Eating out is one of my greatest pleasures. The appeal of enjoying a delicious meal, prepared with skill, that I don’t have to clean up after is hard to resist. At home, I have my favourites that I frequent regularly but when travelling choosing a restaurant is a whole different ball game. Navigating the plethora of choices is a minefield and I’ve spent countess hours over the years deliberating where my next meal will be. If you are wondering where to eat in Hobart, read on for all the details …
Where To Eat In Hobart
I’ve been to Tasmania once before, but I didn’t make it as far south as Hobart that visit. I was sure to rectify that this trip and the capital was the very first stop on our Tasmanian road trip. At the time of booking, Jetstar was offering free return trips on select routes so we opted to fly Jetstar domestic into Launceston rather than direct into Hobart. The insanely cheap price of $55pp return made up for any inconvenience. We wasted no time picking up our bargain hire car booked through Airport Rentals ($200 for 6 days!) and driving the 2½ hours straight through the heart of Tasmania to arrive in Hobart around midday. Hobart is a foodie town and the Harbour precinct where we stayed offered almost endless choices. We only had two days in town which would afford us the opportunity to sample three restaurants; two dinners and a lunch. Sometimes there are just enough meals in the day (or room in my stomach!) to sample everything. In this part of the world, the focus is heavily on showcasing local produce and Tasmania has some of the best. Be sure to choose somewhere that supports local when considering where to eat in Hobart. Menu’s are innovative and elevate even a simple burger to the next level. The local chef’s are adventurous with food pairings so go ahead and try something that takes you out of your comfort zone.
Fish Frenzy
Shortly after checking into The Grand Chancellor Hobart at midday our thoughts turned to food. We were directly across from Hobart Harbour and the water drew us over. Being so close to the water almost dictates that you must eat seafood. My dilemma is that this is one of the few things I don’t eat. The Hubs loves it but more often than not bows to my tastes when we dine together. Have I mentioned how much I love this man? After looking at many menus as we wandered we decided to bypass the food trucks (well boats actually but lets not quibble) in favour of somewhere licensed with seating. Fish Frenzy fit the bill and honestly by this point my stomach was demanding that I put something, anything, in it.
I ordered the one thing on the menu that I would eat … the calamari. The Hubs ordered a fish wrap that came with chips which we elected to share. I can’t say that the food was brilliant. It was deep-fried seafood and pricy. The quality compared to takeaway and I wish I had just stuck to the chips which were good. I did like the presentation though. Our food came wrapped in brown paper cones which reminded me of days gone by. At least we had beer and wine to wash it down with and the location on Elizabeth Pier was unbeatable.
Cargo Bar
For dinner on night one we decided we walk a little further a field and found ourselves in the heart of Salamanca Place, a bustling area with no shortage of eateries. We carefully perused all the roadside menus before deciding on Cargo Bar. Our hesitation meant that we missed the last outdoor table and had to eat inside which was disappointing on such a mild summer night.
There are three levels of pizza to choose from; classic, gourmet and deluxe which all come in two sizes and there are even two dessert pizzas if you are so inclined. We finally settled on a large Tandoori Chicken pizza to share ($27) after our server shut down our attempt to order half and half which was shame because there was at least five others on the menu that we would have liked to try. It was so good that even when we were full to the brim and couldn’t finish the last two pieces we still manged to pick off the toppings. Does anyone else do that or is it just me? I washed it down with two sensational lychee martinis and The Hubs settled on Asahi from the reasonably sized beer menu.
Jack Greene
After our full day out at Port Arthur Historic Site where we only had a sausage roll to share for lunch we were ready for an early dinner and something substantial on our last night in town. When deciding where to eat in Hobart Salamanca Place is a no-brainer and we made a bee line back to Jack Greene after seeing the menu the night before. Being a little earlier than the previous night, we snagged the very last spot on the communal alfresco tables out the front. We were right at the end and climbing in an out was a little challenging but it was worth it. I loved the quirky table numbers which were beer bottles filled with sand.
Step inside and a dark, brooding space awaits. After my eyes adjusted, I took in all the elements of industrial inspired decor which would be superbly welcoming on a cool winter night. We started a tab at the bar and I ordered a local Sauv Blanc to go with The Hubs’ pale ale from the extensive craft beer menu while we studied our choices. The specialty of the house is burgers but this is not your run-of-the-mill takeaway. The choice is extensive and even vego’s are looked after. Wallaby burger anyone? For those that simply can’t settle on just one, Jack Greene offer the most popular burgers from the menu in miniature.
