Hobart’s Christian Ryan Crowned Australia’s Chef of the Year

Christian Ryan

Hobart has strengthened its reputation as one of Australia’s leading culinary destinations, with local chef Christian Ryan named Australia’s Chef of the Year at the 2026 Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards.

The prestigious national award recognises Ryan’s contribution to Tasmania’s evolving food scene through his work at Aløft Restaurant, Restaurant Maria and other major culinary projects. His success highlights the extraordinary depth of talent and quality produce that have helped place Hobart firmly on Australia’s food and travel map.

A Chef Helping Shape Tasmania’s Food Story

Christian Ryan has spent more than two decades working in professional kitchens. After beginning his career in Hobart and developing his skills in Melbourne and London, he returned to Tasmania with a determination to contribute to the island’s emerging dining culture.

Today, Ryan leads the kitchens at Aløft Restaurant and Restaurant Maria, both located at Hobart’s waterfront, while also being involved with The Standard and Dark Mofo’s Winter Feast.

His approach combines strong technical skills with a deep connection to Tasmanian produce, creating dining experiences that reflect both the character of the island and Hobart’s increasingly sophisticated food culture.

Aløft: Tasmanian Produce with Global Influences

Brooke Street Pier, Aløft 

Perched above Hobart’s waterfront at Brooke Street Pier, Aløft has become one of the city’s standout restaurants.

The restaurant’s nine-course tasting menu celebrates Tasmania’s exceptional produce while incorporating confident Asian influences. Seasonal ingredients, creative presentation and spectacular harbour views combine to create a memorable dining experience for visitors exploring Hobart.

Aløft’s location also makes it particularly appealing to travellers, positioned above the Brooke Street Pier and close to the ferry terminal connecting Hobart with the Museum of Old and New Art.

Restaurant Maria Adds a Mediterranean Touch

Directly below Aløft, Restaurant Maria provides a contrasting dining experience inspired by the Mediterranean.

The restaurant combines Mediterranean flavours and cooking traditions with premium Tasmanian and Australian produce. Its waterfront position provides views across Hobart Harbour towards Mount Wellington, making it an attractive choice for travellers seeking a distinctive Hobart dining experience.

Together, Aløft and Restaurant Maria demonstrate Ryan’s versatility and his ability to create distinctly different culinary experiences while maintaining a strong connection to Tasmania.

Tasmania Celebrates Another Major Culinary Win

Scholé

Christian Ryan was not the only Tasmanian winner at the 2026 Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards.

Scholé, an intimate 10-seat restaurant and wine bar on Liverpool Street in Hobart, was named Tasmania’s Restaurant of the Year. Led by chef Luke Burgess, Scholé focuses on seasonal, local produce and combines Japanese and European influences in an intimate communal setting.

The double recognition reinforces Hobart’s growing status as a destination for food-focused travel, where visitors can experience innovative restaurants alongside Tasmania’s renowned wines, farms, seafood and artisan producers.

For travellers planning a Tasmanian holiday, Hobart’s dining scene now offers another compelling reason to stay longer, explore further and make food part of the journey.

Plan a Hobart Food Experience

A visit to Hobart can easily be built around its remarkable culinary culture, from waterfront restaurants and intimate dining rooms to local markets, wineries and producers throughout southern Tasmania.

With Christian Ryan receiving Australia’s 2026 Chef of the Year title and Scholé recognised as Tasmania’s Restaurant of the Year, Hobart continues to demonstrate why Tasmania deserves its place among Australia’s most exciting food destinations.

Restaurant Maria

Website: restaurantmaria.com.au
Email: info@restaurantmaria.com.au
Phone: (03) 6128 3860
Address: Brooke Street Pier, 12 Franklin Wharf, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia

Aløft Restaurant

Website: aloftrestaurant.com
Email: info@aloftrestaurant.com
Phone: (03) 6223 1619
Address: Brooke Street Pier, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia

Scholé

Website: schole.com.au
Email: info@schole.com.au
Address: 227 Liverpool Street, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia

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