The Best Japanese Restaurants in Hobart

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.

Shari

Shari in Hobart offers exceptional sushi crafted by Chef Devin, whose knife skills create melt-in-your-mouth nigiri and sashimi. With precision honed over a decade, his nigiri and sashimi showcase the freshest, seasonal seafood, including Bluefin Tuna, Kingfish, and the rare Skipjack Tuna. Treat yourself to their weekly specials like crispy, deep-fried local calamari. You can find Shari at the Tasmanian Produce Market or Kingston Park, or pre-order via Instagram for the ultimate sushi fix. A true taste of craftsmanship and coastal indulgence, it's one of the best spots to enjoy authentic Japanese in Hobart. 

Omotenashi

Omotenashi, a hidden gem in Hobart, offers one of the finest Japanese dining experiences around. Operated by Sophie Pope and Lachlan Colwill, this intimate 12-seat counter restaurant inside the Lexus of Tasmania showroom serves a seasonal set menu of around 16 dishes, paired with alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. Both formally trained chefs, Sophie and Lachlan seamlessly swap roles between cooking, serving, and storytelling, elevating the experience with insights into their produce-driven approach. Described as ‘dinner and a show,’ Omotenashi is a must-try for those seeking a unique culinary journey in Hobart.

Unit 4/160 Elizabeth Street, Hobart 

Bar Wa Izakaya

Bar Wa Izakaya needs no introduction. Renowned as one of the best Japanese restaurants in Hobart—and arguably one of the best overall—it's located at the tail end of a lively shopping strip, always buzzing with locals and visitors. The restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere is complemented by exceptional food, expertly blending Tasmanian produce with Japanese tradition. Highlights include Tasmanian bluefin sashimi, Cape Grim beef tataki, and locally farmed oysters with kimchi granita.

Sitchu Tip: Don’t miss the famously good ramen at lunch, paired perfectly 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, meaning "below the mountain," takes its name from Hobart’s iconic Mount Wellington (kunanyi) and is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Tucked away on a quiet side street in the CBD, it offers a delightful fusion of Tasmanian ingredients and Japanese cuisine. Savor fresh Tasmanian salmon, kingfish, and scallops as sashimi or sushi, or indulge in the crispy pork katsu or Cape Grim wagyu steak with apple and ginger sauce. For the ultimate indulgence, don’t miss the Tasmanian bluefin tuna belly and sea urchin when available. This is Japanese dining with a modern Tasmanian twist.

31 Criterion Street, Hobart

Suminato 

Suminato is a sophisticated gem in Hobart, where the elegance of Japanese dining meets a contemporary twist. The restaurant’s beautifully presented dishes blend traditional and modern Japanese flavours, creating a dining experience that captivates both the eyes and the palate. From exquisite sashimi and tempura to sukiyaki and izakaya-style skewers, each dish is crafted with care, showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients. Matcha also takes centre stage here, with a matcha cocktail and popular matcha cheesecake dessert, adding unique and flavourful touches to the meal.

2B/48 King Street, Sandy Bay

RIN

Rin is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on every food lover's map in Hobart. It's an intimate, minimalist eatery offering a wonderfully authentic Japanese dining experience, where simplicity meets exceptional flavour. The menu is a celebration of fresh, traditional dishes – think perfectly crafted ramen, udon noodle soups, sushi, crispy tempura, and sashimi – with delightful specials like katsu curry and takoyaki making regular appearances. It’s the kind of place where every bite transports you straight to Japan, and the warm, inviting atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch or intimate dinner with friends.

196 Macquarie Street, Hobart

Three Japanese

Three Japanese may be one of the smallest Japanese restaurants in Hobart, but it packs a soulful punch. Hidden away in Battery Point near the renowned Jackman and McRoss bakery, it’s a local favourite. Despite its size, the menu is impressively extensive. Highlights include vegetable tempura with udon, kushiyaki (charcoal skewers), and sukiyaki hot pots, where you can choose from a variety of local seafood and meats. Keep an eye out for weekend specials like ochazuke, a simple yet delightful fish dish.

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

Sush Track

Sush Track offers a dynamic and interactive sushi dining experience. Situated at Franklin Wharf, this lively spot features a conveyor belt filled with a variety of fresh sushi and Japanese dishes, making it perfect for both quick bites or a relaxed meal with friends. The communal seating and vibrant atmosphere make it a fun, social spot for sushi lovers, offering everything from sashimi to creative rolls. If you’re craving fresh and convenient Japanese food, Sush Track delivers in style.

Tasplan, 1 Franklin Wharf, 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!