Kanpai Restaurant

We ordered bento boxes. Teriyaki was good, tempura was not as crispy as I would like. Sushi was fine, but not outstanding. The salad and pickles were not very good and we left them uneaten. I'll try another restaurant next time.

This place was solid. I got the dragon roll along with the chicken Katsu curry. The curry had bits of meat in it which was a nice surprise. Most Japanese curry’s I’ve had in San Diego or Japan don’t feature that but this place makes sure to make it filling with extra protein. I like the roll, it was good although there wasn’t a lot of eel on it. It wasn’t a problem the quality was still good. The service was great there was two Japanese ladies who were serving the whole restaurant and they had about 20 patron in there. So they did a great job to keep everyone happy. The food was out quick and hot. I recommend this place its a nice gem in south chula. The atmosphere is old school they didn’t make any updates to the interior but it’s actually kind of a nice blast from the past.

I love Kanpai! Such a cool little gem in Chula Vista. The service is always great and the food is consistently delicious. Sushi B combo is my go to 💜

This is those old school only locals know about hidden in plain site kind of place! The food is definitely authentic Japanese style! Great sushi, teriyaki and Raman noodles! The service is very friendly and they are very welcoming! We have been coming for years and enjoy the local vibe of the place. It is only open in the evenings. It is a small run down building but the food and service makes up for it,! Reasonably priced and has a parking lot. Our favs are dragon roll, chicken teriyaki, chicken katsu, spicy Raman and yakisoba noodles!

Their shoyu ramen is great and must try. Its broth tastes unique. Great customer service. Kid's friendly.

Amazing food...home style feeling that I enjoy....food was served right out of the pan...warm...cozy feeling...I was surprised both chefs were cooking close so you could see them.. bar next to the chefs...food was appetizing and savory, very pleasant atmosphere..warm sake...yummy deserts ...what more could you ask for....thank you for serving us😍😋🥰🤗❤️

A hidden gem in Chula Vista area! Felt very nostalgic coming in, greeted in a Japanese traditional way, and overall atmosphere took me back to when I lived in Japan growing up. We ordered the garlic Edamame, which was powdered in garlic & slightly fried and fried shumai. Felt like there was too much rice in the Teriyaki Bowl and Bento, but overall was chicken was seasoned with Teriyaki just right. The ramen, had to be one of the best ramen I’ve had out here in San Diego. This is definitely a spot I will be coming back for the Ramen.

I’ve been dining here for years. I’m not a regular but I do come back once a year to introduce their exquisite cuisine to a close friend or family member. Their staff is always working hard to serve you as you deserve. They give you a warm welcome and are always polite to everyone. The food which is their key to success is top notch. It’s simple but delicious. Too many dishes to recommend but I love their soups and appetizers the most. I’m glad they have good business despite the pandemic and lack of staff, keep it up team! Arigatō

We came on a rec from a friend: walked in around 6 and got a table right away with no problem. Good family diner vibe. Ordered the kake udon for the little, bento box, and curry udon: everything was delicious and very well priced! I would definitely come back next time I'm in town: I want to try the sushi and sashimi!

Friendly and respectful service as we waited for a friend to join us. My parents came here often years ago and this was my first time! I ordered one of my favorites that I haven't had in a long time #Chirashi (Japanese style). It was fresh and good but I am use to a larger portion, with more pickled condiments (just had pickled ginger) and salmon roe. Good thing we ordered #Gyoza as an appetizer. It was tasty and my entrée also came with miso soup and a small salad. However, I was still a bit hungry so I had a piece of tempura from the #KanpaiSpecialBento (my friends ordered this ) and the unwanted crab salad that came with it I would come back but would try something else or in addition to the chirashi. There are lots of menu options.

Service is quick and the restaurant feels like a family owned establishment. It gives off the vibes that a lot of locals come here to eat as the atmosphere is very friendly. They have a pretty good selection with a lot of Japanese foods that you don't commonly find here in the states. Not to mention the prices are on the lower end when it comes to Japanese food! Always a plus in my book. The curry was delicious. I could have added Katsu to my curry but I didn't want to eat too much since I just needed a quick bite. The regular curry rice has some beef slices already in the sauce so it was good enough for me.

