HOT OFF THE PRESS 2024
All the latest news and information about Launceston Restaurants, the food scene, openings, closures, changes and special events.
KENZO’S KITCHEN
25 October 2024
Kenzo’s unfortunately is closing, with the last day of service being Saturday, 09 November 2024 (Saturday). Juanny will be baking her little heart out until then, with business as per usual. Please make sure you pop in before the quaint and eclectic bakery/patiserries closes its doors for good.
WOOLMERS ESTATE
09 October 2024
Woolmers Estate have reverted their onsite restaurant back to Woolmers Café & Restaurant.
Chef Hayley stays at the helm offering delightful dishes in a peaceful location.
At this stage, the café and restaurant will be opening from Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, with options for catering and functions at other arranged and booked times. Find their details HERE.
LEKOH – A NEW CAFÉ FOR LAUNCESTON
28 September, 2024
LeKoh Cafe is brand new to Launceston, the venue opening in September, 2024. Situated at 55 George St., locals will fondly remember the location of Townsend’s Bakery (then the Poutinerie French Fry Emporium and VegOut on George). This marks a new venture for chef Jeremy Lee and his partner. The couple, both with extensive experience in the Launceston food scene, are excited to run their own cafe and offer a personalised dining experience making it an attractive option for foodies and casual diners alike.
The cafe promises “delicious” charcoal grilled cheese sandwiches with unique fillings, together with coffees, teas, matcha, sweets & treats to satisfy your fancy.
YORK COVE HOTEL RESTAURANT TO CLOSE
The York Cove Hotel, George Town, closes its restaurant doors on Monday, 16 September 2024.
1808 RUM & COCKTAIL BAR
When Geronimo closed several months ago, Launceston lost a favourite Aperitivo Bar & Restaurant. Allan Virieux (former Rosevears Hotel owner) dreamed up the vision to open a comfortable space with a yesteryear theme focusing on a Rum, Cocktail and Tapas menu. Expect a warm and friendly experience.
See Opening Hours & all Details HERE
KITCHEN COLLECTIVE BY 1FOOD
It’s fabulous to see a new restaurant operating out of the Fitzpatrick’s Inn at Westbury.
Kitchen Collective is a breath of fresh air to the food scene, with an amazing fresh Tassie produce menu on offer with a wide and varied selection for everyone.
See Kitchen Collective’s details HERE
EVANDALE’S LOSS IS WESTBURY’S GAIN!
The much loved No. 10 Restaurant at Evandale has relocated to Westbury at 62a Meander Valley Highway, and retained their name. It will be a huge loss to the locals at Evandale – but I’m sure their loyalty will extend past their town.
All the best, No. 10 Westbury!
Visit their listing page HERE with all their details. Menu to come.
see also WESTBURY EATERIES
FANCY SOME ROMANCE?
UPCOMING FINE DINING EVENT @ THE GORGE RESTAURANT
Sat 24th Aug 2024, 6:30 pm
Don’t miss out on a romantic evening and fine dining experience when the Gorge Restaurant opens for this special event.
CHILLI & SALT
SRI LANKAN CUISINE COMES TO LAUNCESTON
Chilli & Salt Restaurant has opened at 14 the Quadrant Mall. This is the first restaurant to offer dedicated authentic Sri Lankan Cuisine with specialty brunch street food
Opening hours are 11:00 am – 9:00 pm Monday to Saturday.
NEW SUSHI PLUS STORE – KINGS MEADOWS
The Sushi Plus franchise has expanded to include a new venue at Kings Meadows which opens officially from Tuesday 04 June, from 10:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Opening hours initially are scheduled Monday to Saturday from 10:30 am – 4:00 pm.
The new Sushi Plus store is located at 89-93 Hobart Road, Kings Meadows, between Domino’s and Pratie’s .
FLAMES GRILL BISTRO @ THE EXETER PUB
Sunday 02 June will be the last day of service at the Flames Grill Bistro at the Exeter Hotel. The hotel hopes to be offering food van spots to cater for its patrons.
BAKER’S LANE ABRUPTLY CLOSES
The party’s over for the owners of local Launceston nightclub, Baker’s Lane and what a ride they’ve had! The long lost days of Saturday night fun have slowly turned into a night of dread. Alcohol and drug fuelled incidents, the fear of violent crime, abuse and violence has resulted in the decision to wrap up and get out.
So, goodbye Baker’s, you served the people of Launceston well (and not so well in cases), but hey, it’s time for people to be forgiven as we move into potentially tumultous times and uncertain futures. Please everybody, “look after your health”.
