NOW EXPERIENCING:La Sardina Loca
Monday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Phone
(03) 6234 9992
Website
lasardinaloca.com
Instagram
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Read time 3 Mins

Posted 26 Jun 2023

By
Alix Clark


The vibe here is laid-back, but don’t let that fool you – the Spanish-leaning food and drinks list of standout local and European wines are on par with Hobart’s best.

The courtyard at La Sardina Loca, Hobart.
Why you goWander down a cobbled laneway and find yourself in the former stables of one of Elizabeth Street’s original buildings. A brick-paved courtyard, strung with lights and dotted with high tables, leads to a cosy, low-ceilinged room lined with intimate banquettes and patinated brass tables. Ask your waiter to suggest a cocktail to get started and then let your time at La Sardina Loca unfold. The vibe here is laid-back, but don’t let that fool you – the Spanish-leaning food and drink are on par with Hobart’s best.
Why you stayLed by co-owner Josh Carver, the staff at La Sardina Loca – which started out as a pop-up at nearby Hanging Garden – are friendly, efficient and welcoming. Everyone is greeted as a potential new friend and, by the end of the evening, you probably are.
What drink to order

You could go with a simple glass of local wine or beer – there are plenty of options, many made by friends of the owners. For sparkling, try the La Sardina Loca x Small Island collab. If sauvignon blanc is your thing, the Hughes & Hughes made with grapes grown in the Coal River Valley is a refreshing citrusy drop. Among the reds, there are pinot noirs and syrahs from Two Tonne Tasmania and Domaine Simha as well as plenty of labels from around Australia and France. 

Cocktails are also a star attraction here. Spritzes, such as a burnt-orange, gin and prosecco mix, are available by the jug, or take your pick from a line-up that includes the tequila-spiked Tony Danza, a Lark whisky-based Dark Forest with salted cherries, and a cosy Hot Buttered Rum. True to its European mood, there’s also an impressive array of vermouths, apéritifs and sherries on offer. Alcohol-free options include fruity, sweet or sour mocktails and Lyre’s Apéritif Rosso.

 

A cocktail at Hobart's La Sardina Loca
A selection of dishes at La Sardina Loca, Hobart.
What to pair it withIf you only had a drink here, you’d be missing half the fun. Drop by to enjoy a small plate or two, or settle in and try a bit of everything for a more substantial meal. The menu changes regularly, but could include toasted sourdough topped with whipped ricotta and mushrooms draped with paper-thin cured pork lardo, maple-roasted sweet potatoes swathed in blue cheese and sprinkled with Tasmanian hazelnuts, or flat-iron steak – sliced so it’s easy to share – doused in Worcestershire butter and with a sidekick of grilled cos lettuce.
Why we love itThere’s an air of conviviality and generosity here that guarantees you’ll have a good time, whether you’re dropping in for a mid-afternoon cocktail and small plate or enjoying a meal. The walls of worn brick and sandstone speak of Hobart’s history, while it’s easy to imagine you’re in the laneways of an old European city.
Regular’s tipOn a blue-sky afternoon nab a seat in the courtyard – a real sun trap, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the rays. When cold Hobart nights hit, head for a booth inside – with brass tabletops and high-backed banquettes, they’re made for intimate conversations over well-mixed cocktails.
Outdoor seating at La Sardina Loca
The private room at Hobart's La Sardina Loca.
Who to takeIt’s a mixed crowd here and everyone’s welcome. A lazy afternoon in the courtyard is the perfect way to catch up with friends, or arrive a little later for a pre-dinner drink and a small plate. Spend the evening and enjoy a full meal or drop in for a late-night drink. It’s lively, but there are plenty of spots for conversation. There’s also a room that’s available for private dinners and events, so if you’re bringing a crowd, that might be the space for you.