The Best Restaurants in Launceston for an Unforgettable Dining Experience

Launceston was recently 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 firmed up its position as a destination well worth visiting for a seriously good time on the foodie front.  

From charming bistros 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.

Black Cow Bistro

Located in the heart of Launceston CBD, Black Cow Bistro specialises in Tasmanian Beef, alongside a wide number of vegetable dishes and a carefully curated wine list full of lovely local drops and a few bold reds.

It's a classy, cosy steakhouse in what was once a former butcher. While premium cuts and perfectly cooked steaks are what they are known for, their seafood dishes are also considerably impressive. 

Reservations strongly recommended.

70 George Street, Launceston 

Stelo at Pierre's 

Another of the best restaurants in Launceston is just a few doors up from Black Cow Bistro - and it's perfect for your next romantic date night dinner or special occasion meal. 

Stelo at Pierre's is a mood, a restaurant that prides itself on showcasing local produce through an Italian lens. Ingredients are sourced from local growers and signature dishes include handmade pasta, gnocchi, burrata, sourdough focaccia, and tiramisu. All dishes are prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail.

The restaurant itself is on the grander side, with two luxe dining rooms, a bar, and a private dining space, each designed to create a warm and intimate atmosphere. 

Sitchu Tip: We love their weekly four-course tasting menu, paired with premium Tasmanian and international wines from an extensive wine list. 

88 George Street, Launceston

Boatyard Launceston

For brunch, lunch and dinner along the scenic Tamar River, you really can't go past the new Launceston restaurant, Boatyard. It overlooks one of the oldest slip yards in Australia, and the best time to visit is on a golden-hued evening, so as to enjoy a sunset up on the balcony, perfectly framed between Cataract Gorge and flowing river. 

​Nestled in a cute little corner along the waterfront, Boatyard is bringing a slice of excellent casual dining to Launceston. From your morning coffee alongside a snazzy take on the omelette, to laidback lunches and fish and chip Wednesday's, everything served up is humble but elevated...and delicious to boot.

Get around the freshly shucked Tassie oysters being served out of the on-site Oyster Bar, and for dinner, share a round of small plates like potato croquettes, sashimi and slow-cooked local octopus, before diving into heartier fare such as pork belly and market fish of the day.

Perfect for friendly catch-ups, date nights and weekend family brunches and lunches, Boatyard really is one of the best new spots for 2023. 

13 Park Street, Launceston

Stillwater 

Housed in a historic flour mill on the banks of kanamaluka/Tamar River, Stillwater is a highly regarded and awarded local institution that focuses heavily on local produce. With conversations flowing between the Stillwater team and local producers, you can expect the very best of local seasonal produce here wrapped up in a highly creative menu that caters for all, with vegetarian/vegan and kids menus available too. Once tummies are filled, you can roll yourself upstairs to their deluxe accommodation at Stillwater Seven. 

2 Bridge Road, Launceston 

Havilah 

Food designed for sharing and a wine list designed to discover new favourites from near and far — including its own Two Tonne Tasmania and Havilah wines — Havilah is a compact and stylish wine bar that settled into Launceston’s food and wine scene in 2020. Havilah’s wine list is encouraging of Tasmanian grower-producer wines and accompanies them with an enticing grazing menu that is driven by local and seasonal produce from local growers, free-range and wild meats, and local cheeses. Stop by for some Tasmanian scallops with nduja and coriander with your vino or stay longer for the full ‘Let us Feed You’ option.  

178 Charles Street, Launceston 

Mudbar

A stalwart on the Launceston restaurant scene, Mudbar offers dining with an Asian fusion twist with world-class wines.

Settle in for their showcase of Tassie vinos with one of the largest offerings of the state’s famous local Pinot Noir, or kick back overlooking the river with one of their many fabulous cocktails. Cucumber Cloud anyone?

Food wise, a dinner doesn't get much better than at Mudbar, and the menu has a way of appealing to all. It's lead the way in Tasmanian dining for over a decade, so you can expect nothing short of magic when it comes to choosing off the menu. Indulge in the best of paddock to plate produce from their very own Mudbar Farm, paired with delights from local growers; their sashimi, soft shell crab bao buns, soft lamb dumplings with Thai galangal, and miso chicken tortellini are a must, and you can't go wrong with a good steak here either. 

The folk at Mudbar are also pros at showcasing one of the true pearls of Tasmania — the oysters — whether you prefer them natural, with a nahm jim vinaigrette, tempura battered with ginger and lime or in a wasabi shooter. Bottoms up!

28 Seaport Boulevard, Launceston 

Rupert & Hound 

Paying homage to the old fish and chip shop that once stood where Rupert & Hound does today, this restaurant and bar offers a seafood experience worth heading in for. Guided by sustainable local harvests from the sea and the paddocks surrounding the restaurant, their passion for produce and sustainability has them plating up goodness like pan-seared Tasmanian scallops on celeriac puree with lemon and chorizo crumb. Overlooking the North Esk River this spot is primed for soaking up that warm afternoon sun, and we reckon you’d be doing the right thing to pair that sunshine with a cocktail from their inspired list.  

30 Seaport Boulevard, Launceston 

Josef Chromy Wines 

Just south of Launceston, nestled into stunning surrounds, sits the award-winning Josef Chromy Winery, often touted as one of Australia’s best – along with their equally well-awarded on-site restaurant, open for lunch every day. Book yourself a spot for their two or three-course lunch of the region’s best produce, followed by a wine tasting in the cellar door, surrounded by century-old landscaped gardens.  

370 Relbia Road, Relbia   

Bar Two 

What this cosy hole-in-the-wall bar lacks in size it makes up for with plentiful Tasmanian wines, whiskies and gin. Bar Two (which stands for Tasmanian wines only) is where you go to get a sense, and a taste, of the spectrum of wines on offer in the state, from both the well-seasoned winemakers to newcomers. But though it’s a bar first, the intimate and unpretentious venue also offers up a very solid offering of sourdough pizzas for dinner, accompanied if you choose, by a cheese platter and oysters.  

47A Brisbane Street, Launceston 

Looking for more things to do during your stay after a visit to one of the best restaurants in Launceston? Check out our pick of Launnie's best markets. Or if you're heading south from Launceston, why not give some of Hobart’s best restaurants a try.