Kampai - Sushi Bar and Grill Knutsford in Cheshire East

Was waiting for a long time for a Japanese to open and was so disappointed by this experience. The food was anything but authentic Japanese. The menu has all the right words, but it's not a well put together operation. If you're a lover of good, quality Japanese you'll want to give it a miss. If you just want a night out, somewhere with nice decor then it'll be fine.

Not wanting to travel to Manchester or Liverpool for a sushi and sashimi hit my girlfriend and I decided to try Kampai Knutsford. Having eaten in a number of excellent Japanese restaurants including Nobu, Park Lane all we could say is we were disappointed. Where was the tofu but more importantly the miso in the miso soup. We could not taste it. It was a good chicken stock with spring onions. The Sashimi, sushi and nigiri, the fish did not seem as fresh as it needs to be, could have been better chilled also. The main was OK. The chicken karaage better than the beef teriyaki. We will be travelling to Manchester or Liverpool next time. A shame.

Lovely food and really great service from Grant, Izzie, and sorry forgot the name of the other waitress. Amazing free shot at the end really topped off the experience. Will definitely be returning!!

I took my friend on a Wednesday for her birthday. There were only 6 of us in the restaurant and a blow heater on a window sill heating the room. I was freezing cold for the entire time. The food is always good although we found the staff rather uninterested in us. I made the mistake of going to the bathroom which had no heating on at all. Not a pleasant experience when it's minus temperatures outside. I appreciate the cost of heating is high but may be better to remain closed on a quiet night than freeze your clients. It's put me off returning

A fantastic meal with impeccable service. I have a fish allergy and the staff went above and beyond to accommodate me. The food was amazing with a wide range of different foods on the menu. We had a wide range of starters as we couldn’t decide. The cocktails are also fabulous. We will definitely be coming back.

So let’s start by saying the food is fabulous, like really fabulous however I will not be returning. Luca, the manager whilst welcoming and clearly charismatic has no idea how to treat staff. He can be heard shouting at staff from all corners of the restaurant. He charges around the place gesticulating at them and generally creates a very tense atmosphere. I did humorously raise it with him at the end of the meal where he told me that the staff are new and therefore he has to shout at them! What an awful place it must be to work. Such a shame as the food was top notch.

This is the third time I have visited Kampai and it will be the last. The first time my partner and I were sat in a corridor by the kitchen and it was freezing - we asked to move tables and were met with the rudest waiter who explained loudly that we put up with it. The food was tasty therefore we rebooked and specifically asked not to be put in the corridor again...and yet, we were greeted with the same table upon arrival and the waiter made a real fuss about changing tables despite there being plenty empty. After the way we were treated were going to leave but we saw a big group of friends on the next table and we did not want to cause a fuss. Last night we went as a table of 6. The drinks took forever to arrive, the food was lukewarm and bland. the order was taken wrong and we did not recieve the table we requested (again). Ontop of this, the restaurant was empty and we were waiting over 10 mins to order more drinks.

Magic atmosphere and amazing food. Delicious drinks and perfect welcoming, great service! Definetelly coming back ;)

1 hour wait for drinks - wrong food - drinks not arriving - food not arriving - copious times we had to get up to get staff - only thing that saved it was the food that came was tasty other than that shocking - surrounded by tables who had the same problems

Probably the worst service I’ve ever experienced. I think a 16yr old at McDonald’s could run this place better. Only thing they got write was the reservation time.

Came here for dinner and thought the restaurant/menu looked really nice. As soon as we walked in there was a weird atmosphere, very rushed despite a number of staff working and not many tables in the restaurant. Waited at least 20 minutes until someone came over to take a drinks order. Staff very inattentive, rushing round the whole time, made to feel like we were an inconvenience. When the bill came (which wasn’t cheap) there was a 10% service charge applied, we paid this and didn’t even receive conversation or a thank you, one of the waitresses was speaking on the phone walking around the restaurant! The table next to us also had to ask for drinks and to query where their food was. Very disappointed. The food was nice but won’t be returning.

