Hobart has swiftly become a hub of culture over the past decade or so. Where once it was seen as mainland Australia’s little sibling, now it rivals the land mass with a thriving social scene with arts and culture aplenty – not to mention great music and, of course, culinary prowess. Here are the top spots to eat at when in town.
This article was originally written by Anastasia Bow-Bertrand and has since been updated.
Solo Pasta and Pizza
Restaurant, Italian, European, Street Food, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Australian, $$$
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Established in 1983, Solo Pasta and Pizza is one of the long-standing leaders in Hobart’s dining culture. Representing authentic Italian fare to the highest of standards is one of the obvious reasons this restaurant has garnered some long-term success. But it is also the sense of community and closeness with a shared love of amazing food that keeps this place so high up on the ‘best restaurants in Hobart’ list.
Bar, Australian, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Pub Grub, $$$
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It may be a casual bar-restaurant vibe, but Preachers is a Hobart institution and rightfully deserves its place on a ‘best eats’ list. Preachers is a backyard type of affair (quite literally) and does some of the most mouth-watering salads, burgers, and fries in town. Open nightly with a fun and care-free al fresco and an on-trend atmosphere, Preachers makes for a great mid-week dinner or casual dinner date spot.
Restaurant, South American, Argentina, Contemporary, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, $$$
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Set on the waterside, this South American-influenced restaurant is probably one of the most exciting leaders of the Hobart dining scene. Super stylish and oh-so-coveted, reservations here are a necessity. Always at capacity, the food is just as curated as the plates of colourful and creative Argentinian fare that work its way around the floor.
With an emphasis on locally sourced, sustainable food, this waterfront restaurant in Hobart is certainly worth a visit. It is essentially a love letter to Tasmania and hosts a breadth of Tassie wines that are hand-selected to complement the seasonally changing menu. Peacock and Jones has won a heap of awards, too, along with the locals’ affection – and it is no surprise when the food is at the standard it is at.
The mission behind Urban Greek is to provide only the best, most authentic Greek food, using only the best, most authentic ingredients available. Focusing on tradition and incorporating family recipes, which have been passed down from generation to generation, is in the blood of this business. The meticulous care and attention are evident with each bite at Hobart’s leading Greek restaurant.
Set on the stunning Hobart waterfront, this fine dining restaurant nails down elegance in an entirely unpretentious way. The artful environment is tasteful and atmospheric, allowing the fare to speak for itself. With the works of John Glover – the inspiration behind this culinary venture – decorating the walls, guests can enjoy classic dishes with elegant, creative twists along with an impressive wine menu handpicked by an in-house sommelier.
This tiny little neighbourhood restaurant is popular with locals in-the-know looking to share a relaxed and artful meal in a charming and cosy setting. The 20-seater spacef is hidden from most of the city’s footfall, tucked away on a side street in Hobart, maintaining its place in the ‘best kept secret’ category.
The Drunken Admiral is one of Hobart’s more fun and fancy free dining experiences, while remaining one of its best, too. Serving up the freshest catch in town from the solace of this little rustic seafood shack, the venue may not allude to fine dining but the food is a force to be reckoned with. Established in 1979 and an all-time family favourite, The Drunken Admiral is one of the best places to eat out at in Hobart.
Bistro, Restaurant, Australian, Beer, Wine, Fast Food
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Launched in December 2016, Dier Makr is an ambient and seductive little bistro and wine bar in Hobart. Whether it is for a mid-week dinner or the ultimate date spot, this local restaurant is the golden ticket. With the setting super simple in design, the food takes centre stage and nails each performance. The menu features locally sourced, seasonal dishes complemented by an extensive wine and creative cocktail menu.
This on-trend Hobart eatery is one of the best in the city. Its setting: cool and contemporary with exposed concrete and minimal design elements. The interior screams Scandi-style to the max, but done so effortlessly it doesn’t don a touch of ‘too cool’. With an open kitchen revealing the artistry behind a creative menu, the bar-cum-restaurant is one of the hottest topics on the Hobart dining scene right now.