NOVARO’S
April 2024
One of Launceston’s leading fine dining restaurants will be disappearing from the local directory.
In a bittersweet announcement, Novaro’s Restaurant, a beloved establishment that has been a cornerstone of the Launceston’s hospitality scene for over three decades, has revealed that it will be closing its doors for the last time on Saturday, April 27th.
Despite the challenges faced by the hospitality industry, the decision to bid farewell to Novaro’s was made with heavy hearts but also with a sense of excitement for new beginnings.
Members of the dedicated Novaro’s team are set to pursue their own passions and dreams whilst the owners intend to prioritise time with family and loved ones.
VEGOUT ON GEORGE
April 2024
VegOut on George will be closing its doors in the not so distant future due to the sale of the building.
VegOut has been a game changer in Launceston with its vegetarian and vegan options so it will be sorely missed.
DARE DARLIN’ RESTAURANT
01 March 2024
The decision to close Dare Darlin’ Restaurant must have been difficult for owners Courtney Hill & Muzz James.
The surprise announcement was published on a Facebook post on Friday, 01 March 2024:
“Dare Darlin,
CRUZIN’ IN THE 50s DINER – DELORAINE
16 February 2024
The much loved and popular Cruzin’ in the 50s Diner has closed down. The 50s inspired diner offered an experience like no other with its authentic memorabilia, a true 50s menu which included all the old faves from yesteryear, from Spiders to Milkshakes, Fries, Hamburgers & Hotdogs to Pancakes & Muffins. It will be sorely missed, especially for the kids who absolutely delighted in exploring the memorabilia and experiencing a step back in time.
SALLY’S VEGETARIAN VIETNAMESE
TEMPORARY CLOSURE DUE TO LUNAR YEAR
BLUE CAFÉ INC. HAS A BRAND NEW NAME
The much loved Blue Café at Launceston’s Inveresk precinct, has been renamed Blue Social Eatery – a fabulous new name that depicts what the Blue Café is all about!
YUM CHA LOVE
Yum Cha has been introduced to the Dong Sheng Menu!
Dong Sheng Chinese Restaurant is now offering Yum Cha as a new lunch time service on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm.
Following on from the Dong Sheng commitment to freshly made dishes, using locally sourced and premium produce, the Yum Cha menu is sure to delight. Bookings highly recommended: (03) 6344 7768
Visit our Dong Sheng listing page for more details & menus HERE.
THE EXCHANGE HOTEL – BEACONSFIELD
A recent refurbishment has brightened up the establishment and the hotel is back up and running with live entertainment, cool beverages and plates of food to whet the appetite. On-site facilities include a lounge bar which is open Fridays 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm and a guest breakfast room. The back deck area is also available for private use.
EXCHANGE HOTEL MENU
- Garlic bread $9 – Sweet wheat baguettes topped with butter, garlic and parsley ~ Cheesy add $1 V GFO VGO
- Triple cooked chips $9 – Boiled then fried twice with herbs, spices and relish GF VG
- Grilled mushrooms $14 – An ensemble of mushrooms with butter, sage and thyme with a porcini sauce GF V VGO
- Warm marinated olives $14 – A harmony of Warmed olives topped with thyme served with slices of sweet wheat sourdough V VG GFO
- Haloumi fries $14 – A chorus of haloumi fries with a side of herb aioli GF V
- Lamb cutlets $24 – A trio of grilled lamb cutlets topped with mint and a beurre blanc sauce GF
- Arancini $24 – A quartet of Arancini on a Parmesan Garlic sauce topped with Thyme and Oregano V
- Platters available by booking only
ph. (03) 6383 1410 to book a platter or to guarantee a table.
A NEW PUB IN TOWN!
The Northern Public House is the newest pub to open in Launceston. After so many years of trading as O’Keefe’s Hotel, then the shortest of stints as New Caledonia Wine Vault, the pub has come to life again with a new name! Opening hours are as follows: Tuesday – Saturday 12:00 pm – late. You’ll find the Northern Public House on the corner of George & York Sts. in downtown Launceston. See the Northern Public House full listing page for all details.
And a sneak peek at the menu!
SALLY’S VEGETARIAN VIETNAMESE
Yet another Vietnamese restaurant has opened, this one at the spot where Riverview Vietnamese was located, in Elouera St., Riverside overlooking the Tamar River.
See details and more info. for Sally’s Vegetarian Vietnamese here.
