Launceston City of Gastronomy

In 2021 UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) officially named Launceston a ‘City of Gastronomy’ – connecting us to an exclusive network of cities known for the quality and cultural significance of their food.

Here’s what it takes to become a city of Gastronomy:

• Well-developed unique gastronomy
• Vibrant foodie community of restaurants and chefs
• Indigenous ingredients used in traditional cooking
• Traditional food markets and industry
• Gastronomic festivals and awards
• Respect for the environment

Nestled in the heart of the Northern Tasmanian food bowl, Launceston has been a foodie paradise and gastronomic hub for more than two thousand generations. A meeting place of food, culture, tradition and innovation that connects people with the land in a way that’s deliciously down to earth.

For Launceston, becoming a city of Gastronomy is all about the relationship between people and food – and the best way to understand is to pull up a seat at the table and join in.

From fresh-roasted coffee to indulgent bottomless brunch, these local hotspots are all contenders for best brews and brunches in Launnie.

Talter Lane by Sweetbrew Delicious all-day brunch and specialty coffee. Tatler Lane by Sweetbrew is open 7 days from 7.00am for brunch, coffee and cake.

Bread & Butter This small batch butter factory, bakery and café specialises in sourdough and artisanal butter, elevating these simple pleasures to an art. Great coffee too!

Earthy Eats Next level plant-based foods packed with flavour, nourishment, and love. Honestly, you’ll wonder how they do it.

Elaia Café & Restaurant All day breakfast, long lunch and bottomless brunch. At night Elaia turns Greek, sharing their culture and love of Greek food.

Sweetbrew The place for great coffee and sweet treats.

Night after night, world-class chefs work their magic with some of best fresh produce in the world.

Black Cow Bistro Best-in-show Tasmanian beef is served up in style at this butchery-born bistro. Dry aged, free range, grass fed and hormone free.

Boatyard Overlooking one of the oldest slip yards in Australia, and enjoying a sunset framed by the Cataract Gorge and Tamar river, enjoy casual dining on the waterfront,

Josef Chromy Wines Cellar door meets modern Australian cuisine served a la carte.

Mudbar Thoughtful paddock-to-plate dining right on the Launceston riverfront.

Rupert & Hound Local, sustainably caught seafood cooked to perfection.

Stillwater Restaurant Casual fine dining in one of Australia's most awarded restaurants. The focus is on fresh local produce, served up in an historical flour mill.

Stelo at Pierre’s Signature Italian dishes drawing on local, seasonal and sustainable produce.

Timbre Kitchen Delicious seasonal menus in an ambient space among the vines. Velo Wines, Legana.

Grain of the Silos From our island's harvest, straight to your table.

Raise a glass in excellent company with wine, beer and spirit menus for every palette at these local watering holes.

Bar Two An extensive wine menu pairs well with fresh oysters or artisanal cheese.

Saint John Craft Beer Generous burgers to accompany a library of 100+ craft beers.

The Barrel Collective A meeting place for Tasmanian spirits, wine, and cider.

Bar Stelo Cozy nooks, comfy booths, pinot by the glass and soul warming cocktails.

Du Cane Brewery Launceston's newest brewery and dining hall.

Midnight Rambler a good old-fashioned drinking joint inspired by the speakeasies and dives of the American South.

Sample prize-winning drops at wineries and distilleries and sparkling wine second only to France’s Champagne region. All an easy drive from town.

Tamar Valley Wine Route
One of the worlds premium cool climate wine regions, The Tamar Valley is home to more than thirty vineyards and wineries. Discover them all (at a responsible pace) on the Tamar Valley Wine Route.

Sparkling Wine
Second only to France’s Champagne Region, Tamar Valley is home to some of the best bubbly in the business. House of Arrras sparkling wine won world-best in 2020 and Apogee, Bay of Fires, Clover Hill, Delamere, Jansz and Sinapius all know how to turn your visit into a special occasion.

Distilleries
Distilling has experienced a renaissance in Tasmania with stills popping up all over the island – we’re told there’s something magic about the water. Begin your pilgrimage at the 150-year-old Launceston Distillery or Turner Stillhouse for award-winning gin and views across the kanamaluka/Tamar River, or head to Adams Distillery in Perth for a single malt or boutique gin.

Take your pick of the crop and learn how your food is made with tours, pick-your-own and farm-to-table experiences.

Ashgrove Dairy Door Take a self-guided tour through the cheese-making factory, sample their award-winning products on a ‘cheese flight’ and meet some of the happiest cows in the land.

Hillwood Berries Farmgate In warmer months there’s nothing sweeter than an outing to pick your own fresh berries – strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries.

Tasmanian Truffles Join adorable truffle dogs as they snuffle for French black truffles and uncover these ‘black diamonds’ amongst the hazel trees.

41 Degrees South Salmon Farm Take a self-guided walking tour, explore the natural and man-made wetlands and visit Georgie's Cafe to sample some hot smoked salmon products.

Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company Watch makers at work from the tasting room, visit the topiary garden and pause for Devonshire tea in the cafe.

Fork it Farm From a paddock picnic or long table feast, join this local producer for an authentic paddock to plate experience.

Launceston community farmers market.

Every Saturday morning from 8.30am to 12.30pm Harvest Market enlivens the city centre with a cornucopia of farm gate goods on par with the best fresh and artisanal produce in the world.
Whether fresh-picked, baked, aged, smoked, roasted or pickled – you’ll find slow food for all palettes.

Join chefs in their kitchen and play sous chef for a day with learning that tastes so good.

ForknFarm offer classes including salami-making, French-Provincial Style cooking, pickles and preserves or join Hinton Bay Kitchen for dolmade making, fresh pasta and custom classes.