Here on Tasmania’s East Coast, food just seems to taste better; maybe it’s the salt in the sea breeze, maybe it’s the postcard perfect view, or maybe it’s knowing the oysters were harvested just down the road.

Being based here on Tasmania’s East Coast means we’re surrounded by some of the freshest produce in the world, and the seafood… well, it’s unforgettable.

When I talk about the restaurants and spots to eat in Coles Bay, I’m talking about those small, special places that capture the true spirit of the region. They’re relaxed, honest, and absolutely delicious. These are my go-to favourites, the ones I never miss when I’m here at the cabin.

*Fresh seafood at Freycinet Marine Farm & Restaurant*

My Favourite Lunch Spot in Coles Bay

If you love seafood as much as I do, and only visit one place for lunch, please make it this one. The Freycinet Marine Farm isn’t fancy, but it’s authentic, and that’s what makes it so special. Even in winter it's a great place to go, their wood fire adds even more to the rustic coastal atmosphere.

*Experience at Freycinet Marine Farm & Restaurant*

Right on Coles Bay Road, just before you reach the National Park, this gem serves oysters and mussels harvested fresh from their own farm daily. You can literally watch them being shucked before they hit your plate.

*A sunny table on the deck at Freycinet Marine Farm*

You Must-Try: A dozen fresh-shucked oysters (start with the natural ones!), a bowl of their rich seafood chowder, and a plate of crumbed scallops. Pair it with a glass of local Tasmanian wine, grab a seat on the sunny deck, and take your time. This is East Coast Tasmania at its most delicious.

The Best Fish & Chips

When I’m craving the ultimate seaside treat, there’s no place I’d rather go than Ice Creamery & Co. at Coles Bay, it’s my favourite little hideaway. Here, the magic lies in the perfect trio: scoops, seafood, and scenery. Nestled right on the edge of Freycinet, you can tuck into the best fish and chips and crispy, golden fish & chips made from local catch (like Trevalla and calamari), all while gazing up at the Hazards mountains rising above the bay. Then, just when you think it can’t get better, you grab a cone (or a sundae) from their 24-strong Tasmanian-made ice cream flavours. What more could you need from a seaside eatery?

Finer Dining in Coles Bay

When I want to slow down and savour something special, this is where I go. Tucked within the Freycinet National Park, The Bay Restaurant is the perfect spot for couples staying at the Lobster Pot Cabin who are after a romantic evening.

Their menu celebrates seasonal Tasmanian produce, and the seafood dishes always steal the show. But it’s the view that makes it unforgettable. You’ll dine as the sun dips behind the Hazards Mountains, turning the sky and sea every shade of gold and pink. It’s simply magic.

Another finer-dining restaurant option in Coles Bay is The Edge Restaurant at Edge of the Bay. They serve ocean fresh food, have a great selection of cocktails, beer, and wine, and can accommodate private functions and special occasions.

Great wood fired pizza in Coles Bay Tasmania — *Wood fired pizza at Geographe Restaurant*

Casual & Easy All Day Eating

Right in the heart of Coles Bay village, Géographe is a buzzing little hub that I love at any time of day. Whether you pop in for coffee after a morning walk, stop by for lunch, or relax over dinner, it’s open every day and always welcoming.

Their menu has something for everyone, wood-fired pizzas, fresh local seafood special, burgers, and the deck outside is the perfect spot to soak in the coastal atmosphere.

What I Love: It’s easy, casual, and always good. After a big day exploring Freycinet, it’s exactly where I want to unwind with a local craft beer or a chilled Tassie white.

If you prefer casual and easy to fine dining, Richardson’s Bistro at Freycinet Lodge has a great range of pub-like food options.

*Cooked breakfast at the Granite Freycinet*

Best Breakfast & Coffee Spot

For the best breakfast and coffee in Coles Bay, I always point guests straight to Granite Freycinet, the kind of place where the locals gather daily and where every morning feels like a fresh start. Sitting right across from beautiful Muirs Beach, Granite serves exceptional coffee, hearty breakfasts, and sunlit brunch plates that taste even better when enjoyed out on their deck. It’s a community hub… friendly, relaxed, and proudly local.

*Local live music at the Iluka Tavern, Coles Bay*

For Seaside Classic Food in Coles Bay

Sometimes, all you want is a pub meal. Filling, unpretentious, and in a social setting. Iluka Tavern is the kind of place you walk into with sandy toes, a little sun-tired from the beach and you feel at home. They host regular open mic nights and also have live music performances while you enjoy yourself.

Their menu covers all the classics; steaks, burgers, and, of course, fish and chips. There are often local seafood specials too, depending on what’s been caught that day. It’s friendly, reliable, and exactly what a coastal pub should be.

*Dining area at the Lobster Pot Cabin, Coles Bay*

Now you’re fully equipped with a list of the best places to eat in Coles Bay. Remember, you can also ask for your food to take away, or prepare local produce at your home away from home, in the Lobster Pot Cabin kitchen and enjoy in the dining area, or outside.

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My Guide to the Best Restaurants & spots to eat in Coles Bay