Hobart Breakfasts Worth Getting Out of Bed For

We know, it’s tempting to stay in Braithwaite’s glorious king-sized bed (one of the things guests love most about the place!), but breakfast isn't just the most important meal of the day – it's one of the best ways to experience Hobart. The city has quietly become one of Australia's great breakfast destinations, with everything from buttery croissants and excellent coffee to inventive seasonal menus showcasing Tasmania's incredible produce.

The best part? Every one of these cafés is an easy drive (or walk) from Braithwaite, making them the perfect way to start a day exploring Hobart or heading further afield.

Here are the places we find ourselves eating at and recommending again and again.

6 Russell

It’s just a 10-minute walk from Braithwaite to 6 Russell - a bakery and cafe in Sandy Bay. Don’t be put off by the unlovely location opposite Coles - this place knows its baking. Grab a coffee and pastry for a quick breakfast in the “alley” or sit down for a larger meal. Hot tip - their sandwiches are outstanding and if you’re planning a picnic or walk, we’d recommend taking one or two with you. The roast chicken and the mortadella options are both favourites. 

Jackman & McRoss

A Hobart institution in the historic suburb of Battery Point.

People come for the pastries but stay for breakfast. Their croissants, pain au chocolat and fruit danishes are among the city's best, while the breakfast menu celebrates simple, beautifully executed classics.

There’s a great view of the mountain from Hampden Rd and take your time to explore the picturesque streets of Battery Point while you’re there. 

Leoht

Just across the road from Jackman is Leoht - proof that great cafés don't always need to shout.

It's elegant, understated and consistently excellent, with beautifully prepared coffee and a menu that lets exceptional Tasmanian ingredients do the talking.

If you appreciate thoughtful food without unnecessary fuss, you'll feel right at home here. Grab an outdoor table for some people-watching. It’s open for dinner on Friday and Saturday and we recommend the steak frites. 

Sunbear

Situated in the CBD, the small, stylish and quietly confident, Sunbear has become one of Hobart's favourite breakfast spots.

Expect beautifully prepared coffee, excellent pastries and creative dishes that change with the seasons. It's one of those cafés where everything feels considered without ever feeling pretentious. Their cheese toastie is one of Hobart’s best. 

Born in Brunswick

Born in Brunswick in North Hobart (a 10-minute drive from Braithwaite) has developed a loyal following over the years. Dishes like scrambled eggs with octopus might explain why..

The menu leans towards generous, modern brunch favourites, with excellent coffee and plenty of light, airy and plant-filled space to linger over breakfast before heading off for a day exploring southern Tasmania. If you’re heading there for lunch, be aware that it closes at 2pm - so don’t leave it too late!

In Good Company

Friendly, welcoming and exactly what the name suggests.

This Sandy Bay café (on the all-important sunny side of the street just a 4-minute drive from Braithwaite) has quickly become a favourite with locals thanks to consistently good coffee, Asian-inspired breakfasts (the head chef is a Chin Chin alum) and warm service (plus heated seats outside). It's the sort of place where you'll happily lose an hour over a second coffee while enjoying stunning views of the Derwent from this repurposed Art Deco service station. Come back for dinner.

Berta

If breakfast is as much about atmosphere as food, Berta delivers both. It’s in an historic shopfront in the centre of town and the share table out the back is lit by a stunning lantern window that runs the full length of the room. 

Beautifully designed and effortlessly stylish, it's the sort of place where locals meet friends before work and visitors discover they've accidentally spent half the morning lingering over coffee. Alix is a fan of the French omelette with Comte, while JD can’t resist the corn fritters. 

Westside Laundry

If you don’t love Westside Laundry, we might not be able to be friends. Owners Dom and Fletch are hospitality personified, and the food’s pretty darn awesome too. It’s got a New York diner vibe, and breakfast includes cinnamon rolls, waffles, omelettes and their show-stopping sandwiches. Dinner from Thursday to Sunday is also great, and it’s our go-to when we need a little food and mood boost.

