Dining Delights: The Best Restaurants in Launceston

Launceston has been named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and deservedly so. While it’s no secret that Tasmania is a state of good food and great wine, Launnie has solidified its position as a destination worth visiting for a good time on the foodie front.  

From charming eateries to upscale dining establishments, this picturesque city offers a diverse array of gastronomic delights. Whether you’re seeking farm-to-table freshness, international flavours, or innovative fusion cuisine, our curated list of the best restaurants in Launceston has something for every palate.

Havilah 

At Havilah, Launceston’s sultry little wine bar and kitchen, the ethos is simple: drink well, eat beautifully, and celebrate local. It’s the kind of place that hums with quiet confidence — pared back, unpretentious, and effortlessly excellent. Sip your way through winemaker Ricky Evans’ Two Tonne Tasmania while grazing on wild meats, pickled things, and cheeses that sing of place. Seasonality is the watchword.

With its moody lighting, vinyl soundtrack and slow pleasures, this is cool-climate wine country done exquisitely right.

178 Charles Street, Launceston 

Tres.

Tres. in Launceston serves up a fiery fusion of Latin passion and Tasmanian freshness in an intimate, buzzing setting. From punchy prawn tostadas to slow-cooked pork belly drenched in chimichurri, each dish is a celebration of bold flavours and local produce. The “Feed Me” tasting journey is an unmissable dive into culinary adventure, perfectly paired with hand-crafted cocktails and a curated wine list.

Tres. is where heart meets heat, and every meal feels like a fiesta.

shop 2/126 Charles Street, Launceston 

Timbre Kitchen

Just 15 minutes from Launceston, Timbre Kitchen offers a beautifully unpretentious dining experience where hyper-local produce, creative flair, and an ever-changing menu come together. Set amongst the vines, this is where Tasmania’s land and sea shine — backyard-grown veg, bold cuts of meat, and wild-caught fish, all plated with imagination. One day it’s smoky hanger steak; the next, silverbeet terrine with blue-eye trevalla.

Book in for a leisurely lunch, opt for the banquet, and let the thoughtfully curated wine list surprise you.

Velo Wines, 755 West Tamar Highway, Legana 

Me Wah

Me Wah is a Launceston dining icon, where refined Cantonese techniques meet Tasmania’s finest ingredients. Under the helm of chef Gordan Tso, the menu is a celebration of elegance and flavour — think steamed prawn and pink ling dumplings with wild mushrooms and truffle, or sautéed crayfish tangled in handmade egg noodles with ginger and garlic. Their $160 signature menu is pure indulgence, with Peking duck, wagyu with black truffle, and more.

39-41 Invermay Road, Launceston 

Diverge at Hotel Verge 

Get set to unwind at Diverge, the beautiful onsite restaurant at Hotel Verge in Launceston. This contemporary dining space champions local Tasmanian produce with a seasonal menu that’s simple, honest, and seriously delicious — the best of Tassie on a plate. Whether you’re settling in for brunch or dinner, expect comforting dishes paired with an impressive lineup of local wines and craft beers. Cosy and refined, it’s the perfect spot to dine—especially if you’re checking in for the night.

Sitchu Tip: You can’t beat a classic— and their soft-centered chocolate pudding is a fast ticket to dessert nirvana! 

50 Tamar Street, Launceston

Pachinko

This intimate 20-seater izakaya-style diner is back — and it’s better than ever. Head to Pachinko for a Friday or Saturday lunch and dive into a bowl of tonkotsu ramen, layered with rich, silky broth, char siu pork, and a jammy soft-boiled egg.

By night, the space hums with low lighting, killer cocktails and a curated sake list. The share-style menu moves between crisp tiger prawn milk buns, market-fresh sashimi, grilled salmon chazuke with genmaicha tea, and seasonal mushrooms with silken tofu and sake. A moody, stylish spot with serious flavour and rhythm.

23 Quadrant Mall, Launceston

DongSheng

DongSheng is where high-end Chinese dining gets a sultry, modern twist in South Launceston. Take a seat for the likes of lacquered duck with glossy skin, scallop dumplings that glisten like jewels, and lobster XO kissed with fire. The space hums with quiet confidence—neon signage, moody lighting, and lush greenery set the scene for flavour-packed indulgence. Feast on weekend Yum Cha or surrender to a decadent banquet; DongSheng delivers bold, refined dishes that feel equal parts tradition and artful rebellion.

123 Lawrence Vale Road, South Launceston

Grain of the Silos

Grain of the Silos is a true celebration of Tasmania’s rich bounty, championing hyper-local produce with elegance and flair. From Cape Grim beef to Bruny Island cheese, the menu tells a story of the island, one delicious dish at a time. Begin with oysters and pepperberry mignonette or abalone fritters, then move to handmade pasta, grilled lamb rump with green olive tapenade, or the catch of the day. With vegan and set menu options, it’s refined, regional dining at its finest.

