Our 5 favourite restaurants on in Hobart right now.
Out of ideas on where to go for a special occasion?
Hobart is filled with so many great restaurants so we thought we would share our current 5 favs…
#1 Van Bone.
With its timber-lined dining room offering breathtaking views of farmland, spectacular coastline, and Maria Island, ensures a memorable dining experience. Owner and chef Timothy Hardy enhances this setting with a dégustation menu that showcases locally grown and produced ingredients, many cooked with fire. The skilful and delicious dishes include lobster with deer tongue lettuce, grilled blacklip abalone on saltbush skewers, cucumbers with mountain pepper, and oysters with smoked mackerel hot sauce. The all-Tasmanian wine list, warm-hearted service by Hardy’s partner Laura Stucken, and the restaurant’s proximity—just a 50-minute drive from Hobart—solidify Van Bone’s status as a must-visit destination.
#2 The Source
Perched atop the Mona site on Main Road in Berriedale, The Source restaurant offers high-quality Tasmanian seasonal cuisine with sweeping views and lush, moss-and-herb tables. Named after John Olsen’s artwork, which is prominently displayed on the restaurant ceiling upon entry, The Source is known for its artistic ambiance. The daring menu features local produce and an extensive wine list guided by expert sommeliers. Enjoy dishes like Pacific oysters with anchovy mayo, abalone with mushrooms and master stock, and pork belly with almond-raisin mole. Finish with a decadent chocolate mousse, passionfruit, and pepper berry dessert. The restaurant complements the innovative and eclectic experience of visiting the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).
#3 Pancho Villa
Pancho Villa in North Hobart exudes a festive vibe of Mexican cuisine and culture, perfect for gatherings over jugs of Tequila, and plates of tacos and enchiladas. The restaurant’s character shines through with intricately designed light fittings and church-like windows made of bright stained glass. It’s a popular choice for functions, offering a courtyard that can be hired for private celebrations.
In the main dining area, you’ll find plush booths beneath ceramic skulls, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. The menu offers a delightful selection including white corn tacos, ceviche, seared scallops, sesame chicken, chili wallaby, chorizo potatoes, honey-roasted pumpkin, and fancy coleslaw.
The tacos are a standout, generously filled with smoked pork cheek and spicy apple and cabbage, or gently seared tofu with black olive salsa. These delicious parcels are perfectly complemented by refreshing sips of cocktails and the cheeky banter of the attentive waitstaff. Pancho Villa provides a lively and memorable dining experience in North Hobart.
#4 Da Angelo Ristorante
For an authentic southern-Italian dining experience, visit Da Angelo Ristorante. Established in 1994, this beloved eatery has been serving fine Italian cuisine for over 15 years. Located in Battery Point, just a short walk from Salamanca Place and the CBD, Da Angelo Ristorante prides itself on using the freshest locally sourced Tasmanian ingredients. Their chefs make fresh pasta daily, creating delicious dishes that transport you straight to Italy. Angelo and Marco warmly invite you to enjoy their menu, featuring traditional southern Italian specialties, including pizza and pasta. Complete your meal with a shot of grappa, and savour a taste of Italy.
#5 Bar Wa Izakaya
Bar Wa Izakaya brings the lively, den-like atmosphere of Tokyo’s izakaya’s to life with its more-is-more approach: sake bottles hang from the ceiling with fairy lights, and colourful neon lights illuminate an impressive collection of Japanese whisky and sake. The share-friendly menu features Tasmanian ingredients in izakaya classics like house-made pork gyoza and silky agedashi tofu. For dessert, enjoy the sweet and salty miso ice-cream with salted caramel sauce and yuzu biscuit crumbs. During the day, fragrant ramen bowls, and specials topped with braised Wagyu beef or karaage chicken, are a must-try. The 22-page drink list covers sake, highballs, umeshu, Japanese whisky, cold Japanese beers, and Japanese-style cocktails, with the Spicy Yuzu Margarita being a crowd favourite. Perfect for arriving hungry or with a group, Bar Wa Izakaya offers an authentic taste of Japan in the heart of Mid-Town Hobart.
