Planning a few days in Hobart?

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

Plan ahead …

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

Renowned restaurants like Fico, Aloft, and Templo usually require a booking, although you can get lucky by putting your name down on their 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.

Fabulous new CBD eatery Atlas & Vine also has dedicated space for walk-ins.

Fico’s younger, more casual sister-venue Pitzi is around the corner in cute Victoria St and welcomes walk-ins all night, although they do love it if you book ahead. 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 seat at the bar for dumplings and a perfectly curated list of cocktails, wine and beer.

Another great last-minute option is GOTHAM at The Still (next to our favourite bakery, Pigeon Whole on Argyle St), which serves the most delicious and perfectly-sized burgers in Hobart. Their happy hour from 4-6pm has to be one of the best in Australia, offering half-price Tassie gin martinis and oysters.

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. 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.

Lunch

For lunch, we suggest heading to Salamanca for the aforementioned Suzie Luck’s or to Blue Eye for fresh seafood. The Whaler serves excellent pub fare, or you can head to The Den for a glass of wine, snacks and people watching.

Nearby Wursthaus Kitchen is also a good option for lunch on the go (grab some supplies and head to nearby Princes Park for a picnic).

South Hobart’s gothically picturesque Cascade Brewery has a fabulous garden and cafe/bar and is the perfect option if you fancy a walk/cycle along the Hobart Rivulet track.