Kampai Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Branford

As soon as we stepped in, there was a sign that said wait to be seated. We waited a good 7 to 10 minutes before someone finally came, didn't greet us, and went straight to business. "Do you have a reservation?" After saying no, they told us wait was 15 minutes and to go to the bar. There was a coat room, that you hang your own coat, but seemed like the staff should be doing that, at least the way it was set up, going in we felt like we were trasspassing. So We waited, 15 mins, turned to 30, turned to an hour, and finally, we get seated. As a couple, we had to share the table with another group which made it all very awkward, but hey at least it keeps costs down for them. We ordered our drinks, after we got complementary water. We decided to go with "what the chef recommends whinch included soup, salad, rice, chicken, beef, and dessert for 25 a person We waited about what seemed like 10 minutes to get a bowl of soup/broth. After the waitress took our bowls, we waited another 5 to 10 for the salad. It seemed forever for the hibachi chef to come. They have Chefs from Latin America, and wait staff is American so if you are going for authenticity this might not be for you, if that matters. Don't get me run, the Hispanic chef on another table was entertaining to watch. Our chef was funny, and very entertaining. Food was good, but nothing I cannot make at home, however we went for the experience. I suggest you bring cash for the chef's, I don't know if they get tips from the check. When they cleared the tables, they asked if we were all set and forgot about our dessert. We were confused, but nonetheless didn't say anything since it was going to be awkward, specially with the other people. We were full, but there's always room for dessert. So, the check comes, and we got charged the 25 per person but we missed out, I also felt our waitress should had pointed that out to us and let us make the choice. We paid, left and went back into the coat room got our coats and left. Food good, friendliness from host not so much. Waitress and chef were good too. Would I come again, not until I...

If I could give this hibachi restaurant negative ratings I would! The ABSOLUTE WORST HIBACHI RESTAURANT. For starters, they have no yum yum sauce. What hibachi restaurant doesn’t serve yum yum that’s half the reason you go! Second, you paid an additional $4 for fried rice that is the portion size of your hand. Hibachi is known for having overly large portion sizes of rice. If the portion size is reduced due to Covid, then why charge a fee for fried rice for a smaller portion that is just absurd. Veggies consisted of onions essentially and bean sprouts. Again I’ve never eaten hibachi that offers bean sprouts as the vegetables. The noodle portion of hibachi was literally just angel hair pasta with sauce. The main reason you go to hibachi and pay the high price you do for the food is because of the big portions they give to you. This place is a ripoff. Takes your money and gives you half the size of food that your paying for. The sushi was mediocre at best. I took my friends visiting from Pennsylvania because of the 4.6 ratings with 100+ reviews. The ratings are not accurate unless people in CT don’t know what a real hibachi experience is. The absence of yum yum sauce made it almost impossible to eat the meal in addition to the meal and food options tasting extremely poor. We have eaten hibachi plenty of times in many different states and never have we come across such a disorganized hibachi spot. Beyond disappointing and waste of money. The waitress looking beyond stressed and could barely keep up with getting the orders right. The owners of this establishment need to seriously rethink how they run this business and offer both larger portions and better quality food for the price you pay. 10/10 Do...

5.0 star rating 6/10/2017 The service here at Kampai never fails, as the wait staff and hostesses (and essentially everyone there) are friendly, welcoming, accommodating, attentive, and always approachable. The entire bar area has been recently redone in the past year or 2 and is very clean and modern. More renovations are to come! You are seated as soon as possible, and your water glass will never be empty. The mushroom soup is fresh and the broth is flavorful, the salad dressing is absolutely famous (and is available for purchase to take home!), and all the food is fresh and portions are generous. The cooks are friendly, funny, and talented, and by no means hold back on portions. Meals come with a type of protein (the possibilities and combinations are endless), fried or steamed white rice, noodles, shrimp flambé, sauteed vegetables, soup, and salad. The sushi upstairs is always fresh and delicious as well, made expertly and in the classic Japanese tradition. The care that they have towards their fish, avocado, sushi rice, sauces, etc. are above and beyond.

Honestly, you can't go wrong with classic Japanese fare, as other hibachi restaurants that I've been to have never made the cut. You get traditional, classic cuisine that is consistently delivered with quality. Other hibachi restaurants like 9 East in Branford just can't compare in my opinion. Would definitely recommend to others, family nights and date nights alike. It's enjoyable to anyone of any age.

Note: if anyone at the table has a dietary restriction or an allergy or anything, they are really accommodating and will make sure that everyone is safe, happy,...