Kanpai

I’m a little spoiled.
I live down the block from Rice N Roll, so I usually don’t end up venturing very far for sushi. This means that I unfortunately don’t try new places as often as I should.
I’ve payed dearly for that, because Kanpai is pretty damn good sushi.
The prices are fair, the rice is cooked properly, and the ratio of ingredients compliment each other perfectly! I heartily recommend anything with the barbecue eel, it’s the best!
The service is fast and friendly, and I love that they have little buttons in the booth that you can press to hail your server. It’s like EATING ON AN AIRPLANE!
I’ll likely come back next time I’m in the area and try some of their other rolls, as their specialty ones looked very unique, and I’m ready to take the plunge, now that I see their foundation is solid.

I’ve been here about 4 times and would come more often if it wasn’t for that darn Third Ward parking. Surprisingly, I’ve never gotten the sushi here! I actually always get their Korean food, despite their sister restaurant (Stone Bowl — DELICIOUS, by the way) having a much larger selection. Although, now that I look at the menu… did they take away their Korean selections? What happened to the bibimbop?
Anyway, the food I’ve had is always delicious and the service equally as pleasant. I’ve never had to wait long for my order. I also really love sitting outside on their «patio» and think it has one of the best places to sit and eat in the Third Ward. It’s so relaxing to enjoy the sun and watch people go by.
I also found my favorite sake of all time at Kanpai — namely, Tozai. It’s the only Japanese restaurant I know that has it, and I actually drove all the way down to Mitsuwa in Chicago to buy a few bottles. If you’re looking for a great sake, super smooth and still affordable, try their Tozai.

First visit so this won’t be as long of a review until I visit again and update.
First impression is «yeah! Nice place!» By the atmosphere and décor. I was out and about enjoying the weather and looking for ramen noodles. I Unilocaled and this came up but unfortunately no ramen. So we did the Lunch specials and I had the spicy special. Again first impression is good quality. Lunch special comes with miso soup and salad. Salad was actually surprisingly good. Not your typical lunch low quality high margin salad. The roles were of spicy salmon variety with salmon maki on top. Nice spicy sauce and plenty of ginger (I usually have to ask for more).
Another first impression was the price. A bit high I thought for lunch special. Mine was $ 17. It is third ward so it is expected. But afterwards, that was excellent value for what I got. The rolls were on the larger side. More to come in these reviews as I will most certainly be back. I’m already a fan and even after one visit I must give it 5 stars.

This was a great place! Wide selection of sushi which were all good from what we tried. I recommend the spicy spider roll.

Kanpai Izakawa Restaurant was a welcome surprise for our special dinner! The house sake was a slightly lesser brand of a maker who specializes in some exquisite sakes (albeit more expensive)… and it was genuinely good and very reasonable.
We shared a decent hamachi sashimi plate with thin slices of serrano pepper in ponzu (I like ponzu a little more vinegary, but it was still quite good)… then my husband went all in on sashimi… His favorites were the hamachi and escolar, but he went rhapsodic about the buri toro, which is a fancy cut from the hamachi belly, and as he said, worth twice the price…
I waited for what was the best BEST hamachi kama (cooked collar of the yellowtail) that I’ve ever eaten anywhere! Stunned by how fresh it was, and by the light spice on the grilled skin.
We’re coming back.
And we’re asking for our waiter, PARIS…
Could not have wanted for nicer people there…

Being an avid believer in Unilocal,I went looking for a place to make our family sushi joint in Milwaukee. I saw the star rating and that it was not far from home, so off we went.
I love the fact that it is located by a parking garage and that we did not have to look for a space forever. We quickly parked, went down the stairs and bada-​bing we were there.
The teenager had just finished a basketball tourney, so he was «starving» (rolls eyes) and was ready to throw down some rolls! Our server was great, very prompt, made sure drinks were ordered quickly, and brought out the edamame we ordered very quickly.
We had a little trouble finding rolls because we do not like spicy and it seemed a lot of the rolls had some heat (this is not their fault, it is a great menu, we just aren’t the heat people). Anyway we ordered Shrimp Tempura, California, Rock and Roll and the Philly substituting the salmon for crab. The rolls were packed perfectly, I hate when rolls fall apart! The rice was delicious and you can tell they use a good quality rice and ingredients.
Beautiful atmosphere and even though we did not sit at the sushi bar it was cool to be able to watch them prepare sushi from where we were sitting. The rest of their menu looks extensive and delicious. While I am not sure this is going to be «our place» we will definitely be going back. One pet peeve, we checked in for Unilocal (which gives you 10% off… yay Unilocal) and our server had to take my husband’s phone to the manager to give us the discount. My hubby has his wallet on his phone, so this made him uncomfortable. I understand if a manager has to verify the discount, but come to our table, instead of taking the phone to them. Other than that it was a great meal, with a full teenager (now how often does that happen?)

