Munich’s restaurant scene is once again gaining a top-notch addition that’s sure to make your culinary heart race! After seven successful years, brothers Thi and Vu Nguyen are turning a completely new chapter at their well-known restaurant Tivu on Rumfordstraße . Since the two Vietnamese chefs want to focus entirely on expanding their popular “Min Ga” bánh mì shops in the future, they’re handing the reins over to Kenta and Satoko Tanaka.
The couple is transforming the location into “Mr. Ken,” an authentic izakaya modeled entirely after Osaka—the owner’s hometown and a creative food capital. An izakaya is a Japanese pub that invites guests to linger and is the most popular type of dining establishment in Japan. We’ll let you know what you can look forward to starting with the grand opening on October 6 !
Authentic bar food instead of sushi and ramen: Here’s what to expect at the “Mr. Ken” izakaya
Anyone who immediately thinks of sushi or ramen —now commonplace—when it comes to Japanese restaurants is in for a surprise at “Mr. Ken.” Chef Kenta Tanaka, who previously cooked at the upscale Italian restaurant “Acquarello” and the legendary “Schumann’s Bar am Hofgarten,” among other places, has deliberately chosen to leave these classics off the menu. Instead, the owners are focusing on a creative pub culture.
In the evenings, the team serves up the finest Japanese bar food to share, including crispy fried and grilled skewers, homemade onigiri, and vegetarian tofu falafel. Japanese beer, sake, and highballs flow freely. For all lunch lovers, there’s a special highlight from Thursday through Saturday. At lunchtime, they serve authentic Japanese curry, which is significantly milder than the Thai version and prepared with a completely different sauce base.
The best atmosphere and the ultimate dining experience right in the heart of Munich
Visually, too, a breath of fresh air will sweep through the space starting with the October opening . During the renovation, a separate area with high tables will be created. That’s precisely what defines the authentic charm of Japanese izakaya culture: after work, you can sit down on a stool in a completely relaxed atmosphere, enjoy a cold drink, and savor small bites.
This move deliberately dispels the common misconception in Munich that an izakaya must necessarily be an unaffordable, upscale restaurant. At “Mr. Ken,” the focus is on relaxed get-togethers with friends. So grab your loved ones and mark your calendars for the grand opening this fall!
All the details on the grand opening at a glance
📍 Where? Rumfordstraße 14, 80469 Munich
🗓️ When? Grand opening on October 6, 2026
