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What Food To Try in Hobart and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Hobart for 2025.

National currency: Australian Dollar, symbol — A$ (international currency code AUD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Hobart cafes and restaurants
$16.6 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $9.97
$66.5 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $46.11
$8.6 
Combo Meal
Starting from $8.04

What to Try in Hobart

Must-try Dishes
Breakfast Burrito - Breakfast Wrap (hearty start) - A filling tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, local sausages, and sautéed vegetables. You'll find locals enjoying this in cafes on weekday mornings, often paired with a hot sauce kick.

Scallop Pie - Scallop Pies (savory pastry) - A flaky pastry filled with tender Tasmanian scallops, creamy sauce, and herbs. These are common street food offerings, perfect for a quick lunch while wandering the waterfront or markets.

Roasted Wallaby - Roast Wallaby (local game) - Succulent wallaby meat, marinated and slow-roasted to perfection, often served with seasonal vegetables. Locals savor this for dinner on special occasions; it pairs beautifully with a rich red wine.

Oysters - Pacific Oysters (fresh local catch) - Plump, briny oysters served fresh with a squeeze of lemon. They are a staple on seafood platters, typically enjoyed as starters or a casual snack with friends – especially during the cooler months.

Seafood Linguine - Pasta di Mare (light yet filling) - A medley of Tasmanian seafood tossed with al dente linguine and a light garlic sauce. Many locals order it at dinner to celebrate the catch of the day – rich flavors with a whisper of the ocean.

Fried Bay Bug - Bay Bug (local crustacean) - Sweet, juicy shellfish lightly battered and deep-fried, creating a crispy texture. This is often enjoyed as a casual seafood snack or lunch option at beachside shacks during summer – a proper delight!

Lamb Shanks - Shanks of Lamb (slow-cooked comfort) - Tender, braised lamb shanks served with root vegetables and rich gravy, often cooked slowly for hours. This popular winter dish brings families together around the table for cozy Sunday dinners.

By the way, if you ever feel like ordering seafood, don’t be surprised if locals suggest pairing it with a chunk of bread to soak up those savory juices!

Desserts & Drinks
Coffee - Flat White (velvety coffee) - A rich espresso with velvety steamed milk, wonderfully balanced in its creaminess. Locals love grabbing one during the morning rush or a cozy afternoon break, often paired with a sweet treat.

Cider - Apple Cider (crisp local brew) - This refreshing drink is made from Tasmanian apples, fermented for a fruity, tangy beverage. You’ll find Aussies enjoying it at pub gatherings or picnics, especially in the warmer months.

Puff Pastry - Vanilla Slice (creamy delight) - Made with layers of flaky pastry and a luscious vanilla custard, it has a delightful texture that's both creamy and crispy. Best enjoyed at local bakeries and perfect for a lazy afternoon snack with coffee.

Iced Chocolate - Iced Chocolate (chilled indulgence) - Cold milk blended with rich chocolate syrup and topped with whipped cream, it’s a sweet treat on a hot day. Everyone loves sipping this in summer after a stroll down Salamanca Market.

Chocolate Ripple Cake - Torte de Chocolat (community favorite) - A no-bake dessert made from chocolate ripple biscuits drenched in whipped cream and often decorated with berries. Perfect for celebrating birthdays with family, it's beloved for its simple yet rich flavor and nostalgic feel.

Food and Groceries in Hobart

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $2.09
Bananas $2.33
Oranges $3.16
Potatoes $2.22
Apples $2.82
Beverages
Water 1.5L $1.53
0.5L Local Beer $4.43
Imported Beer $4.3
Wine Rating >4.0 $8.97
Milk 1L $1.35

Various Groceries
Meat (Beef or Pork) $12.52
Chicken $6.48
Cigarettes $18.61
Rice $1.2
Local Cheese $6.06

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

Over the last few months, I've noticed a little trend in Hobart's dining landscape: more and more locals are opting for a leisurely brunch on weekends. While visitors often stick to traditional meal times, you’ll find Hobartians enjoying their weekend treats around 10am to 12pm, making cafes buzzing with energy during this period. It's quite a transformation from the quick breakfasts you might see during the workweek rush.

Now, when it comes to price, you can expect to pay around $15 to $25 for a decent brunch dish at a trendy spot. Meanwhile, a similar meal in the more laid-back areas may only set you back about $10 to $15. For example, I paid $18 for a delectable avocado toast with poached eggs at a popular North Hobart café, while a basic breakfast in South Hobart was just $12. Seasonal ingredients can also affect prices; expect higher costs during peak tourist seasons, especially around summer when fresh produce is plentiful but demand skyrockets.

Common dining areas to explore include Salamanca Place and North Hobart, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of dining options. The hustle and bustle in these districts can vary, so if you prefer a quieter experience, aim to dine before 6pm. Between 6:30pm and 8pm, it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends. Another note: don’t forget that most restaurants prefer payment via card, and contactless payments are widely accepted, which is super convenient.

Oh, and before I forget, tipping isn't mandatory here, but leaving a small change (perhaps rounding up the bill) is appreciated, particularly if you received exceptional service.

A particular local dining custom worth noting is the practice of “table sharing” at community tables, especially in smaller establishments; it’s not uncommon to chat with fellow diners about their meal choices.

If planning to visit any sought-after spots, especially on weekends, making a reservation is indeed wise. With locals flocking to their favorite cafes and restaurants, having a seat guaranteed can save you from the disappointment of a long wait.

As for the future, there’s been an uptick in focus on sustainability and sourcing local ingredients, which is gradually changing not just menus but the ethos of many eateries across Hobart. It’s exciting to see the ongoing evolution of our food scene!