Rupert & Hound

Rupert & Hound holds the waterfront at 30 Seaport Boulevard, two doors up from the marina, and the name tells you where you stand with the dog question: the outdoor tables on the boardwalk are set up for diners arriving with a dog on the lead. On a fine day the whole street turns into one long deck above the water.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor dining area, which has level access straight off the Seaport boardwalk and enough room between tables to settle a leashed dog alongside your chair. The indoor dining room stays dog-free. Staff are easygoing with dogs, but bring your own water bowl rather than counting on one being to hand at a busy service.

The vibe

The kitchen is serious about seafood: the signature platter for two, natural oysters, scallops, calamari and chowder, plus a pork belly main and a proper kids menu for families. The mood is casual and family friendly, and it is a linger-over-lunch kind of place rather than a quick stop. Book for weekends, when the boardwalk fills up.

Getting there and parking

Public parking sits within the Seaport precinct, with more street parking along the riverfront. From the Launceston CBD it is a short, flat walk to the precinct, so pairing the meal with a riverside walk either side is easy.

Close by with the dogs

The boardwalk runs flat along the riverbank past the door, and the wider riverside parklands carry it into longer routes if the dog wants more than a stroll. Neighbouring Mudbar and Boatyard Launceston both take dogs outdoors as well, useful alternates when the boardwalk is busy. Hoblers Bridge Reserve in Newstead, about ten minutes by car, gives you a fully fenced off-leash park with a water tap for a proper run before lunch.

Pepsi: I rate any restaurant with a kids menu and a boardwalk. Someone always drops a chip.

Keep exploring with our Tasmania restaurant guide or the Launceston destination page.