The 9 best Japanese restaurants in Hobart

Bar Wa Izakaya draws inspiration from Tokyo’s den-like izakayas, serving up funky cocktails and share plates until 2am daily. It’s no surprise this North Hobart staple is buzzing at every sitting. With eclectic interiors (think more is more, with a side of neon), cute bathrooms that play Japanese language lessons and a 22-page drinks list, it’s hard not to be drawn in. The izakaya menu is designed for sharing and creatively features Tasmania’s finest produce, like their Tassie scallop ceviche and fresh local oysters with yuzu granita. Slurp up bowls of soul-warming, flavour-packed ramen for lunch (until 3pm). Feeling thirsty? There's always a Yuzu Whisky Sour to kick off a perfect evening at the bar or at their upstairs lounge. 

Address: 216-218 Elizabeth St, Hobart

Price: Mid-range

For real-deal ramen without the flight to Japan, make a beeline to Ranita. Opened in late 2024, this tiny nine-seat ramen bar serves up soul-warming soups for lunch from Tuesday to Friday only. The menu is incredibly concise, with only two ramen options, plus a steamed koshihikari rice side with seasonal toppings. The drinks list is equally minimal: a lager, a pét-nat and a house-made shiso leaf lemonade. Ranita’s pride and glory is its homemade organic wheat-flour noodles, swimming in either a pork, chicken and dashi shoyu broth or a vegetarian three-miso shio soup. Both bowls come crowned with an ajitama egg, marinated in sweet soy. Look out for monthly specials, like the winter morisoba tsukemen featuring chewy rye noodles. 

Address: 206 Liverpool St, Hobart

Price: Mid-range

Set inside a heritage confectionery shop – no larger than your average sauna – Scholé is an intimate ten-seater wine bar and restaurant is the latest venture from acclaimed chef Luke Burgess (ex-Garagistes). Scholé serves a short, seasonal menu of Japanese-inspired à la carte snacks, like steamed wild angasi oysters from St Helens with fresh wasabi oil and hemp seed froknäcke (cracker) topped with salt-cured pike and pink radish. Larger plates are seafood-centric, where you could enjoy anything from smoked eel and raw scallops to albacore tuna and grilled swordfish. Complete the experience with a natural wine, a considered cocktail or a pour of premium Japanese sake.

Address: 227 Liverpool St, Hobart 

Price: High-end

Sophie Pope and Lachlan Colwill have created an elevated night out in their ten-seat kaiseki restaurant, Omotenashi. Slinging a 16-course degustation three nights a week from Friday to Sunday, this intimate dining experience takes place around an open kitchen at the back of the Lexus showroom (the boot of these cars makes for a very novel cloakroom!). Pope and Colwill put on a culinary treat that’s more like dinner and a show – sharing the origin stories behind every ingredient while plating dishes made from Tasmania’s finest ingredients. No two sittings are the same, but you can expect minimal-intervention seafood and in-season produce. Omotenashi will make you appreciate what great seafood should taste like, and even elevate the humble bowl of rice. Paired drinks are part of the night, and the couple expertly curates sake and tea to accompany your degustation. 

Address: Unit 4/160 Elizabeth St, Hobart 

Price: Blowout

Sush Track’s view across Hobart’s working waterfront makes it perfect for watching the boats go by, but all eyes will be firmly on the revolving sushi train in front of you. With more than 100 different items on rotation, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Look out for the local wild-caught tuna rolls, which tend to go fast. The beef tataki is another standout, featuring lightly seared local beef with creamy ponzu sauce. And when it comes to dessert, throw caution to the wind and order both the matcha daifuku and the chocolate pear and ginger mudcake – no regrets! 

Address: Tasplan, 1 Franklin Whf, Hobart 

Price: Affordable

Just off the main street in Sandy Bay, Suminato's warm lighting and timber interiors create an inviting and cosy atmosphere, but it’s the food that’ll have you coming back. Dive into their Japanese tapas menu, starting with grilled oysters in miso sauce for a punchy opener and the crunchy lotus root with the chef’s special sauce. Of course, there's sushi and sashimi, but you can also try their hot pots, tempura and grilled proteins that are downright delicious. Feeling overwhelmed by all the options? Opt for the banquet menu and relax with a glass of Tassie pinot gris while the chefs do the work.

Address: Shop 2B, 48 King St, Sandy Bay

Price: Mid-range

Tucked behind a sandstone facade near Salamanca Place, Kosaten delivers fast, fresh Japanese fare at lightning speed via their very own 'bullet train'. Order via iPad and watch as your organic sake or chilled umeshu chugs along to your table. Then, follow it up with fresh oysters before trying the inventive eel, carrot and camembert sushi roll – a flavour bomb in your mouth. Want takeaway for lunch? Opt for their sushi, sashimi and bento boxes. Their creative desserts include a green tea tiramisu, complete with a Pocky stick poking out, and the chocolate spring roll that’s begging to be dipped in the bowl of vanilla ice cream that accompanies it. Yum!

Address: 17 Castray Esp, Battery Point 

Price: Affordable

Now here’s a hidden gem in Hobart – and we mean that literally! Shokuji Japanese Restaurant is a bit tricky to find – but well worth the effort once you do. Warm and welcoming, this no-frills spot has staff who go out of their way to make the experience enjoyable. The menu offers a wide range of Japanese favourites, from fresh salmon sashimi and tasty sushi rolls to some of the best karaage chicken and tempura around. Portions are generous, making this a great-value dining option.

Address: 2/29 Main Rd, Claremont

Price: Affordable

Did you know that kanpai is the equivalent of 'cheers' in Japanese? And there’s plenty to kanpai about at Yamashita. Located in one of Hobart’s most charming laneways, Yamashita combines traditional Japanese flavours with a modern Tasmanian twist. The menu is adorned with hand-drawn images of each dish and is packed with locally sourced ingredients. Start with the panko prawn temaki, a cone-shaped hand roll that will have you considering ordering a second. For a bit of theatre, opt for the signature hot pot, which bubbles away long after it's brought to the table on a gas burner. Pair your meal with a sake or a Japanese whisky for the full experience.

Address: 31 Criterion St, Hobart

Price: Mid-range