Outstanding Sashimi . Taro is my Favorite Fatty Tuna Melts . Outstanding Miso soup and Spicy Ramen . Rainbow Roll just a teaser.

Kanpai has been one of my family's favorite Japanese restaurants for at least 2 decades. We dined here tonight for their Beef Sukiyaki. It seems like Kanpai is the ONLY Japanese restaurant in Chula Vista that I know of that has Beef Sukiyaki. The ambiance: From their wooden pendant lighting fixtures to their modern wooden chairs . Kanpai has some booths lined up near the windows... Their Beef Sukiyaki has a lot of flavor, although they're lacking meat. For the entrée costing almost $22, I was expecting that there would be enough thin slices of Sukiyaki Beef. My Beef Sukiyaki seemed like it had an entire onion head that was mixed in with SOME clear Shirataki noodles and small pieces of carrots & cabbage. To Kanpai restaurant- For a suggestion -- Why can't we have the option to order MORE meat À la carte for like $7- $8 more. ** Kanpai, I HOPE you can fulfill my request of being able to order more Sukiyaki Beef... Kudasai/Please... Thank you!!!

Hubby was craving Japanese curry and didn't want to drive too far, so thankfully we stumbled across this place. Feels like this establishment has been here for years, and you get a sense of family when you walk in. The servers are all so kind and welcoming and there seems to be many regulars, as the servers address them accordingly. There is a good amount of parking as this is in a small plaza. We happened to come right before the rush on a Friday night, so luckily we were seated right away. Hubby ordered his Japanese curry and was very happy with the serving. It's very large, and flavorful - and for those who can't tolerate too much heat, this is considered a mild for us. I ordered the sushi combo B and loved how fresh the fish was. We also ordered some of the nigiri specials and appreciate the freshness of the fish. Overall, I'm not quite sure why the low rating, but I definitely want to be a regular here. Loved the food and even more so, the hospitality!

What a hidden treasure! My husband decided to give this place a try and loved it. He enjoyed dining here so much that he brought me and I can see why he likes this place. The service is fantastic! They're so humble and happy for your business that they go out of their way to give you exceptional service. The food is yummy, fresh and generous. I opted for a rice dish while my husband ordered sushi rolls. We left happy and full :) The ambiance is quaint; nothing fancy but it isn't a deterrent to going back and enjoying what they have to offer. Please support and give then more business!

Got the Kanpai lunch special and everything just tasted off. The teriyaki chicken tasted like gasoline. The California roll was decent but the tempura vegetables weren't my favorite either. No flavor and the pieces were soggy except for one largely cut chunk of a carrot. Wanted to like this place but this is a one and done for me.

Visited this sushi restaurant because we didn't want to drive 15-20 minutes to get to a sushi restaurant. We were greeted right away and seated immediately. Customer service was good and one of the workers (can't remember her name) was extremely nice and friendly. In my opinion, this restaurant is overpriced for basic rolls. However they get a point for their fish being fresh and not using a crazy amount of rice. While we were eating, we noticed a small hair like it could've been an eyebrow hair or something. One of the waitresses took it back for the chef to see and they couldn't find it. So they brought it back to us so we pointed it out and showed it to the waitress and they took it off our tab.

I will never come back, this food made me so sick. Sorry but this wasn't my first bad experience (wanted to give second chance) here but it's gonna be my last.

Always the best! The food in authentic, the staff are always friendly and courteous. The prices are really reasonable!

I like coming here during HH and sitting at the sushi bar. Staff always friendly and helpful when you ask for suggestions.

Authentic Japanese dishes, sushi, clean, friendly service and it's the best Japanese restaurant in Chula Vista. Closed on Wednesdays and 2:30 to 5.

We come here all the way from Eastlake for maybe close decade now. We love their bento boxes. Service is good. This is an authentic Japanese restaurant that's like a hidden gem. Hope they'll always stay in business.

