A Gastronomical Guide to Launceston
Not so long ago, there wasn't a whole lot happening in Launceston. Sure, there were historic buildings and plenty of nature walks, but travellers tended to make their trips brief. For a major city, there was just a special something missing.
Over the years, locals and visitors have witnessed a significant transformation in the Tasmanian city, which has well and truly come to a head! What once was a quiet town has become a hub of vibrant activity thanks to popular music and arts festivals and new urban eateries popping up around the city.
The food scene has become so well regarded in recent years that it's just been named 'City Of Gastronomy' by UNESCO. This prestigious award gives Launceston a global title as one of the world's best food destinations in the world – well and truly putting the riverside city on the map.
Just thirty-six cities in the world have now been formally recognised as a 'City Of Gastronomy'. Launceston is one of two Australian cities with the prestigious title, the other being Bendigo in Victoria in 2019. So what exactly does it mean? Gastronomy means choosing, cooking and eating good food.
In order to be honoured the title, the city needs to have a vibrant food community, use indigenous ingredients, host gastronomic festivals and respect the environment by using sustainable ingredients and local produce. Launceston has been doing this proudly for years!
? Launceston Central City
So, if you're looking for a food-filled holiday, a motorhome or campervan trip to Launceston might just be the holiday for you!
There are so many options in Launceston CBD - as a visitor, it can be hard to know where exactly to go. In honour of being named a food capital of the world; we've compiled an insider's guide into Launceston's best eateries.
Launceston Coffee & Brunch Guide
Sweet Brew
Launceston has a great coffee scene thanks to it's passionate baristas and local's obsession with it. It's all about knowing where to go! This sweet little café on George Street, is one of the best spots in the region to get your caffeine fix! They have a lovely brunch menu where you can choose from granola, breakfast roll or their iconic citrus crepes – to name a few.
Address: 93 George St, Launceston TAS 7250
Mojo On The Avenue
For the ultimate Launceston café experience, head to Mojo for your morning coffee and an eggs benny. Mojo On The Avenue embodies what Launceston is all about –inviting space, good coffee & friendly service. Have a browse next door at their sister shop Avenue Records, a beautiful and independent record store – one of the last of it's kind in Tasmania.
Address: 70B Brisbane St, Launceston TAS 7250
Tinka Coffee Brewers
For unforgettable coffee, gourmet toasties and tasty bagels, stop at Tinka Coffee Brewers! This gem of a café is not to be missed – but it's easy too, given its subtle shop front. There is so much love put into each cup of coffee here, it's evident from the first sip – and the hearts drawn onto the foam! St John's Street is becoming one of the towns most gentrified streets, with new boutiques and bars popping up regularly.
Address: 147 St John St, Launceston TAS 7250
Launceston Casual Dining Guide
Burger Junkie
If you're a fan of a good old fashioned burger, this is the place to go! Chicken burgers, beef burgers, vegan burgers – they're all made with tender love and care. In terms of atmosphere, this is one of the hippest, family-friendly joints in town. There are playable arcade games and an incredible locally-painted mural of Samuel L Jackson. The burgers really are next level - it's the sort of restaurant you will tell yourself you'll only go once, but you'll end up back again the next day.
Address: 105 St John St, Launceston TAS 7250
Kosaten
Love sushi? Kosaten is the ultimate way to indulge on it and a great way to experience new and modern Japanese dishes! There is no picking up food as it rides by on this Sushi Train, it's all freshly made to order. Simply choose what you want through your table's device, and delicious plates will be delivered to you directly from the train! For a tassie themed treat, try the Scallop Sashimi or fried prawns! Whi Kosaten isn't quite fine dining, it is much swankier than your regular sushi train.
Address: 254 Charles St, Launceston TAS 7250
Veg Out
This family business is all about plant-based cooking; it quickly became a popular destination for absolutely everyone! Veg Out has made a name for themselves for being some of the best vegan food in Launceston that is affordable and delicious! Whether you're vegan, vegetarian or just after a comforting meal – people very rarely walk out of this place unsatisfied.
