HAVILAH WINE — Restaurant in Launceston

It has taken a while to type a review on this wine bar however hopefully it might give some of you a perspective on the place as a local in Launceston for the past few years.

The idea of this wine bar is fantastic and the food menu executed by Ricky’s partner is phenomenal (the boar truffled salami, which they no long sell, comes to mind). However if one comes to judge this place as a wine bar, it leaves a lot to be desired.

When my partner and I first went to Havilla when it first opened, the product knowledge was extremely poor. Keep in mind that 20 minutes out of town, some fantastic wineries with food platters are easily accessible during the day (such as Tamar Ridge). The owner who produced the Two Tonne wine (Ziggurat) describes the tasting notes of his wine as “an average of wines in the Tamar” and his staff could not tell me any further about his product. Whilst his partner service was impeccable, his was not and we put it to teething problems.

When we arrived the second time, we noted that the menu had changed and the service had improved. However given the product delivery of the wine the first time, my partner and myself were not game to try Ricky’s product again.

Speaking to locals in the area, Ricky has a good products coming from his wineries and he is an award winner for a reason. However, it would be nice if he could bring his award winning products to his wine bar. If my partner and I were to judge his bar purely on the food, we would bring all our friends here.

However, if it was purely for the wine, I think you would do better elsewhere.

In summary, whilst a nice place to take your friends out on a big night after a few drinks, I would say “caveat emptor”. I’ve seen far better in this region and if only the owners could lift their game it would befit what they are trying to sell. It would be lovely to see them succeed and strive towards something that is worthy of...

It was a most enjoyable Sunday lunch and wine tasting at Havilah Wine Bar. Our hosts, Ricky Evans and Chanel Parratt, provided a stunning experience for our discerning palates. Ricky, young gun wine maker, presented six delightful Tasmanian wines from his Two Tonne range. Ricky specialises in creating superb wines from small parcel vineyards. Wines were accompanied by a fabulous charcuterie of cured meats, cheeses, polpetta (meat balls), fennel salad (loved by all), pickles and ferments. Perfect panna cotta concluded the feast. Ambience is enhanced by a one of a kind, pastel pink meat slicer. An enterprise such as Havilah is not created without considerable pain and effort. Our wine group hopes that, like its name, Havilah will continue to bring forth multiple delights for...

If in Launceston I recommend checking out the cool and cosy Havilah wine bar. Visiting for dinner, I had the wallaby tartar, Boomer Bay oysters and salt cod croquettes to eat along with a Pet Nat.

The oysters dressed in lime and chilli were fresh and beautiful. The wallaby tartar had a nice little kick from the chilli and kimchi, whilst the croquettes were nice and crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside. Drink wise I only tried the Pet Nat and it was lovely.

Although I only tried a few small dishes, everything I ordered was delicious. The menu is designed to share so there are smaller plates if you just want a snack and larger plates if you’d like something more substantial. It’s the perfect spot to unwind with a drink. I rate Havilah...