Bar Wa Izakaya

Bar Wa Izakaya is the busy Japanese izakaya at 216-218 Elizabeth Street in central Hobart, known for its robata grill, fresh oysters and a deep sake list. It opens at midday and runs late, seven days a week. The detail that matters for dog owners sits in the venue's own house rules: the outdoor tables are the pet-friendly part, and they work differently from the indoor ones.

The dog setup

Dogs on a lead are welcome at the outdoor footpath seating. Tasmania's food rules keep companion animals out of indoor dining, so the outside tables are the only ones a dog can join, and they cannot be booked: online reservations are for indoor tables only, and the footpath seating runs walk-in. With a dog, plan to take your chances and come early rather than holding a reservation. Bring your own water bowl and confirm the setup with staff on arrival.

The food and the vibe

The grill is the point: robata skewers, sashimi with a yuzu ponzu lift, tempura oysters and an oyster happy hour, with wallaby wings for something local. Happy hour draws a crowd, and a happy hour oyster session plus an extensive sake and cocktail list keeps the room full. Elizabeth Street's footpath tables are right against the pavement, so a settled dog comfortable with foot traffic is the fit.

Getting there and parking

The venue sits on Elizabeth Street between the CBD's main blocks, an easy walk from central Hobart. Street parking on Elizabeth is metered and limited, with side-street parking nearby. Coming from the waterfront, the walk uphill is short.

Nearby with the dogs

Hobart's CBD squares and lawns are on-lead territory under City of Hobart rules, so for exercise head up to Knocklofty Reserve, where dogs are permitted off-lead on designated tracks within set daylight hours. The Hobart Rivulet Park trail mixes on-lead stretches with a designated off-lead section near MacFarlane Street, and the Knocklofty Summit Loop adds city views to the workout. Afterwards, Hobart Beer Culture co and Brewwich cover the north-Hobart beer and coffee end of town.

More venues are on the Hobart destination page and in the TAS restaurants index.