Get a taste for Devonport

Before wending your way around the Tamar Valley’s wineries, check out Devonport’s coffee-loving cafes. After savouring Hobart’s restaurants, dine at one by the sea just minutes from your homeward-bound ship. Or spend a day here, from relaxed laneway breakfasts to some of Tasmania’s best fish ‘n’ chips.

Above Devonport Surf Club, on a bluff jutting out into Bass Strait, Mrs Jones restaurant, bar and lounge takes advantage of its seaside location with huge windows. There’s visual appeal inside too, from the copper-clad bar and tables made of reclaimed Tasmanian oak, to food that’s globally influenced but fundamentally local. The menu ranges from wallaby porterhouse to mushroom risotto, but that vista will surely give you a taste for fishy dishes like tempura prawn rice paper rolls.

Mrs Jones’ next-door neighbour is Drift, a cafe-restaurant that opens out right onto the beach. You’re welcome to wander in with sandy feet at this relaxed, contemporary space. From smart-casual eggy brunch or fish ‘n’ chips to something a little exotic like Chinese sticky soy pork belly, there are many excuses to sit back and watch the waves – and perhaps Spirit of Tasmania sailing into or out of Devonport.

Pinctada Kitchen will spice up your lunch or dinner with Mexican street food and Spanish tapas favourites. Relax in this airy, leafy space with a few tacos, including jackfruit or chipotle pulled pork, and other temptations from nachos to churros. Pop into neighbouring Southern Wild Distillery for Dasher + Fisher gin tastings, and maybe buy a bottle for home.

Want a classic fish ‘n’ chips experience? Strait Off the Boat is where to get it in Devonport – officially. This shop was voted Tasmania’s sixth best, and the best in town by far, in the latest Australian Fish & Chips Awards People’s Choice category. It lives up to its name, because much of the menu’s literally straight off their own boat. Choose from Bass Strait fish (also available fresh for accommodation cooking) including gummy, thrasher and mako, plus scallops, squid and prawns, and other fried favourites like house-made potato cakes and spring rolls.

If you know where to look, Devonport has coffee and cafe fare to rival Hobart and Melbourne. Gioconda Coffee Roasters is a good bet for java junkies, because they roast their own beans right here in Devonport. Choose from their signature blend, dark roast, single origin or decaf. Go on, get a muffin or biscuit too!

Fundamental Espresso opens at 6am Monday-Friday and 7am Saturday, so you can drive straight from Spirit to a quality cup of Joe. Add a bagel, pressed sandwich or pastry for a great start to your island adventure at this popular cafe, where the soundtrack is pure vinyl.

For something more substantial with your coffee – or maybe a smoothie or wine – try Laneway. Also opening early, at 6.30am daily, this cosy cafe does hot breakfasts like waffles or Argentinian ‘loco’ beans, and afternoon delights including burgers and lemon tart. Or hunt down The Brown Bear in a quiet Merseyside suburb. This eatery’s menu has plenty of city-cafe smarts, like eggs Benedict and toasted Turkish sandwiches.

Whether you want a morning (Gioconda) coffee and fancy fruit toast, pasta and wine for lunch, pre-dinner drinks or a big feed, from pizza to panna cotta, Verona restaurant and wine bar’s got you covered.

Looking for quality self-catering ingredients or yummy souvenirs? Don’t miss Hill Street, Tasmania’s much-loved gourmet grocery chain whose largest store is in Devonport. Hometown hero Peter & Una Seafoods is another top option for fresh fish, as well as goodies from their gourmet deli.

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.