EAT & DRINK

The truism “If it ain’t broke it, don’t fix it” holds special significance to a stalwart dish as Hobart’s Aløft Restaurant celebrates 10 years in 2025.

A pedigreed chef, a passionate local service team, and 200 guests: it’s a recipe for a night of exceptional dining replicated in hundreds of restaurants around Tasmania every night of the week. But one uncommon factor sets this dinner apart from the rest.

Sixty kilometres northeast of his tiny island home, the opportunity to make some of the southern hemisphere’s most delicious spirits on a tinier island still was an opportunity too good to pass up for this Tasmanian repatriate.

When Christian Ryan left Hobart to pursue a cooking career, his hometown had little to show for itself on the national culinary map. By the time he returned, Tassie’s capital was more than ready for the immersive dining experience that Christian had dreamt of bringing to its waterfront. 

In a matchmaking story for the ages, one of Tasmania’s most beloved independent breweries has taken on the lease at Australia’s oldest pub (or so it says).

Two days in Launceston are all it takes to see why Tasmania’s northern hub is a worthy recipient of UNESCO’s City of Gastronomy recognition.

A North Hobart specialty coffee venue is laying out the welcome mat to people and pooches alike, and making a real difference in the lives of Tasmanians to boot. 

Sandwiched between rolling green paddocks 20 minutes south of Hobart, Hopfields Brewery is bringing fresh vibes and very good brews to Margate. 

Now in its 11th year, the Great Eastern Wine Week has become just as much a part of Tasmania’s iconic east coast as its white sandy beaches, scenic walks, and friendly locals who make your stay that little bit more memorable.

On the hunt for a way to honour the father figure in your life this Father’s Day? Look no further than Tasmania’s local makers and retailers.

Here’s the rundown of the city’s best breweries and taprooms to visit on a beer-drinking walkabout in Hobart. 

On North Hobart’s industrial strip, The Tasmanian Inn offers up classic pub fare and an atmosphere to match.

Wine and books? Arcade games and cocktails? Coffee and homewares? Take a little from Column A and a little from Column B at these multi-use venues around Hobart. From storied establishments to newer hotspots, these hybrid havens are catnip for productive people.

Whether you’re a G&T tragic or a slave to a gin martini, these Tassie gin distilleries will keep your bar cart well and truly stocked. 

The text messages start to flood in around April each year, and gain momentum in the lead-up to June Australian mainlander mates all asking different versions of the same question: ‘How do I Dark Mofo’? Taswegians have become accustomed to fielding and responding to the ever expanding list of queries from our big island neighbours, so - in the name of efficiency- we’ve collated all of the top-ranking FAQs into one handy list.

For nigh on two weeks every June, an extraordinary line-up of unconventional art installations, exclusive musical acts, fabulous food and a glut of fire pits lures Tasmanians and visitors alike out of their winter hibernation and into Hobart’s most mysterious spaces. It’s Dark MOFO season, baby.

Not to be outdone by its over-the-bridge counterpart, Hobart’s Eastern Shore is becoming quite the foodie destination. When it comes to an AM caffeine hit, east-siders have plenty of options, with new specialty coffee spots popping up all over. From Rosny to Seven Mile Beach, here are the best places to grab a cup of the good stuff on the east side of the Derwent. 

The best cellar doors on Lutruwita/Tasmania’s beautiful east coast combine world-class wine with (arguably) even better views. Tour historic properties, sip award-winning drops, and pat vineyard dogs as you make your way up the Tasman Highway from Little Swanport to Apslawn on this iconically scenic wine route.

Whether you’re a sugar fiend or a lover of loaves, you’ll find your people down in Lutruwita/Tasmania. With too many bakeries to list, we’ve attempted to round up the best baked goods in the state - from cult-fave pastries in Hobart’s CBD to experimental doughnuts in a small northern midlands town.

With early 1800s beginnings as an enclave for both working-class dock workers and merchant sailors, the remarkably well-preserved Battery Point is now a Hobart must-visit. From caffeine lovers’ havens and bakeries, to all-day brunch and gourmet toasties, you’ll start your day off right in the capital city’s most historic suburb.

If you’re looking to shop local, head out to a Tassie market this weekend. From farmers’ markets stocked with the best produce to village fairs filled with handmade and vintage wares, you’re guaranteed to find a treasure or two at our top picks.

Tasmania produces some of the best wine in the world, with its silky Pinot Noir, crisp Riesling, and vibrant sparkling. If you’re after a spot to enjoy a glass (or - let’s be real - a bottle), pull up a stool at one of southern and northern Tassie’s best wine bars.

When it comes to a weekend away, the Huon Valley is ripe for the picking. With picturesque rolling peaks, the meandering Huon River, sprawling orchards, award-winning wineries and restaurants all a handy 30 minute drive south from Hobart, it’s a great spot for families, couples and mates alike.

Want to make a cheese board that’s almost too impressive to eat? Stock it up with the island state’s finest.

A recent addition to UNESCO’s international list of Cities of Gastronomy, it’s no wonder that Launceston’s food and drink scene just keeps growing. Here’s four new additions to Tasmania’s northern capital, as at early 2025.

While there’s plenty to keep you busy in the city proper, Launceston also provides an excellent home base from which to explore other nearby - and road trip-worthy - north Tasmanian regions.

An almost 200-year-old former boot repair shop might seem an unlikely candidate for a contemporary European bistro in the heart of Hobart, but its recent makeover and Italian chef have catalysed a transformation into Euro-inspired Hampden Bar & Bistro.

From cafés to wineries and some local institutions, here’s our list of the best family-friendly places to eat out in greater Hobart.

The path to a career in fine food and wine had an unlikely starting point for the Restaurant Manager at two of Hobart’s most celebrated restaurants.