Always clean, very busy, friendly helpful staff. It is the only Japanese restaurant we frequent here in the South-bay in the last 15 years. The sushi is beautiful, fresh & delicious. Happy hour offers cold, cold beer or hot sake! Authentic Japanese dishes prepared fresh and when requested. I would say the ramen is our favorite with the Kanpai Bento is one of our go to's. My husband loves the champon here. They can accommodate large parties with advanced notice. The later you come, you will wait but the experience is worth it.

One of my favorites sushi restaurants in Chula Vista. I came here 10 years ago and I almost walk away because of the exterior looks but Surprise surprise FOOD is phenomenal. Even the California Roll is amazing Oysters are so fresh, love it My favorite item is the whole fish raw then they cook the bones, it's unbelievable. Service is good if they are busy so I try to go as soon the open for dinner 5:00 or go on Mondays and Tuesday so I can enjoy my food Sooo Recommend

I've been visiting this restaurant for over 20 years. A hidden gem in South Bay Chula Vista, serving authentic Japanese food at very reasonable prices. They also offer seasonal menu items like Cold Ramen in the summer and the Shabu shabu during the winter. The staff are super friendly and they'll get to know you like family. There's plenty of parking in the lot and they also offer out door dining under a covered tent. Their Hakata Ramen is out of this world delicious and their bento boxes are fantastic. They make the best Sesame Chicken in town! I also find their Sukiyaki and Nabe Udon amazingly delicious.

Ordered the 3 item bento box, and the food was delicious as always. We accompanied them with a few rools and an order of takoyaki. Takoyaki was good, but probably won't order again when it's to go as taste was good but not to the right temperature. Call ahead service for pickup was fast and easy

Food is authentic and delicious, it's busy but the service is fast and it's worth the price

Ive been coming here for the past 25 years and love it. The people are amazing and the environment hasn't changed.

Awful Nothing original here Soggy and flavorless gyoza Bland teriyaki bowl They gave me california rolls instead of crunchy and nor good, lile the kind you expect from a gas station in arizona Dissappointing

Can I just say, Wow!! I've driven past here a few times when I'm in this part Chula Vista and never considered checking it out. Then, a casual conversation becomes a recommendation that now makes me a new customer! This entire week with earlier work shifts/ more overtime- and on/ off rainy days just had my body depleted of wanting to partake in any holiday parties. I could take all the immunity drinks/ hot concoctions/ and vitamins... and even listening to my body and wanting nothing more than my fuzzy pajamas, bed, and rest. But, before heading home- I just wanted ramen. A nice big delicious bowl. I didn't want to drive to North Park, Hillcrest, or Kearny Mesa. So, I knew this recommendation was gonna be top notch. Oh! Did I mention there's Happy Hour menu even on Saturday?! I ordered the spicy hakata chashu ramen! Bamboo shoots, barbecue pork, fish cake. Simple. No frilly seaweed, soft boiled eggs... no jazzy sides. And the bowl was huge! I felt my tongue singe with the spicy broth! I told my waitress I'm interested in a creamy/ spicy broth... and that's exactly what I got. The tako yaki (octopus) was delivered hot & fresh- AND the best damn tako yaki EVER! I made the mistake of biting into my first one two minutes after it arrived at our table! It was hot!! Yikes!! *NOTE TO SELF- Let it cool down!!* The lemon pepper chicken appetizer is delicious! 4 fried bartered pieces!

They serve authentic Japanese food! Their ramen is a must! Just make sure to check their hours because they do closed between 2:30pm-5pm and also closed on Wednesdays.

Aw it really saddens me to give them a low star rating because my family has been coming here for 20 yrs but post pandemic their prices have skyrocketed, their service is slow and they are charging 18% surcharge when the sign says 10%. We called it to the hostesses' attention but she insisted it was the surcharge although it was clearly more than 10%. Still giving 2 stars because the food is always good, nothing fancy just good traditional Japanese food. But if you go, definitely skip the sushi, it's not their strong suit.

