - a Hobart institution. Although the greatest diversity of restaurants is found on Elizabeth Street, there’re also good choices at Salamanca Place and Battery Point, such as Da Angelo Ristorante, famous for their gourmet pizzas.
• Mures, Victoria Dock. Launceston
Tasmania’s second-largest city, Launceston has a thriving restaurant scene and is home to many of the finest eateries in the state. If you’re on a budget, head to the Old Launceston Seaport, or dine in a pub. Otherwise, some good restaurants can be found in the groovy and bohemian Charles Street. For a fancy dinner, head to Luck’s, a restaurant where unfussy modern European recipes meet the best of local ingredients. The younger crowd, however, will opt for funky and arty Blue Cafe & Bar, one of the hippest places in town. Pop in for a prosciutto, herb croquettes and tapas.
• Luck’s, 70 George Street. Bruny Island
In the southeast area of the state lies Bruny Island, an Eden of powder beaches, dolerite cliffs, and isolated bushwalks. Despite being popular with tourists, your eating options here are seriously limited and largely restricted to the Adventure Bay area. Both locals and tourists flock to Hotel Bruny Bistro to indulge themselves in some exquisite dinner while enjoying the amazing views of a wild sea and coastline. Famous for their chicken parma, Hotel Bruny Bistro also offers a selection of fresh oysters and vegetarian dishes. Perhaps the most popular spot in Bruny, Hothouse Cafe serves delicious gourmet burgers and salmon wraps.
• Hotel Bruny Bistro, 3959 Main Road. Swansea
Sitting on the western sheltered shores of beautiful Great Oyster Bay is the holiday town of Swansea. Stop at Kate’s Berry Farm for some berry-food afternoon tea, hearty savory pot pie, superb cakes and fruit tarts, then buy some homemade jam, wines and sauces to take with you. For fresh, locally-farmed and delicious oysters, head to Banc, which offers gourmet dishes with a Mediterranean or Asian spin and lots of good local seafood from one of Tasmania’s most respectable chefs, John Bailey. Don’t miss out on the heavenly starter of mussels and the side of smoked salmon.
• Kate’s Berry Farm, 12 Addison St, off Tasman Hwy.
