Miyabi Restaurant, North Hobart

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A new addition to the main eating strip of Hobart, a tiny shop front nestled in between the Milk Bar and Sweet Envy this new gem is recognisable from its big white signage offering $10 lunches and a range of dessert crepes. It's certainly worth checking out, both its quick easy takeaway options and its sit down lunch and dinner options.
Downstairs



Miyabi offers its take away food range from its ground floor entrance. But don't overlook the tiny black staircase leading up to the dining area or you will be missing out on the main event. I'll move on to that later. The crepes come in two sizes and having only tried the snack size (for the rather easy pocket-change price of $3.50) I can say it's definitely a treat for the potential sugar craving brought on from gazing into the windows of Sweet Envy with its display of decorated cakes. Though be aware of the liberal amounts of cream used in this dessert might be a bit too on the rich side for some. The sushi I have not had, but have been assured by friends that this place does make a good and filling sushi roll.

Upstairs



I think I was greeted by five (or possibly more) people simultaneously as I walked through to the upstairs eating area, which is deceptively traditional-looking and a complete contrast to the modern, overwhite feel to Miyabi's street front entrance. Overwhelming or welcoming, it's nice to get acknowledged as one enters a room. Even if it is to eat a speedy lunch before meeting friends.

Izakaya, my new Japanese word for the day (or week), basically means a place serving food and drink in a Japanese pub style atmosphere designed for families, workmates etc to sit and chat at the end of the day. Miyabi manages to pull off making this atmosphere work. It does feel like anyone could sit and relax here; during my visit a 2 year old and her family sitting on the next table looked just as chilled as the two uni students with their barley tea in the corner.

It's worth mentioning that Miyabi's finest point is its service. I got the sense that this place and its workers treated service differently when my order was relayed to the upstairs kitchen by way of walky-talky. Effectively meaning kitchen staff were preparing my meal before I had even had the chance to sit down. This I have not seen before, but as my food was so promptly brought out to me I'll agree the use of novelty communication devices in a food venue works to great effect.

My choice of lunch included Inari, miso soup both quickly consumed and instantly reviving after that long stretch between breakfast and my 1.30 lunch. This was followed by a bowl of tempura vegetables served on top of udon noodles in a clear soup broth, very filling and warming. A pretty decent serve for what I paid.



The only critique I would have in all would be the glass of water situation. I really appreciate having drinking water readily available to me when I dine out. And there was no such option that was offered at Miyabi. Though I'm certain if I wasn't about to rush off I could have asked for water.

Miyabi also offers a dinner banquet option. With the feedback I've received it's a sure thing I'll return to try it. But it won't be when I'm after a cheap feed, as it was implied the prices were a bit steeper.

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