Washoku Guide
← Austin
Austin · 居酒屋

Authentic Izakaya
in Austin.

Japanese taverns: small plates, charcoal grills, sake and shochu. The room matters as much as the food.

01
Kemuri Tatsu-Ya — authentic texas bbq–izakaya fusion restaurant in Austin, East Austin

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya

¥¥¥
East Austin · Izakaya · a la carte
Texas BBQ–izakaya fusionJames Beard semifinalistEast AustinJapanese small platesYakitori

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya is the boldest expression of Tokyo-born chef Tatsu Aikawa's American culinary journey — a full-service Japanese izakaya where Texas brisket smokes on binchotan charcoal alongside yakitori, Japanese cocktails, and inventive small plates. Simultaneously named Top 10 Best New Restaurant by Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, and GQ in 2017.

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Other Japanese cuisines in Austin
Kaiseki in AustinSushi in AustinYakitori in AustinRamen in Austin
Authentic izakaya in other cities →All authentic Japanese in Austin →
FAQ

Questions, answered.

What makes izakaya in Austin authentic?
Japanese taverns: small plates, charcoal grills, sake and shochu. The room matters as much as the food. In Austin, we apply the same standard: chefs trained in the discipline, ingredients and technique consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya-first format rather than a mixed menu.
How do you define authenticity?
Washoku Guide defines authenticity by the kitchen's grounding in Japanese culinary tradition: trained chefs (often in Japan), techniques and ingredients consistent with Japanese practice, a focused menu rather than a pan-Asian one, and a coherent dining format (sushi-ya, ramen-ya, izakaya, kaiseki, etc.). We weigh these signals together — no single factor decides.
Do you require Japanese ownership?
No. Japanese ownership is one positive signal, but it is not required. We also recognise restaurants with Japanese-led kitchens or non-Japanese chefs who have trained extensively in Japan and apply traditional techniques with discipline. What matters is the cooking, not the passport.
How are restaurants selected?
Each entry is researched and chosen by Washoku Guide editors — not voted in, not paid for, and not algorithmically ranked. We read kitchen biographies, study menus, talk to people in the industry, and visit when possible. Restaurants pay nothing to be listed.
Are the listings ranked?
No. Washoku Guide is a curated guide, not a ranking. Order on a city page is editorial and may change as the guide evolves; it does not imply that #1 is better than #5. Every listed restaurant has met our authenticity bar.
Are these the only authentic izakaya restaurants in Austin?
These are the ones Washoku Guide has researched and stands behind today. The guide grows over time; if you know an authentic izakaya restaurant in Austin we should consider, please get in touch.