Launceston, on Tasmania’s north-east coast, mixes city and country charms with heritage streetscapes, a slice of urban wilderness and all the ingredients for a gourmet experience.
The Apple Isle’s second largest city is one of only two in Australia to be named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy – the other is Greater Bendigo – and its Saturday farmers’ market is one of the best in the world.
It is not surprising Launceston is right up there as far as AGFG Readers’ Choice Award-winners sit; here are five venues you don’t want to miss out on next time you are in Tassie:
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Regional:
Cataract on Paterson brings a unique and modern dining experience to Launceston’s city fringe. This restaurant oozes sophistication via a blend of classic interiors with a modern twist, making it an ideal place to unwind on a Friday night. The menu focuses on fresh Tasmanian produce, featuring high-quality grass-fed beef from Great Southern Pinnacle and a seafood tasting plate, containing locally caught fresh Tasmanian oysters and scallops.
Once you go stone grill, it is hard to go back! Think steak such as peppered eye fillet, served with creamy potato mash, char-grilled broccolini and truffle jus, or devour slow-braised pork ribs, house slaw and seasoned chips.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Seafood:
Soak up waterfront views and sea breezes at Rupert & Hound on Seaport Boulevard in Launceston. This seafood restaurant is committed to delivering simple, honest food created using the freshest, most sustainable produce with an emphasis on minimal waste and maximum flavour, from stunning surrounds where marina views blend seamlessly with creative cocktails and cuisine.
Pan-seared Bass Strait scallops, cauliflower puree, prosciutto crumb and hazelnut burnt butter provide the ultimate starter, then cast your net over mains such as Goan-style seafood curry, aromatic basmati rice, bean shoots, coriander, toasted almonds and chilli.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Coffee:
Hip and happening foodies head to Blue Café Inc on Invermay Road in Launceston. Located in the middle of Inveresk Railyards and housed in a former power station, this café attracts not only local Mums, prams and pensioners but also students and sports-minded diners, ready for a coffee and bite to eat after hitting the nearby running track.
Early risers pair a coffee of choice with plates like slow-cooked lamb, ham, Swiss cheese, pickled cucumber and mustard, or join the lunch crowd for fire-seared salmon, mash, asparagus and burnt lemon Hollandaise.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – American:
Find next-level burgers and comfort food drawing inspiration from Canadian roots at Burger Junkie on John Street in Launceston. This laid-back fast food joint oozes rustic charm with wood and exposed brick interiors, along with a statement graffiti-style wall mural; settle into a Chesterfield leather booth to peruse a menu sure to excite all burgerholics, while sipping an ice-cold brew.
Start with finger-lickin’ good buffalo and blue cheese chicken wings, then wrap your hands around a BJ Mega Mac – double beef, double cheese, shredded lettuce, onion, pickles and Mac sauce.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Cafe:
Nourish your body with plant-rich, flavourful and wholesome food at Earthy Eats on Kingsway in Launceston. This café, grocer and caterer brings a taste of Tasmania to the heart of the CBD, from rustic surrounds of recycled timber, stone floors, vibrant art and potted greenery; to create a chilled-out vibe, ideal for lingering over a coffee.
From an all-day, seasonal menu, choose plates like a potato rosti bowl with red pepper pesto, wilted greens, house sauerkraut, super seeds and poached eggs, or miso-glazed paleo mushrooms with housemade hemp seed bread, earthy hummus, local leaves and hazelnut dukkah.
