HOT OFF THE PRESS 2025

All the latest news and information about Launceston Restaurants, the food scene, openings, closures, changes and special events.

TRES RESTAURANT

10 March 2025

Nestled in the heart of Launceston at the corner of Charles and York Streets, a charming new spot called TRES. has opened its doors, offering a fresh twist to the local dining scene.
This small restaurant blends bold Latin-inspired flavors with the warm, welcoming hospitality Tasmania is known for.
Whether you’re popping in for a morning coffee and treat from 8:30 am, savoring a glass of Tassie’s finest local wine, or indulging in unforgettable dishes from 11:00 am until late, TRES. promises a vibe that’s equal parts lively and laid-back.
Open Wednesday through Sunday, it’s the perfect place to kick back, enjoy unique bites, and leave with a full heart—and belly—ready to return for more.

Tres Menu - Launceston, Tasmania

MALAYCIOUS IS BACK!

03 March 2025

Another great bit of news, Malaycious Malay Cuisine is back and operating from 03 March at 134 York Street, Launceston.

Their new simplified menu is sure to impress!  Find opening hours and details HERE.

Malaycious Menu - Launceston

AND JUST LIKE THAT LUZ IS REOPENING!

27 February 2025

Brilliant news for the lovers of Luz.

Luz Restaurant is re-opening, at a new but well-known location. When the restaurant’s lease at the Clarion Hotel, was abruptly terminated due to the redevelopment of the building, the future of Luz was held in the balance but with Hodgy’s closing down at 61 Cameron Street, former Northern Club and Henry’s premises, this left the ideal opportunity for Luz owners to place their footprint in the centre of town.
Looking forward to their March 2025 opening in a fresh new place that’s bound to pull in both dedicated customers and new ones alike.

THE FLYING SPARROW

20 February 2025.

The Flying Sparrow, a gorgeous little café on the corner of Brisbane and Margaret Sts., is temporarily closed.  Here’s hoping this isn’t permanent.

LUZ RESTAURANT

31 January 2025

Sadly, Luz Restaurant has closed its doors after a three year tenure at the Clarion Grand Hotel.

This is a huge disappointment for Launceston diners and visitors alike.

Luz was an outstanding restaurant and one of the city’s finest.   It will be sadly missed.

HODGY’S BAR & RESTAURANT

15 January 2025

Unfortunately Hodgy’s Bar & Restaurant has now permanently closed.  This great little spot in the old Northern Club & Henry’s venue will be sadly missed by the many loyal patrons.  We wish them the best for the future.

Hodgy's Bar & Restaurant

GHAN CAFÉ & TAKEAWAY

After building up a loyal clientele over the past year, Ghan Café & Takeaway have shut up shop at their Kings Meadows location.

MALAYCIOUS CLOSES!

13 January 2025

Launceston’s only eatery offering Malaysian cuisine has closed its doors, effective immediately.  This is a sad day for the die hard fans of this authentic café.  Let’s hope it’s able to resurrect itself in one shape or another – maybe a food truck?

2024

NOMY BAR

The Nomy Bar has opened at 91 George St., at the former premises of Devil’s Door.  This new venture, by Michael Bernhagen of Barrel Collective on Brisbane St., is just a hop, skip and a jump, around the corner.  Michael plans to bring a fun and vibrant space for friends to mingle and connections to be made!

Expect a great range of cocktails, mixed drinks, craft beers & wines together with endless plates of bar time snacks, light meals and bevvys.

Nomy Bar & Restaurant - George St., Launceston, Tasmania

A SWEET NEW CHAPTER ON GEORGE ST.

07 December 2024

Launceston is about to become even more irresistible!

A delightful new patisserie, Le Petit Chou, is close to ready to open its doors and welcome its first customers.

Located on George Street, next door to the Prickly Cactus, Le Petit Chou will be softly launched on Wednesday, 11 December with the official grand opening celebration on Saturday 14 December.

The pâtisserie’s menu will showcase a delightful mix of French classics and creative innovations, with an emphasis on using fresh, local ingredients.

In addition, Le Petit Chou will offer Parisian-style high tea, featuring a curated selection of pastries and beverages, perfect for celebrations or simply treating yourself to a luxurious afternoon.

Owners Prosper and Noemie.

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.

Kenzo's Kitchen

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.

Woolmers Café & Restaurant - Longford, Tasmania

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

1808 Rum Bar

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.

The Gorge Restaurant, renowned for its breathtaking views and exquisite dining experience, invites you to shed the winter comfort attire for a night of fine dining. The event promises to be an enchanting escape, featuring a meticulously crafted five-course degustation menu that showcases the best of local produce, each dish designed to complement the crisp winter atmosphere.

gorge-restaurant-romantic-dining

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 .

Sushi Plus - Kings Meadows, Launceston

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.
Novaro's Italian Restaurant - Launceston, Tasmania

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.

Dare Darlin' Restaurant - Courtney Hill & Muzz James

The surprise announcement was published on a Facebook post on Friday, 01 March 2024:

“Dare Darlin,

With love, gratitude and a few tears, we announce that this Sunday will be our final service, and the final curtain call for Dare Darlin Restaurant. We have had the most incredible journey over the past 3 years & our dreams have come true. As a team we have decided to chase new goals, spark new ambition and venture into the unknown – You know what they say about getting comfortable. Dare Darlin can’t wait to continue to support the restaurants Launceston has to offer- It’s a hard industry to be in. Support the staff that work for you and support every small business. So many stories and memories have been made and shared in our four walls – Thank you for trusting us with them all. Our final parting words Darlin – Go for it. Whatever it might be. It just might change your life. Love, us ♥️
Business and bookings as usual until our last table leaves on Sunday night. We have a private event on Saturday Darlin. We can’t wait to see you and celebrate some very special moments. We apologise to future affected bookings. After Sunday, you will be contacted directly. If you have a purchased voucher and can’t make it before Sunday, call 0480534794 to organise your refund.”

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!

Blue Social Eatery

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

MENU CHANGES SEASONALLY
  • 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.
GF-Gluten free V-Vegetarian VG-Vegan O-Option

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!

Northern Public House MenuSALLY’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.

Sally's Vietnamese

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