Anaba Japanese Downtown - Knoxville

My husband took me here for my birthday and I was very excited. It 's a small little restaurant that you wouldn 't notice unless you had already been there before. I love places like that. When you walk in, you 're immediately greeted and seated. The menu has a large variety of hot food, sushi rolls, ramens, etc. When we were seated, our waitress was polite and checked in on us several times. When we ordered the food, it came out rather quickly and tasted amazing!!!!When ending the evening, our waitresses ' demeanor seemed to change. She went from happy to help, to I dont want to be here. Now, I have worked in customer service since I was 14. I know that a rude guest or a demanding boss can turn your attitude around in an instant. So, I am sympathetic to anyone who works in the service industry.We finished our meal and asked for a to go container and the check. She left the table, and we sat there for 30 extra mins waiting for her to bring us our check and container. All the wait staff had been assigned to other tables, and the restaurant was starting to get a little busy. So we understood, but we became inpatient since it was my birthday and we had other plans to get to. We tried getting her attention several times, and she even walked by our table and turned away when we held our hand out for her attention. She assisted other tables and got other guests their check and to go containers.Finally, after another 10 mins of sitting there, we got her attention. She seemed angry with us that we asked her again, and she quickly got our to go container and check. Our card was out and ready to pay, but it took her another 5 mins to come and get the check. Needless to say, I was a little frustrated since we witnessed her running around and avoiding us. We were nothing but kind to her. We were in a great mood with celebrating. We thanked her every time she came to the table. But we still ended up with the bad service.We paid the bill, and we still tipped her. But I don 't know if we will go back. The food was so good, which made it tough to leave this review. I truly hope her night got better. Maybe next time will be different.

Food is great, Monday and Tuesday they have tuna and salmon specials that rock.Unfortunately the past three times I’ve gone service is terrible. Twice we’ve had to ask if we had a server after being seated and not greeted after 15 minutes (on not busy nights). All three times we’ve had to flag down our waitress to get anything after the original order (eg water refills, the bill) as she never checked in while the other servers had multiple times with our neighboring tables.So go for the quality sushi and ramen, but be prepared to be extra patient or get to go.

First time trying out this cozy but comfortable spot in the 100 block of South Gay Street. Our server, Jacob was very attentive, quickly taking our drink and appetizer order. Although they have limited space for al fresco dining on the sidewalk, we were able to get a table there to enjoy a pleasant, breezy evening. The spring rolls appetizer was fresh and delicious. Had hibachi teriyaki shrimp and chicken entrees, both came out hot and tasty just as we finished the spring rolls. After living downtown for the past three years, two blocks from Anaba, we are wondering why we haven’t been here sooner! We will definitely be back.

Good izakaya food. I’d love if they had a bento box at dinner time. Good tempura, rolls, katsu, ramen, bowls.

This establishment is a culinary experience from start to finish. Everything is delicious, not an exaggeration. Go in the door with whatever craving you have in mind, then forget it upon looking at the menu. They will even stray a bit from the usual if you have dietary restrictions. The food is outshone only by the service, I believe you must be a special type of awesome to get hired there. Single diner or family outing, there's room for all appetites.Parking: The block is very crowded with shops offices. Guests will need to park walk up to a few blocks during most hours.