Farzi

One of Hobart's hidden gems - it’s run from inside Tiama (one of Hobart’s best pizza joints) on Castray Esplanade.

Farzi brings vibrant flavours and a little creativity to the breakfast table, offering something slightly different from the city's more traditional cafés. If you're looking to start your day somewhere memorable, this is an excellent choice. We’re not always up for the bottomless brunch, but if you’re on holidays - go for it. We will, however, say yes to a comforting bowl of chai-spiced porridge. 

Brine, Lauderdale

If you're heading to the Tasman Peninsula, Port Arthur or the Coal River Valley, do yourself a favour and start the day at Brine. The location - gravel parking lot next to a hairdresser and a servo - is pretty unassuming, but keep the faith and take a seat. The head chef was previously at Aloft (one of our favourites), and the breakfast pasta is freaking delicious. Save room for the housemade crumpets, too. All this combined with great coffee and a relaxed coastal atmosphere, makes it worth the 25-minute drive from Braithwaite.

It's also our favourite place to begin a day exploring the eastern side of Hobart.

Our advice?

One of the great pleasures of staying at Braithwaite is discovering Hobart through its cafés.

Wander through a neighbourhood you might otherwise have missed. Chat to the barista. Order something you've never tried before.

Breakfast is where Hobart really wakes up, and these are the places we recommend to our own friends when they visit.

Staying at Braithwaite?

If you'd like more restaurant recommendations - or you're looking for somewhere special for dinner - we're always happy to share our latest favourites. Hobart's dining scene is constantly evolving, and one of the pleasures of staying with locals is discovering places that don't always make the guidebooks.

The Best Restaurants in Hobart: A Local Restaurant Reviewer's Guide

One of the best reasons to visit Hobart is the food. For a small city, Hobart punches well above its weight, with exceptional seafood, world-class produce and talented chefs making the most of Tasmania's incredible ingredients. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a memorable meal, these are the restaurants we recommend most often to our guests and write about for magazines including Gourmet Traveller.

Hobart's food scene is worth planning your trip around

Visitors are often surprised by just how good Hobart's dining scene is.

Within a few square kilometres you'll find intimate neighbourhood restaurants, award-winning fine dining, bustling wine bars and some of Australia's best seafood. Add Tasmania's cool-climate wines, whisky and fresh produce, and it's easy to see why many visitors plan entire weekends around where they're going to eat.

One piece of advice before we begin: book ahead and be aware that many establishments are Wednesday (or Thursday) to Sunday only.

The city's best restaurants are often small, and weekend tables - particularly over summer and during festivals - can disappear weeks in advance.

Here are the places we find ourselves recommending again and again.

Templo

If you only book one restaurant before arriving in Hobart, we'd probably suggest Templo.

Tiny, intimate and quietly confident, Templo serves a constantly changing seasonal menu that celebrates Tasmanian produce with Italian influences. The menu is deliberately small and changes frequently depending on what's available.

It's the sort of restaurant where every dish feels considered, and the atmosphere is relaxed rather than formal.

Perfect for: Couples, food lovers and anyone celebrating a special occasion.

Maria

Maria offers one of Hobart's casually luxurious dining experiences.

The menu changes regularly to showcase Tasmania's best seasonal ingredients, and the cooking is elegant without ever feeling pretentious - inspiration comes from all over the Mediterranean. The waterfront position doesn’t hurt either, with stunning views over the Derwent, especially in summer.

If you enjoy beautifully prepared food where the produce does most of the talking, Maria deserves a place near the top of your list.

Perfect for: Relaxed evening dining with cool Med vibes.

Peppina

Warm, welcoming and full of life, Peppina has become one of Hobart's favourite upmarket Italian restaurants.

Expect generous sharing plates, handmade pasta, wood-fired cooking and an atmosphere that's ideal for groups as well as couples. The sommelier is excellent and a private wine experience in one of the rooms beneath what was Hobart’s first hospital is highly recommended.