The Hubs had the Greek lamb burger. The meat was moist and perfectly cooked so the brioche bun held together well even with the eggplant aioli. Eggplant was not something he would normally seek up but the flavour really complimented the lamb. I had the cheeseburger and because I can never be satisfied to order straight off the menu I added haloumi cheese, red capsicum and spanish opinion from the extensive range of extras for a small extra charge. The bread to filling ratio was spot on and the bun didn’t disintegrate which can often be the case. The chips were sensational; thick cut and super crunchy on the outside with a soft fluffy centre, exactly the way I like them. Jack Greene is the perfect example of simple food done exceptionally well.
As The Hubs made his way through the beer menu (taster sizes are available), I moved onto the cocktails. I loved the Lychee Cosmopolitan so much I didn’t even glance back at the menu thereafter. If I could only drink one cocktail for the rest of my life and forgo all others, this would be it. The service at Jack Greene was impeccable. The staff were super friendly and they even charged my phone behind the bar for me when it went dead. If I lived in Hobart this would be my local.
Do you have any recommendations for where to eat in Hobart? I would love to hear about it in the comments below.
Until Next Time …
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. We paid for all our meals in full and as always, all opinions are my own.
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Agness of eTramping says
This is one hell of an informative post, Allison. You do some seriously good job here. 🙂
Allison Smith says
Thanks Agness!
Vicky and Buddy says
Picking a place to eat when on vacation can definitely be a headache. It looks like you found some good places though. That pizza at Cargo Bar looks good. Too bad they didn’t let you do half and half though!
Natalie says
Such deliciousness for sightseeing! We love to try the local fare when we travel. We haven’t had a chance to visit Hobart, but it is on the list!
Matt - Travel Tales Blog says
That’s a great round up of places to eat in Hobart and perfect timing as we’re currently planning a Tassie roadtrip and Hobart is on the itinerary. I really like the sound of Jack Greene!
Holly says
First off great pics! I am glad I ate already or I would be hungry looking at all the food.
Jen Joslin says
I can’t wait to visit Tasmania, and now we’ll know where to eat in Hobart 🙂 Jack Greene sounds awesome! I love a good burger, and their options sound very gourmet and interesting. That lychee cosmo looks delicious!
Janine Good says
That Jack Greene restaurant sounds really cool! I love finding unique restaurants while travelling and I love the bottles full of sand to denote table numbers. Plus those burgers looked so good. I have yet to get to Tassie, but hubby knows it is on the list 🙂 Thanks for coming to Fly Away Friday hun! I am hosting this week so hope to see you there 🙂 xo
Allison Smith says
You have to tick it off next time you are down under! Don’t miss Freycinet while you are there.
Kana says
Omg all the fooooood! Looks SO delicious! So glad you made it to the link-up! I was like, hey I know her from Instagram 🙂 Thanks for sharing and joining Fly Away Friday, hope to see you again this week! xo
Ami says
This looks like a foodies’ paradise. For people like me, I like the ambiance and the sights that I can see from your pictures. Especially the pier and the sea. Will have to look up Hobart for more/
Alex says
I bet the fish was gooood, and that calamari looked amazing, I like how they presented it, in the cone. This looks like an area with a good buzz! #farawayflies
Indrani says
This sure looks useful for foodies like me. I would love that Greek Lamb burger.
Great varieties on platter there!
Julie says
Those food selections look amazing! Most sensational of the bunch might be those chips from Jack Greene’s which I pretty much want to eat through my computer screen. And the lychee martini looks to die for. I didn’t realize that Hobart was such a food-centric city but I should have known better. Can’t wait to make my way down to sample the lot!
Janey Mae says
I need to stop reading delicious food blog posts like this when i’m hungry! Hobart reminds me of being a kid in the UK and getting chips in the newspaper. SO CUTE!
Allison Smith says
I know what you mean! I was craving as I wrote this lol. I loved the packing at Fish Frenzy!
Kate says
Wallaby burgers!!! Well, that is different. Everything looks so good. I could use that cosmo too 🙂
Kate says
Well, I’m hungry now! The seafood must have been so fresh. The lychee cosmo looks bomb too.
James Smith says
All I know about Tasmania is that it’s an island off the south of Australia they sometimes mentioned in Neighbours!. I’ve never tried a Lychee martini but I’m guessing they are good as you got a second glass. As for the cheeseburger I would have ordered the same one as you as I’m not into lamb burgers. Those chips do look delicious and the way you described them is even more so.
Allison Smith says
Tasmania is a world into its own and don’t believe all the stories Aussie tell you. I think it’s hilarious you watch neighbours lol. Is that even still on?
Carola says
Thanks for this useful list! I’ll be sure to use as a reference when I get to that neck of the woods.
Happy continued travels (& eating ;-))!
Carola
Allison Smith says
Happy travels to you to Carola ?
Kate says
I had never even heard of Hobart before this post! Looks like they do English style chips right. I hate when they won’t let you do half and half pizza. For that high a price you’d think they’d accomodate!
