Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Sushi Kanpai – Seattle
Sushi Kanpai - Seattle
Photo from Sushi Kanpai
Sushi Kanpai at a glance
Seattle Central Business District
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 78 of the guests
#239 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#11 Japanese Restaurant out of 47 in Seattle
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
434
Reviews
84.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality food
- Friendly service
- Happy hour value
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Food blandness
- High prices
The restaurant Sushi Kanpai, a Japanese restaurant nestled in Seattle’s vibrant Central Business District, offers a truly authentic dining experience. You’ll discover a fantastic array of traditional dishes, complemented by a great tea selection that truly sets it apart.
Whether you’re seeking a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, this spot provides a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for any occasion. It’s a trendy destination where you can unwind and savor exquisite flavors.
Overview: Introducting Sushi Kanpai
Sushi Kanpai offers a generally positive dining experience, often praised for its expertly prepared dishes and a welcoming atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the friendly staff and efficient service, making for a pleasant visit.
The appealing happy hour options also stand out as a significant draw. However, it’s not without its occasional missteps.
Some patrons have encountered less-than-stellar service interactions, and there are a few mentions of food quality not always hitting the mark. A few observations also point to inconsistencies in table cleanliness.
Good
8
out of 10
434
Reviews
84.6%
Satisfaction
49
negative
18
neutral
367
positive
Overall, Sushi Kanpai earns a solid 8 out of 10, indicating a generally good experience for most diners. This is further supported by a strong 84.6% customer satisfaction rate.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 434 customer remarks, with a clear majority of 367 positive comments outweighing the 49 negative ones, painting a consistent picture of satisfaction. Diving deeper, the Food (8.1) is clearly a highlight, frequently praised for its quality and preparation.
Service (7.9) also performs well, with many appreciating the attentive staff. The restaurant’s Ambience (8) contributes positively to the dining experience, and guests generally find good Value (7.6) here, especially concerning their popular happy hour offerings.
What people like
- Quality, expertly prepared food
- Friendly, attentive service
- Excellent happy hour value
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Occasional food blandness
- Perceived high prices
With a strong recommendation score of 8.2, Sushi Kanpai generally delivers a satisfying experience. If you’re seeking well-prepared sushi and appreciate good value, especially during happy hour, this spot is certainly worth considering.
It often hits the mark for a pleasant meal. However, be mindful that service can occasionally be inconsistent, and some food items might not always impress.
If you prioritize consistent, top-tier service and are sensitive to price points, it might be wise to manage expectations. Overall, it’s a solid choice for many.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sushi Kanpai
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the food! Overall, it seems like a pretty solid bet. With a strong score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at a good 84.9%, diners are generally leaving happy.
Out of 232 remarks, a whopping 197 were positive, praising the "quality sushi, " "happy hour selection, " and "large portion sizes, " often highlighting the "fresh fish" and variety. However, its not all perfect, as 23 remarks pointed out some areas for improvement. Some found the food bland and tasteless, with complaints about dry rice and falling apart rolls.
There were also mentions of overcooked salmon and a lack of fresh wasabi, suggesting occasional inconsistencies in preparation and ingredients.
Food
232
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
23
negative
12
neutral
197
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality sushi
- Generous portion sizes
- Great happy hour selection
What people don't like
- Bland, tasteless food
- Dry, falling apart rice
- Inconsistent preparation
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The service was fast and the food was expertly prepared. I was also impressed by how extremely clean the restaurant was.
- sushiMy experience at Sushi Kanpai was fantastic! If you're looking for GOOD quality sushi, GREAT service, and AMAZING prices during happy hour, this is the place to go. It's become our "go to" spot for sushi, whether it's for lunch, happy hour, or dinner.
- fishI got the sashimi bento box to eat on the ferry home. I ate my first piece before pulling out and immediately put the car back in park as I started laughing with how good the fish was. I knew right away I was going to miss my ferry as I tucked into the most delicious meal in my car.