We walked in on a Saturday around 5:30 to maybe two or three tables occupied. The hostess degradingly asked if we had reservations (which we did not) and begrudgingly showed us to a table.
My wife wanted to order a glass of wine. Each time she made a selection, our waitress would leave the table to ask the bartender if they had that bottle. Understandable, but perhaps know your selection a little better.
We ordered gyoza to help curb our appetites while we looked over the menu. We felt that it was over-​fried and under-​filled. Also, normally when you unwrap your chopsticks, you fold the paper into a stand. Our waitress promptly took our papers away.
The sushi was okay. Nothing crazy. Probably the spiciest Spicy Tuna roll we’ve ever had.
There was one bus boy refilling water that was very nice.
Before we were done eating, our waitress brought our check out like she knew we weren’t having a good time.
The second my wife and I put each of the last rolls in our mouth, another bus boy came and took our plate. Nice, but I really wanted a bite of ginger to calm my palate after the scorching Spicy Tuna.
If Kanpai was the only sushi joint in a 3000 person town we would be back. But it’s not, and we’re not.

The food was absolutely amazing! – we had the kunpai, dancing dragon, green bay, boss and mange treis! Being from Chicago, we’re used to good sushi, and this is outstanding! Our server Heather was so helpful and recommended the best of everything, which was spot on! The decoration is modern and welcoming! I’d drive all the way back to Milwaukee just to come here for sushi!

Great sushi excellent atmosphere. Kanpai serves it up right! I’ve been here a few times now and they are consistently great. The sushi is fresh and they have very unique rolls they’ve created on the menu. Personally I love sitting at the Sushi bar because you get to watch the extraordinary knife skills of the chefs. Truly an amazing art to creating such delectable palate pleasing edible works of art! One day I’l venture away from the sushi and try one of the many other japanese fusion dishes they make, but for now I’m just enjoying a piece of sushi heaven.

Great experience. Nigiri was fresh lots of options for Maki (rolls). Nice surprise to see a few Korean dishes in the menu. Really happy this place is just a short walk form home. Will be back regularly.

My family and I had a wonderful experience last weekend for my brother’s birthday.
We made reservations and our tables were setup so beautifully with candles and flowers (as were the other tables) and there was a special menu for Valentine’s day.
The server assigned to our tables, Paris was AMAZING!
He helped with educating some of us who weren’t as familiar or new to sushi and he was extremely patient.
He explained what vegetarian options were available to be and even had someone from the kitchen come to my table when I had questions about my meal.
The drinks were amazing as well, I had a pear saketini.
All and all we were all extremely satisfied and we’ll definitely be returning!

Been here a few times, the food overall is pretty good and great location if you happen to be visiting the third ward. On my couple visits the tuna nigiri was very chewy and just seemed off regarding freshness (read: nasty). Everything else seemed fine though but disappointed because everyone working at any halfway decent Japanese reasturant knows exactly what kind of stuff is coming out of the kitchen on a given day, including the owner or on-​site management.
Hopefully it was just a bump in the road and not a sign this place is headed down hill, that would be a shame.
I really like this place for the food and friendly atmosphere — a little overly friendly (not bad) even compared to other Japanese places. Fun joint.

Hands down the best sushi/​sashimi we’ve had in Milwaukee (and we’ve tried pretty much everything within a 10 min drive of downtown). Stacks up well against our favorite places in NYC, Chicago, Singapore, and yes, even Tokyo (although it is fusion-​esque so somewhat apples to oranges). Price point is higher than other MKE sushi spots but it’s usually worth it. Decent sake selection too (try the flights if you’re unfamiliar… Won’t be disappointed).

The sushi was delectable, the service, mediocre at best. I got the Green Bay roll and my partner got the beef rolls. They were cold by the time my sushi came out, there was evidently some mix-​up in the kitchen. The beef itself was tough. We did get a more spendy bottle of sake for a lower price as they had run out of our request. However, the waitress was dismissive and not very attentive. I’d be willing to give it another try but it’s teetering on the edge of not worth it.

Giving this place four stars because the service was awesome and I really loved the crab Rangoon roll which was the special.
Underwhelming was the spicy tuna seaweed salad (didn’t taste that fresh) and another roll I got. Both were mediocre.
I would come back because I liked the one roll, hot tea, the music, the atmosphere and the service.
All in all, pretty decent.

