Treated myself to dinner here last week for my birthday. Given its reputation as supposedly Edinburgh's "posh" sushi restaurant I certainly expected to pay more for the meal than it actually cost so that was welcome but by the same token I was surprised that my booking wasn't registered. A seat was found for me at the bar though so face was saved. Service-wise things were middle-of-the-road - not too slow but not overly attentive either. The food I had was on a par with most other sushi places I've been to in town so there was nothing really to set it apart in that sense although the teppan-yaki aubergine was a new one on me (& very moreish although I'd ask for a spoon to scoop it out with next time). First impressions are though important so on top of the booking error there was also the rather tired menu to contend with. Outwardly it's very pleasing to the eye but inside the pages look tired and well thumbed, a dish no longer offered is merely sellotaped over with a strip of coloured paper and the last two pages are stapled together (presumably to hide other extinct dishes). A refresh of the booklet would be a good idea. read more

Came here around 6:30pm local time and the place was already 2/3 full. The food was amazing and the sashimi fresh. It was disappointing that the waitress got my order wrong and then did not do anything to remedy the situation after I told her. However, I prefer to judge based on quality of food and not so much on service. I would definitely recommend and return if in Edinburgh. read more

Kanpai - Salmon sashimi - Japanese Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

This is supposedly the best sushi place in Edinburgh, and that is so sad to me. Maybe I'm just spoiled as a Californian, but we found the sushi very expensive, and no better quality than an average AYCE place in New Jersey. I wouldn't say don't go, but don't come with high expectations. read more

If you've never had Sushi before then this is the place to go! My partner is not one for Sushi but after eating here we will be back. The food was amazing, staff are very helpful and polite. Restaurant is very clean and has a fantastic atmosphere. The only complaint I have and it has nothing to do with Kanpai is the Edinburgh Council parking restrictions in place in the local area. Other than that, I will be back and can highly recommend the Aubergine! read more

This is not ££ restaurant but £££. Scotland salmon is the better than Norway. Average £35 to £50 per person without alcohol depending on how much you eat. My only complaint is the Turo (Tuna belly) which tastes not very fresh. Just order a lot of salmon to enjoy read more

Finally got around to trying this place . Decided to treat myself and sushi seemed like the best idea! Lovely little place somewhat hidden but not to far. Didn't make a reservation and got lucky by getting a seat at the bar. Do make a reservation though if it's more then one person because I am guessing it will be a bit difficult to just grab a seat since it's always busy every time I walk by it . Anyways the food was delicious! Pricy but worth it. Had the big sashimi bowl . Bunch of fresh sashimi over ice. The chef prepares it right in front of you . Paired with a nice sake and you have one of the best meals in the world. Staff was really friendly couldn't thank them enough for squeezing me in. Overall great experience and probably the best sushi I have had so far in Edinburgh . read more

oh my God I love Japanese food - in fact every time I eat it I think I'd love to eat it for every meal until I remember that I also can't get enough Mexican, Indian and tons of other tasty world food cuisines! The nice thing I love about Japanese is that I always feel stuffed but it's also been a much more healthy experience than say eating the same weight of burgers or 'dogs - plus some green tea on the side really makes it feel like some sort of deep cleansing experience! So we went and checked out Kanpai while in Edinburgh last week and this was a fantastic dining experience. It was lunch time so the atmosphere wasn't exactly electric but the good news was that we sat in the private booth that fits 8 people in the back - a really nice setting and relaxed place to enjoy a leisurely lunch. The staff were super friendly, the venue traditionally decorated and the soft shell crab maki I has was fantastic. The aubergine, seaweed and gyoza were also super tasty as starters! Wow - I wish I could eat it all again right now... The only thing I have to say is that they didn't seem to have quite a few menu items which puts it down to a 4 star for me. A sushi restaurant should really have the core ingredients like Tuna at all times. read more

You cannot fault this place! The sushi is exquisite and served very promptly even on a busy night (which is every night btw guys so make sure you book). Aaaaahhhhh the dragon roll is so good here that I had to maybe possibly definitely did get two of them....The service is also spot on. It's a must for locals and visitors to the city in my honest, totally awesome and worthy opinion ;) read more

There's no point having the best sushi chefs in Edinburgh and having incompetent staff who can't keep track of reservations! I made reservations for 6:30 and changed it to 830... When I got there the staff have me a blank look and said no one changed my reservation...After waiting for 2 hrs... just pissed me off! The place is over price and you can get better sushi elsewhere... Beware when U make reservations! read more

One of the best japanese I've ever been! It's not cheap but you must go! The rice is amazing and something simple as salmon nigiri could become astonishing! Nice atmosphere and good romanian wine! read more

The most upscale in terms I'd variety and presentation I've found in Edinburgh. Only negative is being on try the more pricey end. Went here for a birthday dinner - small place but tasteful decor. read more

