Where To Eat, Shop + Stay For A Perfect Weekend In Hobart

Where To Eat, Shop + Stay For A Perfect Weekend In Hobart

Travel

by Christina Karras

Meet Hobart resident and Alma Supply Store owner, Aneka Sidoti.

The boutique stocks homewares, clothing, books, and more sourced from around the world.

‘Every item is centred in quality and beauty,’ Aneka says.

Between the world-class restaurants, novel cultural events, and one-of-a-kind stores, Hobart really does have something for everyone.

That’s part of the reason the capital city called to Aneka Sidoti and her partner Mark Burling. The Tasmanian transplants opened curated boutique Alma Supply Store on Hobart’s historic Macquarie Street in 2023, just a year after deciding to swap their coastal lifestyle in Byron for the grounding energy of Tasmania.

‘The saying, “come down for air” is exactly what you find when you arrive; the air is like a clean kiss on your face! I love the ease in which you can navigate the city, whilst getting water glimpses wherever you are,’ Aneka adds.

‘Winter in Hobart is when the city is most alive. Small bars, amazing restaurants, theatre and incredible nature walks and the best floating saunas I’ve experienced.’

Wondering how you can spend a weekend in the city like a local? Find all of Aneka’s recommendations below!

Alma Supply Store

Alma is Aneka’s thoughtfully curated store, located inside a beautiful sandstone building. It has been many years in the making — the culmination of her 20 years’ experience working with independent retail stores in New South Wales.

‘You’ll find a range of design products from all over the world: handwoven baskets, handmade coffee machines, enamelware, utensils, ceramics, kitchenware, stationery and our own ALMA brand,’ she adds.

Find out more here.

Ogee Guesthouse is the sibling to one of Hobart’s most acclaimed modern restaurants, Ogee.

The renovated terrace’s lounge has been designed as a listening room, complete with speakers and a record player.

One of the two bedrooms inside.

Ogee Guesthouse

This accommodation in the heart of North Hobart is a sophisticated retreat with the perfect atmosphere for a weekend in the city. ‘I was honoured to assist in the styling and furnishing of this incredible space. Located right next door to the restaurant of the same name, it’s an amazing way to keep the party going after dining at Ogee,’ Aneka says.

Find out more here.

Aneka says a pit stop at Pigeon Whole Bakers is a must.

The bakery is conveniently located in Hobart’s CBD.

It’s a great spot for a quick takeaway or to sit and do some people watching.

Pigeon Whole Bakers

A visit to Pigeon Whole Bakers is the best way to start your day. Aneka suggests you grab a morning bun and a strong brew before heading out to explore the city: ‘Everything they do is incredible! Whenever we are heading up the coast, stopping for a ficelle on the way is always a must.’

Find out more here.

White Sage offers skin treatments, laser, LED therapy and naturopath consultations.

Book in for some self care.

White Sage

White Sage is a go-to for any skin-related appointments and a bit of TLC. ‘It’s a calming space that you truly feel held in whenever you step inside. Naturopathy, facials, skin treatment and beauty are all holistically offered in a very nurturing way,’ Aneka says.

Find out more here.

Aneka stops by one of Hobart’s newest spots, Smith Street Bar.

The bar serves up seasonal cocktails and Asian fusion plates bursting with flavour.

Smith Street Bar

‘Head to Smith Street Bar for a quick bite of some of the best hibachi-cooked delights you’ll try in Hobart,’ Aneka says. The Asian fusion spot only opened this year, and it’s walk ins only, making it a great place for a spontaneous seasonal cocktail in the afternoon.

Find out more here.

Suffragette Records is a haven for exploring music by women artists.

The woman-owned business is run by a family with three daughters!

Suffragette Records

Hobart is full of unique independent shops, and Suffragette Records is one of them. ‘My son, an avid record collector and music lover, is the one who introduced me to this family-run business, which offers an amazing range of records, cassettes and more all by female-led artists,’ Aneka says.

Find out more here.

Lēoht’s menu is all about celebrating nutrient-dense whole foods and local produce.

Enjoy a pastry by day, or head in for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays.

The venue is located inside a historic Georgian cottage with a pink facade.

Lēoht

‘Nestled in the quaint suburb of Battery Point, Lēoht is run by a lovely couple, Chanel and Harrison,’ Aneka says. Their menu showcases only the best local whole food ingredients available, with unique dishes like a breakfast carbonara that you can’t find anywhere else.

Find out more here.

Aneka suggests making the drive to Flowerpot especially for the beautiful vistas at Mewstone Wines.

The small, family-owned winery has been in business since 2011.

Mewstone Wines

Aneka says going for a drive just outside the city is one of her favourite things to do every Sunday, and they always end up at Mewstone Wines in Flowerpot. ‘It’s only 40 minutes south of Hobart, but the drive is idyllic and the arrival is always so overwhelmingly beautiful’, she adds.

‘The vineyard overlooks D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Bruny Island, and is run by brothers Jonny and Matthew Hughes, who produce premium cool-climate Tasmanian wines! My favourite drop is the Pinot Noir 2025, which has been matured for 10 months in French oak.’

Find out more here.

Warm up with a session at Sauna Boat Tasmania, a unique floating sauna experience.

The Scandinavian-inspired sauna is set against the backdrop of Little Oyster Cove’s breathtaking vistas.

The shared sauna session accommodates up to four people.

Sauna Boat Tasmania

If you’re looking to clear your mind and body, it’s worth making the trip to Sauna Boat Tasmania in Kettering. The hour-long session is so relaxing, and you can book a private experience or share the space with four people. ‘And that plunge into the icy water of Little Oyster Cove is a must if you can,’ Aneka says.

Find out more here.

Go flower picking or for a workshop at Earthenry Farm. Photo – Bethany Hendricks

Photo – Bethany Hendricks

Earthenry Farm

If you do hire a car, you can keep the road trip going with a visit to the delightful Earthenry Farm in Lower Snug. Depending on the time of year, they offer seasonal flower picking experiences, workshops, and there’s a cut flower specialist nursery on site.

Find out more here.

Got a taste for Hobart? There’s more to dig into. Discover Tasmania has the experiences, restaurants, events and local tips you didn’t know you needed. If you’re craving a regular dose of trip-planning intel, subscribe to their newsletter.

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