The Best Seafood Restaurants in Hobart to Enjoy the Catch of the Day

Boasting some of the freshest seafood in the country, Tasmania’s capital Hobart is the place to be for those seeking to satisfy any seafood craving.

Australia's second-oldest city, Hobart has a rich maritime history. Once a pre-eminent whaling port, it's now a major hub for the Tasmanian seafood industry, which is the most valuable in all of Australia.

From freshly shucked oysters (which have earned a cult following among Australian foodies) to catch-of-the-day specials, read on for the best seafood restaurants in Hobart to enjoy a seafood spread during your stay– most with a gorgeous waterfront view to match.

Dier Makr 

While not technically a seafood restaurant, the seafood-focused dishes at Dier Makr are truly on another level. The menu changes regularly according to seasonality and available produce, so you might enjoy albacore with eggplant escabeche and a sensational La Ratte potato, octopus, leek and miso one week, poached Southern Rock lobster and oysters with Huon Valley apple emulsion and French sorrel the next.

The care and artistic precision that goes into crafting such impeccable dishes shine bright with plates like a rainbow trout, sourced from the base of Cradle Mountain, delicately smoked in hay and then served with a dressing of toasted and pickled walnuts, grilled broad bean leaves and crispy fried skin for more texture. 

You'll never know what you're in for when you take a seat inside Dier Makr; just know, it's bound to be some of the best seafood in Hobart. 

123 Collins Street, Hobart 

Bar Wa Izakaya

Bar Wa Izakaya is not only one of the best Japanese restaurants in Hobart but one of the best restaurants, period. Add to that a menu of bonafide, of-the-sea sensations, and this is one seafood restaurant in Hobart you simply need to try.

Located at the tail end of a lively shopping strip, it’s always packed out with locals and tourists alike. 

Bar Wa Izakaya is known for its great vibe and even better food, which blends Tasmanian produce with Japanese tradition. Think Tasmanian bluefin sashimi, locally-farmed oysters with kimchi granita, charcoal grilled kingfish collar with a teriyaki glaze, and wild caught octopus, hibachi grilled with fermented green chilli miso. Head there at lunch to try the famously good ramen, and wash it all down with a Japanese beer or whisky cocktail.

Sitchu Tip: If there's a yellowtail kingfish collar on the menu, order it. 

216-218 Elizabeth Street, Hobart

Omotenashi

This Japanese restaurant in Hobart may be hard to come by - and even harder to find available seatings for; but the reward is absolutely worth it.

Operated by Sophie Pope and Lachlan Colwill. Omotenashi is a 12-seat counter style restaurant that can be found inside the Lexus of Tasmania showroom (inside the Rox building on Elizabeth Street). 

Each night a set menu of around 16 dishes will be served with matched alcoholic or non alcoholic beverages. The menu and overall experience is heavily produce focused, acting as a showcase of what Sophie and Lachlan consider to be the best products available throughout each season.

Naturally, seafood shines the brightest, making this an unmissable dining destination for your next seafood-focused meal. Think local duckbill boarfish, yellow eye mullet and spotted whiting sashimi, native cocky salmon served Sabazushi style, uni don and wild Tasmanian Angasi oysters. 

Unit 4/160 Elizabeth Street, Hobart 

Mures Upper Deck

With over 50 years of experience in sourcing quality, fresh, local seafood, Mures Upper Deck has become the ultimate seafood experience in Hobart. 

With a focus on sustainably managed Australian seafood, each fish is caught, sourced, and prepared by the family-run business and accompanied by the best Tasmanian produce. It also boasts a wine list featuring varietals from across Tasmania, Australia, and the world.

 Victoria Dock, Davey St, Hobart

Mures Lower Deck

More casual than its upstairs sister, Mures Lower Deck is a family-friendly bistro offering a hook-to-plate experience. With award-winning fish and chips, oysters, scallops, squid, chowder, and more on the menu, there are also more than 32 flavours of ice cream on offer for dessert for those who want to follow a seafood smorgasbord with something sweet.

Victoria Dock, Davey St, Hobart

Pearl + Co

Located on the Hobart waterfront at Victoria Dock, Pearl + Co serves up freshly shucked oysters, sashimi, local wild fish ceviche, Tasmanian squid, and more. Enjoy fresh Tasmanian Pacific Oysters or a curried scallop pot pie as you watch local fishing boats glide in and out of the marina thanks to the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows, all perfectly paired with one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails.  

Victoria Dock, Hobart

The Drunken Admiral

One of Hobart’s most iconic restaurants, the family-run restaurant on Hobart’s Old Wharf is popular with both locals and tourists alike.

With a vibrant, maritime vibe (the restaurant décor is reminiscent of an old sailing ship), The Drunken Admiral serves up some of the freshest Tasmanian seafood. Try the Fish Market Chowder, which has been on the menu since the day the venue first opened in 1979 and has remained unchanged since.

17-19 Hunter Street, Old Wharf, Hobart

Blue Eye Seafood Restaurant

With a menu showcasing the best Tasmanian seafood, Blue Eye Seafood Restaurant specialises in oysters, grilled fish dishes, and fish and chips. Situated in the heart of Hobart’s historical Salamanca Place, there are both dine-in and takeaway options if you prefer to take a stroll and sit by the waterfront.

Oyster lovers can enjoy freshly shucked oysters every Tuesday to Saturday afternoon, served natural with a squeeze of lemon or topped with tomato and chili salsa, or shallot and red wine vinaigrette.

1 Castray Esplanade, Salamance Place, Hobart

Fish Frenzy

Famous for fresh and delicious fish and chips and grilled seafood, Fish Frenzy overlooks a picturesque marina surrounded by Antarctic vessels, tall ships, and Hobart’s fishing fleet. Serving up famed seafood chowder, there’s also a Pier Platter on offer with fresh tiger prawns, oysters, grilled octopus, and more.

Elizabeth Street Pier, Sullivans Cove, Hobart

Loving our guide to the best seafood restaurants in Hobart and keen to reel in more fun things to do around the city? Pair your seafood lunch or dinner with a pint at one of the best breweries in Hobart or satisfy your sweet tooth at one of the city's best bakeries.