I love coming here! We haven't been here in a long time! They added new tables to replace the old ones and I noticed that the menus are completely redone. Nice touch Kanpai! I love dining here as everything I have eaten is delicious. My favorite is the bentos. The tempura is excellent and melts in your mouth. The ramen and noodles are my daughter's favorite items here. She's a noodle girl! I definitely love the service we got. The ladies here are very nice and kind! They refilled our drinks right away and made sure we were taken care of. They even catered to my daughter and gave her a smaller bowl for her udon soup and noodles. I will continue to come here over and over. I definitely recommend coming here for Japanese food.

Been trying to get to this restaurant for awhile because I've heard a lot of good things about it. It is one of those with wonky hours too. I will attachin pic. The atmosphere is very welcoming, very friendly and efficient service. The food was excellent. In fact some of the best in the South Bay. I definitely recommend.

My secret to go Japanese spot. Really the nicest people. I know everybody by name and everyone treats me like family. I have spent many hours birthdays reunions and I forgot to take more pics because my Asahi Pitcher just got refilled

Love and have been for years! My family started taking me to Kanpai when I was just a baby, now I take my baby and we enjoy gyoza together, quality of food and service has never changed.

The sesame and lemon chicken is fatty and all dark meat with breading that falls off. Worse it didn't look fully cooked and the sushi smelled real fishy and was discolored, most likely having gone bad. This could have poisoned my whole family. The tuna supposed to be red was brown in the edges. I would give negative stars if I could.

We called in a order tonite and we had 3 dinners and only 2 dinners were in the bags..and Beef Teriyaki was so small it looked little a child's order no sauce also. The chicken Teriyaki was very dry also lacking the meat!!! We had to wait over 40 mins for our food okay.. When we got there it was another 15 minutes we waited again and only 2 dinner. It should of been 3 dinner 1. Beef Teriyaki w Tempura 2. Beef Teriyaki w Gyoza XXXX no food 3. Chicken Teriyaki w Sushi veggie rolls No sauces, no chopsticks,

Having been a regular customer for years! Never disappointed. The staff stays the same year after year! 3 generations of my family love this place!

Disappointing and expensive. My friend recommended this place, although he hadn't been to it in years. It's a popular place, maybe partly because of the blaring tv inside. We ate outside, instead. He ordered a tuna bento box, but sent the tuna back as he said it tasted fishy. He accidentally spilled his bowl of soup, which should have been replaced, imho. I ordered a grilled salmon collar and an assortment of appetizer plates: agedashi tofu, age shumi, and grilled eggplant. The tofu was a standout, but the rest were not impressive and the eggplant was not to my liking at all. We were warned that there would be a 10% surcharge on the bill which was for the increase in wages for staff, but that was not to be considered a tip. I was miffed because this 10% surcharge was added to the bill, after tax, so the there was a surcharge even on the tax! Pointing this out to the owner proved futile.

We love this place for their authentic Japanese style dishes! They offer lots of different things that you don't usually find at other sushi restaurants. My faves are the Chanpon ramen and sushi combo special!

Thank you so much for reopening during the lock down. I grew up with Kanpai, and I've grown loving the taste of the food here. I missed coming here. But I can at least get the delicious food at home.

The food is excellent, the prices are decent, and the service is excellent. Not located in my favorite area but the inside is kinda cute with all the happy ca Knick knacks.

Great place for down home Japanese food. The food tastes authentic and the service is great. I ordered ocha with my meal and the server made sure it was hot, like very hot. When I asked for a bowl of gohan the server happily brought it to me. I ordered edamame, shisyamo, soft shell crab and tempura udon. Everything was delicious, just like mom would make.

I am surprised as to why the rating is low. This place is a legit hole in the wall restaurant that serves some great authentic Japanese food. It came highly recommended by my aunt who went with my mom months before and mentioned how she loved the champon dish here.. it is basically a soup noodle dish with some veggies mixed with shrimp and beef in a creamy broth. It was light and not heavy at all. I also ordered fried oysters which is something I always look forward to. The fried oysters here did not disappoint. The oysters were battered lightly in what it seemed to be panko, and that too was not heavy. I know this is a true hidden gem. They opened the doors st 1130 and the main part of the restaurant was packed when the clock hit 12noon. What was amazing too was that majority of the customers were Japanese! So for sure you're in for an authentic Japanese treat!

