Rome · Sushi · a la carte
Hamasei
Traditional Japanese sushi & kaisekiFounded 1974Japanese institution50+ yearsCentro StoricoJapanese-owned
Founded in 1974 as a Roman branch of the venerable Kappou Hamasei from Asakusa, Tokyo, Hamasei is one of Italy's oldest Japanese restaurants. After more than 50 years of operation under Japanese management, it remains a benchmark for classical Japanese cuisine in the capital.
- Price
- ¥¥¥
- Area
- Centro Storico (Colonna)
- Since
- 1974
Plate № 40
About
When Hamasei opened in 1974 near the Spanish Steps, Italian diners had almost no reference point for Japanese food. The restaurant, established as a Roman outpost of the Kappou Hamasei institution from Asakusa, Tokyo, helped create that reference point — and has maintained it ever since. Reservations are telephone-only, reflecting a commitment to personal service. The menu spans traditional sushi and kaiseki-style dishes prepared by Japanese sushimen who have kept the kitchen's standards consistent across generations. It remains a favourite of Rome's diplomatic community and Japanese expatriates.
Neighborhood & visiting
Hamasei sits in Centro Storico (Colonna), one of Rome's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused sushi counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional sushi restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Over 50 years of continuous Japanese-owned operation in Rome
- Direct lineage from Tokyo's historic Kappou Hamasei (Asakusa)
- Reservations by phone only — a mark of old-school Japanese hospitality
- Favourite of Rome's Japanese expat community and the diplomatic circuit
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Frequently asked
About Hamasei
- Is Hamasei an authentic traditional japanese sushi & kaiseki restaurant in Rome?
- Yes — Hamasei is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for traditional japanese sushi & kaiseki in Rome: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused sushi format.
- Where is Hamasei located?
- Hamasei is located at Via della Mercede, 35/36, 00187 Roma, Italy, Rome, Italy in the Centro Storico (Colonna) neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Hamasei?
- Hamasei accepts reservations online. For an authentic sushi experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at Hamasei?
- Hamasei sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for traditional japanese sushi & kaiseki of this format in Rome.
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