East Japanese Restaurant

Reviews

• Blaine W.

  star star star star star_border 20 February 2021

  I hate to even talk about this place because the wait can be long and they are understaffed at times, but.....the food is so good.  The owner/sushi chef is from Japan so he's the real deal and the bento box plates are good for trying a variety of Japanese small plate selections.  I love the Ebi Shumai, Pork Katsu, and Chicken Karaage.  Their sushi is on point and the ramen is great when it's cold outside.  This place only serves Japanese so unlike most Asian Knoxville restaurants, they aren't trying serve every Asian country on the map.

• James Z.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 19 February 2021

  Used to be my favorite- however last Friday we went in- wasn't that crowded- ask if we could sit at sushi bar and host said sure- BUT sushi chef said oh no you can't sit- we walked out. He was rude- doubt we will go back- in past I'm sure we been there more than 20x- I hate poor- rude service. Bye

• Grace K.

  star star star star_border star_border 18 February 2021

  I found about East Japanese Restaurant through a local here, who raved about how great this is.
  
  Parking lot is shared with other businesses in the area. The East Japanese sign is small, but it's located next to a pizza shop... I think it was Little Caesar's (if I remember correctly).
  
  The restaurant is maintained well. I love the traditional Japanese style rooms with the tatami mats in the far back. It's more of a quiet and intimate place.
  
  FOOD:
  Tako Yaki (3/5, fried octopus ball): Different. I don't think I'd order this again. The octopus flavor is not heavy or strong.
  
  Oroshi Ikura with Soba Noodles (3/5, Salmon eggs and buckwheat noodles): I'll give some props that this is the closest thing to authentic Asian food. Soup was slightly off from what I am used to.
  
  Dragon Roll (4/5): Smooth tasting from the eel and avocado. Everything meshed well together. Definitely recommend this.
  
  Volcano Roll (1/5): Too much mayo. Pass.
  
  King Roll (4/5): Similar to a Korean Kimbab with a different taste. It was definitely one of the better rolls I've tried here. Healthy.
  
  California Roll (2/5): My friend ordered this. I've never been a fan of California rolls. It's too simple, and I'd rather eat other things.
  
  Sweet Shrimp Nigiri (3/5): It was just OK for me. Simple but didn't stand out. You can eat the fried heads as well.
  
  Dinner Box with Pork Katsu (Fried breaded pork cutlet) and Ebi Shumai (Steamed shrimp dumpling) (4/5): I'd definitely recommend this if you are craving more of an authentic dish. I devoured this. If you like dim-sum, then try the Ebi Shumai.
  
  *Note: SUSHI IS ONLY DURING DINNER HOURS*
  
  I've read that the service is slow here, but I've never had a problem. Everything arrived on time and never had a problem with the servers.
  
  Would I come back? Yes for the traditional Japanese dishes. I'd like to try other items.

• Ceri F.

  star star star star star 2 February 2021

  We are regulars at East. Their food is delicious!  Service is excellent, but do not come if your in a hurry. This is a meal to take your time with.
  
  There is no sushi at lunchtime. The owner is the sushi chef and is a waiter during lunch.
  
  Everything we have tried has been excellent.
  
  Our top 5
  
  1. Rainbow roll -fresh and delicious.
  2. Teriyaki chicken - moist and tender
  3. Karage- delicious marinated fried chicken
  4. Takoyki - dough with octopus bites
  5. Tonkastu Ramen - flavorful, soulful soup
  
  We have yet to be disappointed!

• Wendy C.

  star star star star star 28 January 2021

  My favorite restaurant in all of Tennessee.  All the food is 5 stars!!!!  I love coming here at lunch time and getting a special table in the back.
  Try the curry!!!