The 8 Best Japanese Restaurants in Hobart for a Taste of Tokyo in Tasmania

Locals will likely argue about the best Japanese restaurants in Hobart because there’s simply so many in Tasmania’s capital. Something about the fresh seafood caught off the coast just works so well with Japanese tradition – from salmon sashimi to scallop sushi and oysters with wasabi. You could spend a month trying every single establishment, so we’ve narrowed it down to 8 of the best Japanese restaurants in Hobart to find that taste of Tokyo in Tassie.

Omotenashi

This Japanese restaurant in Hobart may be hard to come by - and even harder to find available seatings for; but the reward is absolutely worth it. That's right. Omotenashi is some of the finest Japanese around.

Operated by Sophie Pope and Lachlan Colwill. this 12-seat counter style restaurant can be found inside the Lexus of Tasmania showroom (inside the Rox building on Elizabeth Street). 

Each night a set menu of around 16 dishes will be served with matched alcoholic or non alcoholic beverages. The menu and overall experience is heavily produce focused, acting as a showcase of what Sophie and Lachlan consider to be the best products available throughout each season. They are both formally trained chefs yet throughout the meal will swap roles between cooking, serving and story telling with the aim to provide an experience that is informative about the produce served and the methods and techniques behind the cookery.

Described by guests as ‘dinner and a show,' this is one dining experience in Hobart to add to your bucket list. 

Unit 4/160 Elizabeth Street, Hobart 

Bar Wa Izakaya

Even though this list is in no particular order, we simply had to lead with Bar Wa Izakaya, which is not only one of the best Japanese restaurants in Hobart but one of the best restaurants, period. Located at the tail end of a lively shopping strip, it’s always packed out with locals and tourists alike. 

Bar Wa Izakaya is known for its great vibe and even better food, which blends Tasmanian produce with Japanese tradition. Think Tasmanian bluefin sashimi, Cape Grim beef tataki and locally-farmed oysters with kimchi granita. Head there at lunch to try the famously good ramen, and wash it all down with a Japanese beer or whisky cocktail.

216-218 Elizabeth Street, Hobart

Kosaten

Kosaten, in the Salamanca district of Hobart just a short walk from the CBD, is one of the most popular Japanese restaurants in Hobart. Order your food at the table on the tablet provided and it will be delivered at bullet train speed via your own personal conveyor belt. Feast on soba noodle salad, pumpkin tofu, spicy tuna, kingfish sashimi and matcha green tea tiramisu and wash it all down with organic sake or Suntory seltzers. 

17 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point

Yamashita

Yamashita – which translates to “below the mountain”, a nod to Hobart’s iconic Mount Wellington / kunanyi – is one of the city’s hidden gems. Tucked down a small side street in the CBD, it’s one of those restaurants you stumble upon and are forever glad you did. Try the Tasmanian salmon, kingfish and scallops in the form of sashimi or sushi, or indulge in the pork katsu or the Cape Grim wagyu steak, seared to perfection and served with house-made apple and ginger sauce. 

31 Criterion Street, Hobart

Three Japanese

Three Japanese may be one of the smallest Japanese restaurants in Hobart but it packs a powerfully flavoursome punch. Located in an unassuming little white building in Battery Point (right near the famous Jackman and McRoss bakery), Three Japanese is a favourite among the local set. While the menu is surprisingly extensive for such a small place, the standouts are the kushiyaki (charcoal skewers) and the sukiyaki (hot pot), for which you can choose any number of local seafood and meats to include in your pot. 

38 Waterloo Crescent, Battery Point

Komatsu

You probably wouldn’t expect to see a Japanese restaurant in a turn-of-the-century cottage on one of Hobart’s main roads, but that’s where you’ll find Komatsu, Hobart’s king of bento boxes. It’s the best Japanese restaurant to visit if you’re indecisive or prone to food envy and want to sample a bit of everything. There’s several box combos you can try out, but the self-titled Komatsu bento is a winner – it’s salmon sashimi, sushi roll, nigiri, tempura, and teriyaki chicken, with miso soup as a finisher. 

196 Davey Street, South Hobart

Ichimei

Another izakaya-style (i.e. small bar) Japanese restaurant in Hobart is Ichimei. It's handily located right in Salamanca Square. With a focus on kobachi (smaller plates), it’s the perfect spot to go with a group of friends and share lots of different dishes as you gaze out at the cherry blossom in the courtyard. Take the decision making off the table by opting for a set menu and feasting on miso soup, edamame, gyoza, locally caught seafood sashimi, chicken karaage, wagyu steak and more.

9 Salamanca Square, Battery Point

Miyabi

Located on the vibrant North Hobart dining strip, Miyabi is an intimate Japanese restaurant that overlooks the bustling street below. With an emphasis on bringing authentic Japanese cuisine to the good food seekers of Hobart, Miyabi’s dishes are flavourful and traditional, making the most of local produce. Try the salmon nigiri, octopus okonomiyaki and vegetable tempura, best paired with some delicious sake.

339 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart

Wafu

If you’re craving a healthier, DIY option for lunch, when it comes to the best Japanese restaurants in Hobart head to takeaway joint Wafu, where you can build your own Japanese salad bowl at either of its two CBD locations. 

Pack it full of vegetables, crispy chicken and smashed avo, or opt for a fresh salmon and silken tofu kind of combo. Either way, you’re the boss here and the results will most likely be delicious. If you’re not feeling like you could demolish a whole bowl, Wafu is also known for serving up top-tier sushi, so grab a few rolls for the road.

Shop 1/60 Liverpool Street, Hobart and 70 Murray Street, Hobart

Now that you've had your fill of the best Japanese restaurants in Hobart, it's time to choose your pick of the best bars, wine bars and pubs that dot this friendly city. Cheers to that!