- rollsThe rolls were both unique and crafted with perfectly balanced flavors
- FoodFoodwise all was good
- Crispy Alaskahad the Crispy Alaska and Baked Salmon rolls
- Golden Calihad the Baked Salmon and Golden Cali
- Kanpai rollWe had the Kanpai roll: salmon, tuna, yellowtail
- Mr Jalapenoand the Mr Jalapeno
- chirashichirashi and it was the most beautiful dish
Frequently criticized
- foodFood didn't settle well at all
- sushifood my husband and I received looked NOTHING like the pictures and was terrible
- California rollCalifornia roll fell flat
- bland and tastelessBland and tasteless.
- fresh wasabididn't have fresh washabi
- gingerGinger was dry
- ice creamBy the time we had finished our dinner the ice cream had melted.
- imitation crab meatimitation crab meat (yak)
- menu availabilityThe prices were overpriced, and the service was poor and unfriendly. To make matters worse, half the items on the menu were unavailable. I will definitely never go back, not even by accident.
- nigiri sampleHad no taste
If you're looking for a place with generally fresh, quality sushi and generous portions, especially during happy hour, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few diners have experienced issues with blandness or inconsistent preparation, so manage your expectations for every single dish.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
The service here generally shines, with many guests raving about the friendly staff and attentive servers. People frequently highlight the quick wait times and how accommodating the team is, often going the extra mile with helpful suggestions or special requests. Out of 101 comments, a whopping 83 were positive, showing a strong trend!
However, not every experience is perfect. A few customers mentioned instances of pushy or rude customer service, with some feeling rushed or encountering staff who were less than welcoming. There were also a few comments about staff being forgetful or inattentive, leading to a mediocre service experience for a small number of guests.
Overall, the service scores a solid 7.9, with customer satisfaction at a respectable 82.2%.
Service
101
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
16
negative
2
neutral
83
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Pushy service
- Inattentive service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food was very good, and the staff were incredibly friendly, providing great service. I particularly enjoyed the happy hour, which offered a good selection and extended late into the evening.
- staffMy experience at this great little sushi spot in downtown Seattle was very positive. The staff were friendly, and I was impressed that the happy hour lasted well into dinner time. Just a heads-up, there is a drink purchase requirement to take advantage of the happy hour deals.
- serverthanks to the server for doing such an amazing job and for being so knowledgeable
- ServiceI love their sweet shrimp, rolls, chirashi, and salmon poke chips. The dine-in service for dinner was great.
- seatingWe were seated immediately
- sushi chefsthanks to the sushi chefs, the food was outstanding
- Google Assistant reservationsGoogle Assistant for making reservations, and it worked out pretty well
- attention to detailadmire their attention to detail
- chefsthe chefs get orders out promptly
- customer servicecustomer service was on point
Frequently criticized
- serviceTerrible service with no customer empathy
- arrival timedon't come in after 8. You're not welcome
- customer serviceVery bad customer service!
- extra plateasked for an extra plate, but he forgot
- hoursrandomly closed on Tuesday & Wednesday. It’s NOT that hard to change your hours
- in personMy husband walked in and was spoken to very rudely by a woman. She was rude both on the phone and in person!
- knifewe asked for a knife and had to remind him twice
- menuHe wasn't ready to give us more time to go through the entire menu
- phoneShe was rude through the phone
- pushyfriendly but pushy
If youre looking for a place with generally excellent and speedy service, this spot is usually a winner. While a few isolated incidents suggest some staff can be less than ideal, the overwhelming majority of experiences point to a friendly and efficient team. Its definitely worth a try for a pleasant dining experience.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youre likely to find the ambience quite delightful! With a strong score of 8 and customer satisfaction soaring at 89.1%, its clear most folks love the vibe. Many of the 49 positive comments out of 55 total mentions rave about the cozy and intimate settings, often describing it as a quiet place with mellow vibes and excellent cleanliness.
It truly feels like a neighborhood gem perfect for various dining experiences. However, not every corner is perfect. A small handful of 4 negative comments, among the 55 total, did mention a grubby corner table and issues with tables not being cleaned.
