Kaizen

Asian restaurant · Knoxville ·

Kaizen

Asian restaurant · Knoxville ·

Steamed buns, Asian dishes, draft beer, and a patio

Information

127 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902 Get directions

$20–30

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

The Best Restaurants and Bars Around Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee | Eater Nashville

"A casual Asian fusion restaurant modeled after Japanese izakayas and sporting a covered patio, Kaizen offers small plates from steamed buns stuffed with seared mushrooms or Thai sausage to pad kee mao and tingly mapo tofu. The kitchen also rotates in specials like ribeye fried rice or Thai sausage green coconut curry. You can catch a live show at chef-owner Jesse Newmister’s other nearby restaurant, Tako Taco, focused on street food." - Jackie Gutierrez-Jones

https://nashville.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-where-to-eat-in-knoxville

Kaizen

@postcardnews

22,027 Postcards · 1,950 Cities

Jesse Newmister’s izakaya-inspired restaurant blends Japanese technique with Thai and Sichuan accents, from steamed buns to craveable fried rice. A fixture in the Old City, it’s often highlighted by local critics for inventive small plates and warm hospitality.

https://www.knoxkaizen.com/

Best Restaurants in Knoxville (2025)

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Kaizen

@postcardnews

22,027 Postcards · 1,950 Cities

Owner-chef Jesse Newmister channels an izakaya spirit with playful Asian-inspired plates, buns, noodles, and a strong whiskey and cocktail program. Frequently recommended by Southern Living, it’s an Old City staple for shareable, high-flavor dining.

https://www.southernliving.com/best-places-to-eat-knoxville-7550467

Things to Do in Knoxville (2025)

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Kaizen

Kassandra S.

Google

Delicious restaurant in Old city Knoxville! I highly recommend the fried lions mane mushroom appetizer. It is so well flavored—the sauce is incredible! It is a must order. For entrees, we ordered the fried rice and the lemongrass chicken noodle. The portions are very large and we were able to take a good portion home. They have a great beverage selection. Would highly recommend this restaurant as it is a great value, the service is attentive and friendly and the food is delicious!

Angela L.

Google

This place was overall good! We got two steamed buns (pork and shrimp) and they were both tasty but the shrimp was my favorite. I will say though, they are TINY and $3.50 each which was a little pricy for the size. For entrees we got the fall stir fry and the duck noodle soup. The stir fry in my opinion was a little bland, but the veggies in it were cooked very nice. The duck noodle soup had a ton of flavor. We spent $70 on the two buns, two entrees, and two drinks.

Lily D.

Google

This is such a good addition to the old city. The interior is so cute, the food is amazing and the price is really good compared to portion size. The lemongrass chicken noodles are so good and huge for the price you are paying. The miso soup is seriously some of the best I’ve ever had and it was 8 dollars for a giant bowl. I wish I had more pics of the food but it looked so good we couldn’t wait! This is definitely going to be one of my date night spots going forward. The cocktail menu was so cute and themed after arrested development so it was absolutely hilarious. I got the nevernude and it tasted really almondy.

Lyndsey Correll E.

Google

The vegetable nabemono was so good, as were the (vegan!) fried eggplant and seared cured shiitake maushroom steamed buns. My husband was disappointed by the mapo tofu, but I think the flavors weren't what he expected, and it was too spicy for me.

Todd C.

Google

Amazing food. The buns were all great. We had pork belly and fried chicken fried rice bowls which were both outstanding. I got the feeling there was nothing bad on the menu. We ate outside with the dogs. Will be back whenever we are in town.

zachary K.

Google

Amazing food, amazing staff, they were very willing to make accomodations for food and drink. I was a little worried at first we may not get a table when asked if we had reservations, however the bar was empty at that time and they have a ton of patio seating here. I definitely think that the owner should add some more pictures of how nice the patio is and how many tables are out there. Also I think this place could be a runner up for Cintas best bathroom award.

Joanna A.

Google

The food was a mixed bag for me here. The lions mane mushrooms were unique and tasty and although the lemongrass chicken noodles didn’t taste like lemongrass at all, they were tasty and you got a large portion. However, the bao missed the mark, and the duck entree didn’t have nearly enough duck for the price. I loved all the crazy wallpaper throughout though. We had reservations on a Friday night and they were able to take us in about 20 min early which I appreciate. We also heard them turn away multiple groups who didn’t have reservations, so if you’re considering going on a weekend, make a reservation.

Kennon R.

Google

Kaizen is a treat on all levels. Our reservation was ready upon arrival, and we were warmly welcomed and rapidly seated. Our server was well versed on all menu options. We set in on our massive order of appetizers and sides, and boy, were they all fantastic. Some items were just bites, but some were much more, so be sure to experiment. The dinners we ordered included specials as well as true tried classics. On every level, each meal was well seasoned and expertly prepared. Portions were more than enough for each person, even with some taking home leftovers. The atmosphere at the restaurant was clean, bright, had fantastic background music, and a vibe of FUN! Kaiser should be a stop for every fun-loving person who wants a vibrant meal well executed. Give Kaizen a try! Solid A!