Chow Down in Hobart Midtown

by Peta Hen

Food is often the heart and soul of neighbourhoods, and what better way is there to get to know a place than hitting where the locals love to eat and hang out?

Bar Wa Izakaya – Jelly Shots and Ramen

Nothing beats a huge bowl of ramen, especially during winter. Bar Wa serves up steaming hot ramen daily with housemade tare and a deep, complex broth that’s been brewed for hours. However, if you’re after something a bit share-friendly (hands off our noodles!), head in after dark where you can pull up a seat and go to town on a menu stacked with morish Japanese bar food. Our hot take: try the yuzu jelly sake. It’s an awesome experience that will put a smile on your face and set you up for a great night. Just give the can a really good shake first.

Rude Boy – got chicken?

Dreaming of a tropical holiday or a rum-fuelled jaunt around the Caribbean? Rude Boy, while thousands of miles from anything remotely tropical, is the place to hit. The vibe inside instantly puts you in a party mood, and if that doesn’t, the wall of rum behind the bar certainly will. The food is really good too. Rude Boy specialises in some kicken’ fried chicken with a wide range of sauces and sprinkles to go with it. We’re big fans of the jerk seasoning, BBQ rum sauce and cheese dust. Pair it with a pineapple rum cocktail and you’re set for the night.

Sonny – Oysters with A Side of Led Zeppelin

If you’re after great eats paired with music and a decent glass of wine, then Sonny is for you. While the intimate wine bar recently farewelled founder Matt Breen, rest assured Sonny is still in good hands. Alister Roberston, Breen’s partner-in-crime and the bar’s resident wine expert, is leading the ship. Sonny is Midtown’s go-to for small plates oysters and beautiful things on toast, an extensive wine list backed by a solid breadth of wine knowledge, and the locally built Pitt + Giblin sound system always playing something interesting.

Grinners – it’s taco time! Right next door to the best chicken in town is Grinners, a grunge-themed dive bar that serves up some mean Mexican. Tasty street tacos with a side of jalapeno poppers and all washed down with the meanest margaritas this side of town. Just yum. They host some awesome live music too and their menu is always evolving. Our faves are pork adobo and butternut pumpkin tacos with jalapeno poppers, of course.

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Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces- June 2026

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces – May 2026

Bits and Pieces- May 2026

Stay up to date with everything happening at the Hobart Magazine.

Worker shortage is currently universal, there isn’t an industry that’s exempt. For Kelvin Smith, four years ago he decided there was a very obvious solution to the shortage facing the construction industry, and all that was needed was a little time, empathy and a helping hand. Integrate Workforce is a Hobart-based labour company with one requirement: a refugee/ migrant background. He’s also the outdoor piano man in his free time.

Landscape artist and creative Elliott Nimmo is enjoying discovering Hobart’s vibrant art scene and local environment after relocating here from London to pursue his art.

Even though Tasmania is known for its mild summers, it doesn’t take much to get sunburnt. Tasmania experiences extreme ultraviolet (UV) levels, but contrary to popular belief this isn’t due to the hole in the ozone layer, which is actually south of the continent.While higher UV levels often occur at the same time as higher temperatures, the two are not linked. Instead, UV levels are determined by the angle of the sun in the sky: the higher the sun, the higher the UV. In December and January, the position of the sun over Tasmania gives the state a UV index of 11 or more on most days, which is classified as “extreme” on the UV index. Tasmania’s lack of humidity and generally clear skies contribute to the stinging feeling of the sun. UV can reflect off buildings and water, making it possible to get a higher dose of UV from these reflected rays, even in the shade.

Setting up shop during a pandemic was a risky move, but if the crowd at Dāna Eating House (Dāna) on a Friday night is anything to go by, it’s one that’s paid off. With tables of diners chatting and laughing over drinks, the music and conversation buzzes off the monstera-leaf-green walls. Low-hanging rattan lights and worn wooden floorboards give the newly opened South-East Asian fusion venue in Hobart’s CBD a relaxed vibe.

A Holyman flagged ship hasn’t steamed up the River Derwent since 1984 but the company’s name still proudly adorns its former offices at 5 Morrison Street, Hobart.

Widening the Tasman Bridge to allow 3.5 metres on each side is a big win for walkers and cyclists.

Need a laugh? Check out @theinspiredunemployed feed on Instagram.

Rain, hail and shine, the school crossing guards are always there to help with a smile on their face.

It’s hard to believe it’s not standard practice to have a working phone in every aged care room - shared phones make private conversations impossible and increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Just when you think your cousins are alright. NZ Opposition Leader Judith Collins took aim at Tassie during her recent (unsuccessful) campaign, calling us Australia’s “poor cousin.” She also seems worried about us nabbing tech businesses, “It’s a lovely part of the world but do you necessarily want to go there with your high- tech business? Possibly not,” she said. We beg to differ!