One of Australia’s most talked-about chefs, Analiese Gregory, has cooked everywhere from Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris, London and Spain to prized Australian restaurants Quay and Franklin. However, it’s her home in Tasmania’s rugged Huon Valley where she’s happiest. When Gregory’s not foraging, fishing, diving and hunting, she loves exploring Tasmania’s rich food and drink scene. Here are her favourite top picks for coffee, sashimi, cocktails, market shopping and swimming in Hobart.
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Farm Gate Market
Weekend mornings are made for markets and you’ll want to start yours surrounded by Tasmania’s most beautiful produce at the Farm Gate Market. Held on a closed-off street in Hobart’s CBD every Sunday, this is Gregory’s go-to spot for stocking up on the best that Tassie has to offer: free-range meat and eggs, just-picked berries, fresh oysters, local gins, homemade bread and pasta, fresh-cut flowers and so much more. Make sure you BYO shopping bag, if not several.
Somewhere Coffee Bar
If you’re searching for the best coffee in Hobart, Gregory recommends heading straight to Somewhere Coffee Bar. This minimalistic café on Elizabeth Street, just a three-minute stroll from the Farm Gate Market, specialises in filter coffee. Passionate barista and owner Brian Lam sources beans from roasters around the world and extracts the full flavours using a meticulous drip method.
Omotenashi Hobart
Omotenashi Hobart sets the bar high, earning bragging rights from Gregory as “one of the best food-based experiences (she’s) had in Tasmania recently.” The intimate ten-seat restaurant only opens for dinner from Friday to Sunday, where guests are treated to the finest Tasmanian produce in a 15-course set menu, accompanied by tea and sake.
Analiese Gregory’s insider tip: Get ahead of the game and pre-order one of Omotenashi’s limited takeaway sashimi boxes, packed with top-notch Tasmanian seafood, condiments and warm Japanese rice. Lucky locals will receive their box in a reusable bento stack, specially wrapped in a traditional cloth furoshiki.
Lucinda Wine Bar
Lucinda, the sister establishment of Hobart's cherished restaurant Dier Makr, isn't just a place for pre-drinks – it's a dining destination in its own right. The CBD wine bar’s ever-changing selection of minimal intervention wines from around the world pairs well with the incredible, made-to-be-shared bar menu. Gregory’s go-to is a Dirty Martini alongside French-inspired snacks, like oysters mignonette, whipped anchovy and crudités.
Seven Mile Beach
One of Tasmania’s best-kept secrets is its beautiful, deserted beaches, including the cold but invigorating Seven Mile Beach. Gregory loves bringing her dog, Kina, for a leisurely afternoon stroll along the ten-kilometre stretch of white sand, capped off with a quick swim in the calm waters.
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