An old school Japanese place that we've been eating at for a long time. The ladies are friendly, fast and helpful. It's our go to place when we go home and even though there are other sushi places around, this place is consistent and a great value for your money. The do close for a couple hrs in the afternoon though.

Ordered the curry with chicken and was pleasantly surprised to find meat in the curry along with the traditional potatoes and carrots! YUM!!! Service was super quick too. Great little spot.

A childhood favorite of mine. The bentos are so fresh and sooo good. 3 item combos are what my family and i love! A must try is the sesame chicken, pork or chicken Katsu and spicy tuna hand rolls. Service is always good and they are attentive and sweet! Walking in gives such an old school japanese restaurant vibe!

It had been a few years since my last visit to Kampai, husband and I walk in, and it felt like we had just been there last week. The same ambiance, and best of all, the same staff. I wanted to cry of happiness that the waitresses remembered us and really made us feel at home, just like they use to five years ago!

I really love this place...feels like home...very homey feel...love the food...I did not hesitate spending money for the delicious food...ARIGATOU!!!!

I really enjoy this place especially the service and I think the food is also good quality. A pitcher of beer for happy hour is also a very reasonable $12.95. I keep coming back to try a different entrees.

I love Kanpai! It's fresh, staff is nice and I love their Ramen. I like the ramen here because the broth taste so fresh it taste homemade and the pork belly is so tender! I love that it's not crazy packed either. Sushi is good too. It's a good place to come when you don't want to deal with all the crowds. There staff is so nice too!

It's good Japanese own . Chef is him self so if you order do way ahead of time . Be patient and be nice ! They trying hard . YOU NEED BE "PATIENT " lunch time takes while . Good food . Service by Japanese ladies are nice . So be fuckin patient !!!! Good people works here !

Amazing customer service & food . I personally like there ramen & chicken fried rice . Everything has a great taste . Definitely a place I would visit again. & due to COVID they only have outdoor seating and no indoor seating . All employees are wearing a mask and they have a sanitizer available at the front desk . Only bad thing I have to say is that they have a shared parking lot . Depending the time you go, it may be packed .

Rolls are overpriced for how they are made(Fish does not taste fresh and the roll basically is falling apart every time i picked a piece up). Ver small and skinny rolls. Ordered a rainbow roll and the inside was basically a piece of crab w cucumber all i tasted was the rice. philadelphia roll was basically falling apart. This place has definetly downgraded, very disappointed.

Food was good... mussels suck... service was horrible. Took about 45 minutes to get two rolls and some baked horrible tasting mussels.. no way Jose... not with it.

Maybe it was what I ordered, but I wasn't too fond of this place. So my friends and I were really in the mood for some ramen in Chula Vista and this place caught our eye, but did not live up to its ramen standards. I ordered a spicy ramen and it was basic and bland. First off the menu does not say what's in the ramen. It's just labeled as spicy ramen. All it had was 2 very small pieces of chashu (BBQ pork), green onions, 1 small circle of fish cake, sesame seeds, and noodles. It definitely lacked flavor. I finished the 2 pieces of meat in 2 bites; that's how small it was!! The noodles looked like those curly top ramen noodles. They were alright. The broth was okay. It kinda lacked flavor too in which I had to add a bunch of spicy chili pepper to make up for the flavorless broth. I've experienced better ramen elsewhere. I guess I'll just have to keep trying to find a good ramen place in Chula Vista. Besides the ramen I also ordered hot sake. My boyfriend and I shared a large sake and we had about 3 shots each. There was only one flavor of sake, which was the original flavor. It was actually quite strong, but soothing. Just remember that once you pour a shot you have to wait at least 2 minutes for it to cool down in order to take the shot. Also don't forget to Kanpai (Japanese term for cheers) with the person you're drinking with!