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.

Me Wah

Me Wah is an iconic dining institution in Launceston, renowned for its masterful fusion of traditional Cantonese techniques and Tasmania’s finest produce. Helmed by head chef Gordan Tso, the restaurant offers a carefully curated à la carte menu, with standout dishes like steamed prawn and pink ling dumplings with wild mushrooms, truffle and seasoned soya, and a gorgeous sautéed crayfish served up with handmade egg noodles and  ginger and garlic.

Their signature menu, priced at $160 per head, is an absolute masterpiece. Picture indulgent selections like Peking duck, sautéed Tasmanian crayfish, and wagyu beef with black truffle.

With a focus on sharing plates and impeccable service, Me Wah promises a world-class dining experience, perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying refined Chinese cuisine right here in Launceston. 

39-41 Invermay Road, Launceston 

Diverge at Hotel Verge 

Get set to unwind at Hotel Verge's beautiful onsite eatery, Diverge. This contemporary restaurant in Launceston does a brilliant job of highlighting local produce within a simple, honest and delicious menu. The best of Tassie on a plate, essentially. 

Combine their cosy and comforting seasonal dishes with an array of local beer and wine options, and you've got yourself the perfect brunch or dinner out (or in, if you're also checking in). 

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 better than ever! Head to Pachinko for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays, and you'll be treated to some of the most delicious ramen this side of Tokyo. The tonkatsu ramen with char siu and a soft boiled egg is straight up comfort in a bowl. 

Otherwise, dinner looks like this. Snack, small, and medium-sized share plates, designed with a cute date night or cool post-work catch-up in mind. Think market fish sashimi that truly never misses in both flavour and freshness; seasonal mushrooms with silken tofu, soy sauce and sake; tiger prawn milk buns; and grilled salmon chazuke rice with genmaicha tea. 

A moodily lit atmosphere, great cocktails and sake, and cool tunes round out the experience. 

23 Quadrant Mall, Launceston

Grain of the Silos

Grain of the Silos is a standout on Launceston's restaurant scene, celebrating Tasmania's finest local produce by infusing seasonality and locality into every bite. With a motto of "from our island's harvest, straight to your table," it showcases everything from Cape Grim beef to Bruny Island cheese. The menu, providing breakfast through dinner, includes set and vegan options, catering to all.

Start with oysters and pepperberry mignonette, or try abalone fritters with caper aioli. For mains, opt for housemade pasta, the fish of the day, or the grilled lamb rump with green olive tapenade. Grain of the Silos delivers authentic Tasmanian flavours in one of the city’s most beautiful spots.

89 Lindsay Street, Invermay

Felix Espresso & Wine

Felix, Launceston's new café, restaurant, and wine bar, welcomes you both day and night - he's basically you're new best friend. Born from the creators of Tinka Coffee Brewers, this Italian-inspired neighbourhood gem enriches Launceston's growing collection of inviting wine bars.

Embodying a charming blend of playfulness and sophistication, it's the perfect choice for your next outing. Whether you’re in the mood for morning espresso or a glass of wine, Felix offers the perfect setting for catching up with friends and family.

By day, delight in array of breakfast options, from paninis to Portuguese tarts, and expertly brewed coffee. By night, Felix transforms, serving fresh pasta, small plates, exceptional wines, cocktails, and an atmosphere ripe for sharing tall tales and crafting sweet memories. 

4/112 Cimitiere Street, Launceston 

Monsoon

Bringing a taste of Thailand to Tassie, Monsoon is the place to go for flavour-packed fusion tapas. Run by local foodies who use the best produce from the state, sample roasted duck pancakes, crispy pork belly, Pad Thai and seafood curries.

Fuss-free food in a charming, laidback venue, we love Monsoon for a quick bite at lunch or a leisurely dining experience after a day of exploring the best of Launceston.

178 Charles Street, Launceston

Black Cow Bistro

In the heart of Launceston CBD, Black Cow Bistro specialises in Tasmanian Beef, alongside 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 recommended.

70 George Street, Launceston 

Stelo at Pierre's 

Stelo at Pierre's is a moody restaurant that prides itself on showcasing locally sourced Tasmanian produce through an Italian lens. Signature dishes include handmade pasta, gnocchi, burrata, sourdough focaccia, and tiramisu, and the menu caters to dairy and gluten-free diners. 

The restaurant has two luxe dining rooms, a bar, and a private dining space, each designed to create a warm and intimate atmosphere. 

88 George Street, Launceston

Boatyard Launceston

For all-day dining along the scenic Tamar River, you can't go past Boatyard. Overlooking one of the oldest slip yards in Australia, the best time to visit is on a golden-hued evening, to enjoy a sunset up on the balcony.

In a cute little corner along the waterfront, Boatyard is bringing a slice of casual dining to Launceston. From your morning coffee to laidback lunches and fish and chip Wednesdays, everything served is humble...and delicious.

Try the freshly shucked Tassie oysters from the on-site Oyster Bar, and for dinner, share a round of small plates like beef croquettes and chargrilled local octopus, before diving into heartier fare such as scotch fillet and market fish of the day.

13 Park Street, Launceston

Stillwater 

Housed in a historic flour mill on the banks of the Kanamaluka/Tamar River, Stillwater is an awarded local institution focusing heavily on local produce.

With conversations flowing between the Stillwater team and local producers, you can expect the very best seasonal produce here wrapped up in a highly creative menu that caters for all, with vegetarian/vegan and kids menus available too.

2 Bridge Road, Launceston 

Havilah 

Food designed for sharing and a wine list designed to discover new favourites from near and far—including its Two Tonne Tasmania and Havilah wines—Havilah is a compact and stylish wine bar.

Havilah’s wine list encourages Tasmanian grower-producer wines, accompanying them with an enticing grazing menu driven by local and seasonal produce, free-range and wild meats, and local cheeses. 

178 Charles Street, Launceston 

Mudbar

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

Settle in for 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. 

Food-wise, indulge in the best of paddock-to-plate produce from their Mudbar Farm, paired with delights from local growers; the oysters, ceviche, tempura soft shell crab and soy roasted duck are a must, and you can't go wrong with a dry-aged steak here either. 

28 Seaport Boulevard, Launceston 

Rupert & Hound 

Paying homage to the fish and chip shop that once stood where Rupert & Hound does today, this restaurant and bar offers a renowned seafood experience.

Guided by sustainable local harvests from the sea and surrounding paddocks, their passion for produce and sustainability has them plating up pan-seared Tasmanian scallops and Atlantic salmon.

Overlooking the North Esk River, this spot is primed for soaking up that warm afternoon sun with a cocktail or craft beer.  

30 Seaport Boulevard, Launceston 

Josef Chromy Wines 

South of Launceston sits the award-winning Josef Chromy Winery, often touted as one of Australia’s best – along with their equally well-awarded on-site restaurant.

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 for a sense and a taste of the spectrum of wines on offer in the state, from the well-seasoned winemakers to newcomers.

The intimate and unpretentious venue also offers a solid offering of sourdough pizzas for dinner, accompanied by a cheese platter and oysters.  

47A Brisbane Street, Launceston 

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.