A vegan and vegetarian guide to Tasmania

From fine dining to foraging, Tasmania’s food scene is a celebration of seasonal, fresh, and locally grown produce.

Surrounded by pristine waters, Tasmania is well known for its high-quality seafood. Perhaps less well known is the wide array of options for vegetarians and vegans in Tasmania. Here’s how to uncover the island’s top vegetarian and vegan dining options.

Sourcing vegetarian and vegan produce in Tasmania

Known as the ‘Apple Isle’, Tasmania was once one of the world’s leading apple exporters. The island’s cool climate and fertile soil continue to influence the island’s fruit, vegetables and gourmet produce today.

Gourmet ingredients

If you’re eating vegan or vegetarian in Tasmania, take feasting to the next level with these artisanal plant-based treats. 

Try the Truffle Farm’s umami oils, Lauds aged vegan cheeses, or Rough Rice’s spicy fermented condiments (head to their stall at Farm Gate Market to taste test atop a warming bowl of congee).

For a sweet, dairy-free fix, Van Diemens Land Creamery sorbet can be found on the Hobart waterfront and Elizabeth Town. Play it safe with vegan chocolate or take your tastebuds on tour with feijoa, sour watermelon and blood orange.

To round out your food safari, give some Tasmanian-grown hazelnuts, olives, honey and saffron a try.

Foraging for flavour

For a more hands-on experience, plant-based eaters in Tasmania can roam in nature’s pantry. Forage for native ingredients, like pepperberry, wild edible mushrooms, sea salt, wild garlic, edible seaweed and samphire (aka sea asparagus).

Foraging is best done in the company of experienced guides to safely identify edible plants. Join a Tunnel Hill Mushroom tour or learn about bush tucker with Aboriginal-owned Palawa Kipli to understand Tasmania’s wild larder.

Seasonal staples

Thanks to its long, mild growing season and rich volcanic soils, fresh fruit and vegetables are abundant in Tasmania. Depending on the time of year, visitors can eat the rainbow, from cherries and strawberries to apples and pears, and pink eye potatoes and kale.

Many of the best vegetarian restaurants in Hobart showcase local ingredients, but seasonal produce is also easy to source at weekend markets. Eat like a local by visiting Launceston's Harvest Market on a Saturday, or Hobart’s Farm Gate Market on a Sunday. Seasonal food festivals, such as Tasmania’s Taste of Summer and Winter Feast at Dark Mofo (June), cater to more experimental palates.

Tasty tours

Crafted with care and plucked from the earth, vegetarian and vegan food in Tasmania is far from boring. Discover how your food is grown on a veg-friendly tour.

Join Tasman Sea Salt’s Salt Sommelier experience for a deep dive into the world of salt. Go behind the scenes at Duck River Meadows Robotic Dairy for an informative look at their robotic milk production. Or tour Bridestowe Lavender Estate while devouring a lavender ice cream.

Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Tasmania

A vegan in Tasmania has an array of options – even outside the cities. Cosy cafes, micro-bakeries, overflowing markets and roadside stalls are dotted across the state.

Hobart

The landing point for many visitors to Tasmania is Hobart, where vegans won’t be disappointed. Many of the city’s fine dining restaurants have curated vegan or vegetarian degustation menus. Try waterfront-facing Aloft, neighbourhood favourite Templo, Mediterranean-inspired Restaurant Maria or intimate dining at Ogee.

For a casual bite, you’ll find a vegetarian-friendly menu at cosy Sunbear cafe. Head to Six Russell or Pigeon Whole Bakers to choose from an array of gourmet sandwiches and pastries.

Venture out of the city to be rewarded with a moreish pub meal at the Fern Tree Tavern; the eggplant schnitzel is perfect post-hike fuel after a morning spent on Kunanyi / Mount Wellington.   

Satisfy international cravings at Rude Boy, a Caribbean-inspired rum bar and restaurant with excellent ‘fake chicken’, or Bar Wa Izakaya, which serves Japanese dishes and sake, including a decadent vegetarian (vegan optional) ramen.

Launceston

Tasmania’s second-largest city is a gastronomic hub with plenty of meat-free options to choose from.

Using produce fresh from their garden, Mad Apple has one of the best vegetarian brunches in town. Sweetbrew, and its sister venue Tatler Lane, are both relaxed options for vegans in Launceston. There’s also Earthy Eats for organic fare and locally roasted coffee.

Beyond the cities

A trip to Tasmania isn't complete without a road trip, so it’s a relief to know there are vegetarian options along the way. The Bay Restaurant in Coles Bay has an entire vegetarian menu, while Governors Bicheno is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Hub in Derby serves pizza and foodie haven Bruny Island is home to the beloved Bruny Island Bread Fridge and Bruny Island Cheese Co.

For road trips in the Central Highlands, the Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel offers unfussy vegetarian options. In the Huon Valley, and further south, vegetarians can tuck into wood-fired pastries and pies at Summer Kitchen Bakery, locally sourced produce in heritage surrounds at Cygnet Old Bank Conservatory Cafe, and pickles and cheese at Harvest and Light.

Practical tips for the plant-based traveller

Tasmania has a diverse food scene, but it can be helpful to plan ahead. Vegetarians in Tasmania can check resources like HappyCow for up-to-date restaurant recommendations.

Local supermarkets and health food stores are a safe bet in major towns to stock up on essentials, especially before adventuring to remote areas.

For a better dining experience, be sure to mention specific dietary requirements when booking restaurants in Tasmania, especially for fine dining.

Your plant-based adventure awaits

With a rich culinary history and ideal growing conditions, Tasmania is a one-of-a-kind place for gourmet vegetarian and vegan produce and dining. Start planning your foodie adventure today.