Hobart might look like a quiet waterfront city, but if you love seafood, it’s one of the most exciting places you can be! The catch is always fresh and cooked perfectly so you’re not only eating seafood, you’re experiencing it. From fresh fish to shucked oysters and everything in between, Hobart is a dream destination for seafood lovers.
Here are the top seafood experiences in the city that are absolutely worth your time:
Drunken Admiral
Now this restaurant is not just about the food, it’s about the ambience. The Drunken Admiral in Hobart makes you feel like you’re inside an old pirate ship with its dim lighting, ropes and nautical decor everywhere.
Their menu leans heavily into Tasmanian seafood classics. Think creamy garlic prawns, buttered scallops with cheese and locally caught fish served in rich, comforting dishes. Their seafood chowder is especially popular — decadent and packed with flavour. It’s a kind of place where you enjoy the vibe as much as the food. And you’re guaranteed not to leave hungry!
The Deep-To-Dish Tasmanian Seafood Cruise
This Tasmanian wild seafood adventure is easily one of the most unique food experiences you can have in Hobart. It’s a full-on seafood adventure where it’s literally from the deep to your dish! On this cruise, you head out into the sea and actually watch your food being sourced and prepared.
The crew onboard have divers to jump in the water to harvest sea urchins, lobsters, abalone etc. that are then cleaned and prepped on the boat. Oysters will be shucked right in front of you and famous Tasmanian Rock Lobsters are prepared in different ways to give you the best experience. It doesn’t get fresher than this. If you’re a hardcore seafood fan, this will be the best thing you do in Hobart.
Pearl + Co
If you’re not into cruising and just want to enjoy the waterfront, Pearl Co Hobart restaurant is a great spot. You get high-quality seafood and a relaxed seating in one. It’s modern, but not too fancy.
Think European cuisine with Aussie seafood. From seafood pasta to wild fish ceviche and loaded lobster rolls, it’s an explosion of flavours. Oysters are a highlight here – served multiple ways with an assortment of condiments, letting you explore your tastebuds and different flavour combinations! It’s experimental, elegant and fun.
Barilla Bay Oysters
Staying on the theme, Barilla Bay Oysters in Hobart is a must-try. It’s a short drive from the city to the place where oysters are grown and harvested.
You can take a tour of the farm, learn about the process and then sit down for a tasting menu of the very oysters that you passed. The freshness really makes a difference that even people who aren’t usually fans of oysters often end up enjoying them. They also have a restaurant on-site where you can try them out in different styles too – fresh, frilled, fried and dressed with light toppings. It’s simpler than most, but done extremely well.
Mures Upper Deck
If you’re looking for a slightly upscale dining scene, then Mures Upper Deck Hobart is a great choice. It’s known for its high-quality seafood and beautiful views over the harbour.
What really sets this restaurant apart is that Mures operates its own fishing boats, which means a lot of the seafood that’s on your plate has been caught by their team. The menu is also quite varied from fresh sashimi to grilled fish, calamari and seafood platters. Their service is polished, the dishes are well-balanced and the setting is relaxed.
Hobart is one of those places where seafood isn’t just food. It’s part of the culture. Whether you’re eating in a themed restaurant, cruising out on the water or tasting oysters straight from the source, every experience feels connected to the water that connects this beautiful city. So if you’re in Hobart and looking for the best seafood-focused restaurants and experiences, check these out!