Launceston punches above its size for food. The city has benefited from the broader Tasmanian food renaissance — local farms, premium beef and lamb, pristine seafood from Bass Strait, cool-climate wines from the Tamar Valley — and a critical mass of good restaurants has developed around the city centre.
The best-known precinct is around Brisbane and Charles Streets, where you will find Mudbar (good river views and modern Australian cooking) and the Grain of the Silos (creative Tasmanian produce in a heritage building). For something more casual, the Sweetbrew Café in City Park is excellent for breakfast and coffee. The Launceston Seaport has several more options along the water, with moderate views and tourist-friendly menus. For a long lunch, the Stillwater restaurant at Ritchie's Mill near Cataract Gorge does the full seasonal Tasmanian treatment at a price to match.