Austin · Izakaya · a la carte
Kemuri Tatsu-Ya
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.
- Price
- ¥¥¥
- Area
- East Austin
- Since
- 2017
- Chef
- Tatsu Aikawa
Plate № 53
About
When Tatsu Aikawa opened Kemuri in 2017, he asked a genuine culinary question: what happens when Japanese izakaya culture meets Texas barbecue? The answer became one of Austin's most discussed restaurants — praised for inventive brisket hot pockets, fish collar, and beef tongue yakitori that treat Japanese and Texas techniques as equal partners rather than a gimmick. Kemuri means 'smoke' in Japanese, and binchotan charcoal grilling anchors the kitchen's flavor profile. The James Beard Foundation recognized the concept with a semifinalist nomination. The East Austin setting and vibrant bar program make it as fitting for a casual evening as a special occasion.
Neighborhood & visiting
Kemuri Tatsu-Ya sits in East Austin, one of Austin's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused izakaya counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- The only restaurant in Austin named Top 10 Best New Restaurant simultaneously by Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, and GQ in the same year
- Tokyo-born chef Tatsu Aikawa's inventive fusion of Japanese izakaya tradition and Texas BBQ culture
- Binchotan charcoal grilling — the same Japanese charcoal used in Tokyo's finest yakitori-ya — runs throughout the menu
- James Beard Foundation semifinalist and the most acclaimed East Austin Japanese restaurant
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Frequently asked
About Kemuri Tatsu-Ya
- Is Kemuri Tatsu-Ya an authentic texas bbq–izakaya fusion restaurant in Austin?
- Yes — Kemuri Tatsu-Ya is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for texas bbq–izakaya fusion in Austin: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
- Where is Kemuri Tatsu-Ya located?
- Kemuri Tatsu-Ya is located at 2713 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78702, Austin, USA in the East Austin neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Kemuri Tatsu-Ya?
- Kemuri Tatsu-Ya accepts reservations online. For an authentic izakaya experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at Kemuri Tatsu-Ya?
- Kemuri Tatsu-Ya sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for texas bbq–izakaya fusion of this format in Austin.
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