Swansea’s Eateries

Tasmania’s East Coast is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences that celebrate the region’s fresh, seasonal produce.

Whether you’re looking for a casual brunch or a high-end dinner with matching wines, you’re sure to find something that hits the spot.

Breakfast

One of the best options for breakfast in Swansea is Cake & Honey, a cute café on Franklin Street that offers pastries, coffee and classic bites.

Another great choice is Artifakt, which is open until mid-afternoon offering breakfast and lunch dishes as well as coffee, cakes, and wines. Artifakt is co-located with an art gallery showcasing work by local artists, so leave plenty of time to browse and perhaps pick up a souvenir of your time in Swansea.

Lunch

Most visitors to the East Coast go out and about exploring during the day, and choose to pack a simple picnic lunch to have at the beach or on a bushwalk. If that’s your preference there are plenty of shops in Swansea where you can pick up provisions.

However, there are also plenty of excellent lunch venues nearby if you’d like to let to stay out of the kitchen and let someone else do the hard work.

Many of the vineyards and wineries near Swansea offer lunches and tasting platters: Spring Vale and Devil’s Corner have permanent restaurants onsite, while Mayfield Estate often has visiting food vans. Keep an eye on their social media for details.

Saltshaker Restaurant is easy to find in the centre of Swansea, and has a wide selection of pizzas, seafood and kid-friendly dishes – with a wonderful view from every table.

Melshell Oysters is a short drive north of Swansea: their charming shack is a fully licensed venue serving up not just fresh oysters but a wide variety of local seafood that is cooked simply and absolutely delicious.

If you’re travelling as a family, it’s hard to beat a visit to Kate’s Berry Farm, just south of Swansea. Delighting visitors with a wide array of berry-inspired treats, the menu includes waffles with berry compote, scones with rich berry jam, fabulous fruit pies, and some of the best ice cream you’ll find in Tasmania. It’s all best enjoyed at a table on the wisteria-covered deck overlooking the Hazards and Freycinet Peninsula.

Dinner

You’ll be equally spoiled for choice when it comes to dinner options in Swansea – there’s something nearby to suit every taste and budget.

If you’re looking for a welcoming, casual place, try the Swansea RSL or The Bark Mill Tavern, which is just a few minutes walk from Swansea Beach Chalets. Alternatively, pick up some fresh seafood at The Horny Cray Takeaway and enjoy it sitting on your deck back at the chalets.

The Branch on Maria Street is a wine and cocktail bar in a converted bank that was originally built in the 1920s. They showcase local produce with an innovative Tasmanian tapas menu that includes oysters, salmon, scallops and charcuterie.

For a more substantial dinner that’s still uniquely Tasmanian, book a table at The Waterloo. Housed in a traditional, retro-style motel, the hugely popular restaurant serves up an inventive menu that changes daily but always celebrates seasonal, local produce.

For a special occasion, consider treating yourself to dinner at the Homestead Restaurant at Piermont Retreat, around 3km south of Swansea. The award-winning chef collaborates with local organic farmers and winemakers to present an inspiring menu in a stylish, elegant setting.