Just visiting knutsford and googled local sushi places and this was top of the list, Lovely staff and service and probably the nicest sushi I have ever eaten 5 stars from us

I would love you to be around for a long time, hospitality is tough, Knutsford rents and rates are expensive. But, you are selling small portions at too high a price, £9 for two very small steam buns with 2 strips of breaded chicken in as a starter for 2 is expensive. My son and I spent just under £40 for 6 starters as a takeaway treat to share and afterwards had to cook ourselves a meal. 3 starters each at any other restaurant in Knutsford would have been more than enough. The vegetable tempura, cauliflower and fries portions were small. When going out with friends no-one suggests your restaurant for exactly the same reasons, you don’t want this reputation. The food tastes good, it’s a lovely environment but I for one won’t be coming back, I have been quite a few times and I always feel the same way. You need to sacrifice your profits for a longer term presence.

Poor portion size for the price. One chicken thigh in the main course at 19 pounds isn't fair. Single expresso at 3.50 and to top it off they put 10% service charge on the bill . There were only two of us but we usually tip well. Waiter looked miffed we didn't add extra tip on the bill. I will happily pay good money for decent food but the portion size for meat content was poor. Won't visit again which is a shame in some ways

Great venue, the staff are friendly and kind and they have a great variety of sake and spirits of Japanese origin. The bar manager is very experienced and, in addition to making me excellent drinks, he recommended an excellent whiskey with which to end the evening. One of the best places visited so far.

Exceptional food. I don't really like sushi, but my husband and son do. So they had Omakase Fusion 20 piece selection and I had some. It was so fresh that I actually liked it and had some. I have never liked sushi before, but this...

We had the most amazing meal - the food was outstanding and our server Joanna really looked after us. We’ll definitely be returning!

I met a friend for a long overdue catch-up at Kampai in Knutsford and we were both very impressed with the quality of the food and the staff who helped us navigate the extensive menu and make excellent choices on the dishes we selected both...

Nothing special at all in this place. Over rated reviews for sure! All about 5/10. Food, atmosphere, service, prices, staff professionalism and presentation ..etc Wine glass smelt… kept quiet as i didn’t want to spoil the evening!! Will i go again: defo NO Will i...

Popped in with a few friends a few weeks ago. Was in love with the decor and menu. All the staff were super friendly, this will be one of my new regulars.

Sunday we have been to eat in Kampai with my girlfriend , 5 star for service,food was very delicious, we had sushi roll with salmon and some sashimi the fish was very fresh.The guy that was serving us was always with smile and careful in...

Its worth the 36 minutes drive to this super fabulous place in Knutsford! We were greeted by Joanna who was very accommodating and patiently explained the menu to is since its our first time. The food is superb as well as the place! Will surely...

Lady on the phone was rude despite a takeaway order of over £120. Said "that doesn't exist" on the menu and when probing realised it is on the menu, I can't believe a potion of the bar buns is ONE! It's expensive and when we...

Booked a table for 7.30 The evening didn’t start well. We were seated at 7.45 We had to ask 3 times for someone to take our order which they did at around 8.15 so half an hour wait. The drinks took another 20 minutes. No...

Staff pleasant enough but food was just ok. Miso soup, broccoli and Pak Choi lukewarm, Ramen salty and had to ask for the soy for the sashimi which was excellent as was the tempura veg

At the moment the best sushi and fusion food I've tried I'd like to advise everyone to go and try Service top and staff very kindly

Don't get me wrong, the food was fantastic. The atmosphere though and the staff and experience was unbelievable. Simply and incredible meal and great time. I highly recommend coming here and simply relaxing and enjoying yourself. Arigato Kampai 👍

Excellent, friendly service. Everything was fresh and made in the kitchen. The sushi and tempura dishes are highly recommended. Loved the decor. The Japanese street scene you feel you are in a side street restaurant in Tokyo. Nice atmosphere overall.

I was recommended Kampai in Knutsford and we were not disappointed. Came on Friday for a birthday celebration, 8 of us. We all really enjoyed ourselves, excellent service, especially from Joanna. The food and cocktails were amazing. Will definitely be coming back very soon.