When walking around Edinburgh you might not think that sushi is the best idea. Don't make the mistake I almost made - if you continue walking by this intimate sushi restaurant in Old Town Edinburgh it will truly be a shame - it's fantastic and well worth a stop. The fish was incredibly fresh and they put unique touches on old stand-bys: the dragon roll had a wonderful layer of avocado on the outside with a dollop of Japanese mayo that was a bit sweeter than usual, for example. I'm leaving full, satisfied, and scheming ways in which I can get back here later in my week-long visit. Delicious! read more

Yesterday I organised to have lunch with a friend andddddd our brand-new community manager Jody B! We wanted to try out Kanpai, a place which many locals rave about, yet I have shamefully not yet set foot in the place. Upon entering however we were given some bad news, apparently the restaurant was booked up for lunch! After briefly walking away and contemplating going elsewhere we decided to go back and try out our persuasive powers... We got lucky and the waiter added a chair to a table set for two. The menu was in itself beautiful, a floral scroll painting; this gave me high hopes for its actual content. There were not many options, especially for me as a vegetarian, but this made me think the menu chose quality above quantity. I knew from the start that I would be ordering the famous miso aubergine, but also got some avocado maki on the side. They could do with a few more inventive veggie rolls as what was available was pretty basic, but well done. The miso aubergine was the star of the lunch, it literally melted in my mouth and the sweet miso sauce was delicious. It was presented very delicately on a grid above a thinly grated carrot bed. The sushi was as it should have been, but was perhaps a little pricy at £4.20. Book in advance, expect good but expensive food, order the aubergine. read more

I love the dragon roll and rainbow roll, their food dam nice. Starting I did not have high expectation on Kanpai sushi, but after eating I change my mind. I hope can get to it everyday. read more

I came here for my birthday with a group of friends and I really loved it. I would never have known of this place except for hearing so much about it from friends. I don't think it's a place you would end up walking past. The decor inside is very nice and because we were a group of 7 we had what was like a small side room which was lovely. It felt really relaxed and chilled. There was plenty of choice on the menu. I ordered the aubergine and miso which was amazing. I also had the dragon rolls, and shared the California rolls with a friend. Great food and very filling. I think everyone enjoyed their food and I would definitely go back again to try other food on the menu. read more

Excellent food. Sushi and sashimi were wonderfully and traditionally prepared. Sashimi was fresh. Service staff was pleasant and polite. Grilled aubergine and salmon nigiri were a little oily for my taste, but delicious nonetheless. One complaint would be regarding the grilled salmon teriyaki, which was overcooked. Wonderful place, will return! read more

Love when I find a delicious sushi spot when traveling through Europe. The sashimi platter was delicious as was the miso soup. The staff was very accommodating when I arrived close to the lunch closing time. The staff was very attentive. Being from California I really appreciate good sushi. Definitely give it a try when visiting. read more

recommended by a Japanese friend, but actually a little disappointed. This place served sashimi and sushi mainly, however the food weren't so fresh,especially sashimi quite fishy in fact. Actually I couldn't tell any differences between kayaks whose price is half of kanpai's. anyway, the service was quite good here but I don't think I would come again. read more

I have been recommended this restaurant from my boyfriend. He loves sushi and said this place is great. Thank you C for the tip xx

The best Sushi in Edinburgh, possibly the UK. Ridiculously fresh.

Service is too fast. All sushi rolls are amazing. You should try sashimi also. We ate lots of things from the menu and all of them were great. Staf is very helpful and kind. You should go there if you're at edinburgh. read more

We went here for a belated (US) Mothers day dinner. Originally we wanted to go for lunch but, the hours are a bit wacky and they aren't open for a gap in the evening so we settled for an early dinner. The staff were really nice, the hostess, a young lady seemed very interested in our wee one and even though they had no child seats they were very accommodating and put us in our table where she could sit in the pram and not be in the way. I ordered the miso soup, chicken veg dumplings and grilled eggplant. We shared the veg tempura. My partner had the panko crusted salmon sushi and the buckwheat noodle starter. I was very happy with what I ordered. The dumplings were tender and pan seared to perfection. The miso soup was deliciously balanced and a great starter. If you didn't know this, miso soup is traditionally eaten in Japan at the start of a meal, to open ones appetite! The grilled eggplant was AMAZING. Just thinking about it makes me feel hungry. I have never tasted anything quite like it, a bit salty and sweet all grilled and cut like a mango! The tempura was the the only mediocre thing I ordered. I thought it was a bit stodgy, tempura is meant to be light fluffy deep fried goodness. This seemed to be a mashed up medley of vegetables deep fried then cut into triangular shapes. It would have been better if they were smaller and not so smooshy. Now my partners fare is another story, I was not a fan but he seemed to enjoy it enough. All in all I was quite impressed. I will definitely be coming back though it would be great if they actually got some child seats! Also keep an eye on their opening hours! But do go, you won't regret it. read more

