After a day touring with Explore Tasmania Tours what better way to finish with a sample of some of the amazing culinary treats that Hobart has to offer.
Hobart’s dining scene is one of Australia’s most distinctive, shaped by fresh local produce, award‑winning chefs and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. For visitors exploring Tasmania’s capital, these five restaurants consistently deliver memorable, reliable and highly praised dining experiences.
We always get asked for recommendations – here are our top 5 picks. We would recommend booking in advance.
1. Aloft
Waterfront fine dining
Aloft sits on the Brooke Street Pier and offers one of Hobart’s best combinations of location, atmosphere and culinary skill. Its modern Australian menu draws heavily on Tasmanian produce and Asian influences, resulting in dishes that are both polished and approachable. The ever‑changing seasonal menu means each visit feels fresh, while the open, timber‑lined dining room overlooking the Derwent creates a calm, stylish setting ideal for an evening out.
Visitors frequently praise Aloft’s balance of sophistication and warmth. The tasting menus are structured but not rigid, and there is strong attention to detail in service. It’s a favourite for people seeking a special occasion dinner with reliably high‑quality food.
2. Peppina
Italian dining in Salamanca Place
Peppina, located inside The Tasman hotel, is one of Hobart’s most acclaimed restaurants and a recent Restaurant of the Year (Hospitality Tasmania Awards). The menu blends classic Italian sensibilities with Tasmanian ingredients—hand‑rolled pasta, exceptional seafood dishes and generous shared plates anchored in local produce.
The interior is warm, bustling and stylish without being formal. Diners often comment on the consistency of service and the depth of flavour in dishes such as slow‑cooked meats and seasonal pasta. Its location makes it particularly convenient for visitors staying near the waterfront or exploring Salamanca Market.
3. Dier Makr
The atmosphere is intimate and minimal, allowing the food and wine program to take centre stage. Dier Makr also maintains an excellent reputation for its wine pairings, including minimal‑intervention options that complement the menu’s experimental nature.
Innovative modern Australian tasting menu
Dier Makr offers one of Hobart’s most creative culinary experiences. Known for its adventurous, seasonal tasting menus and a strong focus on local ingredients, the restaurant appeals to travellers looking for something distinctive and thoughtfully curated. Each course is designed with precision, often incorporating fermentation, house‑made elements and unique flavour pairings.
4. Ogee
Contemporary bistro in North Hobart
Visitors enjoy Ogee for its friendly service, excellent wine list and understated style. It’s an especially good choice for travellers looking to explore the lively North Hobart dining precinct beyond the central waterfront.
Ogee is a neighbourhood restaurant that has quickly earned a strong reputation for refined yet relaxed dining. The menu changes regularly, guided by Tasmanian produce and European influences, particularly French and Italian. Plates are small enough to encourage sharing, and the kitchen emphasises balance, clean flavours and seasonal ingredients.
5. Fico
Italian‑European bistro with an award‑winning wine list
Fico blends European technique with Tasmanian produce to deliver some of Hobart’s most respected contemporary dining. Run by a talented chef‑sommelier team, Fico is known for inventive dishes—from handmade pasta to precisely prepared seafood—and one of the strongest wine programs in the state. The restaurant has won multiple awards for its wine list, reflecting years of thoughtful curation.
The atmosphere is elegant but not formal, making it ideal for a relaxed yet high‑quality evening. For many visitors, Fico stands out as the perfect bridge between fine dining and approachable, heartfelt cooking.