Kanpai Restaurant, Chula Vista CA

Great service, even better food and fair prices.
Easily the best Japanese food spot in South Bay

This is the Spicy Champon, it was delicious. The lady that took my order was very sweet and helpful. I will definitely come back and try something else. Perhaps a bento. I can’t wait!

I have been coming to this restaurant with my family since I was 4 years old in 1994 after my dad retired from the Navy following his last stint of service in Misawa. While I don’t remember being four eating there, I can tell you every experience I have eaten there has been incredibly enjoyable despite not remembering the first. Beside the food always being amazing including the last time a month ago, they are always incredibly consistent.

Misako, more often than not was the one serving our table for at least 20 years (probably have eaten here with my family 300+ times). The other reviews stating their amazing hospitality are not wrong in the slightest. To the other familiar and long time faces of the staff, I’m sorry I don’t remember your names but you have always provided the same amazing service and food! I’m pretty sure the man behind the sushi bar and grill has been there as long as I can remember.

While I no longer live in Chula Vista anymore I always look forward to visiting two places when I come back: Kanpai (“Cactus Butt” we called it lovingly, as it had a great sign logo of a raccoon with a spikey looking tail in the past holding a lantern, I was sad to not see him the last time I was there, but that didn’t change anything about the experience, food or service!) and home.

Thanks again for being the best Japanese restaurant I’ve ever been to (including a few in Japan!)

One of our go-to Asian restaurants. Authentic sushi and other Japanese cuisine for affordable prices. My wife and I come here often.

Love all items from the menu, but If this is your first time visiting I would recommend a Bento Box so to try a variety of delicious things.

If you love traditional Japanese meals, this is the place for you. I have tried all their ramen, and they are delicious. Whenever I come to the restaurant, it has never been crowded, and that's a plus if you are with someone to enjoy the meal with. The staff is friendly and attentive. They answer any questions you may have on any item on the menu.

Very tasty, good options something that i loved is that i can actually hear people speaking Japanese freely I'm trying to learn it so this is the closest experience i will get before and if i go to Japan ine day, authentic and nice respectful service

Flavorless and pricey for what you get. I had to add flavor at home to even eat it. Our family loves three other ramen places, one of which is right down the road from this one, but we stopped just on a whim and nope- the high rating for this place must not be for the ramen, it must be their other menu items: (

Been coming here for at least 17 years. Food has changed slightly over the years but still tastes great. Wish the spicy ramen was red like it used to be.

This place is bomb. Everything on the menu is authentic and delicious! The Chanpon Ramen is legit. The Bento boxes are perfect. The customer service is top notch. They make you feel at home and are super kind, respectful and patient!

I don't like it was not my place they charge u 10 % why they do that that adding more to your bill he'll no my place is deli 3 sushi. Sorry not my place.

Sigh.
#5 attempt of our best ramen of San Diego. Definitely bottom so far. The base of the ramen was watery and unloved. The noodles didn't have time to soak in whatever flavor might have been there.
No egg, no toppings except a few slivers of pork, 4 small shrimp, and a single squid? Tendril that was overcooked.
Tako Yaki was EXCELLENT.
SOPPORO was made in Wisconsin.
Stopped eating ramen after first couple bites and considered going somewhere else. Husband and myself.
Only tried the ramen and Tako Yaki.
Only 1 star for the appetizer.
Try try again

Had the tempura udon. I got to say that the broth was delicious and the noodles were perfect. Service quick and calm. A very welcoming environment.

My wife and I had heard really good things about this place from many people. We finally had the chance to give it a shot. We ordered to go, and the wait was kinda long. It was close to closing time, so I understood and waited patiently. However, when we got home, we were highly disappointed. We ordered 2 rolls, a salad, and a sushi combo b. The sushi looked like it came from a 7-11, and tasted as much. For $60, you're probably better off going to a grocery store and getting their sushi there. I've been to a lot of Japanese restaurants, and I'm sorry, but this place was highly disappointing.

First time eating here came during lunch and felt very comfortable being here. Service is really great with friendly and attentive staff which makes it a nice quiet place to enjoy a great lunch. Tried the curry udon and it was absolutely amazing, perfect thick noodles in a rich flavorful curry broth. Highly recommend to come and give a try. Will surely be back another time for dinner.

I’ve been dining here for years. I’m not a regular but I do come back once a year to introduce their exquisite cuisine to a close friend or family member. Their staff is always working hard to serve you as you deserve. They give you a warm welcome and are always polite to everyone. The food which is their key to success is top notch. It’s simple but delicious. Too many dishes to recommend but I love their soups and appetizers the most. I’m glad they have good business despite the pandemic and lack of staff, keep it up team! Arigatō