If you're travelling with family or friends, this is often one of our first recommendations.

Aloft

If your idea of a perfect restaurant involves watching chefs at work, Aloft is hard to beat.

Perched above the waterfront, the restaurant (Maria’s sibling) focuses on seasonal tasting menus showcasing outstanding Tasmanian ingredients inspired by Asian flavours. Grab a seat at the kitchen bar if you’d like to chat to the chefs or choose a table by the window to enjoy the view.

The experience feels personal and relaxed despite the exceptional quality of the food and Aloft is our number one recommendation for friends visiting Hobart.

Fico

For visitors seeking one of Hobart's most exciting dining experiences, Fico consistently delivers.

Creative without being intimidating, the tasting menu changes with the seasons and reflects the kitchen's commitment to local producers. Each dish is exquisitely plated and European-inspired, with a few surprises.

It's definitely somewhere to linger rather than rush. And make sure you check out Fico’s sibling Pitzi (just around the corner) for exceptional pasta and focaccia you’ll be dreaming about. 

Institut Polaire

Part wine bar, part restaurant, Institut Polaire is a favourite among locals.

Known for oysters, seafood, small plates, an outstanding wine and cocktail list and Lou, one of the best hosts in Australia, it's an excellent choice if you're looking for something a little more relaxed than a traditional restaurant.

Even if you only stop in for a glass of Tasmanian sparkling and a dozen oysters, you'll understand why it's so popular.

Sonny

Technically a wine bar rather than a restaurant, Sonny deserves a place on this list.

It's one of those places visitors often stumble across - and then return to the next evening. Host Al switches up the vinyl tunes, incredible food comes out of the tiniest kitchen you’ve ever seen and there’s usually a queue out the door. Definitely for couples and solo diners only as this place is petite.

Excellent wines, thoughtful small plates and a warm atmosphere make it perfect for a casual evening. If you don’t want to line up (we hear you!) go next door to La Sardina Loca, also one of our favourites and Josh is an amazing host. You’ll find Spanish-inspired plates and a fab drinks list. 

Don't forget lunch

Some of our favourite meals in Hobart happen during the day.

If time allows, leave room in your itinerary for a long lunch at one of the city's restaurants or a leisurely drive into the Coal River Valley or Huon Valley, where exceptional wineries often pair beautiful food with spectacular scenery.

Worth travelling for:

The Source

One of the two fine-dining restaurants at Mona. Combine a visit to the gallery with an exceptional lunch and wines from their own vineyards as well as other Tasmanian producers. A 20-minute drive from central Hobart

The Agrarian Kitchen

Without doubt one of Australia’s best restaurants. Put it on your list and enjoy the 40-minute drive to New Norfolk. 

Oirthir

French technique meets Scottish influences and Tasmanian ingredients in a small restaurant that enjoys stunning views up the East Coast. A 50-minute drive from Hobart. 

The Old Bank at Geeveston

Head south, way south, to enjoy a rustic, game-based menu in an historic bank building. Worth the 1-hour drive. 

What’s New!

Analiese Gregory’s home-based restaurant Lumachelle has just opened in the Huon Valley. It booked out in about 5 minutes and next bookings open on September 1. Expect an intimate lunch for 10 with hyper-local ingredients. 

A couple of new bars with (much) better-than-average bar food have opened up in North Hobart recently. Check out Smith St for Japanese and Korean-inspired food plus great cocktails and (trust us) leave room for a canele at the end. Head upstairs to Teddy’s for an ever-changing lineup of natural wines by the glass plus Asian-inspired dishes that could be a snack or dinner. 

Insider tips

After years of eating our way around Hobart (it's a tough job, but someone has to do it!), here are a few things we've learned.

• Book Friday and Saturday dinners well in advance.

• Lunch can be easier to secure than dinner at popular venues.

• Don't overbook yourself. One memorable meal is better than rushing through three.

