New Dumpling Restaurant Otsu! Set to Open in Knoxville’s Old City
Knoxville is gearing up for a delicious new addition to its food scene. A new restaurant named Otsu! is set to open soon next to The Mill & Mine, in the highly visited area just north of the Old City. This exciting venue will take over the space that was previously home to Tako Taco, located on Depot Avenue.
What Does Otsu! Mean?
The name Otsu! is an abbreviation of the Japanese phrase “Otsukaresama.” This greeting can be translated to either “thank you for your hard work” or “you did a great job.” The name represents the restaurant’s commitment to providing excellent service and creating a welcoming environment for guests.
What to Expect at Otsu!
According to one of the restaurant partners and chef, Jesse Newmister, the goal is to make Otsu! a rewarding experience for diners. “We want guests to come in and we want to treat them,” Newmister explained. “We want to create an area where people can reward themselves.” The restaurant will initially serve dinner from Wednesday through Saturday.
Menu Highlights
Otsu! will specialize in **Asian-style dumplings**, featuring a mix of traditional and innovative options. Newmister mentions there will be five or six core dumplings that reflect cultural authenticity, as well as some unique recipes from Thailand that even seasoned food lovers might find surprising. In addition to dumplings, the restaurant will offer curated Japanese-style cocktails and a selection of small plates to complement the main offerings.
The menu will also include Japanese-style charcoal grills, where diners can enjoy skewers, pork belly, and more. There will be a range of options available for all diets since vegetarian and vegan dishes are also being developed. Most menu items are expected to be priced between $8 and $12.
Ties to The Mill & Mine
Newmister and his wife, Margaret Stolfi, are the partners behind Otsu!, and they both have strong connections to the local dining and entertainment scene. Stolfi is the general manager of The Mill & Mine, where she has been involved in various capacities, including overseeing the previous restaurant, Tako Taco, before it closed last year.
When Tako Taco shut down, the couple decided they wanted to take on the challenge of opening a new restaurant in the same space instead of finding another tenant to take it over. Newmister emphasized that the restaurant will retain some familiar faces as most of the staff from Tako Taco will continue on at Otsu!
Upcoming Openings and Renovation Plans
The exact opening date for Otsu! is still in the works, but Newmister is aiming for a mid- to late-September launch following a series of soft openings to fine-tune the service and menu. In preparation for the new restaurant, both the interior and outdoor patio areas are undergoing renovations to create the perfect atmosphere for diners.
As Knoxville continues to expand its culinary offerings, Otsu! will definitely be a place to watch out for, especially for those who have a taste for delicious dumplings and good company.
