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In my final ode to Hobart, I want to talk about its gastronomy. For a small city, there are a lot of fantastic options for breakfast, lunch and dinner (and snacks). In the two days my friend and I were visiting we ate our way around Hobart: from the city’s oldest hotels, to Salamanca and Battery Point. I also heard North Hobart is another great restaurant district, which I will just have to confirm on my next trip south! So where are the best places to eat and drink in Hobart? Well, let me share my favourite places.
Brunswick Hotel
We headed to the Brunswick Hotel on our first night as it was a less than 10 minute walk from our accommodation. The pub is the second oldest in Australia and was built by convicts in 1827. The interior with its fireplace is perfectly cosy on a winter’s night. The hotel also has its original brick work and sandstone walls. We happened to visit on a Tuesday, which is all-you-can-eat-chicken-wings Tuesday at the Brunswick. My friend decided to give it a go but couldn’t even finish the first sticky, delicious plate of about 20 BBQ wings. Later on we saw a guy getting his photo taken with a sign — 110 chicken wings. He had smashed the previous record, which was 89. The Brunswick Hotel has a menu of chicken parmies with interesting toppings too.
Like this? Check out My Favourite Things to do in Hobart
Jackman & McRoss Bakery
This bakery in Battery Point is a must when in Hobart. As you walk in the door you are greeted with this sight…
It just gets better too. I ordered a pastry filled with chorizo, cheese and onion, with a green salad and homemade relish on the side. Hobart loves relish we learned. The meal was the perfect size for lunch, as I got the chance to then enjoy one of the delicious desserts on display. I went with the macadamia and caramel tart and it was exquisite. The bakery has huge windows in the dining area and there are photos on the walls from the its early beginnings. The bakery’s prices are very reasonable too so make sure you visit during your trip to Hobart.
Grape Bar
We visited Grape for a before-dinner drink. It is known for its huge selection of wines, many of which are displayed/cellared on the bar’s walls. I am that girl who can only drink moscato, so that was my poison of choice. My companions however decided to try the mulled wine, which was a winter special. They highly recommended it. Although it focuses on wine, Grape has a pretty delicious-looking food menu too.
MONA
I mentioned the weirdness of MONA previously, but there are dining options at the museum too. MONA is actually home to a vineyard so there is both a wine bar and cafe for visitors to enjoy. We enjoyed lunch at the cafe during our visit, which offered light refreshments including homemade pies, sandwiches, quiches and salads. The pie was filled with chunks of beef and the pastry was deliciously flaky. Plus the view from the window isn’t too bad of the river and mountains.
I call this bitters with a view
Daci and Daci Bakers
What, another bakery? Oh yes, because Daci and Daci Bakers is perfect for an afternoon tea break. They have a just-as-amazing display case as Jackman & McRoss, filled with sweet and savoury treats. They also have bread for sale and cakes for that special occasion. I particularly liked the vintage furniture, including couches with gold trimmings. I didn’t take a photo of the food, but instead positioned my camera towards the ceiling and the awesome lighting (total dork).
BarCelona
In Salamanca Square you will find BarCelona, a fantastic place for dinner and drinks. During our drop-in on a Wednesday evening, we had the pleasure of enjoying some excellent drink specials, including $10 cocktails and beer steins. Thankfully, the special also applied to the cider on tap, so I got to enjoy a lot of cider for a little price — my favourite.
My happy place
For dinner we decided to try the sample platter, which was a great idea. There were prawns, pork belly, tempura vegetables and scallops. With a side of potato wedges it was an excellent meal. BarCelona’s dining area was also very intimate with dark lighting, a fireplace and various seating arrangements. Highly recommended.
Read about my visit to Mount Wellington in Hobart
Shamrock Hotel
Finally, I have to mention the Shamrock quickly because of their prices. The hotel has a very wide selection of pub meals for $10 and $12 every day. I had the fish and chips on our last night before flying home to Melbourne and it was great. The sizing was perfect, service fast and the drinks seem to be just as cheap as well. If you are after a budget meal then head to the Shamrock Hotel. On a side note, how many Shamrock Hotels are there in Australia?
A Helpful Hobart Hint
Before you visit, why not look online and try and secure a coupon or deal on a local restaurant? It is a great way to save money during your holiday. This also applies to accommodation and flights too. Before you book either do your research as you can find many coupons and deals on travel-related services online. You know I am all about budget travel, so this is one of my favourite ways to easily save money even before I start travelling. What’s not to love about that?
Next Time in Hobart…
There were a few places in Salamanca I want to try next time. Smolt seemed to have good reviews online, which is opposite BarCelona in Salamanca Square. Cargo Bar was also very busy the night we walked passed, which usually means it must be offering something delectable. Reading this, you would think all we did in Hobart was eat and drink. You may or may not be wrong.
Till next time Hobart,
Hayley x
Do you love eating out on holidays too?
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elizabeth says
I love Tasmania! The food, your post has made me hungry! And made me realise I haven’t been there in awhile as I yet to go to MONA. Thanks for sharing!
Hayley | Hayley on Holiday says
It’s a beautiful place, right? Thanks for reading, Elizabeth.
Natalia | Glitter and Passport says
That puff pastry dish looks insanely good! Hopefully I’ll make it to Australia one of these days :)
Hayley | Hayley on Holiday says
Oh it was. I hope you make it to Australia too – it’s a pretty cool country ;)
Camila @ AdventitiousViolet says
Great one! I’ve been slightly obsessed with Hobart since watching Masterchef Australia and they went to Salamanca Market. It all looks delicious – especially that chorizo pastry!
Hayley | Hayley on Holiday says
I think I’m going to have to go back just so I can check out those markets. Thanks for reading!
LydiaCLee says
I’ll save this for later – we’ve been talking about going to Mona for years (at least 1 year) so it will be handy to have,if we ever make a weekend of it!!
Hayley | Hayley on Holiday says
Fantastic! Thanks for reading :)