Kaizen

Asian restaurant · Knoxville

Kaizen

Asian restaurant · Knoxville

3

127 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902

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Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
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Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
Kaizen by null
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Highlights

Steamed buns, Asian fusion plates, noodles & draft beer  

Yelp Rating
4.3
Featured in Eater
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127 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902 Get directions

knoxkaizen.com
@knoxkaizen

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

Information

Static Map

127 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902 Get directions

+1 865 409 4444
knoxkaizen.com
@knoxkaizen

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 28, 2025

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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
View Postcard for Kaizen
@postcardnews

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)
View Postcard for Kaizen
@postcardnews

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)
View Postcard for Kaizen

Molly Baldwin

Google
Kaizen was absolutely delicious. Everything we ordered was 10/10. Service was great and the waiter was very knowledgeable about the foods (which I love because I always have lots of questions). We ordered for an appetizer the Shrimp Bun and the Prawns and Shishito Pepper Special and for our entree (pictured) we ordered the Lemongrass Chicken Noodle and the Mushroom Noodle Soup. Highly recommend!

jason giglio

Google
I sat solo at the bar and was lucky enough to have my friend, Rachel as my bartender—she is always incredibly attentive, genuinely friendly, and yes… super cute (don’t worry, she’s happily married, so behave yourself! 😄). The real surprise of the night was the hot and sour duck noodles. I always order the wings, friend rice or buns and decided to try another popular option. The flavor profile was wild—in the best way. Deep, complex, layered with heat, richness, and tang that made each bite something new. Definitely not your average noodle dish, huge portion too. This place is Perfect for a solo dinner or date night—just be sure to grab a bar seat if Rachelle’s on shift. She made the whole experience feel personal and polished. Always looking forward to my next visit, top 3 downtown spots! Thanks, Rachel!

Joanna Axelrod

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 Rymer

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!

Eleanor Tyner

Google
The wagyu and peanut fried rice was very good! A bit too salty, but the steak was fantastic. The tuna lettuce wrap was actually the best thing ordered- it was build-your-own and very generous with the tuna. The wasabi-yuzu sauce was very complimentary. The red bean bao bun was a great dessert, although offering other sweet treats would be a good improvement. Also, I'd make sure to call ahead for an indoor table, because they have a large patio but limited indoor seating.

Mikey Mo

Google
One of the shining culinary stars of Knoxville. We love this place! It’s hard to recommend just one dish so I’ll recommend a few. All of the steamed buns are delicious, the duck noodle soup…..delicious. Drunken noodles? Delicious. Rabbit curry??? Also so delicious. I’m not one to typically rave about a restaurant but Kaizen has never let us down.

Jose Guerrero

Google
This place has amazing pork belly. I got the fried rice with pork belly and it was delicious. A bit on the sweeter side if you don't like sweet foods. Atmosphere and service were great.

Samantha Benson

Google
We were visiting from out of town and looking for a lighter meal and stumbled into Kaizen. I have to say it was the most delicious meal I've had in a while. The buns were soft, warm and delectable the fried rice rice was crispy and incredible and the lemongrass chicken was to die for. If I lived in the area this would be a once of week visit for us since it was affordable.