Had the loveliest meal at The Black Cow Bistro last night. Previously I judged all steaks against one that I had in Florence many years ago… I still talk about it with reverence… “remember that steak? It was sensational…” etc. etc. Well that steak can now be replaced by the one I had at The Black Cow Bistro.

The whole evening from start to finish was just lovely… From the welcome we received from the staff when we arrived, the friendly, unobtrusive service throughout the meal, to the subtle lighting and decor within the restaurant itself. The restaurant is small but very atmospheric.

We started with some local oysters presented in three different styles, natural, wasabi vinegar dressing and last but not least, the old favorite Kirkpatrick with bacon and Worcester sauce. These were washed down with a lovely Tasmanian sparkling wine, can’t remember which vineyard it came from but it was as nice as any French champagne I’ve ever had. I can never really go past the freshness of the natural oysters, however it was still nice to try the other varieties for a change.

Then, the main event… the steaks. I chose a Porterhouse ($55 400g) and my friend decided on an eye fillet ($75 300g). My wife decided on the fish option, Hapuka which she loved (can’t remember the price on this).

Our steaks were quite simply, perfect. Generous in size and although meat for me is a luxury item these days I really enjoy it once in a while. With the steaks we had a great bottle of local red recommended by the sommelier and full credit to her she could easily have recommended a much more expensive bottle but the one we ended up with was sensational. The vegetable accompaniments and sauces were also delicious.

We did manage to leave room for a ‘little something’ of course and the deserts also were spectacular with a glass of sticky desert wine.

All up… I have never enjoyed a nicer meal anywhere, it wasn’t cheap but there is truth in the old saying “you get what you pay for” and sometimes especially, like last night, for birthdays… well you just have to hang the expense.

I can’t recommend The Black Cow Bistro highly enough. Thank you for the great evening everyone.

Waitress are extremely impatient and not genuine. Customer service for restaurant at this price level shouldn't be like this.
The king fish sashimi looks and tasted disgusting.
Steaks are supposed to be their signature dish, but it's dried and tough like well done as we ordered for medium rare.
Check the restaurants negative review before you plan to go.

I visited the Black Cow Bistro for dinner on my last night in Launceston and it didn't disappoint! Had a loverly night from start to finish. I had a booking and was glad I did, as the restaurant was packed and a few walk-ins during the night had to be turned away!

Natalie was my waitress for the evening and she was brilliant; super friendly and helpful with suggestions! For an entree I ordered the Rannoch Farm quail with cauliflower cheese sauce, grilled broccolini and garlic and herb oil. For the main course I ordered the 300g Cape Grim eye fillet with truffled béarnaise sauce and wholegrain mustard. For a side, at Natalie's recommendation I ordered the roasted pumpkin and sweet potato with preserved lemon tahini yoghurt. To drink I started with a Du Cane pilsner and had a glass of Rivulet pinot noir with the main course.

The food was out of this world, everything was cooked to perfection and showcased local ingredients. The eye fillet was easily one of the best steaks I've had anywhere in the world, and the sauce and mustard I chose complimented it well. The pumpkin and sweet potato side I ordered was vibrant and delicious but honestly what was even better was the potato galette that comes with each steak, that thing is divine!

After such a stunning entree and main I couldn't help but order dessert, so went for the frozen caramel slice with salted hazelnut caramel, chocolate soil and tonka bean cream, I also ordered a glass of the MV Freycinet Botrytis dessert wine. I had heard great things about the frozen caramel slice and it definitely lived up to expectations, and the local dessert wine paired very well with it!

I loved the ambience of the restaurant; it feels very cosy and although the lighting was a bit dim for photos, it was absolutely perfect for setting the mood and enjoying the meal. As a solo diner, I found it a really nice touch that they had laid out a selection of gourmet food and wine magazines on the table for me to peruse while waiting for my meal.

All in all, this was a truly unforgettable dinner and I would recommend the BCB for anyone visiting Launceston!

Visited for dinner on a weekday. Well cooked steaks, excellent sides and good drinks list. Attentive staff. Would book again.

Not much to say really. Was amazing start to our Tassie trip!
Steak incredible. Wine selection amazing.
Wish we took photos but hubby and I were too busy eating!
Worth every penny!