Michelin-Recommended DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya to Close in Austin After Six Years

AUSTIN, TX – After six years of serving steaming pots of Japanese comfort food, DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya will close its doors in North Austin on August 17, just one year after earning a coveted spot as a “Michelin Recommended” restaurant.

A Look Back at DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya

Opened in 2019 by Chef Tatsu Aikawa, the restaurant carved a niche in Austin’s diverse food scene with its shabu-shabu and nabemono hot pots. Diners cooked thinly sliced brisket, Korobuta pork belly, and fresh vegetables in simmering broths at their tables, pairing them with dipping sauces like ponzu citrus soy and spicy sesame gomadre.

The concept encouraged slowing down, cooking together, and savoring the communal nature of Japanese dining — something Aikawa highlighted in a farewell statement: “[DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya] allowed us to share a unique side of Japanese cuisine, a place where we could slow down, cook together, and share something special.”

What Made It Special

Recognition came quickly. In 2020, Eater Austin named it Restaurant of the Year, and in 2024, it earned a Michelin Recommended nod in the Michelin Guide Texas. The intimate, interactive dining style and attention to detail set it apart in a city brimming with innovative restaurants.

The sleek Burnet Road location offered not only a dining experience but also a culinary journey for those eager to explore Japanese hot pot traditions. Its balance of authentic flavors with Austin creativity made it a favorite for special occasions and date nights.

Why It Closed

While the official press release frames the closure as making way for a “newly imagined concept,” the exact details of what will replace DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya remain unknown. It’s not the first change in Aikawa’s restaurant portfolio — his BBQ Ramen Tatsu-Ya closed in 2023 with plans for a new location that has yet to reopen.

Such shifts suggest a strategy to reimagine certain concepts in response to evolving diner expectations and market conditions, even for highly acclaimed spots.

Author’s Reflection

As someone who has swirled brisket slices through bubbling broth at DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya, I can say it wasn’t just about the food — it was the experience. The steady steam rising from the pot, the shared laughter over cooking times, the final sip of savory broth — these moments made it one of Austin’s most memorable dining adventures.

What’s Next for the Location

The Burnet Road space will eventually host a new concept from the Tatsu-ya group, though no opening date or theme has been announced. In the meantime, Aikawa’s other ventures remain active, including Ramen Tatsu-Ya (soon opening its sixth Austin location), Tiki Tatsu-Ya, Kemuri Tatsu-Ya (a Michelin Bib Gourmand honoree), and Domo Alley-Gato.

Broader Trends

DipDipDip’s closure highlights an ongoing reality in Texas’s high-end dining scene — even restaurants with strong reputations and critical acclaim aren’t immune to change. Shifts in diner preferences, operational costs, and the push for fresh concepts often mean saying goodbye to beloved spots sooner than expected.

Will you be visiting DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya one last time before August 17? Share your memories in the comments and keep following CityScoopNow.com for updates on Austin’s evolving dining scene.