Food was fantastic and service was outstanding. We had a lot of questions trying to decide between so many delicious sounding menu items and Heather made top notch recommendations. We had the special Lobster roll, the Bulgogi App, Tuna Tower and the flaming tuna 151 roll and they were all super tatsy. Lava Cake and Green Tea Ice cream for dessert topped it off well. Will definitely eat here again next time I’m in town.

One of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Milwaukee! It’s the perfect place for a dinner date, especially with their booth seats that give you enough privacy.
I always get their sushi rolls whenever I visit. They come in huge portions as well, so make sure you have a big appetite! One tip, if you’re deciding between the regular salmon rolls or smoked salmon, go for the regular. I’m usually okay with smoked salmon, but the roll that I got during my last visit tasted a little funky. Most probably won’t get anything with smoked salmon in it again, but I have no complaints about the other sushi rolls!
The servers here are very friendly and nice too… Well sometimes maybe too much. The last time I went, our order took a little longer to be ready because of the crowd and our waiter came over multiple times to apologize, which was nice. But every time he came over, he’d tell us that our order will «be coming very soon» (which obviously didn’t happen) I appreciate the good intention, but if it’s not coming soon, don’t get our hopes up for nothing):
Overall, if you’re looking for good Japanese food (or some simple Korean dishes) and a nice restaurant experience, this is your spot!

AWESOME!!! Great food, service, atmosphere (we dined on the outdoor patio)!!! Everything I am looking for when dining out.
Thank you!

Best selection! Best atmosphere! Best Service! And very easy to get too. Never have I ever been disappointed by anything that I have ordered! Fantastic place!

Second time here. Still just average experience. The sashimi is pretty decent, would be a 4 – 5 star rating, but the other stuff is just not good.
The salad had soggy cucumbers with spots that looked like either rotten or frost bitten, also had rotten pieces of lettuce leaves in there. I brought it up to the waitress, she asked if I wanted a new bowl, i was just like nah forget about it, i’m not gonna finish it (inside I’m questioning how are they to bring me a bowl of fresh salad when the batch is just not good).
The California roll that came with the sashimi dinner size set was yucky. I took one bite and left it the way they are. I am pretty picky about rolls, but usually I understand the rolls that come within a set are lesser in its quality, so I didn’t even expect much. And in most cases in other restaurants, I can eat most of them if not all. But here, I can’t swallow it. Waste of money.
We sat at the sushi bar intending to enjoy a true sashimi experience. And the sushi bar people, they looked… a bit weird. They would look at you with some sort of I can’t tell was it contempt or ignorance or simply don’t care. Fine… you are working and you don’t have to be friendly to us within 3 feet. But then they would talk with each other in Korean and point at us with their fingers. That’s so annoying since I don’t know what the hack they are saying and laughing about. Such a weird experience.
Do not intend to go there a third time.

Always a favorite, I recommend sitting at the bar if you want sushi as they will always treat you with something special!

In a word forgettable.
Kanpai took the place of another japanese/​sushi resteraunt that closed in this location a bit ago. Honestly I couldn’t tell you what changed. The food was good, service was slow, and prices a bit high. That’s what I took away from my dinner which certainly isn’t enough to get me back.

sushi were very fresh and tasty we ordered 4 rolls with 2 miso and edamame all food came out very fast and sever was very nice
We all love that place and definitely going back again
But I gave kanpai 4 stars because they say sauce was so salty than other sushi restaurant and all the rolls came out without pickle ginger!

Sushi is an extremely difficult food to do correctly, and in an area like Milwaukee as compared to fresher markets, it’s even more difficult, but Kanpai without a doubt is the all-​time champion at sushi in Milwaukee.
Their venue, although it has changed hands quite a few times, remains in the trendy Third Ward, just off of it’s two main streets and the restaurant itself is a combination of modern and nature-​centric style you would expect from a classy sushi stop. This is exactly the kind of place to order great food with great cocktails, and unwind after a week with your close friends or loved ones. To me, it feels like one of the only places in Milwaukee that reminds you of being in a real metropolitan area full of culture and diversity.
I can boast about their menu just as much. Not only do they have a fantastic drink selection, but their sushi and sashimi rolls, along with house specialities means that everyone is able to find a personal favorite on this menu.
During the many times I have been here, mostly for dinner on weekends, they were very busy, yet staff was still attentive and friendly. All of the things we ordered were extremely fresh and high quality (I should know, I live on the Gulf), and was priced just slightly above being a place I could dine at regularly during the week.
Overall, this restaurant hits every mark possible for Milwaukee, and if you’re a seafood or sushi-​seeker, this is one of your must stop locations while visiting Brew Town.

