I got an oyakodon and the spicy champon. The oyakodon was way better than the one I had at Hanamichi. The rice was hot and moist, but not mushy, and the chicken was soft and juicy. That was great as your average American joint nukes the chicken until it's overcooked jerky. I did feel that the egg was somewhat understated in comparison. Also, the rice was moist, but I didn't really taste much extra flavor. It's not exactly saucy, but you can add your own seasoning I supposed. The spicy champon was good. The presentation does seem a bit dark for a champon? I'm not sure why, am I crazy? For the broth, I would've liked it be a bit creamier. I also found the noodles to be a tad thin and small portion. For the other ingredients, the meat was okay, and I definitely wasn't a fan of the giant scallion cuts. Miso soup was fine. And free edamame! This place is also seems relatively authentically Japanese. read more

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Came back here for a second time years later after I saw my old post on Facebook and how much I enjoyed this before we got calamari and we asked for spicy mayo when she came by we also asked for soysauce she kinda had an attitude like we were asking too much and told us to hold on. They brought me out the sushi but I ordered sashimi so I had to remake it the quality was good but it was so cold like it just came out of the freezer For the prize we will not be going back read more

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Back again. I placed a phone order and it was ready when I got there on a super busy Saturday night. But the staff here is always so nice even when they may seem a little rushed. I got a rainbow and dragon roll. Rainbow is my favorite. I wanted to try their dragon roll. It was good but not amazing. But I'll definitely their other sushi rolls. read more

Kanpai - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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A solo date splurge. Everything I ate was so fresh and delicious. I mostly had nigiri but I saw some rolls heading to different tables and they looked great! Very nice and attentive staff, they had the World Cup on as well which was a treat! I'll definitely go back when I'm in the area :) read more

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Outstanding service and Food . Traditional Japanese Ambiance . Taro AKA Fatty Tuna Melts in your Mouth for all you who love Sashimi. The Taro is the main reason I Love this Place . read more

Always a great choice. The service is great and the wait staff are always friendly and willing to explain the menu.

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. read more

Kanpai - Curry Rice - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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. read more

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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! read more

I had 3 order of the nigiri ebi sushi which freshly cooked. Miso soup was very good. I ordered the pork fried rice, tapuyaki and Kanpai special. The staff very polite and always checking on the table. For a small place it old style Japanese look with tvs but no sound. Light music playing. read more

このレス卜ンが大すきなともだちとごはんに行きました。デーtにこのメニュ一はとてもべんりで、やすいです。スタッつはほんとうしんせっでやさしいです。レスランで日本語とえい語がはなします。こマビールはすごくおいしかったです。ラーメンとキムチを食べました。このレス卜ランはおもしろくて、しずかでした。このレストランの中はとてもきれいです。食べものがすぐにきました。私はこのレストランが大すきです。 read more

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!!! read more

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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. read more

Kanpai - dragon roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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Great food, nice friendly staff, and been around for a long time. We love to sit at the sushi bar. Ramen soups are delicious.

Always the best meal for our family night out we love the service and the food Hakata Ramen and Dragon roll are my favorites

$9.50 for the seaweed salad, which was one bite of actual seaweed salad. The majority of the bowl was normal plain lettuce with no dressing that I didn't ask for. I have never seen this at a restaurant before. read more

We moved from SD 8 years ago, but everytime we make it back to SD We make a bee line right over to this spot. The bento meals are always done to prefection. My wife loves the champon, unfortunately they don't have an authentic Japanese restauraunt with the quality of food and choices that we have discovered in Tampa. It's always a wonderful experience and the ladies are always so nice & professional. read more

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! read more

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! read more

Kanpai - Sushi Combo B - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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. read more

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 read more

Kanpai - Unbelievable fish - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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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. read more

Kanpai - Cold Ramen - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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. read more

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

Kanpai - Seafood salad - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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! read more

Kanpai - Much needed - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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 read more

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 read more

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

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

Kanpai - Chashu ramen with miso base - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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. read more

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, read more

My family and I LOVE this restaurant. Everything in the menu is absolutely delicious. It's all very fresh and flavorful. They have amazing service and the restaurant itself is so beautiful. I go very often and am never disappointed. read more

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. read more

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

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 read more

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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. read more

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. read more

Kanpai - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California