TEMPLO, Hobart
Templo is Spanish for temple and this Hobart restaurant is designed to be a relaxing destination for people to gather and share good food and good times. It’s an intimate little place in Patrick Street, seating up to around 20. There are a few smaller tables at the front window and one larger table, but the three of us were lucky enough to sit up at the small bar so there was ample opportunity to engage with humble co-owner Chris Chapple. The other owner is chef Matt Breen, and I’d certainly had very good reports from my Hobart friends about his food – my expectations were set high.
Templo’s food definitely has a strong Italian slant. Breen has previously worked at Smolt and Melbourne Top 100 Tipo 00 – one of my current favourites, and I’d say the food at Templo is equally as good!
There are nine dishes on the blackboard menu (eight savoury) and I’d been given the tip to do the chef’s menu at $65 per head. You’d be crazy not to – what this means is you get to try everything on offer – and dish after dish, we were so happy.
Gnocco fritto – fried dough parcels that you wrap in proscuitto, Swede and goat’s curd, an excellent Cannelloni with mushrooms and three cheeses, beautiful Cured kingfish with radish and macadamia. And then the ‘surprise’ Beef with celeriac and anchovy cream – I was raving about the texture – we couldn’t guess what cut it was but after we’d eaten it, Chris told us it was actually beef heart. You should have seen the look on my somewhat conservative-eater friends’ faces when they were told – priceless!
And it kept coming. Perfect light-as-clouds Gnocchetti with Wagyu bolognese. We gave this a 10 out of 10. This was followed by a wonderful dish of Flathead with Jerusalem artichoke and kale. Then, the final savoury dish of Pork belly with cannellini beans. The Meyer lemon cream between was a perfect end to a magnificent meal.
This place is simply a gem and not at all pretentious. Simple, satisfying food in a relaxed environment – I’ve already booked in again for my next Hobart trip!
Jacqui's Food Fetish 
Yum. Have been there a couple of times Jac. Both times absolutely excellent. Tiny but with an interesting vibe. Originally they featured a South American influence but I’d be more than willing to try this menu! Must book again next time we’re in Hobart.
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So so so good Roddeee!
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I’d say the “South American Influence” was from the previous restaurant at that site, Chulo. We absolutely loved Temple as well!
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I though the food was fantastic if a little small on the portion side. I especially loved the Gnochetti. I didn’t find it very relaxing as it was crammed full in it’s tiny seating area and quite loud. Staff were very friendly and explained all the food as we got the Chef’s selection thingo. A good dinner, but sure I’d go again in a hurry though.
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That gnochetti… amazing! We were lucky on the day – not noisy at all. Thanks for the comment tho. Cheers, Jacqui
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