Kampai Highgate — Restaurant in London

Decided to have one of those power lunches, after a medical appointment.

When doing a Google Map research for restaurants nearby, and what was the best. I came across this little gem of a place.

So a little history, the name of the restaurant is Japanese for ‘Cheers’ and is not spelt the Kanji way. The correct way you would spell it is ‘Kan Pai’

More detail explanation below. Cheers in Japanese: 乾杯 / Kanpai In Japan, an enthusiastic “kanpai!,” which translates to empty cup, isn't just a celebratory way to cheer, it's a respected pre-drinking ritual.

Customer Service / Hospitality

A big shout-out and honour to Pom. Whom is one of the business partners of this fine Izakaya. He was so friendly, cultured and most importantly engaging and accommodating.

The food was tingling my tongue, like fairies hopping on foxgloves flowers.

Spicy Geso - That’s Fried Squid Tentacles in a nice light batter and spicy. This comes with like a spicy mayo dipping sauce (if requested) but also goes very nicely with the sweet chilli condiment sauce. Also comes with lemon to help the acidity and make the taste even better.

Tori Kare - Or simply Karaage - this restaurant version was nice. If I were to suggest a little improvement. Perhaps a little more garlic and the batter to be a little more soy based. Also, needs a slice of lemon too on the side.

Miso Soup - pre-cursor, before your main. The broth was nice, cloudy and not milky. Don’t know if fish paste was used for Unami. But overall, very pleasant.

Katsu Curry - Curry sauce was nice, asked for brown rice but none available at the time. The white rice is almost like sticky rice. The Katsu chicken cutlet was very nicely tender and panko crumbs, generous. The vegetables were cook nicely.

I’d also grabbed some take out of their sushi.

Spicy Tuna, Spider Roll and Ebi Tempura Roll. Menu inside had a different name that’s not reflective on website; i.e. Tokyo Roll.

So this branch is 1 of 2. Highgate is the first store and has been opened for 6 years. I was informed in December they’d opened, 6 years ago. Whereas their Kensington is now 2 years old.

Couldn’t believe that I didn’t know about this place and my Nan, just leaves around the corner. Perhaps an excuse to see my Nan and then come here for some cheeky food. Will 💯💪 be visiting again.

Highly...

The place is quaint family business, not many tables. We (2 people) went on a Sunday at 1:30 PM and it was just us and another table of four. The place is bright in the daylight in a good way. We arrived 20 minutes earlier than our booking and we were welcomed. The service was efficient and friendly in a calm and subtle way, at least that’s based on our experience with the person who took care of our table.

I didn’t spot any baby chairs, not that I was looking, but you might want to ask before you book. I had my tween with me

It would safer to book, just in case it’s busy when you go that day, considering the small number of tables, the wait could be long. While they have an online booking form, you’ll have to wait for an email confirmation.

I was told by a Japanese person who lives nearby that they don’t go there because the owner is not Japanese and that makes them doubt how authentic the cooking would be. Well, I’m not Japanese, but I’ve been eating Japanese food for decades, and for a casual neighbourhood joint, I didn’t find anything to complain about.

The only thing I found weird was how they had Kimchi on the menu. When I asked, I was told that the owner added it because it was something in demand. I personally disagree with the logic. What if sweet and sour became in demand or spaghetti? If it’s a Japanese restaurant, then keep the menu Japanese.

If we were living close by, would we go again? Yes, but only a couple of times maybe in the year. Would I drive for two hours for it? Well, you go and judge...

Ordered from them on Deliveroo. Was a bit nervous as my last experience of Japanese on the app was a disaster to say the least. I needn’t have worried! Absolutely DELICIOUS! We got a katsu chicken - never had this before so loved it. Also tried the fatty tuna and eel nigiri - sensational; fresh, fresh, fresh, melt in the mouth. The gyu don - so tasty and filling, and the eel on brown rice - soooo good. Also, the little deep fried chicken balls were so tasty, as was the immaculately steamed and fried gyoza (big dumplings!), and the squid balls (sorry, I’m rubbish at remembering their proper names!). All in all, we were bIown away by the taste, generous portion sizes, and BRILLIANT packaging! Everything turned up piping hot, the sushi was beautifully and securely packaged, and so were the hot dishes in sturdy, well made bowls we could eat straight out of. For me, the finishing touch was getting a call from the restaurant apologising profusely for the brown rice not being available (I ordered very late so not their fault at all) and offering a free replacement which I gratefully declined for a substitute. Nonetheless, I got a lovely free portion of delicious ice cream in pastry balls with a touching little note which just sealed the deal for me, making this now one of my favourite Deliveroo orders. Delicious, friendly, authentic, perfect quality, and very reasonably priced considering the quality and care. Can’t ask for anything more and can’t wait to order again. Domo...