Garagistes

LOCATION
Centrally located in Hobart's city in an unusual old warehouse style building.

PROFILE
There is a buzz about Garagistes' personality that boasts innovation and creativity that seeks to bend the rules of the Hobart dining scene. Chef Luke Burgess’ resume includes time at Tetsuya’s in Sydney and at Noma in Copenhagen - the world’s number one restaurant. He and partners Katrina Birchmeier and Kirk Richardson have turned an old, barn-like CBD motor garage into a very stylish and laid-back wine bar and restaurant with features that still show its past life. A long bar fronts the open kitchen while communal tables lead through the restaurant. The clever acoustics allow easy cross-table conversations above the palpable buzz of crowded, happy diners. The daily menus are small in comparison to the 42 page wine list and you are encouraged to share a procession of dishes composed of simple, quality ingredients in unusual and exciting combinations, flavours and textures.

You might start by layering excellent, crusty bread with delicious slivers of house-made salume. Follow this with sensational salt cod fritters – the fish creamily textured inside a deep-fried crust then topped with a dab of golden aioli. The velvety richness of a chicken liver parfait is set against the crunch of puffed buckwheat. The flavours of the raw jack mackerel are cut by the sharp tastes of pickles and the tang of elderberries while the char-grilled octopus is contrasted with the sweetness of creamy cauliflower. Sticks of caramelised salsify partner meltingly tender, 36-hour beef which marries well with the novella-length wine list. It holds an outstanding selection of natural wines from Tasmania, the mainland and the vinous byways of regional France and Italy. The rich, old-fashioned lardy cake is buttoned with juicy sultanas while hazelnut meringue accompanies thick custard coloured with spices and rhubarb and ribboned with the colour of dried blueberries. Take your food-passionate friends for memorable meals.

Open Wed-Sat 5pm to late, Garagistes do not take dinner reservations, however bookings are essential for their set 4 course lunch menu on Sundays.