89 Lindsay Street, Invermay

Felix Espresso & Wine

A refined yet playful addition to Launceston’s dining scene, this Italian-inspired cafe, wine bar and restaurant is the latest offering from the team behind Tinka Coffee Brewers — and it’s already turning heads. Mornings bring flaky Portuguese tarts, paninis and perfectly poured coffee, while evenings are reserved for handmade pasta, seasonal small plates and exceptional wines. Elegant yet inviting, Felix is your new go-to for everything from leisurely brunches to late-night vino-fuelled conversations.

4/112 Cimitiere Street, Launceston 

Monsoon

Bringing the vibrant flavours of Thailand to Tasmania, Monsoon is Launceston’s go-to for flavour-packed fusion tapas in a warm, laidback setting. Run by passionate local foodies, the menu champions the island’s best produce, dishing up everything from roasted duck pancakes and crispy pork belly to zingy Pad Thai and rich seafood curries. With plenty of vegan-friendly options, it’s perfect for a quick, tasty lunch or a leisurely dinner after a day of exploring. Casual, charming and full of soul — Monsoon hits all the right notes.

178 Charles Street, Launceston

Black Cow Bistro

Black Cow Bistro is a temple to Tasmanian beef, where prime cuts meet impeccable technique. Housed in a beautifully restored former butcher’s shop, this classy yet cosy steakhouse also celebrates the region’s vibrant vegetable offerings and an expertly curated wine list featuring elegant local drops alongside bold reds. While the perfectly cooked steaks steal the show, the seafood dishes are equally captivating.

70 George Street, Launceston 

Stelo at Pierre’s 

Stelo at Pierre’s is a moody, sophisticated restaurant that masterfully showcases Tasmania’s finest local produce through an Italian lens. Highlights include handmade pasta, pillowy gnocchi, creamy burrata, rustic sourdough focaccia, and a decadent tiramisu, with thoughtful options for dairy- and gluten-free diners.

The venue features two elegant dining rooms, a stylish bar, and an intimate private dining space, each crafted to evoke a warm, inviting atmosphere. What’s not to love?

88 George Street, Launceston

Boatyard Launceston

For all-day dining with stunning Tamar River views, Boatyard is a must-visit restaurant in Launceston. Set beside one of Australia’s oldest slip yards, its balcony is perfect for golden-hour sunsets. This charming waterfront spot serves humble, delicious fare — from morning coffee and laid-back lunches to their ever-popular Fish and Chip Wednesdays. Don’t miss the freshly shucked Tassie oysters from the Oyster Bar, small plates like beef croquettes and chargrilled octopus, or hearty mains such as scotch fillet and market-fresh fish.

13 Park Street, Launceston

Stillwater 

Housed in a beautifully restored 1830s flour mill on the banks of the Kanamaluka/Tamar River, Stillwater is Launceston’s culinary crown jewel. This iconic restaurant channels luxe rustic charm with sweeping river views and a refined yet warm atmosphere. The ever-evolving menu champions Tasmania’s finest seasonal produce — from Cape Grim beef to succulent oysters — crafted with creative flair and precision.

Paired with an expertly curated wine list spotlighting local vineyards, Stillwater delivers an unforgettable dining experience that effortlessly marries sophistication with heartfelt hospitality, making it a must-visit for discerning palates.

2 Bridge Road, Launceston 

Mudbar

A mainstay of Launceston’s dining scene, Mudbar delivers bold Asian-fusion flavours paired with world-class wines in a sleek riverside setting. Sip your way through one of Tasmania’s most extensive collections of local Pinot Noir or unwind with a top-shelf cocktail as you take in the water views.

The menu is a celebration of paddock-to-plate produce — much of it sourced from Mudbar’s own farm — alongside standout offerings from local growers. Highlights include fresh oysters, zesty ceviche, tempura soft shell crab, and soy-roasted duck. And if you’re craving something heartier, their expertly dry-aged steaks are hard to beat.

28 Seaport Boulevard, Launceston 

Rupert & Hound 

Rupert & Hound pays homage to the humble fish and chip shop that once occupied its riverfront site, reimagining the classic seaside experience with a refined, produce-driven twist. Showcasing the best of Tasmania’s waters and paddocks, the menu heroes sustainably sourced local fare—think pan-seared Tasmanian scallops and perfectly cooked Atlantic salmon. With its sun-drenched position overlooking the North Esk River, it’s the ideal spot to while away the afternoon over a crisp craft beer or a well-mixed cocktail.

30 Seaport Boulevard, Launceston 

Josef Chromy Wines 

South of Launceston lies the award-winning Josef Chromy Winery, widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest. Its acclaimed on-site restaurant is equally celebrated, offering a two- or three-course lunch showcasing the region’s best seasonal produce. Afterward, enjoy a wine tasting at the cellar door, set amidst century-old landscaped gardens.

370 Relbia Road, Relbia   

Did you love our roundup of the best restaurants in Launceston? We’ve got more where that came from! Check out Launceston’s best markets. Or, if you’re heading south, check out Hobart’s best restaurants.