I haven’t been to Kemuri in years. It’s far (especially in traffic). But we went on a date night and wow, how I miss this place! They’ve enclosed the back patio now so it’s nicely cooled - no more sweating our butts off when we eat. They did shrink the puff puff pass (maybe costs have just increased too much for them) but the flavor is still great. There is mezcal in it now (I can’t remember if the old version had it). It wasn’t overly smoky and was well balanced. Of all the dishes I had, which were very delicious, my favorites were all the funky dishes and the grilled fish collar. There is something so fragrant about their grill - it seeps into the fish. So good. The funky dishes included jellyfish salad, squid marinated in its own guts, tako wasa, and monkfish. If you’re even slightly adventurous, try them all! It’s so fun to try flavors that typically aren’t in American cuisine. I can’t wait to go back to Kemuri - it is such a fun dining journey.
Overview
Located at 2713 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78702, United States, Kemuri Tatsu-Ya is one of those hidden gems that perfectly blends the culture of Texas with the intricate, flavorful world of Japanese cuisine. If you find yourself craving something a little different, this restaurant offers an exciting fusion of both, taking you on a culinary journey that’s impossible to forget.
The moment you walk through the door of Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, you’re greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere. The interior is a mix of traditional Japanese design elements and the laid-back vibe of Austin, creating a space where you immediately feel comfortable. The ambiance sets the stage for a meal that is as much about the experience as it is about the food.
What stands out most about Kemuri Tatsu-Ya is their menu, which features a range of inventive dishes that showcase the expertise of the chefs behind the scenes. From yakitori (grilled skewers) to ramen, there’s a lot to explore. However, it’s their “smoked” offerings that truly steal the show. Their smoked pork belly and smoked chicken wings are two must-tries. Each bite is tender, flavorful, and infused with that irresistible smoky depth, creating a taste that lingers long after your meal.
One of the real highlights here is their drinks menu. It’s not just about the food; the drink selection at Kemuri Tatsu-Ya is something to behold. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail, a craft beer, or something a bit more adventurous like their sake selections, there’s something for every palate. Their innovative cocktail menu also complements the smoky flavors of the food, making it a perfect pairing.
If you’re not sure what to order, don’t worry! The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the menu, ready to offer recommendations based on your preferences. They really know how to guide you through the dining experience, helping you find the best choices for a satisfying meal. Many customers also rave about the attentive service, making it clear that Kemuri Tatsu-Ya is not just about great food-it’s about the overall experience.
Beyond the food, Kemuri Tatsu-Ya stands out as a destination restaurant in Austin because it maintains authenticity while embracing innovation. The restaurant has earned a reputation for pushing boundaries with their fusion dishes, blending the essence of Japan with local Texan ingredients. It’s the type of place where you can find both familiar flavors and new tastes you’ve never encountered before, all in one place.
The buzz around this spot is undeniable, and the reviews speak for themselves. Whether you’re a local or visiting Austin for the first time, Kemuri Tatsu-Ya provides an unforgettable dining experience that’s both delicious and unique. The attention to detail, from the flavor-packed dishes to the warm, welcoming staff, is what makes this place a standout in Austin’s ever-growing food scene.
Visiting Kemuri Tatsu-Ya isn’t just about satisfying hunger-it’s about experiencing the passion and creativity of the chefs, who bring their own twist to the culinary traditions of Japan. The flavors you’ll encounter are not only authentic but also exciting and new, making each dish a delightful surprise.
In short, Kemuri Tatsu-Ya brings a wonderful mix of smoky, savory flavors with the elegance of Japanese cuisine to the heart of Austin. With a menu that’s both familiar and adventurous, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a unique dining experience in one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-in âś“ DeliveryHighlights
âś“ Fast service âś“ Great beer selection âś“ Great cocktails âś“ Serves local specialtyPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Comfort food âś“ Late-night food âś“ Salad bar âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ Vegetarian optionsDining options
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ TrendyCrowd
âś“ Groups âś“ TouristsPlanning
âś“ Dinner reservations recommended âś“ Accepts reservations âś“ Usually a waitPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ High chairsParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lotPhotos
Location
Reviews
As a Japanese, I had to embrace the fusion and let go of the traditional flavors. Fried tofu stuffed with Gouda and brisket was a great food experiment. Resembled an Indian samosa. Marrow edamame = umami bomb. Mozuku shot - would have loved more yamaimo and grated. Yuzu spritz lacked the yuzu fragrance and flavor. Staff was super attentive and helpful. Loved the decor.
Very high quality fusion of BBQ and Asian cuisine. Honestly, everything I tried on the menu was fantastic. Bar tender was quick to make sure my order was taken and my water was full! If you just can only get one thing, get the hot pocketz. They're incredibly tasty and filling!
Cool concept with some interesting dishes. The hot pockets were probably the best. Meat was solid. Cornbread taiyaki could def be saved towards end as a dessert. Next time will try the ramen.
Fascinating Japanese-Texas fusion concept with bold flavors! This restaurant offers a truly unique dining experience with creative Japanese-Texas fusion dishes. The menu features an impressive variety of innovative options that are visually appealing and inventive. However, be prepared for serious heat! Nearly every dish we tried packed significant spice, which unfortunately made it difficult for me to fully enjoy most of the meal The spice level was quite intense throughout the menu. That said, if you’re a fan of spicy food, Japanese fusion cuisine, and sake, this place will be perfect for you! The creativity and quality are clearly there - it’s just important to know your spice tolerance before visiting.
We went to celebrate my birthday and really enjoyed the experience. The place is different, cozy, and very welcoming. I loved the décor and the service was excellent — our food came out quickly. Everything we ordered was delicious, and we enjoyed every dish. I would definitely go back and highly recommend this restaurant. Just a tip: if you’re visiting on a weekend, make a reservation.
The food was good but not something to go out my way to try. A few dishes under delivered. The portion size is small, basically bar food. You could easily spend $100 and leave hungry. The atmosphere is nice and overall a good experience.