We started with the seaweed salad and a cold pint of Asahi. The seaweed salad featured a variety of seaweeds, perfectly seasoned with what tasted like sesame--everything blended together beautifully. The Asahi arrived in a frozen mug, which made it even more refreshing. We also ordered the Shell Beach Sunset roll, which had an amazing balance of raw and cooked fish, vegetables, and the added crunch of tempura flakes. All the flavors and textures worked perfectly together. The nine-piece sashimi was beautifully presented and incredibly fresh. For dessert, we had the tempura ice cream and the green tea cheesecake--both were absolutely delicious. Honestly, everything we ordered was fantastic. Our servers, Jasmine and Austin, truly killed it. They were friendly, attentive, and genuinely engaged throughout the meal. The restaurant itself had great lighting and décor, was spotless and well-maintained, even down to the restrooms. Parking was plentiful and free. Overall, we had a wonderful time with family and friends. An amazing experience and definitely worth coming back to. read more

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Went with my boyfriend and ordered the "Cheers!" , which includes 9 pieces of sashimi, 8 pieces of nigiri, one classic roll, one specialty roll, mixed tempura, edamame, 2 miso soups and a choice of salad for $99. It was plenty of food and we think it could feed three people easily (or take home leftovers). The mixed tempura was surprisingly good, but we didn't care for the seaweed or house salad. The rolls are always good and we really enjoyed trying most things at once. It's a fun way to try Kanpai! You don't need a reservation in a pair, but consider one if you're a bigger group. Otherwise, you're sat and served quickly. 3.8/5 read more

Kanpai Sushi - Omakase nigiri, sashimi - Japanese Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

So let me start with I'm not a sushi guy, my wife picked the place and she enjoyed herself so that's good enough for the 3 stars alone. The restaurant is nice, plenty of parking, no ocean views except for coming and going. We decided to sit outdoors and it was a beautiful night for it, they had overhead heaters which didn't make it too hot and was enjoyable. The food was pricey, again I'm more of an "all-you-can-eat sushi for $21.99" kind of guy. But my wife did like the calamari, the amaebi shrimp was the star of the show, she very much enjoyed the fried fish head and it was the cheapest item on the receipt tonight, so double win. Service was very nice, we did point out that we were dining with a rat, they apologized and offered to move us but I declined. My petty ass thinks we should have had something comp'd but sadly we did not and I guess that's okay. The seasoned veggies for the Scottish Salmon were alright, should have figured for a "Scottish" meal we'd get shredded cabbage. Personally nothing tasted bad, but nothing stood out either, I wouldn't return, however my wife might for the fried shrimp head. read more

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phenomenal sushi but abysmal service. especially because even at the bar you have to order from a server. my sushi got to me 10 minutes before my drink? I had to stop eating to make sure I could enjoy them together - even though they were both ordered together and the only thing I got. I honestly wanted to eat more but the server was pretty rude to me in particular despite trying to be as nice as possible to him. After my second order I left especially because while delicious it still felt overpriced especially for a very causal environment with a TV playing sports. I would get takeout next time and eat at a nearby vista point. read more

It was just okay, not worth my $$. The food lacked flavor and the service was not very good /: I was ignored most of the time and appetizers came out after the entree... I had to ask for 2 items more than 3 times I'll give them another chance in hopes it was just a bad day... read more

Kanpai Sushi - Shinto roll and hamachi carpaccio - Japanese Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

We recently visited to celebrate my birthday! Despite having a reservation it took a few minutes to be greeted or to have someone acknowledge our arrival. We were originally seated indoors, but due the music having a heavy bass sound we asked if we could be seated outside, and quickly accommodated with outdoor seating. Our waiter was very friendly and very attentive. The fish was fresh and delicious. We will definitely be returning! read more

I felt a bit under the weather, so I was looking for something soupy for an early dinner. The place was open and clean, with many tables and a sushi bar. The staff was attentive and friendly. I ordered the 5 piece shrimp tempura to go with my sukiyaki. The shrimp was tender and the fry was light. The sukiyaki hit the spot, with udon noodles and quite a bit of beef. The broth was flavorful. Prices were reasonable. read more

Kanpai Sushi - Sukiyaki $24. - Japanese Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

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The sushi tasted good overall. I was elated by the twist on their Philadelphia roll -- they added in refreshing lemon. However the order in which the food came out didn't make sense. First we got the spicy garlic edamame ($13), then the rolls quickly came out, then the miso soup, and finally the carpaccio. Just felt a little rushed since I really like to take my time eating my edamame. We tried the matcha cheesecake and unfortunately it wasn't the greatest -- it was a little dry and the portion was pretty small. I ultimately prefer goshi over Kanpai, but chose to try kanpai given its convenient location off the freeway. read more

Kanpai Sushi - Japanese Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

Amazing sushi in Pismo beach area! I recommend getting the "cheers". It comes with all that jazz. It starts with miso, side salad, edamame. Next up is shrimp tempura, a basic roll, a special roll, nine piece sashimi (chefs choice), eight piece nigiri (chefs choice). It's a lotttt of food and it's amazing. We enjoyed the pismo as our specialty roll. For the nigri and sashimi the fish melts in your mouth like a popsicle on a summer day. I would go back just purely for the scallops! There's outdoor seating if you want quiet or to bring your pup. We were a little forgotten about near the end as they picked up inside but that's the only negative I can think of, still would go back. read more

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The moment we walked in we felt welcomed. Everyone was friendly and although it was a bit busy we did not feel like we had to wait at all. Our order was taken right away and food was brought out pretty quick. We got the shrimp tempura as an appetizer. It was crispy and not overcooked on the inside. Had two rolls the popcorn shrimp was so good and a nice mix of textures and a little kick. Would deff get this again. We also got the crunchy dragon which was also good. Overall a great place can't wait to come back and try other items. read more

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Make a reservation, as this is clearly a popular dining spot in the Spyglass area. Seating was very tight and more than 1 person bumped into my chair trying the get to the restroom. That aside, I'd definitely go back for another taste. The fried pork gyoza was good, but the sauce was strange to me. I enjoyed the dumplings more without the sauce. My husband opted for the deluxe omakase and thoroughly enjoyed everything but the Uni, which neither of us ever like. I chose the Miso Black Cod, and ohmylord, it was absolutely divine. This is the kind of dish that creates a memory. Craveable. read more

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Unfortunately Kanpai didn't deliver for us. The pork belly in the ramen was overly fatty, and the Philly roll had lemon, pickled carrots, and cucumbers that were so sour it was pretty much inedible--not what I was expecting at all. The service was slow and the patio seating wasn't uncomfortable. There are better sushi and ramen options in SLO. I'd skip this one. read more

Kanpai Sushi - Philly Roll - Japanese Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

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Always great service and fresh fish creatively and artistically presented. Delicious!

Simply delicious! For dine in or takeout you can't beat Kanpai. The restaurant is pretty small and fills up with locals so it's important to get there early or be willing to wait. My personal favorite is the Jessica roll which has lots of albacore. read more

Was taking a few days to go down the California coast. First stop was Pismo Beach Called for a reservation for one hoping to sit at the bar. Arrived and it was jumping. Was seated at the bar and couldn't see anything. Got up to leave and was greeted by the manager, Michelle. She asked me to stay until another bar seat opened. Then she arrived with a complimentary draft beer. Was seated in a few minutes Tony served some wonderful fish a the miso was spot on ! After about a week in SoCal, it was time to get home. Made the final leg of my travels to end up in Pismo just to go back The wait staff was attentive and they all worked in harmony Definitely will be back read more

Kanpai Sushi - Entrance - Japanese Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

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Order was incorrect, waiter seems to need more training or listening skills, food quality was meh, sad to say, but luckily other great sushi is available less than 15 mins away. read more

First and foremost, I wanted to shoutout Lucas for his amazing service tonight. Even though everything was running behind schedule, he always made sure that we were taken care of and always checked up on us and that was more than enough to make up for the lost time. I really do appreciate everything he did and if I came back for only one reason, it'd be because of Lucas' exceptional service. The food was also very good. The fresh wasabi given to us by Lucas was exceptional and it elevated the meal to new heights. The Halibut Tempura was a table favorite and it's something I'm looking forward to getting again. Overall, it was a very nice evening filled with great food and amazing service. Thank you to Lucas and the rest of the wonderful staff! :) read more

This is by far my favorite Japanese Restaurant and it's close by. I usually have the plum wine (only with Japanese food) but decided to try Mio Sparkling Sake. First I thought too sweet but then it settled down. No Sake taste, more like a very light Champagne. I had my usually Chicken dinner as it comes with, Miso soup, salad, tempura, rice etc. They also give us ginger, which is so good for you. My husband had the Pismo roll with Miso soup and he ate some of my food. He likes the green tea, so that's what he drank. I have leftovers, yeh. Our server was Lucas, what a great person he is. Checked on us, made sure we had more tea, ginger etc. Boxed up everything for us. He had other tables, plus he was seating people, jack of all trades. There's plenty of parking and the place is quiet. Some limited outdoor seating. read more

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I am unable to get through to this Restaurant on the phone to make a reservation. Over the past week and a half... I've called multiple times during business hours and before they open... And each time the phone rings once and then it goes blank and hangs up. I even went over there personally to speak to them . I even called them while I was standing there. And their phone did not ring at all. Even after I verified that the number I was calling was the correct one. I don't know what's up with their phone service but I guess you just have to walk in instead of calling for a reservation. That is so ridiculous and not good for their business or for my review. read more

Food is good. Service is hit or miss. Seating can be squishy at busy times. Still probably one of the better sushi places in the area.

Hands down our FAVORITE family dinner spot. Sushi/fish is so fresh and every roll we've ever had gets better and better (for apps, get the cucumber sunomono and spicy edamame!). Inside is cozy and seating plentiful (it does get super busy all week, so i recommend a reservation, even if you think you may not need one). Service is attentive, every server is so friendly and wonderful! We've never had a "bad" experience! read more

What a delightful dining experience was had by all this evening! First time here for me surprisingly. It was quite busy however our drinks, appetizers and dinners all came out in a timely manner. Everything was fresh and our host/server was friendly and attentive. BONUS: I got to try an uni (oyster) shooter for the first time too! RARE opportunity. Their beef sukiyaki was the perfect temperature and portion as well. A favorite of mine! Can't wait for next time I go here! read more

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Ordered to go: Crispy rice spicy tuna app - rice was cold tasted like it was a week old. Mixed tempura: cold and they forgot the dipping sauce. Ordered heart attack roll: gave us the appetizer instead which was terrible. Won't be returning read more

The BEST albacore I have ever had. Everything was so fresh, flown in from Japan and prepared perfectly! We will be back!

This place used to be amazing, but it's gone downhill. Tony, the owner, is still friendly, but the quality no longer matches the prices. The fish is fresh but cut thin, and at $19 for two pieces of Bluefin or $11 for Salmon, you expect more. The biggest disappointment? A machine is now pressing rice for rolls behind the sushi bar. Every roll comes out identical--like an all-you-can-eat spot. At high-end prices, the sushi chef should be hand-packing the rice and slicing the fish, not a machine. Sadly, it's lost the charm and craftsmanship it once had. I won't be back. read more

The sushi rolls I ordered were absolutely delicious and the service was excellent and quick. Restaurant itself was impeccable, very clean, beautiful lighting. I loved the vibe in there because it felt like a community, everyone saying hi to each other. My server Umi was so attentive, kind, and had an amazing upbeat attitude. I loved being seated with her, she took great care of me. Very happy and impressed, definitely my go-to sushi spot now! read more

Kanpai Sushi is truly something special. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed by the warmest, most attentive staff who genuinely care about your experience. The service is beyond amazing, so thoughtful, friendly, and perfectly timed without ever feeling rushed. A huge shoutout to the manager, Michelle, who goes above and beyond to make every guest feel valued. Her kindness, professionalism, and attention to detail set the tone for the entire restaurant. You can tell she runs the place with heart, and it shows in every interaction. SHE IS THE BEST, honestly. And the food... wow. Absolutely outstanding. Every dish is fresh, beautifully presented, and packed with flavor. You can taste the quality and care that goes into each roll and plate, it's consistently top-tier! Kanpai Sushi isn't just a place to eat; it's an experience. Incredible food, exceptional service, and an amazing team led by an outstanding manager. I can't recommend it highly enough, this is a must-go spot guys!!! read more

Came here on a Friday night a bit past 6pm. They have their own private lot. First off the decor is intimate and so perfect for a date night. We did not have reservations - if we wanted a table we had to wait an hour... so we opted for bar seating. They have high chairs for little ones. I have been craving good sushi for a while and this place really hit the spot. They have Santa Barbara uni - so fresh and they give a lot. I thought the sushi rolls were all made well with quality fish. We ordered tempura udon noodles for the little one. Love that they include the pink fish cake. The best sushi I had for at least the last couple years and our best meal during our Pismo trip. Definitely make reservations! I thought the price was better than the Bay Area (a review mentioned its similar in price to the Bay Area). read more

Excellent fresh sushi. Definitely a go to when in SLO. Great variety also. Service was good as well. My only wish is that they would stay open a bit later on Fridays. read more

5 stars - A Must-Visit Sushi Spot in SLO! We had an amazing experience at Kanpai while celebrating our son's 25th birthday. We had a reservation and were seated within 15 minutes of arrival and warmly greeted by the friendliest and most knowledgeable staff. Our son ordered the Sriracha Bowl and we went with the Cheers Platter--everything was absolutely fresh, beautifully prepared, and delicious. The service throughout was outstanding--attentive, welcoming, and genuinely kind. We've been searching for a go-to sushi restaurant in San Luis Obispo to enjoy when we visit our son, and we're happy to say Kanpai is the one! We will definitely be returning every time we're in town. Thank you to the entire Kanpai team for the incredible dinner and wonderful service. We highly recommend this place to anyone visiting the area--just be sure to make a reservation! read more

I recommend making reservations, we were walk-ins and it was nice to see a place honoring reservations over the walk-ins, even if we had to wait 20 minutes. This place was hopping and the staff was on their toes working so hard. I am stingy with my 5-star ratings. A super clear indicator of a 5 star rating is if I "mmmm" when I eat it. Any boy, did I ever, "mmmmmmm." Everything we got was delicious, I was sad when it was all over. This is a GREAT sushi place. read more

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I always come to this spot when I come to SLO shell beach, it's been a staple of my family for years now. We love the owner and the fact that it's family owned, as well as the extremely fresh quality and rare types of fish! This is more on the expensive side, so best to come with your family and split different items! Delicious, and I highly recommend! :) read more

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This is a warm and intimate experience. The service is friendly and welcoming. It is perfect for a group celebration or an intimate date night. The menu is full of delicious options. We got the spicy tuna crispy rice and spicy garlic edamame to start. The crispy rice was one of the best ones I have had. If you happen to stop by this establishment, you must try the kamikaze roll for the perfect amount of spice. read more

Kanpai Sushi - Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice - Japanese Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

We visited this sushi spot on a Saturday evening, expecting great things based the close proximity to pacific coast. When we arrived, it seemed busy but not packed. We were asked if we had a reservation, which felt unnecessary to be honest given many open tables. Despite that, we were asked to wait, and oddly enough, the table we were supposed to get was given to another party right as we were being shown to it. We ordered a few dishes to get a good taste of the menu: gyoza, yellowtail belly nigiri (listed as "sushi" on the menu), and a roll with halibut. The gyoza was decent, but both the yellowtail and the halibut roll had an odd fishy aftertaste. We're pretty regular sushi diners, so we have a good idea of what quality sushi should taste like, and unfortunately, this didn't hit the mark. I expect more from a sushi place, especially from a place trying to offer top tier experience. The food quality was below average, especially for the price. Overall, not somewhere I'd go back to. read more

Kanpai Sushi - Yellowtail Nigiri - Japanese Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

Staff were great. Very friendly. The food was well worth the value. Great spot. Would go back and recommend to anyone in the area.

We were staying in Pismo Beach and this place was referred to us by a local. I guess local is the key word. We were greeted and seated and then remembered every now and then. The locals, known to the wait staff were treated like kings and we were one time peasants. Our food was meh and the prices were not justified. $17.00 for a small dish of dynamite... WTH! It was half rice and half "I am not sure????". Everything was little spicy, so be prepared. So glad the locals have a place to go. :(( read more

We came in around 5:30pm on a Tuesday night. We were the 3rd party waiting for a table with no reservations. We got seated after about 15 min which wasn't bad! We ordered the kids chicken teriyaki plates. It had a lot of chicken and the kids loved it. Very flavorful. It also came with 2 gyoza, miso soup and salad. We got the omakase-cheers It was way more than what we needed. The edamame, soup and salad were so flavorful. I enjoyed the mixed tempura. Both rolls-crunchy dragon roll and ca roll were big. We were full once the omakase came. I will say that we service can improve. Once our food was delivered we were never really checked on. Took awhile to get the waters refilled and I had to ask for a glass for my beer. read more

Ordered 3 rolls and edamame to go; prices were higher than I would normally expect for cut rolls. Given that, the quality and technique were disappointing. The edamame was under seasoned, and our order was packed without soy sauce or utensils. read more

Food is superb with an incredible Omakase option that showcases the best fish offerings they have. Service is excellent as always and if you are able to sit at the sushi bar and watch these very talented chefs hard at work- do it! Ambiance is laid back with large tables in back and even on the outside for big parties, plenty of booth options; sushi bar was my fave. All the fish here is fresh, delicious and they take time and care to prepare everything for you- NOT a quick stop in; come in and take your time and enjoy your meal. read more

Kanpai Sushi - Omakase Deluxe! - Japanese Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

Amazing food, amazing ambience the best sushi in Pismo!! The service is top-notch, the owner is very hospitable and wants to make sure you have an enjoyable experience. read more