Knoxville TN, October 2, 2025
News Summary
Knoxville will soon welcome Nama Izakaya, a new culinary destination set to open in 2024. Located at 141 S Gay St, the restaurant will celebrate Nama’s 20th anniversary while offering an innovative dining experience with seasonal Asian cuisine. Under the leadership of executive chef Ryan Miller, the menu will feature both staple items and rotating dishes, aiming to cater to various tastes. The inviting space is designed for both quiet dinners and lively gatherings, with a bar area and outdoor seating.
Knoxville is set to welcome a new culinary destination with the opening of Nama Izakaya in 2024, which is being launched to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Nama. Located in the heart of downtown at 141 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902, the restaurant will take over the previous site of Harvest Downtown on the 100 Block of Gay Street.
General manager Sophia Plummer has expressed a commitment to celebrate Nama’s legacy while offering patrons a fresh and innovative dining experience. While Nama Izakaya will maintain its identity as a Japanese restaurant, the new establishment will also include a variety of Asian dishes to cater to different tastes.
Executive chef Ryan Miller, a Filipino American, is interested in rotating in traditional recipes from his childhood, such as lumpia. The debut menu will feature seasonal alterations; however, staple items will remain constant to ensure a balance of familiarity and novelty.
The dining space has been designed by Rhonda Gray to create a warm and calm ambiance. It consists of two distinct dining rooms, one ideal for quiet dinners while the other is geared towards lively evening gatherings. There will also be a bar area accommodating approximately 48 guests, with an additional 16 seats on the outdoor patio to enhance the dining experience.
In keeping with the izakaya tradition, which emphasizes casual dining with drinks and small, shareable dishes, Nama Izakaya will not be exclusively a sushi restaurant, although two sushi rolls will be offered. Prospective patrons can look forward to popular dish options such as Mushroom Crispy Rice, Braised Short Rib, and Loaded Fries. Chef Miller suggests enhancing the Mushroom Crispy Rice by adding braised short rib for an extra $6. For dessert, the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake à la mode has been recommended as a must-try.
A late-night menu will be available starting at 9 PM on weekdays and 10 PM on weekends, featuring tempting items like Tempura Fried Chicken and the renowned Tokyo Dog. Accessibility was a critical consideration, with the downtown area’s parking challenges leading to the reimagining of the restaurant’s concept.
The menu will also feature affordable options, such as a $10 plate of fries and a $5 beer and shot combo. In addition, the recently launched Nama Passport program allows customers to access secret menus and exclusive offers through SMS subscriptions. This initiative connects various restaurants within the Nama Collective, enhancing customer engagement.
With a vision to offer a unique dining experience characterized by comfort, creativity, and a vibrant atmosphere, Nama Izakaya aims to be a highlight for both locals and visitors alike. The restaurant will operate from Tuesday to Thursday from 4 PM to 11 PM and from Friday to Saturday from 4 PM to 12 AM; it will be closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Key Features of Nama Izakaya
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Year | 2024 |
| Location | 141 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902 |
| Dining Rooms | Two dining rooms (one quiet, one lively) |
| Bar Area Capacity | 48 seats |
| Patio Capacity | 16 seats |
| Late Night Menu Start | 9 PM (Weekdays), 10 PM (Weekends) |
| Menu Highlights | Mushroom Crispy Rice, Braised Short Rib, Loaded Fries, Pineapple Upside-Down Cake |
| Affordable Options | $10 plate of fries, $5 beer and shot combo |
FAQ
What year is Nama Izakaya opening?
Nama Izakaya opens in 2024 to commemorate Nama’s 20th anniversary.
Where is Nama Izakaya located?
The restaurant is located at 141 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902.
What are the operating hours of Nama Izakaya?
Opening hours are Tuesday to Thursday from 4 PM to 11 PM, and Friday to Saturday from 4 PM to 12 AM; closed Sunday and Monday.
What will the menu include?
The menu will include seasonal changes but staples will remain the same. Popular items include Mushroom Crispy Rice, Braised Short Rib, and Loaded Fries.
Is Nama Izakaya a sushi restaurant?
Nama Izakaya will not be a sushi restaurant, though two sushi rolls will be available.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Inside of Knoxville: Nama Izakaya Opens
- Wikipedia: Izakaya
- Inside of Knoxville: Chef Ryan Miller’s Culinary Journey
- Google Search: Asian Dining Traditions
- Inside of Knoxville: Nama Collective Initiative
- Google Scholar: Restaurant Experiences
- Inside of Knoxville: History of Japanese Cuisine in Knoxville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Japanese Cuisine
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
