Tasmania’s dining scene is a love letter to the land and sea - wild, pure and deeply soulful. Here, Chefs work in harmony with nature, transforming pristine produce, fresh-caught seafood and foraged ingredients into plates that tell a story.
From Hobart’s edgy eateries to cosy countryside kitchens, every bite feels intimate and intentional. Cool-climate wines, artisanal cheese and vibrant farmers' markets fuel a culinary culture steeped in authenticity and heart.
Whether it’s a fireside feast or a waterfront degustation, dining in Tasmania is more than a meal - it’s an experience that connects you to the island’s raw beauty and passionate producers.
Here is a snapshot of delicious Readers’ Choice Award-winning dining destinations in Tasmania to put on your radar, as voted by you!
Winner Modern Australian – Regional
Cataract on Paterson in Launceston delivers a polished yet relaxed dining experience, where heritage charm meets contemporary style. Warm lighting, exposed brick and timber beams create an inviting atmosphere, ideal for both intimate dinners and group celebrations.
The menu celebrates local Tasmanian produce with standout dishes like char-grilled octopus with lemon and caper butter, before mains such as twice-cooked pork belly with caramelised pumpkin, smoked yoghurt, green beans, hazelnut brown butter sauce and crispy sage. A curated wine list showcasing the best of Tasmania’s vineyards, perfectly complements each plate.
Winner Seafood – Metro
Mures Upper Deck sits above Victoria Dock in Hobart’s working port, offering a polished a la carte seafood dining experience with sweeping waterside views. The striking interior features floor-to-ceiling windows, refined wood finishes and natural light streaming throughout, creating a smart yet approachable ambience, defining relaxed coastal elegance.
Signature dishes showcase the hook-to-plate philosophy with fish caught by Mures’ boats – think starters of smoky fish chowder with smoked blue eye trevalla stock, hot smoked warehou and a selection of fresh seafood. For the main, throw your net over rock lobster with confit garlic butter, served with heirloom leaf salad and lemon.
Winner Asian – Regional
Nestled on Arnold Street in seaside Penguin, Penguin House - Asian Fusion Restaurant is a stylish yet relaxed gem that brings bold, multicultural flavours to the north-west coast. Inside, glowing neon signage, trailing greenery and stacked stone planter boxes create a trendy, welcoming ambience.
Whether for lunch or dinner, this vibrant spot delivers memorable flavours in a fresh, community-focused setting; begin a memorable meal with handmade pork spring rolls and sweet chilli sauce. Don’t go past the trio of pork for the main – crispy pork belly, grilled pork sausage, basil minced pork, broccolini, nuoc nam sauce, steamed jasmine rice and chilli garnish.
Winner Café – Metro
Whisk & Co in Lenah Valley is a warmly lit, Modern Australian café perched on Augusta Road that exudes relaxed charm. Inside, rich timber accents and Parisian-style details are complemented by glowing globes overhead - creating an intimate yet friendly ambience. On sunny days you can enjoy alfresco dining on a petite terrace, often alongside well-behaved dogs.
From an all-day brunch menu, be enticed by pulled pork Benedict with poached eggs, crispy bacon and Hollandaise on a toasted bagel, or chilli scrambled eggs, chorizo, chilli, herbs and shallots on toasted sourdough. Perhaps a Cajun roast chicken sandwich hits the mark, with pickled Spanish onion, yoghurt and slaw.
Winner Modern Australian – Metro
Step through the elegant doorway of Astor Grill, nestled in Hobart CBD’s historic 1920s Art Deco Astor House on Macquarie Street, for a sophisticated dining experience. Inside, dark wood panelling, rich red walls, textured ceilings and crisp white linens combine classic glamour with warm, inviting charm.
The menu showcases seasonal Tasmanian produce in a Modern Australian style – dive right in with steak tartare, cornichons, eschalots, balsamic, fried capers, egg yolk and toasted levain – then move onto grilled wallaby fillets, berry risotto, native pepper goats’ cheese and lemon myrtle-infused yoghurt. Finish sweetly with coconut and almond crème caramel.
Winner Japanese – Regional
Mount Paul Lounge, nestled in the Freycinet Resort in Coles Bay, offers a refined yet welcoming sanctuary where the wild beauty of Tasmania sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views over Great Oyster Bay and the iconic Hazards, while earthy timber tables - crafted from ancient Huon pine and other local wood - create a warm, rustic elegance.
The culinary experience is based on a seasonal Japanese-inspired menu – expect to sample succulent lobster, oysters and abalone, alongside fresh-picked vegetables from the onsite garden. From sushi and maki to soup, there is something to tempt all palates before delving into perfectly-cooked steak, or a chirashi sashimi rice bowl.
Winner Pub Food – Regional
Cock ’n’ Bull British Pub in Launceston delivers a cosy, authentically British ambience in the heart of the city. With mock Tudor décor, patterned carpets and vintage memorabilia - including Titanic models and brass beer pumps - it feels like a little slice of the UK down under. Friendly staff greet you with old school charm, whether you’re dining upstairs by the fireplace or relaxing downstairs amid the snug wooden booths.
The menu features all the classics – expect pub favourites such as beef and Guinness pie with carrot, onion and herbs, served with chips and salad, along with braised lamb Irish stew, a crusty cob loaf and creamy mash. Seafood lovers opt for crispy skin oven-baked salmon, with chips and salad.
