Ebisu Izakaya

Ebisu Izakaya brings Japanese izakaya dining to Salamanca Square in Battery Point, Hobart, with a focus on food meant to be shared. The restaurant draws on the convivial feel of Tokyo’s small drinking dens while working with Tasmanian produce, including seafood, grass-fed meats and seasonal vegetables. Its menu is arranged around small plates, grill dishes and rice, giving diners the option to order gradually and build a meal together rather than follow a fixed course structure.

The food balances familiar Japanese techniques with local ingredients. Vegetable options include smoked or spicy edamame, homemade kimchi, tofu with seaweed and sesame dressing, heirloom tomatoes with ricotta and yuzu kosho, crispy new potato with yuzu aioli, and chargrilled broccoli and cauliflower with teriyaki sauce and cauliflower purée. The menu changes with the seasons, so the selection may vary between visits. Guests are asked to mention dietary requirements when booking. The website also lists seafood, meat and rice, and dessert sections, although it does not provide their full details.

Drinks are a central part of the experience, with Japanese spirits, sake, Tasmanian wines and handcrafted cocktails available alongside beer, cider, rice wine, umeshu, sparkling and non-alcoholic options. Listed cocktails include the Yuzu Highball, Plum Spritz, Tokyo Sour and Sake Martini. The drinks list is subject to availability, with staff available to offer recommendations. This makes Ebisu a natural choice for a relaxed dinner, a drink with small plates or an evening built around trying several things from the menu.

The space is presented as warm, informal and sociable, with a full bar, outdoor seating and late dining. Bookings are strongly recommended, particularly at weekends, while walk-ins are accepted when space allows. Groups of eight or more are asked to call ahead. Wheelchair access, takeout, dog-friendly seating and special-occasion bookings are also listed, making the venue flexible for different kinds of visits. Its shareable format should suit couples, small groups and solo diners who enjoy sitting at the bar, while the Salamanca Square location places it within Battery Point’s established dining area.