• Ask your accommodation host what's new. Hobart's dining scene changes quickly, and locals often know about exciting new openings before they appear in guidebooks.

• Leave room for dessert. Tasmanian berries, apples and dairy products are exceptional.

• Our full list of regularly updated recommendations can be found on our website. We eat at all these restaurants regularly. 

Our final thought

People often ask us which Hobart restaurant is "the best."

The truth is, there isn't one answer.

Some nights call for a beautifully cooked steak over a glass of pinot. Other evenings are all about handmade pasta, fresh oysters or a simple meal shared with friends over a bottle of Tasmanian wine.

The good news is that Hobart delivers all of it - and it's one of the reasons we love living here.

We hope you enjoy discovering your own favourites.

Staying in Hobart?

Braithwaite is a beautifully restored heritage home just minutes from Salamanca Place, Battery Point and many of Hobart's best restaurants. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a golf trip, the beginning of your Tasmanian adventure or a weekend of great food and wine, you'll be perfectly placed to experience everything Hobart has to offer.

Check availability at Braithwaite and start planning your Hobart getaway.

Where to Stay in Hobart: A Local's Guide to Choosing the Right Neighbourhood

Planning a trip to Hobart and wondering where to stay? As locals, we know every neighbourhood has its own personality. Whether you're visiting for food and wine, a family holiday, golf, or a long weekend with friends, here's our guide to choosing the right base for your stay.

Hobart is smaller than you might think

One of the nicest surprises for first-time visitors is just how compact Hobart is.

You can drive from the city centre to Sandy Bay in five minutes, reach Mount Wellington (kunanyi) in around 25 minutes, or be tasting wine in the Coal River Valley in half an hour. That means you don't need to stay right in the CBD to be close to everything.

Instead, think about the sort of holiday you want.

Would you like to walk to cafés? Wander historic streets? Wake up in a quiet neighbourhood? Or have plenty of space for family and friends to spread out?

Here's our guide to Hobart's most popular areas.

Salamanca & the Waterfront

Best for: First-time visitors, couples and anyone wanting to be in the middle of the action.

If you've seen photos of Hobart, you've almost certainly seen Salamanca Place.

With its sandstone warehouses, lively cafés, galleries and famous Saturday market, it's one of the city's most recognisable destinations. The waterfront is only a few minutes away, making this area ideal if you like to stroll between restaurants, bars and the harbour.

Accommodation here is mostly apartments and hotels. The convenience is hard to beat, but it can also be busy, especially during summer, Dark Mofo and major events.

Perfect if you: Want to leave the car parked and explore on foot.

Battery Point

Best for: History lovers, couples and anyone who enjoys character.

Battery Point feels like stepping back in time.

Its narrow streets are lined with beautifully preserved cottages, heritage homes and gardens, while Arthur Circus remains one of Hobart's most photographed locations.

It's a lovely place for an early morning walk before breakfast or an evening wander after dinner in Salamanca.

Accommodation here is limited and often books well in advance.

Perfect if you: Love heritage architecture and slower-paced neighbourhoods.

Sandy Bay

Best for: Families, longer stays and travellers who appreciate a quieter base.

Just south of the city, Sandy Bay offers a relaxed residential feel while still being only minutes from Hobart's attractions.

You'll find beautiful homes, leafy streets, excellent cafés, local shopping and easy access to Long Beach and Wrest Point.

For many visitors, it offers the perfect balance between convenience and tranquillity.

West Hobart

Best for: Food lovers, walkers and visitors wanting to experience local life.

West Hobart has quietly become one of the city's most interesting neighbourhoods.

It's home to excellent coffee, neighbourhood restaurants and lovely walks through Knocklofty Reserve, while still being only minutes from the CBD.

Many locals choose to live here because it feels connected to the city without feeling touristy.

North Hobart

Best for: Dining, nightlife and younger travellers.

If restaurants are high on your priority list, North Hobart deserves serious consideration.

