Sitting on the River Derwent, Hobart boasts old sandstone warehouses, narrow lanes, colonial-era cottages and an enviable dining scene.
Founded in 1804 as a British penal colony, Hobart is Australia’s second oldest capital city after Sydney and is framed by the rugged figure of Mount Wellington and the flow of the river.
Beyond the mountain and river, it is a thriving cultural and dining experience from the underground Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) to the Salamanca Market; the food scene is dynamic with cafes, restaurants and bars transforming Tasmanian fresh produce into refined culinary expressions.
Continuing on our delicious drive around Australia of 2023 Readers’ Choice award-winning restaurants, here are six locations that will satisfy any hunger growl:
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Modern Australian:
Watch the sun set over the canal and soak up water views at Driftwood Restaurant on North Terrace in Lauderdale. This elegant restaurant is all about sleek lines and a trendy vibe - think wood floors and ceilings matched with grey furniture and dark walls to create a relaxing ambience - whether stopping by for weekend brunch, or evening dining with someone special.
An ever-evolving menu that changes almost as often as Tasmania’s weather, features fresh local and seasonal produce as seen in dishes like pan-fried salmon fillet, roast Jerusalem artichokes, baby carrots and saltbush pesto.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Greek:
Expect ‘many little dishes’ to graze on when dining at Mezethes Greek Taverna on Salamanca Place in Hobart. Nestled in an historic bluestone building in Salamanca Arts Precinct, this aptly named restaurant oozes a vibrant and friendly ambience for all occasions; whether chilling in the alfresco garden for a long lunch or dinner indoors where whitewashed walls are adorned with images of Greece.
Start with freshly grilled local octopus, barbequed over hot coals, or zucchini fritters and tzatziki, following on with mains like a Tasmanian lamb rack, filled with couscous, pine nuts, olives, onion, kefalograviera, capsicum, sultanas, parsley and spinach.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Indian:
Indulge in the spice of life at Mother India Restaurant on Elizabeth Street in the heart of Hobart. Specialising in the legendary and mouth-watering cuisine of North India, this restaurant presents an elegant vibe with red-clothed tables set with white napery and traditional artwork adorning the walls, while soft downlights add a cosy glow.
Embark on a flavoursome culinary adventure with crispy fried fish Amritsari or deep-fried chicken pakora, before classic curries such as chicken korma with saffron, almond, gravy, cream and sides of steamed rice and garlic naan.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Seafood:
Those looking for the ultimate seafood experience in Hobart head to Mures Upper Deck on Victoria Dock. Take in breathtaking waterfront views through floor-to-ceiling glass, allowing diners to watch the sky turn pink as they relax with a chilled wine and ponder a fishing line-to-plate menu showcasing local catches at their best.
This family-owned business has a passion for the sea, from deckhands to the Executive Chef, plating up starters like Tassie scallops, smashed broad beans, XO sauce and bacon scallop cream and mains of King Island eye fillet and rock lobster.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Chinese:
Bellerive foodies seeking Oriental fare with flair head along Cambridge Road to find September Chinese Restaurant. This family-friendly Hobart dining destination projects a stylish ambience of a carved wooden archway, softly glowing yellow pendent globes, dark wooden table settings and white chairs, to set the scene for memorable meals with friends.
Kickstart your culinary adventure with sesame prawn toast or satay chicken skewers, before black bean beef and sides of steamed rice and stir-fried mixed vegetables in oyster sauce.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Spanish:
Hobart tapas lovers head to The Black Footed Pig Tapas Bar & Kitchen on Hunter Street to see and be seen. Relocating to the MACq 01 waterfront hotel - part of the former bustling wharf market precinct and later giant shipping shed - Black Pig creates a fun and funky vibe to mingle with friends over a drink of choice.
An ever-evolving menu using fresh local and ethically sourced produce, plates up mouth-watering morsels of bluefin tuna tartare and pork belly with parsnip, sage, Amontillado and quince.