While these seem to be isolated incidents, it's worth noting that a few guests encountered less-than-ideal spots, which slightly marred their dining experience.
Ambience
55
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
- Quiet, easy to talk
- Spotlessly clean
What people don't like
- Unclean tables
- Grubby corner
Often praised
- atmosphereIt's located a bit out of the way from downtown, which I actually found to be a plus. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and loved the happy hour selection. It's definitely a great spot to dine, and I would go again if I find myself in the area.
- cleanlinessFor $23 with tax, I received two rolls and a green tea iced tea, which was a good deal. The restaurant itself is nicely decorated and clean, and the staff were welcoming and friendly. The rolls were good, though the rice was a bit fluffier than ideal for a sushi roll, but it still tasted very good.
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was generally positive. It's a nice quiet place with good food. I particularly enjoyed the happy hour, which extends until 7 PM and offers good sake options.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationHidden among residential and medical towers
- tablefound a table immediately
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- Wheelchair accessibilitywe were able to get a wheelchair in the restaurant.
- ambianceLoved the ambiance
- cozyIt is super cozy
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereterrible dining experience
- dining experienceterrible dining experience
- grubby corner tablegave me a grubby looking corner terrible
- tablestables were not cleaned
If you're looking for a restaurant with a generally cozy, clean, and inviting atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. While a rare table might need a quick wipe, the overall vibe is overwhelmingly positive, making it a great choice for a relaxed meal.
Value (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! Customers are clearly happy, with a strong 82.6% satisfaction rate and a solid 7.6 score. Out of 46 comments, a whopping 38 rave about the fantastic deals, especially the happy hour discounts and reasonable prices.
Many found the menu prices to be a great deal, offering excellent value for their money. However, not everyone was completely thrilled. A few of the 6 negative comments mentioned concerns about entree prices being higher than expected, or feeling some items were overpriced.
There was also a specific mention about having to pay to park, which can sometimes dampen the overall perception of value.
Value
46
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent happy hour deals
- Reasonable menu prices
- Great overall value
What people don't like
- Entrees can be pricey
- Parking adds cost
- Some menu prices differ
Often praised
- priceThe rolls were good, though the rice was a bit fluffier than ideal for a sushi roll, but it still tasted very good. I would certainly recommend this place for a nice, filling lunch, especially given the reasonable prices.
- pricesThe staff was exceptionally accommodating and knowledgeable about the gluten-free menu, even substituting miso soup for edamame at no extra charge with my salmon. The prices are very reasonable, especially considering the generous portion sizes and the overall quality. I would highly recommend this restaurant for a decadent and relaxing experience, whether you have food allergies or not.
- happy hourMy experience at this great little sushi spot in downtown Seattle was very positive. The staff were friendly, and I was impressed that the happy hour lasted well into dinner time. Just a heads-up, there is a drink purchase requirement to take advantage of the happy hour deals.
- valueMy experience at this restaurant was a great value for a weekday lunch. I enjoyed the great vibe and great service.
- Happy Hour menuHappy Hour menu has good deals
- PlatesPlates averaging around $6 for 8 piece rolls
- great deallunch bento options are a great deal
- happy hour dealthe happy hour deal is good
- happy hour dealsTheir happy hour deals are unbeatable!
- happy hour discountsHappy hour discounts were a nice surprise
Frequently criticized
- pricemakes the entire meal a total rip off. Not worth the price
- entree pricesthe prices of some of the entrees were higher than the menu prices
- happy hour pricingI don't see the happy hour pricing
- pay to parkyou have to pay to park
- pricesnot worth the steep prices
If youre looking for a great deal, especially during happy hour, this place is definitely worth checking out. Youll likely find the prices reasonable and the value excellent, though be mindful of potential parking costs or higher entree prices if you're not taking advantage of specials.
How are the prices at Sushi Kanpai?