Elizabeth Street is lined with cafés, wine bars, pubs and restaurants serving everything from casual burgers to award-winning modern Australian cuisine. Euro-inspired Ogee is one of our favourites and The Crescent (right opposite) does excellent pub food. Willing Bros is a fab wine bar with great food.

The iconic State Cinema also makes it a great spot for an evening out.

So where should you stay?

For most visitors, we'd recommend choosing somewhere that offers easy access to the city while giving you room to relax after a day of sightseeing.

After all, you're unlikely to spend all day in your accommodation—but you'll certainly appreciate somewhere comfortable when you return.

That's one reason guests enjoy staying at Braithwaite.

Located in one of historic Sandy Bay’s charming streets, just minutes from Salamanca, Battery Point and the city centre, it combines the convenience of a central location with the comfort and privacy of a beautifully restored heritage home.

Instead of squeezing into a hotel room, you'll have generous living spaces, a fully equipped kitchen, private courtyard, outdoor bath and room for couples and solo travellers to enjoy time together.

Guests often tell us how much they enjoy the location and that walking into Salamanca was quick and easy. There’s a cafe just around the corner if you need takeaway caffeine quickly and plenty of breakfast options within a 5-minute walk. Street parking is free and plentiful, making it easy to get around if you’ve rented a car.

Choosing accommodation: Hotel or holiday home?

It's worth thinking about how you'll spend your time in Hobart.

If you'll be out from breakfast until bedtime, a hotel may suit you perfectly.

But if you're travelling with family or friends, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoy having space to relax, a whole house often provides much better value.

Being able to cook breakfast, enjoy a quiet coffee in the garden or share a bottle of Tasmanian wine before heading out to dinner becomes part of the holiday itself.

Many of our guests tell us these simple moments become some of their favourite memories.

Our local tips

After welcoming visitors to Hobart, we've noticed a few things that consistently make for a better trip.

Stay at least three nights. Hobart deserves more than a quick weekend.

Book popular restaurants early. Especially on weekends and during festival periods.

Visit Salamanca Market early. You'll beat both the crowds and the queues.

Allow plenty of time for MONA. It's far more than a gallery - you can easily spend most of a day there. The new library is incredible and the food and drink options are pretty great too.

Pack layers. Even in summer, evenings can become cool.

Our recommendation

There isn't one perfect neighbourhood for everyone.

If you're visiting for nightlife, North Hobart might suit you best.

If heritage charm is what you're after, Battery Point is hard to beat.

If you want to wake up by the harbour, Salamanca is a wonderful choice.

But if you're looking for a spacious, comfortable home that's close to everything while offering peace, privacy and the chance to experience Hobart more like a local, we'd love to welcome you to Braithwaite.

Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a golf trip, a family holiday or a long weekend with friends, we're always happy to share our favourite restaurants, wineries, walks and hidden corners of southern Tasmania.

After all, helping people discover Hobart is one of the things we love most about hosting.

Planning your Hobart holiday?

You might also enjoy:

• The Perfect Weekend in Hobart

• The Best Breakfasts in Hobart

• The Best Restaurants in Hobart(coming soon)

• The Best Wineries Near Hobart(coming soon)

• Three Days in Hobart: The Perfect Itinerary(coming soon)

Ready to plan your stay?

Check availability at Braithwaite and experience Hobart from a beautifully restored heritage home that's close to everything, yet wonderfully peaceful.

The Best 48 Hours in Hobart According to a Local

One of the questions we're asked most often is, "What should we do while we're in Hobart?"

Our answer is always the same: don't try to do too much.

Hobart isn't a city that rewards rushing from one attraction to the next. The real pleasure comes from lingering over breakfast, wandering through historic streets, taking the long way home and allowing time for a glass of wine before dinner.

Here's how JD and I would spend a perfect weekend in our hometown.

Friday

Arrive and settle in

Check into Braithwaite, unpack your bags and take a moment to slow down. Brew a coffee, pour yourself a glass of wine, relax in the courtyard or simply enjoy the quiet before heading out to explore.

