Kampai Japanese Restaurant - Hamilton

I went to Kampai with a bunch of coworkers after raving to them about all the amazing food I'd had on a recent trip to Japan. I was not expecting to get an exact replica of what I'd seen over there, but even so, what I got was quite disappointing. The menu promises a big variety of dishes, and this always make me leery of how well they can all be executed. I ordered the Tofu Teriyaki lunch dish. My friends ordered a few different sushi, sashimi and maki plates. Everything arrived at intervals, not in any order. One person would be surrounded by food and the rest were twiddling their thumbs. Most of the reactions from my friends ranged from hmm to unh .and saddest of all "is this what it's supposed to taste like"? A few had not had Japanese food before except for those little sushi trays you get at grocery stores, so my tales of adventurous dining in Japan gave them the idea that they were in for something special. What we got was just average. The food was fine, the service was ok, the restaurant itself is long overdue for freshening up. All in all, not a good representation of the true reverence the Japanese have for great food.

Excellent! Fresh, quality ingredients skillfully prepared by open-view chef who greats diners with a casual, friendly HELL-oh-OH? as they enter. Attentive service, balanced seasoning, mouth-watering dishes prepared to perfection. They have pride in their work. Tasty complimentary miso soup. Calamari, Beef Teriyaki perfect! Other diners enjoyed sushi, sashimi, tempura, etc. All were impressed. Very affordable with medium sized portions. Traditional intimate Japanese atmosphere. Next time in the area, no brainer - we'll stick with the best!

I enjoyed à la carte dining of mackerel, salmon, and tuna sashimi along with the spicy scallop roll. Aside from the Saba ( mackerel) which seemed a bit dry. The sashimi was some of the freshest I have had. And I think their spicy scallop has replaced chop-chop as my favourite sushi dessert ;)

Kampai offers what I consider somewhat above average sushi. Nirigi are hearty sized and reasonably fresh. They offer some unique sushi with garlic cream rolls baked as an example. The service is lovely, but I personally believe their prices are too high for the quality received.

Went to Kampai last night for what turned out to be the best Sashimi we've had in the area. Started with calamari, then medium sashimi boat and a dragon rollThe calamari was prepared perfectly. not over cooked and the coating was nicely seasoned. THe sashimi had a great selection and the portions were approriateThe dragon roll was very niceAll in all this was a hit and we will be back. Presentation of the sashimi was very creative. Love this place