Top 6 Japanese Restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee

With more than 28,000 Japanese restaurants across the U.S., it's no secret that this is a popular cuisine. But if you love Japanese food, you probably also know that not all restaurants are created equal. And finding a great one in your hometown or a city that you're visiting can sometimes be a challenge.

Knoxville is no exception. Luckily, there are plenty of great Japanese restaurants to choose from — if you know where to look!

While finding a great Japanese restaurant to enjoy while in Knoxville is great, it's even better if you're looking to purchase a gift card for a Japanese food-loving friend or family member. With a virtual GiftYa card, you can purchase a gift card to a Japanese restaurant in Knoxville from anywhere. Choose your restaurant and a gift card amount, add a personalized note, and hit send. The virtual gift card is delivered straight to their inbox for them to enjoy.

Ready to find a great Japanese restaurant to enjoy or purchase a gift card to? Keep reading to learn about 6 of the best Japanese restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee.

1. Mikata Japanese Grill & Sushi 

Laid-back spot for dine-in and take-out Japanese cuisine

Dig into authentic Japanese food in a laid-back atmosphere. Image courtesy of Yelp.

10918 Spring Bluff Way, Knoxville, TN 37932 (http://www.mikatajapanesegrill.com/)

This small, laid-back restaurant is a Knoxville hidden gem. While the atmosphere might be unassuming, the food is anything but. You'll find all of your authentic Japanese favorites, cooked to order and served piping hot and full of fresh ingredients. 

Whether you're in the mood for noodles, veggies, or loads of grilled meat, you'll find it here. They also have a large sushi menu with all of the classic rolls and options you could ask for. While they do offer in-person dining, they are best known for their carry out.

"The best sushi in town!  I also love the noodles that come with their Hibachi entree meals.  They are take out only right now." -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/mikata-japanese-grill-knoxville?hrid=GNQLz-fb3MNSmI12MrFiGg&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card to Mikata Japanese Grill & Sushi.

2. Anaba Japanese Cuisine 

Trendy, modern Japanese cuisine

Enjoy towers of sushi and seafood alongside trendy takes on classic Japanese food. Image courtesy of Yelp.

9405 S Northshore Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922 (https://www.anabajapanese.com/)

If you're looking for a trendy, modern spot that still delivers delicious, authentically-prepared Japanese food, head to Anaba Japanese Cuisine. Platters of beautifully-prepared sushi are a popular choice here, though you'll find no shortage of other classics as well, like noodles, stir-fried meats, and more.

 For a neat experience, sit at the bar to watch as the sushi masters prep roll after roll. This spot is just as perfect for a date night out as it is for a family dinner. They also offer carry out so that you can get your sushi fix to go and enjoy it at home.

"If you haven't been GO! Like now. The sushi is fantastic. So fresh, and the fish to rice ratio is on point. We love going on Mondays for the tuna special. Certain rolls with tuna are 50% off. You can get a huge amount of food for such a great price." -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/anaba-knoxville-2?hrid=-Ks31fZpk_Hp9mf7B4pmhg&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card to Anaba Japanese Cuisine.

3. Fuji Japanese Grill 

Quick and simple Japanese cuisine

A popular spot for quick and simple carry-out meals. Image courtesy of Yelp.

10508 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922

This small Japanese restaurant is easy to miss, thanks to its location in a nondescript strip mall. But while it may be simple, it serves up some of the best traditional hibachi in town! Choose your protein and bases like noodles or rice, then add your choice of vegetables. Be sure to try their signature sweet carrots, too.

Other menu options are also available. While the restaurant does have some seating for dining in-person, it's best known for its fast and filling carry-out.

"Can't believe I keep forgetting to review the best hibachi food in town! I often feel like the best food comes from places with small, specialized menus, and Fuji is no exception.  Tiny, no fuss menu with combinations of different proteins served with onion/mushroom/zucchini mixture, broccoli, and their signature sweet carrots." -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/fuji-japanese-grill-knoxville?hrid=ZtgjopU9udeX5CpOJjJoJQ&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card to Fuji Japanese Grill.

4. Ichiban Japanese Grill 

Chain restaurant that's known for its bento boxes and sushi

Grab a bento box for a filling meal to-go. Image courtesy of Yelp.

7507 S Northshore Dr, Knoxville, TN 37919

This chain restaurant is perhaps best known for its sushi. On the menu, you'll find every kind of roll and combination available. Each roll is handcrafted using fresh and tasty ingredients. The affordable prices also make it a great spot to grab sushi platters to share.

Another popular menu item are their bento boxes. These meals come with a main dish and a variety of sides. While designed for one person, they could easily feed two, or provide lots of tasty leftovers.

"Great Asian restaurant around Knoxville. They currently don't have dine in due to COVID so they only have take out. You can call or order online through there website, I usually do the online ordering. Ordered the hibachi chicken bento box, which was tasty and large portion." -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/ichiban-asian-cuisine-knoxville?hrid=5YeZVapxBFZxmTMSnC6PCA&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card to Ichiban Japanese Grill.

5. Makino Japanese Buffet 

Japanese buffet with a large selection

Enjoy a taste of a wide variety of fresh Japanese favorites. Image courtesy of Yelp.

8217 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 (https://makinoknoxville.com/)

Can't decide which Japanese dish you're in the mood for? Head to Makino Japanese Buffet. Here, you'll find a large selection of Japanese favorites, served buffet style. Sample some new foods or stick to your favorites, and be sure to bring your appetite; there's a lot to choose from.

The buffet includes a rotating variety of traditional Japanese dishes as well as modern sushi and a few American classics. You can also order food to go and choose from some of the buffet fare to take home with you to enjoy. Plus, a weekday lunch will set you back just $10 for all you can eat, while dinner is around $20 per person depending on which day you eat.

"Best tasting food ever. I eat here a lot and if you have a big appetite and $15 this place is perfect for you. They have a large sushi menu which all taste fresh as well as another menu which has hibachi, soups, salad and any other food you can think of." -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/makino-japanese-buffet-knoxville?hrid=TyIfFPtDLWB5Wa1TqRndlg&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card to Makino Japanese Buffet.

6. Tomo Japanese Restaurant 

Up-scale and modern Japanese cuisine

Choose from Japanese classics, sushi platters, and more. Image courtesy of Yelp.

7315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 (https://tomosushisakebar.com/)

This trendy, upscale Japanese restaurant is the perfect place for date night or just a great dinner out. With a full bar, you can enjoy your favorite sake alongside a variety of modern Japanese dishes. From sushi to poke bowls to udon noodles, you'll find it all, and all made with fresh and delicious ingredients.

The sushi platters at Tomo Japanese Restaurant are a staple among regulars. They offer a wide variety of rolls to choose from, and can often cater to allergy needs as well. If you're in the mood for some variety, you can choose from a variety platter of sushi alongside sides and appetizers for a fun and filling meal.

"Hands down best sushi in Knoxville. I used not eat sushi but now I have it once a week and from this place! My and my fiance love it. The service is great and the food is always so fresh and flavorful!!" -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/tomo-japanese-restaurant-knoxville?hrid=wwEjurRkJ9qGhlYPIyazng&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card to Tomo Japanese Restaurant.

From modern upscale spots perfect for a date night out to casual joints known for their carryout, Knoxville has no shortage of Japanese restaurants to choose from. Whether you're looking for somewhere for your family to grab their favorite Japanese dishes or want to choose the right restaurant to purchase a gift card to for a friend, you can't go wrong with these Knoxville staples. Try