Nestled beneath Aløft Restaurant on Brooke Street Pier, Restaurant MARIA is one of Hobart’s newest culinary destinations. Specialising in Mediterranean flavours, MARIA is fast becoming a local favourite – with one of the best waterfront views going around.
Together with his business partners, Co-Owner and Executive Chef, Christian Ryan opened MARIA Restaurant after the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a moment of reflection.
Hello Hobart sat down with co-owner and Head Chef, Christian Ryan, to get the low-down on the inspiration behind Restaurant MARIA.
Christian, together with his team behind the highly regarded Aløft Restaurant had the opportunity to open a new venue in the space below presented itself at the perfect time, and their dreams of creating a Mediterranean-inspired dining destination began to come to fruition.
While initially hesitant to take over the larger downstairs space, a trip to Greece and Italy sparked a passion for Mediterranean cuisine. The former Glasshouse was reimagined as a bright, inviting space – with an atmosphere reminiscent of vintage 60s luxury travel, complete with a playlist aimed at transporting diners beyond Hobart.
“We wanted it to feel like you weren’t in Hobart anymore, like you were on holiday. The decor and ambience are inspired by those mid-century travel experiences when adventure and exclusivity were part of the journey,” says Christian.
Opening its doors in May after six months of refurbishment, MARIA embodies a European escape—where locals and visitors can relax and enjoy great food and good company, in a beautiful environment.
MARIA’s menu is a reflection of Christian’s travels through the Mediterranean, blending authentic cooking styles from regions like Greece and Italy with locally sourced Tasmanian ingredients. One example of this fusion is Tasmanian oysters with a wild fennel pollen mignonette, inspired by the wild fennel Christian spotted while exploring the hills of Santorini.
“We wanted to bring those Mediterranean flavours here, but also showcase the bounty of Tasmanian produce.”
Signature dishes like MARIA’s garlic bread – a stuffed pita loaded with three cheeses, garlic, and herbs, pan-fried in garlic butter – have become fast favourites. The restaurant also offers a dessert inspired by a century-old dairy shop in Athens: Greek yogurt panna cotta topped with honey infused with native kunzea blossom from Tasmania’s east coast, a dish that the chef hopes would win over diners.
“It’s all about taking traditional Mediterranean flavours and infusing them with our local produce, offering something unique but familiar at the same time. Whether it’s oysters, the octopus, or that panna cotta, everything is designed to be approachable, delicious, and a little bit of an escape from the everyday.”
What truly sets MARIA apart from other dining experiences in Hobart is its balance of rustic charm and refined elegance.
Christian calls it ‘rustic yet refined’ – fine dining without the intimidation. The menu is carefully curated, allowing diners to sit back and enjoy the chef’s creations, while the staff bring a welcoming vibe that makes everyone feel at home.
With Mediterranean wines, including a rare Santorini Assyrtiko (a dry white wine from Gavalas Winery), rounding out the experience, MARIA invites diners to relax, indulge, and trust the team to guide them through the meal.
“We’ve crafted a chef’s menu that works for everyone, with options for vegan and gluten-free diets, so no one feels left out. At the end of the day, we want people to come in, relax, and have fun—like they’re on holiday for a couple of hours.”
Christian, co-owner and Executive Chef, discussed the thoughtful design of the restaurant, mentioning how the interior was crafted to reflect Mediterranean aesthetics.
“It’s about building something authentic without it feeling forced,” Christian shared.
General Manager Hedley Monks worked closely with Christian to create a wine list that perfectly complements the menu. Featuring a blend of local Tasmanian wines and a special selection of Mediterranean varietals from Greece, Portugal, Spain, and even Lebanon, the wine list offers Hobartians a number of rare choices.
“There’s so much incredible wine here, but we wanted to bring something different,” Christian explained.
For locals looking for an experience beyond Tasmania’s vineyards, the selection includes small-batch wines like the Assyrtiko from Santorini, known for its bold and elegant flavours that pair perfectly with MARIA’s dishes.
MARIA offers a unique dining experience with its chef’s menu, which is also available with wine pairings to match each course. Guests can choose a la carte wines, or opt for the curated pairing, which enhances the flavours of every dish.
“The wine pairings throw in a few curveballs that surprise guests but work beautifully with the food,” Christian noted.
As Hobart prepares for the summer season, Christian is excited to see how MARIA will evolve.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing what this place is capable of in the summer—when the windows are open, and the waterfront is buzzing.”
With its unique blend of Mediterranean influences, locally sourced ingredients, and a vibe that transports you far from Tasmanian shores, MARIA is poised to become a local favourite.
“I want MARIA to become an institution in Hobart, a place that consistently delivers, and that people – locals and visitors alike – recommend.”
Picture Credits Fiona Vail