I looooove Kanpai. Everything on the menu is good! My bf and I come here pretty often and we prefer maki; we’ve tried the Pink Dolphin, Hawaiian Volcano, Kanpai, O My God, Samurai Craving, MKE, Green Bay, Volcano, Spicy Salmon, Spicy Crab, Spicy Tuna, Red Dragon, Rock N Roll, and Summer rolls and probably others that I’ve forgotten. Every roll is presented beautifully and tastes delightful. The house salad with ginger dressing is also awesome. I like the fact that they offer Asian Fusion items so that if J and I ever get sick of maki (doubtful) the menu has lots more to explore.
Service is typically fantastic, from both the bartenders and wait staff. Though, there was one time when we came for dinner and were seated and it took 30 minutes for the waitress to come back over to take our orders. I think she just actually forgot about us during that time. That was disappointing so that’s the only reason why I’m leaving off a star. But we’ll continue to be regulars, regardless! YOU MUST TRY THIS PLACE!!!

Exceptional service, exceptional quality, exceptional ambiance.
We shared the sushi boat, and the Wagyu Jalapeño poppers — both were fantastic!
This place gets it, top notch 5-​stars across the board. What is unique/​interesting about this place is that it is a lot more than sushi. They also do tappa style and they do it very well, everything has an asian flair to it, but the variety is incredible!
We have come back twice to this place, and it was fantastic both times!

I am working up in Milwaukee and always need to go out for sushi at least once a week. We’ve tried a number of local sushi restaurants and have always come back to Kanpai. The fish quality is very good, the variety excellent, and the service is friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is geared towards 30-​somethings meeting friends for dinner/​drinks although older people won’t feel out of place. And the restaurant décor is a modern-​Japanese style with a medium-​sized traditional sushi bar.
I would give Kanpai 4.5 stars if Unilocal allowed half points. It’s definitely a great value for the money (especially with happy hour prices) and I have never been disappointed.

One of my 2015 Unilocal goals is to update reviews. Make ‘em more relevant to the calendar year, ya hear?
Plus, in many cases I’ve been back to many of the places I first reviewed at the start of my Unilocal journey many times over since the first review, so an update to reflect what’s actually happening here + now is def in order.
So Kanpai! I’m updating but not changing their star rating. (They’re awesome, I’m just adding a few observations to the initial review which I wrote in 2011 and edited the other night because I noticed a typo.)
Kanpai: come as you are unless you’re in sweatpants. (Read: I saw casual, business casual, and folks dressed up while I was there. It’s a nicer joint but not too terribly fancy, so come as you are… within reason. I’M LOOKING AT YOU SOUTH MILWAUKEE.)
Expect: an extensive menu featuring sushi, sashimi, nigiri, entrees, omakase + more. Seriously. The menu is huge. Take a gander proactively so you’re not overwhelmed.
I usually opt for sushi, and this go around, I split with mu dining companion of absolute choice one signature roll and two more traditional-​ish rolls: the California and the Kamikaze. I absolutely adored the Kamikaze… spicy tuna, serrano pepper, cucumber, salmon, scallion, spicy aioli… all of my favorites, all together. J’adore and highly recommend. The California was fresh and light w/​crab, avocado, and cucumber, and yes, we went for «The Boss» as well, which certainly wasn’t light, but certainly was beyond delicious.
Three rolls: California ($ 7), Kamikaze ($ 13) and the Boss ($ 16) as well as two bowls of miso soup, a 300ml carafe of Bishonen sake and some green tea = $ 63. Not horrible, and we left satisfied and happy, full of fresh fish, rice, tea, and sake.
Good sushi can be hard to find, and Kanpai is pretty dang good, you guys.

The place: My first thoughts were something along the lines of wow… this seems like a pretty classy place, but I totally didn’t get that vibe from the outside. They have a button at least by our table that you can press «should you need service at anytime.» I mean come on, how progressive and amazing is that? Of course, our waitress was extremely helpful and attentive so we never considered pressing it, but that was pretty great. There is an area where you can sit on the floor, true Japanese style, but we opted for plain old American tables.
The taste: Exceptional. Honestly. Maybe we just ordered very well (we got this special tempura avocado per the waitresses suggestion) but everything was flavorful and filling. After the avocado, we shared a veggie maki roll (not at all boring or small) and a roll called loco motion, with tempura tuna that was delicious. We also shared a sea bass that came on top of something fennel/​bok Choy like that was crispy and buttery at the same time. The bass melted in our mouths and out of it burst all the flavors of the sauces it rested on. The diced up mango on top was a lovely touch. We ended with a house salad because we dare to be different. The creamy ginger dressing wasn’t what we were expecting, but was possibly even better. It reminded us of something, but I don’t know what.
My face: we opted for no cocktails, but my face still had a smile on it because everything was so wonderful. Bill was $ 48 before tip. And worth every penny.