Seattle · Izakaya · a la carte
Tamari Bar
Japanese izakayaObama Japan-born ownerCapitol HillWagyuChirashiRamen
Opened in 2018 by Obama, Japan-born chef-owner Makoto Kimoto, Tamari Bar brings authentic izakaya culture to Capitol Hill with a menu spanning Wagyu beef dishes, chirashi bowls, dan dan ramen, and elaborate bento boxes.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- Capitol Hill
- Since
- 2018
- Chef
- Nobu Watanabe
- Owner
- Makoto Kimoto
Plate № 54
About
Chef-owner Makoto Kimoto, born in Obama in Japan's Fukui Prefecture, opened Tamari Bar in February 2018 as a full-service Japanese izakaya on Capitol Hill. The kitchen is led by chef Nobu Watanabe with GM Kan Terao, an all-Japanese leadership team. The eclectic menu draws on izakaya traditions: Wagyu beef preparations, tora gozen bento boxes, dan dan noodles, chirashi jewelry boxes, and agedashi tofu. The Infatuation praised Tamari Bar as 'terrific karaage' territory and a Capitol Hill neighborhood staple. Happy hour runs daily from 5:00 to 6:00 PM and again from 9:30 PM to last call.
Neighborhood & visiting
Tamari Bar sits in Capitol Hill, one of Seattle's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Obama, Japan-born chef-owner with an all-Japanese kitchen team bringing genuine izakaya culture to Capitol Hill
- Creative Wagyu beef dishes and elaborate chirashi bowls at approachable izakaya prices
- Daily happy hour makes it one of the best-value Japanese dining experiences in Seattle
- A neighborhood anchor praised as Seattle's best karaage and a go-to izakaya since 2018
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Frequently asked
About Tamari Bar
- Is Tamari Bar an authentic japanese izakaya restaurant in Seattle?
- Yes — Tamari Bar is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese izakaya in Seattle: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
- Where is Tamari Bar located?
- Tamari Bar is located at 500 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122, Seattle, USA in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Tamari Bar?
- Tamari Bar does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular izakaya restaurants in Seattle we recommend calling ahead.
- What is the price range at Tamari Bar?
- Tamari Bar sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese izakaya of this format in Seattle.
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