Stopped in for lunch, as there aren't so many well reviewed sushi places around (thank you yelp). It is a really cute, minimal, friendly restaurant. Free hot tea, as it should be. The menu was extensive, and we stuck to food, so I can't comment of the sake, though I look forward to getting back into drinking it. Actually, I am on a quest. I once had a couple flights of sake, and one of them was just the best thing I had ever tasted. I bought a bottle. Drank it at home later, and was saving the bottle, but it was tossed out. And I can't remember the damn name. So: quest to find this sake that sang to me. Anyway, the sushi here was really good. Not too pricy, but commensurate with the quality. read more

Kanpai is quickly becoming one of my favourite *treat* restaurants. It's a beautiful restaurant. The food delicious and always so beautifully arranged. Price wise - around £25 a head without wine - it's a bit pricey but worth it for a special occasion. If you like sushi and you haven't been yet, its well worth a visit. Being close to the Lyceum and Traverse it's a great place to go for a pre-theatre visit as service is quick. Recommended! read more

Fantastic and fresh sushi and rolls. Excellent service as well. We had a booking for a larger party (6) and we had a very short wait before being seated on a busy night. Just enough time to stow coats and preview the menu. We tried one of nearly all the special rolls and would recommend them all. Loved the salmon sushi and anything spicy. So happy to have found this spot! read more

We love Japanese food but Kanpai takes it to a heavenly level! We ordered pretty much everything on the menu including the grilled eggplant which my mind is still getting over, the dumplings, tuna tartar, soba noodles, and assorted sushi. The service was incredible and the ambience was really beautiful! I highly recommend! read more

This is definitely the best sushi restaurant in town. As a native Californian, Edinburgh has left me craving sushi badly, and this place is the only one that scratches the sushi itch. The food is fabulous quality, the fish is extremely fresh and good, and the cooked items on the menu are also incredible (definitely try the dumplings). The staff are extremely, almost officiously, friendly and polite, and are very attentive throughout your meal. My only complaints are that the menu is a bit simple (not a lot of diversity in the offerings like you see in some sushi places) and they're a bit stingy with the fish. Their hand rolls have only a very tiny bit of fish in them, whereas I'm used to hand rolls that are about 90% fish with a bit of other stuff thrown in. Their sushi rolls are very good, but I don't order them anymore because they're very heavy on rice and other things, like avocado, and have too little fish to even really taste it. Now I just get sashimi so I can actually taste the fish. read more

Lovely place, with very nice ambience, food and service. We have tried the rainbow rolls and spicy tuna maki, both were very good. So was the salmon teriyaki, although I would appreciate a bit bigger portion. We will definitely come back since we have been searching for a nice sushi restaurant in Edinburgh. read more

My favourite place for sushi in Edinburgh. Love the grilled aubergine and sirloin steak. the sashimi platter is fresh and highly recommended especially the scallop sashimi. Can't go wrong with any of the sushi. Also, their ice cream selection is excellent - try the green tea ice cream! Book a table so you're not disappointed. The service is variable and they change their staff frequently which is why I haven't given it five stars. read more

Food was so so, but more importantly service was terrible. I had to repeatedly chase one of my orders and left the restaurant without it after waiting 30+ minutes. Of course, not even a word of apology from the staff. read more

After reading the reviews that this is the best sushi place in town I decided to try it out. Here's the bottom line: This is a good solid sushi restaurant. It may well be the best sushi place in town, but it certainly does not rank among the world's great sushi restaurants. The fish was fresh, but not very flavourful and it sort of dissolved in your mouth quickly. There was surprisingly not a wide array of sushi options. What they do offer is fairly simple - not very many novel or complicated combinations. If you've never had sushi before, this is a good place to try it for the first time. It is a popular place - so make sure you book in advance. And if you come during the evening rush don't expect quick service. Everyone was very polite, but it took half an hour for us to get our bill. That being said I would come back. This is a quality, albeit slightly pricey sushi restaurant. If I'm in Edinburgh for a long period of time I will stop by again. But it made me long for a few of my favourite sushi restaurants back in the States where the fish is of higher quality, the combinations are more innovative, and the prices are cheaper. read more

I went to this restaurant on Sunday. To my surprise, there is no Tuna cause of supplying problem. Therefore if you want to Tuna, you should call to confirm for tuna being prepared. Atmosphere of this restaurant is quiet and Servers are kind and smile. I order two rolls, several nigiris but grain of rice is worse than what i anticipated. Kind of sake prepared is not various. But considering this is Edinburgh, small city, far from London, it is not bad for Japaneses food. read more

