East Japanese Restaurant

11509 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934, USA

Address:	11509 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934, USA
Phone:	+1 865-671-4404
Rating:	4.5
Working:	Closed 12–2:30PM 12–2:30PM 12–2:30PM 12–2:30PM 12–2:30PM Closed

Location

Photos 93

Reviews 27

Ronni Ward

I had just returned from a trip to Japan, where my favorite meal was "takoyaki" which is basically a fried ball of octopus. I had heard they served it at this restaurant and was dying to try it again. You can imagine my disappointment when the takoyaki I had been craving was overfried and the octopus on the inside was a puree-esque texture--which is not how its traditionally done! Normally, the octopus tentacle keeps its shape inside of the fried dough. This place is good, but its not the authentic Japanese experience I was hoping for, especially for the price. I actually prefer the sushi in Fresh Market to the sushi here. Giving three stars because although the food was subpar the staff was very helpful for my mom (who struggled with the menu for quite some time)

HuxDr

I had the Katsu Pork Curry and I enjoyed it all. Its a simple brown curry with some pickled ginger to give you something to cut the rich sauce on the rice and the crunchy pork cutlet. Their portions are a good size. Price is what you would expect, usually a 13-10$ entree. The sushi is what you would expect from an landlocked state and I think its good. The service can be on the slow side. The atmosphere is nice and the servers themselves are as well. Ive also tried their Don dishes which I enjoyed as well. Fair warning to people who dont know, they do not serve you coke in a glass and give you a bottle instead. Thats just a side note since I personally like coke.

Valerie Kahrs

The sushi is the perfect combination of rice and filling. Unlike many of the sushi places in Knoxville, they havent "Americanized" all the rolls - that is, there are very few that are deep-fried or filled with cream cheese. In addition to great sushi and starters, their cooked menu is very fresh and authentic. A good sign of an great authentic Japanese restaurant is walking in and seeing a large table of Japanese businessmen enjoying their saki and meals in the back, something Ive seen several times over. The service is superb - quick and friendly. Like others have stated, Ive never had to wait for a table, and takeout is always ready within 20 minutes.

Stacy Casteel

Service - very slow Atmosphere - decent Food - disgusting! I had the yakisoba and it was so awful I couldnt even force myself to eat it. My husband had the teriyaki chicken and the taste was ok, but you could tell it was low quality chicken. The sushi was tasteless. I only wish the yakisoba was as tasteless so I could eat it. The soup and salad were also disgusting. We will never eat there again. Dont waste your money.

Brandon McBath

Excellent service by the restaurant owner himself, Yoshi! The food is incredible and authentic. Legitimate Japanese noodle and rice dishes that are quite savory and delicious. Best ramen in town hands down! An authentic booth seating section requires the removal of ones shoes and allbeit a change of pace it is super peaceful and relaxing.

Megan Goggans

Eating here makes me feel like I am back in Japan. Everyone here is so nice. I had the Kitsune Soba and it was just like I remembered it. The manners here are impeccable. Everyone is so sweet. Yes, the food is more expensive, but the atmosphere pays for it. Use manners as if you were in Japan here. I will definitely be back.

Gordon Ehrensing

Due to its out-of-the-way location and quiet facade, this incredible restaurant is poorly talked about and frequently overlooked. East has the best authentic Japanese food in Knoxville, hands down, with inviting and peaceful atmosphere and very modest prices. Both traditional and Western style seating is available.

Tanawee W

Tasty ramen by Japanese chef. Almost authentic taste. Mochi ice cream has good texture. Green tea ice cream is also delicious. Nice environment for date, family and friends hanging out time. Lots of parking spots. Worth the value. Two Ramen with drink and dessert cost only $27.

Derek Cummins

Had an excellent meal at the bar: takoyaki and assorted nigiri. Food came out at just the right time and temp, and service was prompt and attentive. Highly recommend Bryn as a server, they were on top of every request. Ill be back for sure.

Harry Wu

the food quality is very bad, i order a udon, the server give me the shichimi powder, but the powder has same alive worm in it. i think its been keep for very long. the server told me thats white sesame seed, but its moving on my udon.

Jiecheng Zhao

Very good food here. Traditional Japanese food. The eel is strongly recommended. And sushi of course. The only drawback is you need to wait long time before the food is served. But that is the thing for most Japanese food. Worth waiting.

Ashley Pressley

Sushi is delicious, but dont come for a quick bite. Even with only three other tables seated, we waited over a half hour to receive just one of the for rolls we ordered. After an hour, wed finally been served all of them.

Heather Johnson

The food is really great and authentic. If you want a taste of Japan this is the place to go. Its best to go on a weekday. It gets really busy on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, because of this, the service can be slow.

Mathew B

This place saved my wife and I. All the Japanese places we went to in Knoxville were not great (Recently moved here from California). The best in Knoxville by far and great prices. Please stop going to Nama, go here.

J.P. Busch

Blown away with this surprising place. Great friendly service. Excellent traditional food and traditional seating. Good Ramen is hard to get in TN, this reminded me of being in Australia. Won me over. Thank you.

polo zouse

I order a Sapporo ramen which full of bean sprouts,little bit grind pork, and all cheap ingredients. It doesnt look good, doesnt smell nice, absolutely flavorless, it doesnt worth the price at all!

Brian Greer

Far and away the best and most authentic Japanese cuisine in town. Take off your shoes and sit in the traditional booths, order some Saki and get the Chirashi, the eel or the Ramen.

Ken Jenkins

I havent had sushi this good since I was in little Japan in Düsseldorf. When over half the clientele are native to the origin of the cuisine, you know youre in the right place

Nick Miller

Good food. Service can be slow, and Ive never been when they werent out of something on the menu, but the food is good, and as close to authentic as youll find in Knoxville.

A Private User

Excellent!! The food is delicious and fresh - the waitstaff is helpful and friendly and the atmosphere is great. The best prices on sushi anywhere in Knoxville. I love it!

Joseph Armes

I have zero complaints. Food was perfect. Sushi was perfect. Their miso was great. If you enjoy Japanese cuisine dont pass this up! Try the Chicken Katsu Curry!

Kristie Lynn Aubuchon

This is one of the most authentic and traditional Japanese restaurants Ive been to out of Japan. Eating here made me miss home! Try the Tonkatsu Ramen!

Chen Li

It has the best sushi in this area. Very decent place. I am impressed by the rice in their sushi, which tastes very different with those sushi buffet.

Matt Lee

Food = Great, authentic, traditional. Best Japanese in Town. But it takes forever to get served (especially sushi) and they DO NOT refill drinks...

Akinori Nosaka

ランチをいただきました。エビフライなどの洋食も充実。また寄りたいです！

Aelise Davis

The wait was long when we attended a few weeks ago but the food was good and the servers were friendly. Just slow and seemingly unorganized.

Noah Hobson

Loved the food and the service was great; they actually dealt with my friends utter disregard for the rest of the people in the restaurant!