On average, you’ll spend around 33 per person, based on 78 guests. That places this Japanese restaurant in the $31–$40 category, which is comfortably mid-range, perhaps a touch above. While the average is 33, its interesting to see that many diners actually spend less, often in the $21–$30 range.
But dont worry, there are also plenty of options for those who want to indulge a bit more!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 78 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar restaurants in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant in Seattle, offering a good balance for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sushi Kanpai
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Sushi, Great Value
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the sushi, which was both fresh and well prepared. The service was excellent and the staff were very attentive.
I also found the prices to be reasonable. It was a pleasant surprise to find this place so close to Town Hall Seattle. Overall, it's a great option if you're looking for good quality food without spending too much.
- sushi9
- service10
- prices8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Delicious GF Options and Cozy Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was surprisingly delightful, especially considering my initial reservations about the limited gluten-free menu options. Despite this, everything exceeded my expectations. The wait time for our food was short, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting, complemented by light, relaxing music.
The sushi tasted incredibly fresh, and the yellowtail was a melt-in-your-mouth experience. I ordered the salmon dinner, requesting no teriyaki for my gluten-free meal, and it was cooked to flaky perfection. The staff was exceptionally accommodating and knowledgeable about the gluten-free menu, even substituting miso soup for edamame at no extra charge with my salmon.
The prices are very reasonable, especially considering the generous portion sizes and the overall quality. I would highly recommend this restaurant for a decadent and relaxing experience, whether you have food allergies or not.
- gluten free menu options8
- wait time7
- atmosphere9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
9
Fresh Sushi and Friendly Service
My experience at this local sushi spot was great! Thanks to a 20% off UberEats deal, the rolls were reasonably priced. The fish was super fresh, and the service was friendly.
It's a great local spot for sushi in the area!
- rolls8
- fish10
- service9
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Sushi Kanpai: My Go-To Sushi Spot
Sushi Kanpai has become my favorite sushi restaurant over the years. The service is genuinely excellent; my server always remembers my preference for extra masago, making each visit feel personal and appreciated. The staff is attentive, friendly, and on top of everything.
The food is consistently delicious. Every roll I’ve tried has been fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. They serve generous portions, and everything tastes incredibly balanced.
On top of that, the prices are great for the quality and amount of food you get, offering real value with every dish. If you love sushi, great service, and fair pricing, Sushi Kanpai is absolutely worth visiting. I always leave happy and full — highly recommend!
🍣🥢
- service10
- server10
- staff10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Fast Service, Amazing Food!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! We walked up during happy hour and were seated immediately and served promptly. Our food arrived within 10 minutes, which was the fastest service we've ever received anywhere.
The food was amazing. I tried a Sake trio, and the staff made excellent choices. Our server was fast, friendly, and very accurate.
I wish they had merchandise; I would have loved to buy a T-shirt. I highly recommend stopping by to enjoy some sushi. 👍
- service10
- food10
- Sake trio9
What Sushi Kanpai offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Sushi Kanpai?
At Sushi Kanpai, you can look forward to a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere. It’s a welcoming spot whether you’re dining alone or with company, perfect for a relaxed meal or a quick bite.
Does Sushi Kanpai offer options for specific dietary needs or preferences?
Yes, Sushi Kanpai provides a variety of offerings including healthy options and vegetarian options. You’ll also find small plates, coffee, and a great tea selection to suit your preferences.
How does Sushi Kanpai generally rate with customers?
Sushi Kanpai holds a good overall score of 8 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 84.6%. Guests particularly appreciate the Food (8.1), Ambience (8), and Service (7.9), while finding good Value (7.6).
What do customers enjoy most about Sushi Kanpai?
Many customers praise the quality and preparation of the food, often highlighting unique rolls and fresh fish. The friendly and attentive staff, along with the appealing happy hour deals, are also frequently mentioned as positive aspects.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Sushi Kanpai?
Some patrons have noted occasional inconsistencies in service quality, with a few instances of rudeness. There are also mentions of certain food items being bland or not meeting expectations, and some find the prices to be on the higher side.