Beautiful food and great service! It was my first visit tonight and my sister has been eight times! We cannot understand any of the poor reviews on here. I can’t wait to come back 😊😊😊 veggie gyozas and sweet potato croquettes soooo tasty xx

Manager was very polite but food was dreadful - dry, tasteless and certainly not fresh. And whilst I appreciate that sushi can be made by just about anybody, this restaurant appears to be owned and run by eastern Europeans. However, as this is supposed to...

Ate here last night with my husband. We were really looking forward to trying it and having a different cuisine in Knutsford. The sushi was good, really fresh. The hot main dishes, billed as mains, were lovely and hot in temperature but mediocre in terms...

We had a great time, food and drinks were delicious but the service was what made our night amazing! Thanks to our waiter Amin! Will definitely be back!

We heard from many friends and family that Kampai was great and we were not disappointed. Booked a table on a Sunday evening, and from the moment we stepped through the door, nothing was too much trouble. As local residents, we are delighted that a...

Visited the restaurant with my partner this evening, sad to say there was a break down in communication. Went into restaurant to fetch menu as app didn’t seem to work, when phone up from the car to ask if I could create my own assorted...

We visited the restaurant after a recommendation of the one in Hale and we were excited that one closer to us opened in Knutsford.. Everything was excellent and we were also helped with choosing the right food for our taste as it was long time...

Visited here on New Year’s Eve with my partner, friend and her partner for a sit down meal before going to enjoy the rest of our nights. We had ordered some cocktails which we had to ask for as they were taking a while and...

The food, the staff and the service time was absolutely amazing! My parents and I had a brilliant time. We are all vegetarian and the options for us were fantastic. If you want a sushi fix or some gorgeous noodle dishes, I’d highly recommend! Such...

This has been my second visit, the food has been excellent on both occasions. Would highly recommend anyone to come and try out the food. We were served by one of the assistant General managers, Luigi was a delight the entire time, his knowledge and...

We had a fantastic dining experience here! Great friendly service, fast and beautiful delicious food- incredible sushi! Definitely recommend.

I am surprised to see some negative reviews here. I visited Kampai with my husband and children a few weeks ago and we had a really wonderful evening. We ordered sushi, ramen, gyoza, temaki and a poke bowl and it was all delicious - we...

We arrived to find we had chosen the night Knutsford had a power cut! Were looking forward to it as we normally go to Kampai in Hale - but this is closer to where we live. We had been called earlier to be told about...

while portions may be modest we found the food tasty, fresh and good. The service was efficient, friendly and professional. We thought the price fair, and there is little competition for Japanese-style food in the area. We welcome this addition.

Stubbled upon whilst walking around. Beautiful food, lovely drinks. Lovely and friendly service. Thank you

This review leaves me saddened to write. I visited Kampai last evening, I booked a table for one, decided to eat out as a little treat after Christmas. I have eaten here before with company and I have to say had a super evening. Last...

Excellent evening! Amazing food, cocktails 5 star. Can’t recommend this place enough and a special mention to Luigi and Danilo. We will see you soon. Happy Christmas!

The food was absolutely atrocious, mine was very bland and my partners was overly salty and extremely overpriced. The music was far too loud and the waiter had a horrible attitude. Overall an absolute waste of £65 and would not recommend

Food portions are tiny and overpriced my teriyaki chicken was overly salty and tasteless, my partners tofu ramen was bland and also tasteless, the drinks were overpriced, a lemonade and coke were £4 each. Atmosphere wasn’t good, music was too loud, couldn’t hear my partner...

I’m so glad that sushi has come to knutsford. The decor & atmosphere are lovely. They have the lighting just perfect. Service is so friendly & very attentive. Food is fabulous. Lots to choose from. Plenty of hot dishes too so if you’re dining with...

Recently visited with friends. Loved it! Food was great quality, lovely flavours. Looking forward to returning. Pleased to see this restaurant in Knutsford.

Amazing food and even better staff! Everyone was so attentive and made sure our special occasion even more special. Shout out to Federica and Dan who went above and beyond and were just brilliant. We couldn’t have asked for a better meal! Thank you so...

Food good but small portions and the service needs to be quicker and better Loud music doesn’t help Hopefully it up’s it’s game