Dining Delights: The Best Restaurants in Launceston

Launceston has officially earned its title as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, cementing its reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting food destinations. Set in northern Tasmania, this historic city punches well above its weight when it comes to dining, championing local produce, cool-climate wines and chefs deeply connected to the land. From relaxed neighbourhood favourites to refined dining rooms pushing boundaries, Launceston’s restaurant scene is rich, varied and worth travelling for.

Whether you’re chasing farm-to-table menus, contemporary Australian cooking or globally inspired flavours, this guide rounds up the best restaurants in Launceston right now.

Havilah 

At Havilah, Launceston’s sultry wine bar and kitchen, the brief is clear: drink well, eat beautifully, celebrate local. The room hums with quiet confidence, pared back, unpretentious and assured. Wines lean cool-climate and thoughtful, including Ricky Evans’ Two Tonne Tasmania, while the menu moves with the seasons through wild meats, pickles and cheeses that speak of place. Add moody lighting and a vinyl soundtrack, and this is Tasmanian hospitality done exquisitely right.

178 Charles Street, Launceston 

Tres.

Tres. brings heat and heart to Launceston’s dining scene, blending Latin fire with Tasmania’s pristine produce in a compact, high-energy room. Expect punchy prawn tostadas, slow-cooked pork belly slicked with chimichurri, and plates designed to be shared with intent. The Feed Me menu is the way in, unfolding as a confident, flavour-forward journey, best matched with hand-crafted cocktails and a smart wine list. A Sitchu Awards winner for Best New Restaurant and Best Date Spot, it deserves every accolade.

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 institution, pairing refined Cantonese technique with Tasmania’s exceptional produce. Under chef Gordon Tso, the menu moves through elegant dishes such as steamed prawn and pink ling dumplings with wild mushrooms and truffle, and sautéed crayfish folded through handmade egg noodles with ginger and garlic. The $160 signature menu features Peking duck, wagyu with black truffle, and a carefully paced progression of dishes overall.

39-41 Invermay Road, Launceston 

Diverge at Hotel Verge 

Set within Hotel Verge, Diverge is a contemporary Launceston restaurant grounded in local Tasmanian produce and seasonal cooking. The menu keeps things thoughtful and approachable, spanning relaxed brunches through to dinner, with comforting plates matched to a strong selection of local wines and craft beers. Warm, considered and polished, it’s an easy choice whether you’re staying the night or simply dropping in for a dinner date.

Sitchu Tip: Don’t skip the soft-centred chocolate pudding.

50 Tamar Street, Launceston

Pachinko

This intimate 20-seat izakaya has returned with renewed focus and finesse. Lunch on Fridays and Saturdays centres on deeply comforting tonkotsu ramen, built with silky broth, char siu pork and a soft-set egg. After dark, low lighting and a sharp drinks list set the tone, while the menu leans into prawn milk buns, pristine sashimi, salmon chazuke with genmaicha, and seasonal mushrooms with silken tofu and sake.

23 Quadrant Mall, Launceston

DongSheng

DongSheng brings a contemporary edge to Chinese dining in South Launceston, pairing modern interiors with a menu built for sharing. Expect handmade dumplings, Yum Cha favourites and bold, well-balanced dishes designed to suit both long lunches and lively dinners. A polished bar offering cocktails, wine and beer completes the experience, making it a go-to for stylish group dining with plenty of energy.

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 great 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 as one of the city’s best Thai restaurants.

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 expertly 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. Afterwards, 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.

Writer

Kelsey Harrington

18 December 2025

Kelsey Harrington is a Melbourne-based writer with a sharp eye for the city's ever-evolving food, wine, arts, and culture scene. Her journey into the creative industry took the scenic route—what started as a passion for capturing Melbourne’s energy through a camera lens led her to Sitchu, where she worked her way up to Melbourne Editor. With over four years in the industry, she’s all about uncovering the best places to eat, drink, and explore. Off the clock? You’ll find her diving into a platter of fresh oysters and crudo, gallery-hopping, or sipping an extra dirty martini while plotting her next adventure.