Kawasemi used to be a favourite restaurant. Not any more. On a recent visit floor was filthy, chairs dirty and stained. Food was very average but had become expensive. Chunky sashimi betrayed a novice chef. We were all crammed into one room and so it was noisy even though tables were set in the second room. We won’t be returning.

I ordered the Spicy Chicken BBQ with Rice. It turned out to be a double deep fried, is that left over chicken from the night before. i should go for something more fresh and not fried.

This restaurant is tucked away in Dickensons arcade and its such a great place to eat. We have been here numerous times both for lunch and dinner. The Bento boxes for lunch are fabulous with a mixture of great foods. The dishes are all reasonably priced and the food is very nice. We will go back time and time again.

I've been to Kawasemi twice so far and both times for lunch. It is amazing. Both times I ordered the steamed salmon and it was delicious. Massive servings at very affordable prices. Hidden in Dickenson's Arcade, it is a little hard to realise that it's a restaurant.

As I went at lunch time, service was excellent as there were only one or two tables. They do take away meals as well and I hear the Bento Boxes are the way to go!

Approximate cost: $7-15

The best little Japanese restaurant - anywhere. Great food in pleasant surroundings - once you get past the uninspiring alleyway entrance. Staff are delightful, though service a little quirky and irregular at times, but the food is always excellent. And they are child friendly - very!
Now so popular you need to book for dinner, but if you turn up early or at lunchtime there's usually no problem.
We love the agadashi tofu with its gently waving bonito flakes.

Approximate cost: $15

Book ahead for this one. It used to be a "local secret", but now the word is out and if you rock up without a booking you are unlikely to get a table (I have been turned away twice). There are so many good things about this place its hard to know what to mention first. Probably the free corkage (its BYO) - no need to bring a bottle from home. There is a 9/11 Bottleshop to the rear (and right of the arcade). It has a bigger range than the other bottleshop and is cheaper. Interior is very cute and its like being in someone house. Its amazing just how much food they can make in the tiny kitchen. Bento box is highly recommended as too is the french/japanese hybrid desserts. Every now and then the chef seems to practice new deserts - so it might be worth asking is there is something thats not normally on the menu (special dessert). The food is filling and unpretensious. You can get a bit of a wait when its really busy so just be prepared for that. Oh and don't worry that you have found the wrong spot, Kawasemi is in the middle of a little shopping arcade in one of the suburbs you would least expect it. Good bus service from Hobart city (its on a main bus route) although of an evening be sure to time it right as the buses are about 30 mins apart.

Approximate cost: $20