Gina says
I’m literally drooling. There’s nothing like a good hamburger but the fact that it was lamb and topped with some eggplant makes it sound like a culinary achievement. The pizza didn’t look to appetizing to me, but I would definitely eat the fish and chips and calamari.
Adrenaline Romance says
Darn, looking at all those photos of food is making my mouth water. Hehehehe! Hobart is totally fabulous. We wouldn’t mind strolling down the alleys or having a latte in Cargo Bar or Jack Greene.
you.theworld.wandering says
I’ve never been to Tassir but it’s totally on my list!! I love eating from restaurants that support locally grounded and sourced produce and I imagine Tassie would have some amazing produce to offer. The sound of the Calamari at Fish Frenzy sounds delicious. Cargo Bat looks like a great place to enjoy a cocktail with friends!
Kristie – you.theworld.wandering
Riely says
Seems like their are loads of restaurants to try in Hobart. Glad you made it this time on your trip back to Tasmania. Jack Greene looks like the perfect local spot especially for nice spring/summer days out on the patio. Pass me your martini! I always try to choose local spots when I eat out. You get a little more variety from the menu most of the time and it’s great to support them.
Allison Smith says
The cocktail was sensational. I just need to track down the recipe now ?
Nicole Anderson says
Tasmania is rightfully known for its fabulous food produce and even its wines. Hobart is a lovely city that still has a country feel to it and the people were so lovely and friendly. I liked reading about your dining choices and the photos also took a great story. As you said, basic food but done extremely well.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
We had some great meals in both Hobart and Launceston (coming soon to the blog). I always try to support local when I travel ?
Sandy N Vyjay says
Exploring food goes hand in hand with travel. The food looks spectacular and the ambience of the eating joints is really cool. Of course, my choices would be limited given my vegetarian preferences. The pictures are lovely. The one at the top is so surreal.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Lots of options for vegetarians in Hobart Sandy so you would be well looked after when in town ?
Ada says
aww I always wanted to go to Tasmania ! If I ever make it to Harbour Salamanca Place this post will be very helpful ! The food looks delicious but it seems expensive ! I love your adds to cheeseburger 🙂 I am a big fan of hallumi cheese 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Haloumi is the best isn’t it Ada? I hope you make it to Tasmania soon ?
Lindsay says
I love traveling to new places and exploring all the food they have to offer! Jack Greene’s looks right up my alley! I love a good burger and they really seem to go outside of the box and have some really unique pairings – look freggin delicious too! I’ve pinned this for safe keeping 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I hope you get to try out a Jack Greene burger soon Lindsay ?
Gracie Gill says
I’ve never thought of going to Tasmania until I read this post. I looked at the Google map and found out that this place is beautiful. Now adding it to my bucketlist. And I’m saving this one for references! Thanks!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Tassie is a truly magical part of the world. Hope you love it Gracie ?
Judy says
What a blast from the past! I visited Hobart some time ago and I loved the food there. Fish Frenzy I especially remember! Very delicious seafood and loved the setting by the water.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
So glad you enjoyed Fish Frenzy Judy and I could take you down memory lane ? Hobart has some fabulous eateries. I just wish we could have tried more!
Suma - Tales of travelling sisters says
Just reading about all the yummy food you guys had at Hobart is making me hungry hahah! Being a foodie myself, Hobart i think is definitely my kind of town. The burger looks heavenly ? Thanks for sharing all these delights.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I love how the focus was on supporting local. We tried to do our bit when we were in town ?
Alice Chen says
The only kind of seafood I eat is fresh seafood! The calamari looks delicious – too bad it wasn’t that good. Everything in the area looks a bit expensive – but the hamburger makes my mouth water!!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Australia is expensive in general. Prices here are typical of what you will find across the country. I love my country but this is why I head to SE Asia so often ?
Raghav - TickerEatsTheWorld says
YAY! A foodie post. Greek Lamb Burger and Wallaby Burger sound delicious. I have had Kangaroo and Gator burgers in UK but yeah would be interesting to try a wallaby burger too. Have always drooled over Australian cuisine – not only because of Masterchef – but the options of so many different kids of meat that cannot be found elsewhere in the world. All the spots look amazing and perfect for a wonderful afternoon out. Thanks
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I occasionally watch Masterchef but I am addicted to My Kitchen Rules. Just need someone to go on it with me lol
Katie Featherstone says
Hobart sounds like a delicious place to explore!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Hobart surprised me. I liked it much more than I expected to!
Abhinav Singh says
I can’t have Wallaby burgers because I am a vegetarian but some of the other dishes in the blog look good. Australia is a dream destination for me. I learnt a new side of Australia after reading your blog.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I hope you make it down under soon Abhinav and never fear vegetarians have lots of choice ?
Stephanie says
That looks amazing!!!!!! It all looks delicious