Hampden Bar & Bistro - Interview

Say Ciao Hobart to this cosy bistro tucked away on the historic Hampden Road in Battery Point.

This local eatery is redefining what it means to dine out in Hobart. Set in a building that’s been part of our history for almost 200 years, it now houses a contemporary bistro with a European soul and a humble Tasmanian heart.

The masterminds behind Zero81 Napoli, a local institution along Kingston Beach, have ventured into the historic surrounds of Battery Point to embark on a new culinary journey – Hampden Bar and Bistro.

Coming up to their first anniversary in the space, partners in business and in marriage, Juliana and Mateo gave us the insider scoop into what makes their European bistro-style restaurant so darn good.

From Naples to Battery Point

Born and raised in Naples, Chef Mateo went to culinary school in Italy and honed his craft in Michelin-star kitchens across the globe. He met his now wife, Juliana, while she was away working in Melbourne. The pair moved to Tassie and opened Zero81 Napoli, creating long-lasting relationships with patrons who have followed them to their latest adventure.

“They have supported us right from the start. They know us, they know our children, and have watched them grow up. We love getting the locals involved and are building that here as well”.

If these walls could talk! This iconic corner store building in Battery Point has almost 200 years’ worth of stories to tell,

“It always has been a prominent building on Hampton Road. Originally, this building was a bootmaking store, but it has been many things over the years. It’s been a French restaurant, it’s been a Steakhouse, a grocery store, a real estate agent”.

Not Fine Dining, Just Fine Food

While Hampden Bar and Bistro offers your classic European-style menu, it’s not just about steak. Their menu is thoughtfully designed to celebrate European culinary traditions with the rich freshness of quality Tasmanian produce.

Think house-made pasta and seasonal Tasmanian seafood,

“Our duck and quail are quite a standout. That’s paired best with the European wines, especially the ones from Italy, your Sangiovese, your Pinot Noir from down the Huon Valley”.

Menu highlights include duck tortellini with truffle sauce, stuffed quail with chestnuts. With a menu designed to please every palate, and at a price point that won’t break the bank.

“We’re very plush on the outside, but we are for every diner, we’re not fine dining, we’re still laid back.. And you’re still going to get really good service, just with nice big white plates”.

Juliana and Mateo are a well-oiled machine when it comes to running a restaurant, coming up to 8 years running Zero81 Napoli, they know their way around the biz,

“I’ve got the managerial skills. Mateo does all the back-of-house, like the kitchen, and is the master of making cocktails. But in eight years, living and breathing what we do, especially for the first two years, we didn’t have a day off”.

Why You’ll Love It

Battery Point’s Hampden Road suits the bistro perfectly: old-world charm meets modern dining. With its European-inspired menu, Tasmanian produce, and relaxed vibe, Hampden Bar and Bistro is the kind of spot where everyone at the table will find something to love.

So whether you’re craving lobster pasta, a glass of Italian wine, or a perfectly cooked quail, the crew at Hampden promises a dining experience that’s warm, contemporary, and unmistakably Hobart.

Buon appetito!