Evening drinks

Start your weekend at Lucinda Wine Bar, one of our favourite places for a pre-dinner drink and the little sister of Dier Makr. The wine list celebrates Tasmania alongside carefully chosen Australian and international producers, while the atmosphere strikes that rare balance between sophisticated and welcoming. The bar snacks are on point and acclaimed chef Analiese Gregory sometimes drops in with a special dish. 

Dinner

For dinner, book a table at Trophy Room. Creative, produce-driven and distinctly Tasmanian, it's one of those restaurants that quietly reminds you why Hobart has become one of Australia's most exciting food destinations. The menu changes regularly, so every visit feels a little different. It’s definitely off the tourist radar and it’s where we take our own visitors. That bread!!

Saturday

A morning walk

One of Hobart's best walks isn't on many visitors' itineraries.

The Hobart Rivulet Track winds gently through leafy suburbs and parkland, following the stream that has shaped the city since its earliest days. It's peaceful, surprisingly beautiful and offers a completely different perspective on Hobart. Start in the carpark on Molle St and finish at the Cascade Brewery. Keep an eye out for the resident platypus.

Breakfast

Follow your walk with at 6 Russell, a neighbourhood café we return to time and again - it’s a 5-7-minute walk from Braithwaite. Great coffee, thoughtful food and a relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect place to ease into the day. Their sandwiches are amazing (we supply these to our golfing guests) if you’re planning a picnic. 

MONA

No visit to Hobart feels complete without a trip to MONA.

Rather than driving, we'd always recommend catching the ferry from Brooke Street Pier. Arriving by water is part of the experience, with sweeping views back towards the city before the museum slowly comes into view.

Allow at least half a day.

Even if contemporary art isn't usually your thing, MONA has a remarkable ability to surprise, challenge and entertain. The new library is incredible - I was there this past weekend and just wanted to curl up in one of the many reading areas with a book you can pull straight off the shelves. 

When it's time for lunch, stay at the museum and enjoy one of its excellent dining options before wandering through the grounds, vineyard and cellar door. The Source is outstanding fine dining or grab a bean bag on the lawns and hit the Heavy Metal Kitchen for flame-grilled goodies and some live music. 

Evening

Return to Braithwaite for a well-earned soak in the outdoor bath before heading out for dinner.

Our pick is Aloft, overlooking Constitution Dock. With its ever-changing menu showcasing the best seasonal Tasmanian produce, it's one of those restaurants where every course feels carefully considered without ever becoming overly formal. This is my ‘special occasion’ restaurant, but quite often I don’t wait for a special occasion. 

After dinner, take a gentle stroll along the waterfront before heading home.

Sunday

Before heading home, make the most of your final morning. There are no check-out chores to be done at Braithwaite, so relax and enjoy a bit of sleep-in. 

Start with breakfast at Brine in Lauderdale, about a 25-minute drive from Braithwaite towards the airport. Don’t be fooled by the unassuming location - you’re at the right place. The head chef is an Aloft alum, and the food is incredible. The beach is only a block away, so take a walk after your meal for a Southern Ocean breeze.

From there, continue into the picturesque Coal River Valley, one of Tasmania's premier cool-climate wine regions. Our pick is Tolpuddle Vineyard, where the cellar door offers intimate tastings of internationally acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in a beautifully understated setting. Bookings are essential but worth it, as this is a truly elevated experience. 

From here, head into Richmond for a browse through some antique stores, then onto the airport for an afternoon flight or head up the East Coast to extend your Tasmanian holiday.

It's a fitting way to end a weekend in Southern Tasmania – great food, exceptional wine and beautiful landscapes, all within easy reach of the city.

Of course, if you're lucky enough to be staying longer, we'd be delighted to suggest more of our favourite places. One of the joys of travelling in Tasmania is that some of the best experiences aren't on a checklist – they're the places you discover through a local recommendation.