Kanpai Japanese Restaurant

In the autumn of my twelfth year, my step-parents took my sister and me along with them to Japan on a choir tour. So I have some experience when it comes to watching other people eat sushi. They didn't let me have any myself when I was there. But I did have my fair share of hard boiled eggs and mayonnaise prawns. I didn't see either on Kanpai's menu... but there was an excellent selection of sushi available. And I remember my sister talking about how good sushi was. So I tried it. And I loved it. The fish was fresh and the rice was pillowy soft. And they've got these little buns made out of clouds. Oh my god, these buns. Arby's needs to get their hands on some of these. I've never had anything like them, except marshmallows, I guess. They fill them with pork belly, or sometimes tuna or meat from other parts of the pork. They... are... delicious.

As the kids that yell at me in the parking lot of my apartment say, Kanpai is dope!

If you're in the area looking for good quality Japanese food then consider giving Kanpai a visit.

I had three different rolls, two tuna based and a spider roll. The fish is quite fresh and the tuna tasted wonderful.

The restaurant is cozy and intimate, which makes it the perfect place for a romantic dinner or a small gathering with friends.

Another plus is that the restaurant is locally owned and operated, it's always nice to support local.

Overall, if you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, you should definitely check out Kanpai. The delicious sushi, friendly owners, and relaxing atmosphere make it the perfect destination for your next night out.

Food was absolutely amazing. We ordered a wide variety and everything came out fresh and tasty we will definitely be coming back.

Used to be our favorite restaurant. New policy of ordering ruined our experience. Auto tip of 50% is too much. He told us it was 25%. No waiter. Everything done via phone. Could not get water.

If you enjoy sake kama this is your new favorite place to eat. I am a huge fan of them and try them wherever they are available. They make them perfectly here. The appetizer size comes with 2 and the meal comes with 3. The meal is only $17. This is insane. I have been back 3x in two weeks and I don't even eat out that much anymore.
I love the bento boxes here. I wouldn't say the sushi blows my mind, but its fairly priced and decent.

Recently, we placed a takeout order with Kanpai. My husband and I always heard it was some of Charleston's best sushi, although I was unsure how it would be to-go. We love sushi but aren't comfortable dining in restaurants with the high COVID-19 numbers.

We ordered a sushi (nigiri) sampler for two, pork bun, and seafood scallion pancake over the phone and paid via Venmo. I wish we could've ordered and paid online, but Kanpai is low-key and not a traditional to-go spot. Having to call is a very a minor inconvenience if we get to keep a high-quality restaurant around through these tough times.

We called when we arrived and parked out front. Our order was ready on time, and the masked employee put it in our backseat without us having to leave the car. Thankfully, we didn't have to touch a shared credit card reader, doorknob, or pen- and the restaurant's adapting to our weird "new normal".

The sampler is chef's choice, so prepare for a foodie adventure. My favorite nigiri were the eel and the salmon rolls, and the seafood pancake was good too. It was my first time having eel and I liked it, the rice tasted creamy, and the seafood was high quality. I didn't try the steamed bun-my husband basically inhaled it, so it must've been good. The seafood pancake leftovers reheated surprisingly well in the air fryer the next day.

Kanpai's safety procedures were on point, and I wouldn't hesitate to order again for a socially-distanced sushi night.

Wow! Amazing experience here. Food is some of the best I've ever had. Chef talked to us at length about the importance of the right rice, how his wife makes the best fluffy, not-too-sweet Korean cheesecake, and his daughter's love of food. We can't wait to go back. This place is a hidden gem. (Don't be fooled by the nonchalant exterior)

Great sashimi. Everything unique and fresh


Best place in mount pleasant for sushi.

Kanpai Japanese Restaurant on Johnnie Dodds Boulevard in Mount Pleasant is a great option for delicious and well prepared Japanese food and drinks. I have had a really good experience every time I have been here. They provide excellent customer service here.

For an Asian restaurant in a city that doesn't have a huge Asian population, this place is a good solid choice. I especially love the fact that it is not a chain restaurant and is a family owned restaurant. In this day and age, we should go try and visit the local restaurants in our communities. Not only are they an integral part of the community, they are hidden gems as well. So #SupportLocalBusinesses!

In regards to the food, solid stuff! I got the Dolsot Bibimbap and it had a good ratio or rice to vegetables to meat. The thin sliced beef was nice and tender and very well seasoned and the vegetables provided the right amount of balance to the protein. Top it off with a sunny side up egg, and it was delicious, especially as the yolk ran all over and mixed into the rice. Keep up the good work!

If you're young, don't come here. You won't be treated the same. If the ONE waitress thinks you don't have money, you get less attention. An older couple came in and the lady complained about her cushion and you bet she did exactly what they said. We asked for water and sodas, that took 10 min to get minus the waters. Mind you, there are only 15 people eating. Another young couple got the same service that I did. The waitress was texting most of the time and had one of the cooks run her food. Which mine took 30 min to get. Didn't get refills or checked on until the end. It was hot in there and others were complaining too.

The sushi was decent. That's the only reason I gave it 2 stars was because the sushi was okay.

The service is absolute awful. I almost got up to get my own water or speak to a manager. A lot of the younger generation tips well because we've served before. So if you're a waiter or waitress, keep in mind to treat everyone the same. You never know.

I had high hopes for this place and was very displeased.
Also, they do transactions on an IPad. I understand they're hiring for people to work here, but there's plenty of people looking for jobs.