Alix Davis shares her favourite spots to eat out in Tassie in 2023

Reflecting on where I’ve eaten this year, I’m delighted to report I can add a number of new favourites to my list of recommendations. I’m sharing them with you today, writes Alix Davis.

Institut Polaire's Whipped bottarga toast.Picture Supplied by Institut Polaire

Almost every time I leave the house, I get asked, “what’s your favourite restaurant?” and my response is always the same, “it depends”. It depends on the occasion, the company, how much I feel like spending and even just what kind of mood I’m in. Looking back over where I’ve eaten this year, I’m delighted to report that there are a number of new “favourites” and, in no particular order, I’m sharing them with you today.

IF YOU’RE FEELING A BIT FANCY

Becker Minty is a gorgeous homewares and jewellery store, a sophisticated art gallery and a stylish restaurant all rolled into one beautifully wrapped package. Drop in for a truffle cheese toastie or gather your chic-est chums for a long lunch that’s full of beautifully prepared

Becker Minty is a great place to go for a glamorous long lunch. Picture: Dearna Bond

Tasmanian produce and a wine list that has both local and international offerings. Keep your eye out for pop-up dinners, which happen about once a month (more please, Mr Minty!) and offer a well curated set menu and convivial hosting by Jason Minty and his team of hospitality professionals. Wear your finest fashion - you’ll probably find something to add to your collection while you’re there.

Institut Polaire’s Caviar Experience is a perfect option if you’re after something special and a bit fancy. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Institut Polaire is stylishly committed to their cool climate theme but host Louise Radman has one of the warmest personalities in Hobart. You’ll feel welcome from the moment you step inside and, whether you’re staying for a small plate and a sophisticated cocktail or settling in for the evening with the set menu, Lou will make sure every detail is perfect. It’s all delicious but make sure you leave room for the visually spectacular (and palate-pleasing) yuzu meringue tart.

Manky Sally’s is a great place to grab a drink in Salamanca and also has some tasty Asian street food and bar snacks if you’re feeling peckish. Picture: Jesse Hunniford

Manky Sally’s is Moo Brew’s new cellar door-cum-luxury dive bar at the eastern end of Salamanca. The interiors are a tongue-in-cheek throwback to the 70s (hello, brown bar glass!) and the food is a modern take on Asian street food and bar snacks. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options and the menu is aligned with Mona’s philosophy towards sustainable food sources. Every variety of Moo Brew is available on tap and there’s an in-house micro-brewery where they’re brewing up small batch and (very) experimental beers. A great venue for catching up with friends after work.

The Crescent Hotel in North Hobart hasn’t got a fancy new fitout but it is reliably serving up pub food that’s smarter than your average bear. Sit in the bar downstairs or make a booking for the dining room upstairs and enjoy dishes like stracciatella with roasted beets and pies that change with the seasons. The beer selection keeps my husband happy, as do their excellent hot chips.

The Lost Captain, in Huonville, is a great dining option if you’re heading out of town. Picture: Supplied by The Lost Captain.

IF YOU’RE HEADING OUT OF TOWN

Lost Captain in Huonville is serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner by the Huon River and the menu is a fresh take on some familiar favourites. The fitout is cosy and you’re just as welcome to drop in for a drink at the bar as you are for a three-course meal. Book ahead for a group and you can get a whole suckling pig or American BBQ board. There’s plenty of outdoor seating as well, so make this a summer must-visit.

Marla Singer’s menu includes some delicious snacks such as these parmesan custard profiteroles. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

PERFECTLY CRAFTED

Marla Singer touched down in Bellerive this year and the neighbourhood cafe serving brunch and lunch slips into something more comfortable come nightfall and turns into a wine bar. There are delicious drinks on offer – ask staff for a recommendation – and, honestly, I’d order everything on the menu. If you’re not quite as hungry as me, just enjoy a few snacks like a taleggio custard profiterole or clam and shallot toast with your glass of something crisp.

In a similar vein, North Hobart’s Trophy Room is doing exciting things for breakfast and lunch - think handmade doughnuts, savoury crullers with mortadella and silky past. Friday nights are for dinner and again, order one of everything - it’s a perfectly curated menu with flavours and textures that really pop. Tunes are thanks to the record player in the corner and the vibes are relaxed and delicious.

Anju's Chef DC and Michelle Newell, at In The Hanging Garden, have a great range of tasty Korean streetfood. Picture: Dearna Bond/DarkLab

AN OUTDOOR DINING OPTION

In the Hanging Garden is always offering up mouthwatering new ways to spend an afternoon or evening under a lush ceiling of plants. A recent opening is Anju, offering Korean streetfood that’s full of more-please umami dishes that go well with a beer, wine or Korean cocktail.

Grab a table, order at the counter and enjoy a snack or a full meal in this incredible venue in the centre of the city.

Sweet corn kimchi fritters from Anju’s In The Hanging Garden. Picture: Dearna Bond/DarkLab

Thank you Hobart hospitality people for making 2023 another fabulous year of eating and drinking. 2024 already holds promise and I can’t wait to get into it!