Hinoki Japanese Pantry

Ask any Smith Street gourmand where to find the city's finest takeaway sashimi, and they’ll point straight to this bustling Fitzroy grocer. Total Tokyo immersion the second you walk in. Shelves stacked high with premium matcha and imported pantry staples. The real draw? That buzzing sushi counter at the back. Purists gladly endure the 20-minute wait—browsing aisles for green tea while focused chefs prep orders to perfection. The seafood quality here is uncompromising. Think thick, luxurious slices of neta draped generously over expertly seasoned shari. The protein-to-rice ratio is legendary. Grab a vibrant chirashizushi bowl loaded with sweet scallops and buttery uni, or load up on premium a la carte nigiri. Sure, it commands a premium price, and the cozy aisles get packed fast. But the spectacular freshness makes every single dollar count. Snag a platter, grab a side of crisp ginger salad, head to a nearby park, and feast.