Top places to eat and drink in Launceston
In Launceston, local produce, world-class wines and waterfront restaurants await.
By Amy Fraser
Following in the footsteps of its big brother Hobart, the city of Launceston is bursting with exquisite restaurants, quaint cafés and boutique bars serving Tasmania’s finest delicacies. Soak up the city's thriving foodie scene with top picks to suit your occasion.
For an energising brekkie
Amelia Espresso, Launceston, Tasmania © Chris Crerar
Foamy flat whites and chocolate-dusted cappuccinos await. Start your day at Amelia Espresso – known for the best brew in town – or pop by Bread & Butter for speciality coffee and freshly baked pastries and bread.
After coffee, cosy up under a heater and blanket at the charming Café Mondello and fill up on scrumptious plates made with local ingredients.
Be sure to try: Bread & Butter’s beautifully buttery pastries.
For an upscale atmosphere
Stillwater, Launceston, Tasmania © C&B Creative/Stillwater
Launceston is no stranger to fine dining. For a picturesque lunch overlooking the lake, dine at Josef Chromy’s winery and vineyard. Also in the Tamar Valley region is Stillwater; swanky fare is dished up alongside an impressive collection of Tassie wines.
For a focus on seasonal and locally sourced produce, taste the freshest seafood at Rupert & Hound, perched on the banks of the Seaport waterfront.
Be sure to try: a pre-lunch wine tasting by the fire at Josef Chromy’s elegant estate.
For a budget-friendly affair
Alongside Launceston’s stylish bistros, you’ll find plentiful cheap eats. Go quintessential Australian with a big ‘schnitty’ (schnitzel) at the Schnitty Bar, or grab a juicy Americana burger at the Burger Junky.
For vegetarians, VegOut Café is your one-stop shop for a homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Be sure to try: Burger Junky’s honey bourbon chicken burger.
For the best tipple in town
Moore’s Hill Estate, Launceston, Tasmania © Moore’s Hill Estate
Whether you’re partial to wine or beer, Launceston has you covered. Start your journey on an ale trail to local favourites Saint John Craft Beer Bar and Tandy’s Alehouse.
Next, find out why Tamar Valley wine is labelled some of the world’s best at Swinging Gate, Goaty Hill Winery and the solar-powered Moore’s Hill Estate. Further north lies the Pipers Brooke wine region; you won't go wrong with tastings at Sinapius and Delamere.
Be sure to try: the seven-year-old Sparkling Blanc de Noir at Moore Hill Estate.
For a market stall meal
Harvest Launceston Farmers' Market, Launceston, Tasmania © Rob Burnett
One of the best places to have a taste of Launceston is at a local market. At the Harvest Launceston Community Farmers’ Market you’ll find an abundance of freshly farmed goods and no-fuss food stalls, while the family-friendly World Street Eats market serves up diverse culinary delights that will certainly please your taste buds.
Be sure to try: the “hot ‘n’ greeky” lamb in a steamed bao bun from One on the Slide. Find them at the Harvest Market.
For exotic flavours
Launceston has you covered with a variety of exotic flavours. Take the temperature up a notch at Prickly Cactus or enjoy the tantalising taste of Dynasty’s Chinese fusion menu. Just a five-minute walk away you’ll find the Japanese Kosaten, where your sushi order arrives at your table on a bullet train.
Be sure to try: Prickly Cactus’ margarita fishbowl to share.
