Kan-Pai Japanese Steak & Sushi
N Little Rock, AR 72117-2531
Phone: (501) 945-9494
User Reviews for Kan-Pai Japanese Steak & Sushi
07/17/2008 Posted by jeffarnim
I must disagree with negative reviews. I enjoyed very good fish, prepared nicely, and served by cordial staff. The atmosphere is so-so, but the decor is decent and the pond is a nice touch. Staff and other patrons seemed like they were all having a good time. Now I wouldn't call the people the most overly engaging, but then again, most sushi restaurant employees including the chef do not start conversation, perhaps as a courtesy. This restaurant is a little more modern, with a big TV, and conventional American-style bar, but they seem proud of their business and their service. My escolar (white tuna) and even red snapper seemed very fresh, and the spicy crawfish was very tasty, if a bit heavy. I'm always very skeptical about new (to me) sushi bars (I don't tolerate bad fish), but this place surprised me and I will visit again, and would take a friend or client (though I would prefer a bit nicer ambiance.) My other favorite is Igibon, so now I have one on each side of town - though I would strongly warn anyone against wasting their time at Kobe (on financial center parkway). Kan-Pai is top-tier in my experience - I'm glad I tried them out!
Pros: Good location, pleasant people
Cons: 'just a place' ambiance and decor, warnings about potential vandalism to cars...
10/10/2007 Posted by sfchollon
I went on a Wed. night also and stood at the door waiting to be seating by a hostess that was not to be seen. I grew tired and my friend and I sat ourselves at the sushi bar. The chef was not friendly or engage us in conversation. The sake tasted watered down. The sushi and sashimi meat tasted as it had been previously frozen, not firm. Large pieces of meat was served, but not overly tasty. Service was poor, my firend had to almost tackle a waiter to get a glass of water, which should have been served when we were seated (I was served a glass of water he wasn't, go figure?). I don't think I will return, at least not for the sushi and sashimi. Food at the grills smelled good and the people at them seem to have been having fun. Perhaps I'll try that instead.
Pros: Nice interior, next door to a resturant with girls in orange tight shorts (I can't type the H word). Hard to think of any pros. Mizu soup was good.
Cons: Bad service, previously frozen sushi/sashimi meat.
