Nama Izakaya, a new offshoot from the local Nama group, has opened on the 100 block of Gay Street, bringing a moody, late-night izakaya vibe to downtown Knoxville. The two-room spot leans on Japanese-inspired small plates and a full bar centered on sake and hand-shaken cocktails, filling the former Harvest storefronts and aiming to work as both a dinner destination and a late-night hangout.
According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, the Grub Scout reviewer gave Nama Izakaya an overall 4.5 rating and wrote that the Nama brand "has upped its game" with the inviting new eatery and bar. The review highlighted the atmosphere and late-night energy as key standouts on the 100 block of Gay Street.
What's on the menu
The menu leans into shareable small plates and late-night favorites such as edamame, tempura vegetables, Korean fried chicken, and gyoza, with larger options like miso pork ramen and yakisoba in the mix. According to Nama Izakaya, crowd-pleasers include Short Rib ($18), Beef Bulgogi ($18,) and Mushroom Crispy Rice ($16). Dessert options include an Ice Cream Sandwich ($6) and Ube Cheesecake ($10). The menu also advertises an omakase event scheduled for Tuesday at $97 per person, signaling that the kitchen is experimenting with special offerings.
How it fits downtown
The izakaya is part of a broader Nama Collective strategy that marks the brand's 20-year history while introducing something fresh to downtown nightlife. As detailed by Inside of Knoxville, the team kept a quieter dining room alongside a livelier bar area and late-night menu, aiming to catch both pre-show diners and the late-night crowd.
Service, vibe, and practical info
The Grub Scout scored the food at 4.5, service at 4, and atmosphere at 4.75, noting that the staff and space largely deliver on the izakaya promise, per the Knoxville News Sentinel. For practical details, the restaurant lists its hours as Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., and its phone number as (865) 800-6262, per Nama Izakaya.