Address: 55 George St, Launceston TAS 7250 & 166 Charles St, Launceston TAS, 7250
Relish Cafe
Relish is one of many café examples that has helped make Launceston go from daggy to stylish! Just out from the CBD you'll find Relish, a beautiful café covered in green vines and hanging plants. If you love a sweet treat, stop here for a lovingly baked cake or slice! For the savoury lovers, t's hard to go past their Pork Belly Nasi Goreng. They also make and sell relishes and sauces by the jar - a great gift or travel accompaniment!
Address: 1/43 Arthur St, East Launceston TAS 7250
Launceston Fine Dining Guide
Stillwater
When people travel for food, it's not just for the taste but the entire experience – this is a reason people come from far and wide for Stillwater Restaurant. The service is friendly & passionate and the meals are mouth-wateringly good! Looking over the beautiful Tamar River, you'll be indulging in Tassie's finest produce, including scallops and truffle!
Address: 2 Bridge Rd, Launceston TAS 7250
Pachinko
This modern Asian fusion restaurant changed the restaurant game when it arrived in Launceston. It's a unique interpretation of modern Australian, Japanese, Chinese and Korean food. The chefs at Pachinko pride themselves on using organic, fresh produce - the majority of their wines are naturally-made & organic too!
Because Pachinko only source the highest quality ingredients, their menu changes depending on what's available. A popular option for foodies is the 'Feed Me' banquet, which will provide you with fabulous selection of 6-8 plates!
Address: 23 Quadrant Mall, Launceston TAS 7250
Cataract on Paterson
Lamb from the richest pastures of the North and South and fresh seafood from the East Coast – Cataract on Paterson source their ingredients as thoughtfully as they serve it. Enjoy an indulgent seafood platter full of Tasmanian produce or try an interactive dining experience by cooking your meal on a 400ºc volcanic stone! They have a nice range of inclusive vegetarian options, including a Thai green curry and their "fysh and chips".
Address: 135 Paterson St, Launceston TAS 7250
Novaro's Restaurant
This Edwardian homestead in the middle of Launceston CBD has transformed into an inviting, modern Italian restaurant that prides itself in using only the freshest local produce.
Locals love it here because it's sophisticated dining, without the pretension. The main course options are minimal but mouthwatering, where you'll choose from gnocchi, fish, duck or lamb. It is quality Tasmanian food served with a passion that few towns showcase as much as Launceston!
Address: 28 Brisbane St, Launceston TAS 7250
Launceston Events Guide
Harvest Market
This gorgeous farmers market is held every Saturday; it's the place to be if you're looking for the freshest produce, home-grown gifts and locally-made brews. You will likely spot all the local chefs and café owners sourcing their produce here.
As well as produce, you can enjoy a meal from one of the many food trucks. Before you leave, have a dance or relax in front of some of the live music that Launceston is famous for.
Festivale
Festivale is the region's number one summer event, people travel far and wide to enjoy an array of entertainment over three huge days. There is so much to see, do and eat as the city turns into a colourful wonderland! You'll find celebrity chefs, food masterclasses and over 80 stalls showcasing Tassie's finest food and beverages.
Mona Foma
It was once a Hobart festival, but perhaps the team cottoned on to the happenings of the North and moved it to Launceston. While Mona Foma (Mofo) is presented as an arts and music festival, there is so much local food and wine to sample throughout the massive event! The entire town gets into the spirit - even if they're not actively a part of the festival! Expect to try unusual new foods and Mofo themed cocktails where you go.
Junction
When you arrive in Launceston during any of the town's festival periods, the local community becomes consumed with a particular buzz! Junction is no exception and perhaps the festival that Launceston is most proud of hosting. This festival lights up Princess Park in more ways than one for a week in September. From lunchtime until well after midnight, you'll discover a great lineup of local musicians, art shows, food trucks and of course, Launceston's James Boag beer.
Convenient holiday parks close to the CBD
There are some seriously cool holiday parks to stay at during your Launceston foodie trip.
Discovery Parks Hadspen is full of beautiful green trees, friendly staff and an accommodating choice for your motorhome! If you want to be as close as possible to the Launceston CBD, check out Big 4 Launceston Holiday Park. It's so central, you might spot the occasional person getting coffee delivered to their campsite!
Some other nearby campsites include: