Not super impressed by this place. Food: I got 4 sushi rolls. The rice was very wet, like that soggy kind of rice. The fish was not bad. Overall just very average. Service: Everyone was pretty nice but the service was pretty slow and the restaurant was only half full when we got there. Not sure if they had a lot of take outs or what but it was a quite a wait between getting drinks and ordering and then getting each roll out. Atmosphere: Pleasant. Good music and lighting. Not very loud which is nice. Clean. I'll probably try a different sushi place next time I'm in the area. read more

Went here for first time on a Friday night for dinner with two friends around 7:45pm. Wasn't busy at all. I don't know what was wrong with the staff, but they made the experience unenjoyable. I was greeted unenthusiastically by one chef, with the hostess right next to him, who didn't come to seat me right away (I was alone waiting for my friends). She sat me down and gave water right away. Once my friends arrived we ordered and the food came in a decent amount of time. I got the salmon roll, eel roll, smokey roll, and seaweed salad. My friends got udon, spicy calamari, the heart attack roll, and 8th Ave roll. The seaweed salad was very generous for the price, really flavorful. The sushi I got was great, no complaints. Made well and tasted very fresh. My friends also said they enjoyed their dishes (which I didn't try). The spicy calamari is a must have and also serves a generous amount. Other problems we had with staff were the hostess didn't refill our waters and our glasses were low for a while until we asked, and she didn't ask us how our food tasted or if we needed anything even once, even though she did for the couple sitting right next to us... she also didn't bother to ask if we wanted anything more or dessert after we were done. She didn't seem very happy to be working, but who knows why. Overall we loved the food and the portions, which outweighed the service. I will definitely be back for happy hour on the weekend. I just hope the service is better so I could give a better star review. read more

First time eating here. Got take out which was a very easy process. Food was ready really quickly. We were looking for a place that served ramen but ended up deciding to try the udon here. We got the chicken and seafood udon and thought it was delicious! read more

Yesterday I made an order from the happy hour menu at 4 o'clock and they charged me full price for my order instead of a happy hour price because I chose to eat my meal outside the restaurant to be safe given COVID. They didn't tell me when I made my order that they would do this. They should've communicated more clearly that they would do this. read more

Great service and staff, but really terrible sushi. We came at lunch time; I got the sashimi bento box and my husband got the sushi combo. The tuna had clearly been frozen - it was a clear, light red and almost looked like gel. The California roll was falling apart, and just looked super sad. Even their miso soup was super watery with no umami flavor. Very disappointing. Will not be coming back here. read more

We came here while in between appointments at the Polyclinic. The decor and atmosphere were very good, but that's where it ended. We had 50 minutes for lunch, and we ordered ten minutes after we were seated. They brought out standard, slightly too salty miso soup, and then we waited. The people next to us got their food. And we waited. The people next to us finished. And we waited. Finally we were informed that they had run out of temapura mix, and had to make more, and they were working on our lunch, but we could take it to go. This may be the best sushi in Seattle. We'll never know. We had to leave for our appointment. And we won't find out, because we won't be back. read more

This is my favorite sushi place in first hill. They are always super quick and friendly and the sushi is always delicious. Their happy menu is awesome and super affordable, and they do 'last call' and give you a chance to order a dessert option before it ends. This secret spot does get busy sometimes, but they're always quick to seat and take your order. read more

It's a small, quaint place and has a lunch menu. If you have a hankering for sushi, this is a nice and quick stop!

Found this randomly on yelp! Thanks fellow Yelpers! Sashimi was super fresh, service was fine, happy hour was a good deal. Happy hour requires each person to order a drink. Mommy tip: no changing table, not the most kid friendly. read more

This place is so cute! Kind of romantic but not too romantic where you can't come here with your girlfriends for happy hour. Speaking of which, they have really great deals during happy hour! You have to buy a alcoholic beverage to get the hh price, but who goes to sushi and not order a sake anyway? Great selection and delicious food. I really love the first hill location too. read more

Awesome HH deals in a cute tucked away sushi joint. Yes! I am SO excited this is close by, because I really hate busing it all the way down to Belltown when a sushi craving hits. All day HH on Mondays -- rolls all around $3.75 a piece. I liked most everything I put in my mouth except the cajun crab roll -- crab salad with extra creole seasonings? Meh. That didn't work. But the spicy salmon, pacific roll, avocado roll, and the spicy chicken karaage are all winners in my book. A great selection of sake, but a sadly lacking beer list (it's ok. I'll stick to tea or sake :P). Cute, warm decor, and very friendly service. I'll be back plenty for cheap sushi eats. read more

Generous cuts of fresh fish, and inventive special rolls that I haven't seen anywhere else! The hamachi is really too notch, it just melts in your mouth. Service is usually fast and prompt, and the happy hour menu has quiet of few things in it and it lasts from 4-7 on weekdays. I've never been here during lunchtime, but from my experience, happy hour and dinner is worth the visit! read more

Sushi Kanpaikea! I have your same lamp at my house! I've visited several times, and service is outstanding. You probably don't deserve service this good. Sits in an oasis-like First Hill location next to M Street Market. Food-wise, I have no complaints. It's better than Blue C and not as good as Umi. Price-wise it's very reasonable, and downright cheap if you visit during Happy Hour ... which is 3-6pm or all weekend long. Please also order off the list of 10 brillion sake. Maybe you would enjoy a $14 sampler of 4 different sakes! They play football games on the TV, but to the best of my knowledge, I am the only one who has noticed. read more

Some friends and I were heading to Town Hall for an evening talk and wanted to grab a snack and drink beforehand. Just a couple of blocks away, Sushi Kanpai was the ideal location to meet up and fuel up after work! Happy hour goes from 4-7 pm M-F, which is perfect. You don't have to race over there at 5 and rush to get an order in before happy hour ends, and you can enjoy HH prices until it's time to head over for a 7:30 event. The discounts are primarily on rolls, although there are some discounted appetizers and desserts. Drink specials are mostly sake-focused -- a glass of house red or white is $6.50, which isn't super-cheap, but a small Sapporo or Asahi will only set you back $3.50. Service was friendly, although a little slow, which might have been due to where we were seated. The booths are high and create a lot of partitions that divide up the space and make it hard to see servers, and we were in a corner where our server had to come around a wall and peek in to see if we needed anything. But with happy hour going until 7, we were in no rush, and our server did check in a couple of times to see how we were doing. Happy hour sushi prices were good, with rolls starting at $4 (and that's a full roll, not a lame half-roll portion). I had the eel roll and spicy tuna roll, which were just OK. The amount of fish was fine, but the rice seemed a little too vinegary and was sort of mushy and broken, which gave it an odd texture in the mouth. Kind of like what I associate with pre-made deli sushi, although I could see the sushi chefs making the rolls to order. So overall, it's a nice, friendly place to meet up for drinks and kill time before a Town Hall event. The sushi was OK, though not outstanding, but at those cheap HH prices, I can't be mad. It looks like they have some good lunch specials with bento boxes, udon, and bibimbap, so I'd definitely come back and try those, too. read more

Well, well.... My friend has been bragging about this sushi place for a while now, that the food is good, that their HH is till 7:00 PM daily and that on Saturdays and Sundays HH is from 4-close. Given my serious addiction issue to Sushi, I had to try it to see if it was worth becoming a regular here. It is a pretty small setting and the decoration is not anything exciting or glamorous. The waitresses seem a little flustered at times and thus it can take some time to be seated even though there is a table available. To order from the HH menu, you should order a drink. The sushi tasted really good. Unfortunately it was wrapped rather hastily and as I was picking up each one of them, they were falling apart. According to my friend who is a regular at this place, it is quite a rarity and I take her word for that, but they tasted fresh and really good. The Wasabi hamachi roll was my favorite. The price is definitely affordable. Not sure if this place can be my go-to sushi joint, but overall I was quite satisfied with my dining experience here. read more

Sushi Kanpai - Sushi Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I came here with a group of 12 last night. We arrived at 5:30 which want we were able to take advantage of the happy hour menu. OMG it was so good. Service was great. Sushi was fresh. They note on their menu that they don't like to split bills but they were wonderful with us about it. I can't wait to go back! read more

Sushi Kanpai - Sushi Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

We're here in town for vacation. We were craving sushi and we ended up at this place because of the reviews. It lived up to the hype. The rolls were delicious and fresh. They have a happy hour menu that consist of rolls and drinks. Try the Heart attack roll. read more

GO HERE. Don't think, just do. Side note: The first time I came here I had literally just walked out of the courthouse, with my now husband, to sign our marriage license (hi Shane). I was dead set on getting sushi to celebrate completing our very important paperwork. It was a Saturday and we had trouble finding a table elsewhere, so it was a last shot stop and I couldn't have been more pleased. Very, very fair prices for sushi, and they do not skimp on the raw fish in each roll. Lots of variety in specialty rolls and the fish was SUPER fresh. We also love the saki! I brought my parents back here a couple weeks after our sushi wedding, and I can't wait to return. read more

I was pumped when I saw this place I open. I'm in the neighborhood a lot (I work nearby) so I kept saying "oh, tonight I'll try it" but it never happened. Last night? FINALLY tried it. Oh. my. God. Dinner date and I were one of a small handful of customers, so it was pretty quiet. Basketball game on behind the sushi bar, soft jazz music (non-Kenny G, I'm happy to report), and the occasional laugh from the two sushi chefs, who made up 2/3 of the staff that evening - the other 1/3 was a lovely young woman who served as hostess and waitress. We ordered the Malibu roll (tuna, salmon, crab, avocado, cucumber in soy paper wrap) and the Hawaiian roll (spicy tuna roll topped with more tuna...swoon), as well as the spicy salmon sushi and albacore nigiri. And two bowls of miso soup to start. Miso soup - good. I've only been to one place that really ruined miso soup, so it's hard to say anything unique about it...except that the spring onions floating in it were still crispy. Which I love. It reminded me a bit of my dad's miso soup and you can't convince me that anyone out there makes better miso soup than him. Dinner date thought the soup took on an onion-y flavor because of it. I had a bit of a cold so I couldn't tell. Malibu roll - lot's of really good, amazingly fresh fish in this roll. I'm not a fan of avocado (I have a hard time with the texture) so I was pleased to see very little put in there. Hawaiian roll - oh my God. OH MY GOD. We should've gotten two of those and bypassed the Malibu roll. The Malibu roll was good...but this was freaking amazing. Spicy salmon - was not what I was expecting at all. Spicy, yes...next time I think we'll get just regular salmon. It wasn't bad...it wasn't bad at all, but you know...I like nigiri. Albacore - the only thing that would drag me away from the Hawaiian roll. Had we known it was going to be a food-gasm, we probably would've just ordered a plate of the albacore nigiri. Perfectly seared on the edges and topped with a touch of smoked salt, a dollop of wasabi hiding undearneathe, and the most amazing fish-to-rice ratio on earth, this has officially taken the lead for the best albacore I've ever had. That's right, you read that right. Best. EVER. The decor is really nice, the presentation of the food is lovely, they have a large sake and wine selection, and they do take-out. I just might have to move up here because the idea of this stuff as take-out makes me weep. With joy, mind you. So why the four star rating, you ask? Because Yelp won't let me do half stars. This is actually a 4.5 rating - I've docked .5 stars for the combo of a really cold bathroom and also giving us our check in a "Discover Card" folder thingy only to find out that they don't take Discover. Misleading a little? ...you can make it up to me by giving me some more albacore... read more

I have been there several times and they always have a freshest fish. Compare to other sushi restaurants, their cut of sashimi is always the biggest. Their employees are also very nice! It is a bit pricey but it's the same at other Japanese restaurants! Also you guys should get the fried icecream! It's sooooo good!!! read more

Sushi Kanpai - Very delicious!! Made me and boyfriend sooooo full!! Worth it! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Cuts are generous, fresh, and of good quality. I enjoy my salmon a bit more fatty than what was offered but they had some of the best unagi (eel) I've ever tasted. The portions were unexpectedly big and though we ordered "the usual" amount, we were busting at the seams before the last roll. Service was extraordinary. They removed empty plates promptly, and caught on that we were way too uncomfortable to continue eating and checked in to see if we wanted to cancel the remaining orders. I can't tell you how grateful I was for that alone. We got complimentary ice cream mochi, again, probably because we over ordered or maybe the fact I came dressed up in my Halloween costume. read more

We happened to be in the neighborhood at happy hour and boy, are we glad we were! (By the way, if you don't have the Happy Hour app or the Cocktail Compass app, go download them! Now! Do it!) With a 2.75 minimum beverage purchase each (the price of a soda), we shared 5 pc Salmon Sashimi ($8), Spicy Tuna Roll ($4.50), Philadelphia Roll ($4.50) and the Vegas Roll ($9.50). All of the rolls were excellent. The Philadelphia Roll included avocado (in my experience, most places make it with just salmon and cream cheese) which was a nice added touch. Any time I order sushi I always think, "I'll never be full!" but the Vegas roll (california roll + spicy tuna + deep fried eel), like the name implies, was over the top and we actually couldn't finish it. But that doesn't mean we didn't try! Most importantly, the rolls, even at Happy Hour prices, are full size rolls. None of these teeny-weeny-itsy-bitsy rolls here. The service was excellent ,the atmosphere was nice (lots of Norah Jones playing) and pretty typical of a sushi place. Overall, it was a great dinner. I hope we find ourselves near Sushi Kanpai at Happy Hour again! read more

To me Kanpai represents a sort of sushi cafe if you will, compared to the likes of Shiro's, Japonessa or Umi, you quickly get why I could only give these guys 3 stars. Super cute modern decor, way above your standard neighborhood sushi joint. Service was very pleasant and prices were reasonable. Sushi menu and selection are VERY basic. I samples just a few dishes: - Spicy tuna roll: good texture and spice, with a crunch of fresh cucumber, a little too much rice though. - Basic hamachi roll with scallions, as expected. Note: both rolls were only $8.95 as a lunch special. - King Salmon and Mackerel sushi, also good. My meal came with Miso soup. Overall a good spot for a quick lunch or some basic sushi rolls. read more

Definitely a great value during the dinner happy hour. We were able to get in no problem on Saturday night. Happy hour requires a drink purchase per patron, and the value on drinks and maki/sashimi as well as other appetizers is fabulous. Other than the value, the yellowtail sashimi was the best thing we had. It was velvety and delicious. The maki was very average in my opinion, and I would recommend the sashimi over the maki. We had both the spicy tuna and spicy salmon maki, and I wouldn't seek those out in the future. Overall, this is a fine, neighborhood sushi joint. The maki lacked flavor, but the sashimi was great. Good value if you're looking to fill up on reasonably priced sushi. As a tourist this weekend, I was hoping more for some really inspired, Seattle sushi. read more

Purchased over 100 dollars of sushi and was supplied with 5 packets of soy sauce. The nigiri had the smallest piece of fish on a tiny almost non existent piece of rice. The shrimp rolls had to be searched for the shrimp in them. The absolute worst sushi exporter of my life. read more

Had reservations on a Saturday night for a large party. Things started going south when they gave away one of the tables that was reserved for us. When we asked why, they said not all of our party was here even though we made reservations. Second, I had ordered my Baked Mussels in the beginning when they first took our order. Everyone's food came out except mine. After asking twice what was the status of my food (45 min later) they said it was cooking. Are you f**king kidding me! It does not take that long for it to cook and why was mine last when I ordered first. I complained and asked for it to be not charged on the bill. They almost said no in which I would have made a scene but reluctantly said yes. Third, they charged us another dish that we never got and also reluctantly took it off the bill. I will never come here again even if the food was good. The service was horrible and they do not deserve my money. read more

Not bad. Not amazing. Great happy hour! 1. Service = the poor server was working the bar getting drink orders, managing the cash register ringing up patrons, and answering the ringing phone, all while prepping take out orders - and serving the entire restaurant at the same time. I get it. Every business is cutting back, but jeez. Took awhile to order, receive our drinks and food (never received our water or napkins - saki & beer quenches thirst, right? She took my friends' order, but forgot to take mine. Apparently the family sitting in front of us who arrived before us, ordered after us. They were justifiably pissed off. I just laughed it off, but my friend was also pissed at the service. The salty mood in the atmosphere took a bit to get over, but with saki flowing, I was fine. 2. Food = the sushi chefs were busy with their duties, our cuts of sushi were cut and made sloppy,and the sashimi we ordered wasn't amazing, only okay. Not bad though. One official step up from grocery store sushi. Not amazing, but cheap on HH. I planned on ordering the $26 sashimi platter on the non-happy hour menu, but the server took off after taking my friends order and I just gave up since I wasn't starving, but my friend was paying. So we had more saki. 3. The venue = this was my 3rd visit here in 3 years. I've never come here for HH, but it's well worth it, as it's a nice establishment in a weird area of First Hill that usually always has parking. I'd come back, but could do without the entire boring ass Nora Jones CD playing on repeat. Bottom line: an "a-ok" place. read more

Very good happy hour deal and service was great! Highly recommended the wasabi hamachi roll! read more

Sushi Kanpai - Wasabi hamachi roll, heart attack roll and baked spicy mussels in the back. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I have been coming here regularly now and every time the food is simply delicious. The Sushi Chefs are doing an awesome job in making sure I get to try new items each week. Really a great place for some awesome Sushi read more

Sushi Kanpai - Chirashi just delicious - Sushi Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I didn't like it the first time I came here; and the second sealed the deal for me -- I'm not coming back unless there is nothing left in my fridge and I can't get to a super market. This place is not authentic, does not feel that welcoming and is expensive. I have no reason to be back. I was tempted to come back to try happy hour but then took another look at the prices and it's not much of a savings. You will leave hungry and your wallet will be empty. read more

SPENDY BUT WORTH IT. As mom used to say, "You get what you pay for." LOCATION: Down the hill from St James Cathedral, it's near the freeway and if you can find street parking...good luck. ATMOSPHERE: It's a nicely decorated and clean place, and it's small and cozy, but big enough for a small group of 8 people or less. I sat at the sushi bar, during lunch time which was not bad. And, the place was not too crowded, so I got service right away. SERVICE: I have been in there twice. Once for dinner...the 2 waitresses were understandably a little slower to serve, but it was okay because I was with friends. The other time I went was for lunch, and the service was quick since they were less crowded and busy. QUALITY: The food quality (and I had sushi) was really good. I asked for Oshinko roll (pickled radish) which was not on the menu...but, they made it especially for me....which was very cool. PRICES: For lunch, I spent under $13, which is not bad for sushi. I also had a beer which probably jacked up the price. RETURN VISIT?: Yes, definitely. If I'm in that area again and want to get some lunch, I'll go there. read more

In short, for the price, quality, service and atmosphere, this is one of my favorite sushi spots I have found in my travel for business. The place definitely looks like a little hole-in-the-wall joint from the outside, but when you go in, it's a very clean, inviting, and comfortable atmosphere. The service was very fast and attentive. As for the food itself, I ordered their tako yaki, salmon scallop specialty roll, sake sushi, and sweet shrimp. Tako yaki - little perfectly shaped balls that crispy fried on the outside and mushy gooey hot rice with chopped octopus on the inside. The sauce bed the balls came on was delicious for dipping with. Salmon Scallop - simply put, it was salmon, scallop and avocado wrapped in a roll. It was good, but my only minor complaint is that it has a little too much spicy mayo on top. sweet shrimp - beautiful presentation. Heads were perfectly fried and crispy and not too oily, which tells me they fried it at perfect temperature. The shrimp body itself was melt in your mouth awesome with that perfect hint of sweetness. sake - the salmon to rice ratio was very generous on the salmon side and the salmon is of great quality. ordered this as my final bite and was so glad I ended it on that note. wasabi - I really liked the wasabi here. it was spicy and subtle at the same time and it gives you that tiny little bite in your nose you feel with good wasabi (in my own opinion at least) sushi rice - not one of my favorite sushi rices but not bad, per se. the quality of the fish itself more than makes up. Will most likely frequent here on my office visits to Seattle. read more

My boyfriend and I were visiting Seattle for the first time and were craving sushi so we found this spot and I 100% recommend! 10/10! From service to the food! Very attentive and the food was delicious! I had the salmon roll and the flavor was amazing! Thank you for the delicious experience. If I ever come back to Seattle I will definitely stop by here again for some sushi! read more

I've been here a few times, it is fairly pricey l, but for the quantity and taste it is usually a treat. Service was fine, seated quickly, order came out swiftly. Goodness, hands down this was the worst I have ever had. Bad enough for me to download the app with how mad I am that yelp recommended this place to me with all the other options. Miso had an overtly bitter aftertaste almost metallic like you find in the instant miso powder mix. I got the lunch roll special and my goodness it was bad. As can be seen in the picture the rice was almost homogenous, wet mochi like in appearance, texture, everything. The nori was also stale. It was like mushy fish wrapped in a piece of paper that was dipped in wet bread. If you feel like getting some rolls picking up a pack from safeway or qfc would be a better alternative. I was a bit disappointed for the taste to price, but you know what, I consider it money well spent to not have to subject my taste buds to this place again. read more

Sushi Kanpai - Sushi Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

What a great little joint this was! I was in town for business and was very much in an Asian food mood, and I'm always a sucker for good sushi. Japanese owned and operated, this place is the real deal. Everything I got was at the pinnacle of freshness, and the rice had nice flavor and texture. (I'm such a rice snob. This is saying something.) Service was prompt and super friendly and the ambiance was quiet..It's in a very residential area and seems to be the place to go for a nice quick dinner for locals. Wish I had a little local sushi joint at home along with our nice little Irish pub. When I am in Seattle again for vacation (which for sure will happen, cause wow. What a city.) I will seek out the quiet pleasures of this place again. read more

Well, this place isn't bad, but I wouldn't say it's great. The inside decor is nice and the bathrooms are clean and spacious. The staff was very friendly, but my lunch roll special wasn't so...special. I got two rolls for eleven bucks- which is a good deal, but it wasn't all that impressive. I got the spicy salmon and spicy tuna- both of which were not spicy- until I added a bit of wasabi. The wasabi is kind of a paste, which is very mild. The roll was also not very tight and was frankly a little sloppy. The miso soup was very good- tasted like a home made broth. Overall, there are many options for sushi in Seattle- if you're at the hospital, it's a convenient location and better than hospital food. If you're driving around looking for a good sushi roll- I'd keep driving read more

Went during there happy hour the food was very tasty an had great service. Ordered 4 rolls, tempura, hot tea,and ice cream. The rolls were all very yummy an the fish was super fresh. The hot green tea was an absolute joy. read more

So happy. So, so happy. 9 out of 10 times, they nail it. I've only had one less than stellar meal but it was right at end, like 5 minutes left of happy hour. Other than that, they've treated me and my wife very well everytime we go. Although I usually get salmon roll or 5 piece sushi, they're chicken katsu is awesome as well. Get the green tea! read more

This is my favorite place for sushi in Seattle. It is small and intimate, definitely nice to enjoy with friends or to grab a quick bite at the bar. Among my favorites are the salmon sashimi, baked mussels and their great selection of sake. They have an awesome happy hour selection and I always look forward to coming back! read more

When I want good tasting spicy sushi and don't feel like going too far I choose Sushi Kanpai. I love the volcano rolls & spicy scallop rolls... want something minus the spice try their whirlpool rolls which are a delicious different take on Americanize sushi. Also enjoyable is the tempura and the house tea. The service is excellent and on multiple occasions the waitress has talked with my date about the cultural aspects of the meal. Everyone is always nice there and you can feel that they generally appreciate the business. My problems with the Kanpai are simple: the hours have changed a lot since their opening, and the prices are a bit high, although it is sushi. If you are looking to avoid those high prices, I suggest giving the budget lunch menu a try. read more