Peter Gilmore plans new countryside restaurant near Hobart

Award-winning chef Peter Gilmore is developing a new restaurant venture near Hobart, just months after settling permanently in Tasmania.

Gilmore revealed the plans after receiving the Legend Award at the Good Food Guide Awards in Sydney on Monday night.

“I’m not done yet,” he said.

“I’m now a permanent resident of Tasmania and I will probably be announcing that I’m gonna be doing something else down there in the next year or so, maybe two years.”

He said the project was at an early stage and would be located somewhere “maybe in the countryside close to Hobart”.

“It’s gonna take a little while,” he said.

No further details were provided, although Gilmore has previously said he would like to open a 30-seat restaurant near the Tasmanian capital.

The chef spent 25 years at Sydney’s Quay restaurant, which closed in February. In July, he relocated to a farm in southern Tasmania that he and his wife, Kath, bought in 2023.

Punching above its weight

Tasmania became one of Gilmore’s favourite holiday destinations over the years and became enamoured by its “natural beauty, clean air, community spirit and great produce”. He said living 40 minutes from Hobart “ticked all the boxes” for a slower pace of life within reach of a cultural centre.

According to the star chef, Hobart “punches well above its weight when it comes to art, culture and food”. Gilmore singled out The Agrarian Kitchen, Ogee, The Trophy Room, Maria, Fico and Peppina as standout venues.

Becoming a legend

On the Legend Award, Gilmore described the recognition as “very special” and said “this industry’s given me so much”.

He named Neil Perry, Stephanie Alexander, Tony Bilson and Gay Bilson among the “incredible” forefathers of Australian cuisine.

“I’ve been very lucky to be inspired and to be able to cook in Australia,” he said.

Jonathan Jackson, 4th November 2026