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I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Hobart is one of Australia’s most underrated food destinations. Every time I visit the Tasmanian capital, I fall more in love with its humble culinary scene, where farm-fresh produce, seasonal menus and cool-climate wines take centre stage.
On my latest trip, I decided to eat like a local and sample the dishes that keep Hobartians coming back for more. I gathered a mix of recommendations – from cheap eats and beloved bakeries to neighbourhood gems – and these are my top eight picks (in no particular order).
Pigeon Whole Bakers
Order the: Morning bun
If sourdough bakery Pigeon Whole ever closed, there would be an uproar among Hobart locals. It was the number one recommendation I received, and I happily obliged. I’ll admit, I pay Pigeon Whole a visit every time I’m in Hobart – but this time, I decided to try the fan favourite morning bun. With sweet, cinnamon-laced dough and an unexpectedly crunchy bottom, it was the perfect morning dessert.
Jackman & McRoss
Order the: Scallop and wakame pie
Scallop pies might as well be Tasmania’s unofficial national dish, and the one from Jackman & McRoss is a must-try. Packed with plump scallops in a curried wakame sauce, it was the best thing I ate on my Hobart trip.
Pitzi Pasta Bar
Order the: Gnocchetti aglio e olio with sea urchin
Hobart is full of quirky bars and romantic restaurants, and Pitzi might just be my new favourite spot, nailing both vibes. This pint-sized pasta bar serves everything al dente, with toppings and sauces changing seasonally. I tried their pillowy gnocchetti (think tiny gnocchi) tossed in a creamy aglio e olio with sea urchin, which I enjoyed at the bar while watching the chefs work their magic.
Bar Wa Izakaya
Order the: Okonomiyaki
Cabbage, eggs and flour form the base for one of my favourite quick dinners, okonomiyaki – but Bar Wa Izakaya’s version proves exactly why I’m not a chef. The thick Japanese-style savoury pancake was glazed with a perfect balance of sweet okonomiyaki barbecue sauce and Kewpie mayo, and topped with a generous amount of pickled ginger, house-smoked pork belly, spring onions and dancing bonito flakes. Locals love Bar Wa for its laid-back vibe – and it’s one of the few spots in Hobart where you can grab lunch at 3pm and be out sipping cocktails at 2am.
Van Diemens Land Creamery
Order the: Leatherwood and honey gelato
You wouldn’t expect to crave ice cream in a place as cold as Tassie, but Van Diemens’ scoops make it impossible not to. This waterfront creamery was pumping when I visited on a Friday afternoon during its two-for-one-scoop happy hour. Of course, I had to try its multi-award-winning pepperberry and leatherwood honey gelato, which disappeared way too quickly.
Sawak Café
Order the: Char kway teow
Walking into Sawak Café on a Monday night, I was strangely delighted to see a big queue of people waiting for a table. This 20-year-old Malaysian street food joint is one of Hobart’s best cheap eats, offering an extensive menu of curries, laksa, noodles and stir-fries. The choice was almost overwhelming, so good thing I had a local’s tip to try the char kway teow. I can confirm, it’s real good value for under $20.
Lēoht
Order the: Jalapeño cornbread
Pretty in pink, Lēoht is a fresh face in Hobart’s charming café scene – and judging by the full house at Sunday brunch, it’s already a local favourite. The baked goodies on the counter were super tempting, but I was in a savoury mood, so opted for the jalapeño cornbread. It came with all the hallmarks of a classic Aussie brunch – relish, sesame-coated avocado and a poached egg – but was anything but basic.
Erda
Order the: Corn fritters
Another 2024 addition to Hobart’s café scene, Erda is a minimalist café loved for its Japanese-fusion brunch. The calm, airy vibe and free Wi-Fi make it an ideal spot to get some work done – which I happily did on a cosy Monday morning. While Erda’s signature dish is the omurice, I highly recommend the crispy corn fritters – think Thai street food style, not the classic Aussie version. Next time, I want to try their iced matcha crowned with coconut pandan whipped foam.
Hobart is full of food gems, so here are a few more local favourites I didn’t get time to try:
- Ranita Ramen – a groovy, nine-seat, walk-in-only ramen bar
- Ja & John - one of Hobart’s best CBD cheap eats, famous for its pork banh mi
- Da Angelo’s – a longstanding Italian joint in Battery Point
- Six Russell Bakes + Bistro – Tasmania’s newest bakery specialising in sourdough bread and pastries
- Spice on Wheels – comforting Indian cuisine, with locations in Sandy Bay and New Town
- Preachers – a laid-back craft beer bar, open daily from 12pm to 12am