The best pizza restaurant in Launceston also has several menu pages of Tasmanian beer, whiskey, wine and gin.

It also has a dedicated, long vegetarian menu. No wonder it’s been a fixture in the centre of the city for 30 years. And this is also a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, so it has to be good.

Local Knowledge Luxury

With gold parrots and giraffes inside, and roomy tables outside, Metz is really local knowledge luxury.

This is where people in Launceston go for unfussy (but fantastically indulgent) pizza and cocktails.

A bottle of $155 Apsley Gorge red from Bicheno is there for birthdays or anniversaries.

You can also get away with a bottle of Frankie Riesling under $50 on Friday night after work with a pizza split four ways.

We liked a glass of Tasmania’s own champagne, Janz Premium Cuvee (Method Tasmanoise) from Pipers River for $15.

Janz has 90+ ratings and gold medals galore. Only an expert would detect the ‘pastry on the tail’ flavour, but it’s a fantastic way to experience a world famous Tasmanian taste. And inexpensive.

Charlie Chaplin has no known connection with Launceston, but his cocktail is made with Bass Strait Sloe Gin, served in vintage glasses. Dangerously more-ish.

Vegetarians Rejoice

The vegetarian and vegan menu is not just a small add-on. It has a dedicated range of amazing food.

The Tartufo Bianco pizza has thyme, truffle oil and mozzarella with Tasmanian field mushrooms. It’s big enough for two people, or one person and a take-home box ($31).

Beer-battered fries are $12 if you’re backpacking on a budget.

Because vegetarians can, try a Chocolate Cherry Pot for pudding.

Head Chef Food

Salmon Crudo and Seafood Chowder use the local Tasmanian produce that chefs from the rest of the world make pilgrimages for.

Duck and Mushroom Risotto if you don’t want fish? Check.

There’s also a Metz Beef Tartare ($29) so while this is gourmet food, it’s at typically reasonable Launceston prices.

And naturally, there’s basic pasta if you’re just craving straight, old-fashioned Italian.

The 66 Vespa Pizza

An honourable mention also has to go to the 66 Vespa Pizza on this creative, inventive menu.

Also unique to Metz is the Taste of Huon Pizza, named after Tasmania’s stunning salmon decorating the crust – smoked in Huon Pine.

Tasmanian Whiskey

The single malts include Hunnington, Ironhouse, Kempton, Launceston and the world-famous, gold and silver award-winning Lark. Or try McHenry (five years old) and Shene or Spirit Thief (American Oak).

Tasmanian Liquer

If you’re going for a completely indulgent dinner, with liquer to finiish, try the liquorice of Brighton from the 7K Distillery, or the Green Walnut Osare from Hobart.

Tasmanian Beer and Cider

Drink locally, particularly if you’re taking the Boags Beer Brewery Tour a few streets away. (Call it research and preparation).

Try Boags Draught, Boags XXX or Boags St. George.

Keeping it local to Tasmania, you can also order a schooner of Fog on the Tamar, Hobart Brewing Company Ale or Willie Smith’s Cider at Metz.

The Tasmanian glass is a pot (10 ounce) or a schooner (15 ounce). A pint is 20 ounces.

Tasmanian Gin

The gin boom in Tasmania is represented on one whole page of the menu. There’s Strait Sloe Gin. Poltergeist. McHenry Classic London Dry (from Port Arthur). Forty Spotted. Sheep Whey Gin, 7K Distillery Raspberry Gin and more.

Operating Hours
12.00 to 3.00pm and 5.30pm to 10.00pm
Address
119 St. John Street, Launceston 7250
Website https://www.themetzlaunceston.com.au