My absolute favourite sushi restaurant in UK. Authentic food, super friendly staff, good price and location. One of my favourite restaurants ever. read more

edinburgh is a city of many things, but for the first few years i lived here it lacked a good sushi restaurant. which clearly made me very sad as sushi is one of my most favourite meals out! it's like japanese tapas! but thankfully kanpai opened just over two years ago and solved my sushi dilemma. this past friday the boyfriend decided to treat me to dinner as he was abandoning me to go away skiing for a week. so naturally i suggested kanpai because we hadn't been for sushi in ages and bonus i wasn't paying! even though we phoned ahead to book a table we still didn't manage to get one until 8:30pm on friday night, so this place is very popular. i'm a bit surprised by its popularity as every other time i've been most of the tables were full but they were never super busy. i always thought it was due to them being tucked down a side street near the lycuem theatre, so off the main road and less passerby traffic. but clearly the secret is out as the place was absolutely packed!! we ordered a selection of rolls to share: spicy tuna, dragon roll, rainbow roll, teriyaki salmon roll and then miso soup and vegetable tempure. i was starving so super happy that the rolls began appearing at our table with speed!! all the rolls were delicious, i especially enjoyed the teriyaki salmon roll. we'd never had it before but the just cooked salmon on top of an avocado roll with a teriyaki glaze was like a tiny bite of sushi heaven. it just went together so incredibly well i almost wish i hadn't been sharing it!! the dragon roll is equally delicious and also like a work of art. it arrives at your table with flair, thin slices of avocado layered on top of a tempura prawn roll complete with the head stuck to the wooden plate. the vegetable tempura was tasty and different in that it wasn't pieces of veg in tempura batter, but little bunches of shredded veg deep fried with a tasty dipping sauce. the service in kanpai is equally attentive and non intrusive all at the same time. the wait staff are quick to take your order and bring your drinks, but don't hover over you as you eat your food. they also clear plates quickly although they were a bit slow getting the bill to us. i'm assuming this was due to them being so busy so not really their fault. so five star sushi dining experience!! i love this restaurant and apparently so do all the young hip rich people of edinburgh as there appeared to be a very large number of them dining with their designer hand bags next to them. while this may put some people off, i like pretending to live in the world of the rich and no one will stop me from getting my sushi! read more

Was looking forward to eating dinner here tonight, but was surprised to be turned away because they couldn't seat 4 of us! WHAT??!? The person we talked to said they couldn't seat us at all anytime tonight. RIDICULOUS! read more

We absolutely love this place. Food is excellent, prices are reasonable, staff and place are really nice and it is so quiet, you can have a conversation without shouting. read more

This is about as good as sushi in Edinburgh gets. The best part of Kanpai is the atmosphere which is lovely. It is usually completely wonderful, but the last time I was there something was going on with staffing because the staff were EVERYWHERE and NOWHERE at the same time. Filling glasses of water when they didn't need filling and completely walking away when we had to add to our order or pay the bill. They were incredibly disorganised on that one occasion which is UNCHARACTERISTIC for Kanpai. It must have been a bunch of new staff, because I've never seen anything like it. It became amusing because it was so bad. Kanpai staff are every single other occasion reserved, polite, available exactly when you need them, scarce when you want privacy, and above all, very dignified and knowledgeable. I will forgive them that one night because it was clearly something that had happened and not their usual groove. Their fish: I love the grilled scallop sashimi, the eggplant dish that they make, their tempura is perfection, all of the tuna is gorgeously pink, the gunkan are beautiful and delicious, their seafood salad is great value and delicious, all of their special rolls are good and beautiful to look at. I could go on. Everything here is good. You'll pay more for it, but you'll be happy you did. read more

I have to write a second review as this place (second time around) impressed me again! I had reserved a table for a party of 6 and become one of those customers I hated, having to call and ask if we could be late. They were absolutely fine with it and when we did arrived they showed us to a private little alcove with a long table. It was far to big for 6, and inspired, I asked if a few more friends could join. (Also doing something a customer never should!) And they were completely fine with it. The service was fantastic and the food just as amazing as the last time. We had quite a rolling dinner between 6 of us and we tried so many yummy things. Again, the eggplant was a winner as was the dragon roll and the Kanpai special roll. I have to compliment them on how accommodating they were despite us being naughty dinner guests. It is a wonderful place to take a larger party and a completely fun dining experience! read more

Good atmosphere, poor service, ok sushi. The inside of the the restaurant looks distinctly Japanese. The namesake Kanpai roll was very good, the mayo on top of many of the other rolls overpowered the fish. You can get better sushi in a San Francisco grocery store. The service was very slow and inattentive. read more

nice food! just the price seems little bit expensive, two ppl paid 64 pounds