Planning a few days in Hobart?

Lucky you! Here is our guide to making the most of your trip.

Plan ahead …

If you (like us) plan your entire holiday around meals, it is definitely worth booking ahead if you can.

Renowned restaurants like Fico, Aloft, Templo, and Peppina are often booked out weeks in advance, although you might get lucky by putting your name down on their online waitlists.

or, just rock up like a local.

For those (also like us) who tend to leave things to the last minute, a lot of our favourite places can cater for walk-ins or late bookings.

In the CBD, La Sardina Loca is a locals’ favourite for its excellent spritzers, fun wine list and stupendous share plates. The outdoor courtyard (with heaters) is reserved for walk-ins.

Fico’s sister-venue Pitzi welcomes walk-ins all night, but your best best is to arrive close to opening time at 5pm. On Fridays, they’re open from midday and do free aperitivo snacks with drinks from 3pm to 6pm.

In Salamanca Square, head to Suzie Luck’s for Asian-inspired share food. Arrive right on 5pm for a spot at one of the front share tables, or come later for a spot at the bar for dumplings and a perfectly curated list of cocktails, wine and beer.

Another great walk-in option is The Still LARK Whisky Bar on Argyle St for perfect martinis, oysters and snacks. Their happy hour from 4-6pm has to be one of the best in Australia, offering half-price martinis (made with Tassie gin) and half-price oysters. Note: The Still has been renamed GOTHAM for winter 2026.

We’re often asked for seafood recommendations and our top pick is always Blue Eye on Castray Esplanade. It’s best to book ahead if you can, but these guys also happily welcome last minute phone and in-person bookings. You may have to sit outside until an inside table becomes available, but with table heaters and a fabulous wine list, it’s not a problem.

old school in a good way

The Astor Grill in the CBD has been quietly doing its thing for decades and still delivers big-time. No share plates or hipster drinks - just delectable classic dishes, an impressive wine list and exceptional service.

Me Wah in Sandy Bay is old-school Chinese in the best way, with a trad Aussie Chinese à la carte menu juxtaposed with fresh, modern tasting-menu options. Factor in that you’ll need about 30 minutes to peruse the weighty wine menu, say yes to a glass of French champagne on arrival and say yes again to the post-dinner spirits trolley.

BYO-friendly Hometown Secret is another CBD gem serving classic dim sum and Malaysian specialties.

Hit the road

A short road trip for lunch is a great option if you have a half-day to spare.

Head up the east coast and set aside your whole afternoon for a long lunch at Oirthir at Marion Bay, 45 minutes from Hobart, by Scottish-born chefs Bob Piechniczek and Jillian McInnes (bookings essential).

Alternatively, head west to New Norfolk for a similarly transformative long lunch experience at The Agrarian Kitchen (if you’re only passing through you can also opt for a tasty morsel from the outside kiosk).

Another lesser-known New Norfolk gem is The Bush Inn, serving perfect counter meals alongside an excellent selection of wines. If the weather’s fine, sit outside and soak up the River Derwent views.

If heading south, we recommend the very excellent bistro, Peppermint Bay at Woodbridge. This is also the perfect pit stop on the way to or from a day trip to Bruny Island as it’s just a short distance from the ferry terminal at Kettering.

The coastal road from Woodbridge to Cygnet is one of the prettiest in Australia and allows you to make your trip a loop, returning via the Huon Valley. Be sure to stop by Willie Smith’s on the way home for a glass of wine and one of their famous slices of apple pie.

FRESH TASSIE SEAFOOD

We already mentioned Blue Eye on Castray Esplanade under our ‘Rock up like a local’ section. It really is the best place in Hobart for fresh seafood, with chef Joff Jennings creating new blackboard specials every day based on what’s just been caught.

You also can’t go wrong with the fish of the day at waterfront restaurants The Drunken Admiral (trust us, you shouldn’t be put off by the kitsch interior) and Mures Upper Deck.

It’s not a seafood restaurant as such, but Urban Greek does (arguably) the best chargrilled octopus in Tassie - freshly caught from Pirates Bay.