After tasting food this good, I have to wonder why it's taken me this long to try Peruvian Japanese…read morecuisine! Kampai is a feast for the senses. The interior of the restaurant is very modern, with the main feature being a large, clean and well-stocked bar in the middle of the room. All the furniture and thick and bold abstract designs in darker colors give the place a swanky feel. The service was excellent, with the staff giving us great recommendations for both food and drinks. The drinks were among the best cocktails I've had in Geneva- heavy on ginger (try the Jaya!) and tropical fruits (try anything with passion fruit- delish!). By the end of the second drink we were happy that we had made a reservation, as the place fills up quickly! Be sure to call ahead.
At the server's recommendation, our party of five ordered five cold and five hot dishes, which are served tapas-style. To be brief, let me just say that this was a truly sensational and unique meal, combining some of my favorite foods and flavors- seafood, lime, pork, ginger, squid ink, and wasabi, to name a few, in addition to the more familiar Peruvian features- potatoes, peppers, cocona, and chicken. All items were served correctly to temperature, and the plating was exquisite- playing on colors and textures. The flavors mimicked the colors- with pops of tart or sweet flavors layered with more nuanced notes. If I had to chose my favorite dishes, I would say that I best enjoyed the cold ceviches and the panceta or the causa negra con pulpo (featuring potatoes with squid ink!). All very delicious. I would say that overall I preferred the hot to the cold appetizers, but I am always a sucker for a good ceviche.
Although we all had a bit of a gasp at the high bill, I can say that the experience was well worth the high price tag. Definitely worth a trip!