Izakaya Sanpei Restaurant — Restaurant in Canton Township

I don't eat at Japanese restaurants very often, so it was a nice treat when I went out for dinner here with family.

First off, the food here is pretty well-cooked and even garnished to look delicate. Most of us ordered the American Dream roll, which came with "gold flakes"; I don't know exactly what those gold flakes are, but they sure added a lot of appeal.

The overall decor of this restaurant is set up to resemble what a restaurant would look like in Japan, except without the floor seating. Around the dining area, there are Japanese-related artworks, a sushi bar, fancy bathrooms, and even a small corner dedicated to karaoke, complete with a television set and ceiling-mounted speakers.

However, there are several notable things that discouraged me about the decor. The floors are stained in some spots (and in some cases had yet to be cleaned); the men's bathroom had a lingering odor, which made using it somewhat uncomfortable; some parts of the ceiling had water damage; a plate for an electrical outlet was missing; the walls look like they've seen better days, too.

The staff that works here is what appears to be a mixture of American and Asian descent. We had no real issues with them, and they were courteous in ways such as filling our water, and at one point, discussing how our food was coming along in the kitchen. The food can take a little bit to get here (it was about 30 minutes for the five of us that were there).

With some work on the decor, this can very well turn out to be a great place to dine if you want to experience nice, authentic...

Exceptional Japanese Dining at Izakaya Sanpei

My recent visit to Izakaya Sanpei was an authentic dive into Japanese cuisine, enriched by a cozy atmosphere and top-notch dishes. This restaurant showcases the subtlety and sophistication of traditional Japanese cooking, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Dining Highlights:

Agedashi Tofu: This dish featured soft tofu fried to perfection with a light and crispy potato starch coating, served in a dashi-based sauce that enhanced its delicate flavors.

Shabu-Shabu: A highly recommended dish for those new to Japanese cuisine. It includes thinly sliced beef, tofu, and a variety of fresh vegetables, all cooked in a simmering dashi broth flavored with sake. The interactive cooking process added a fun element to our meal.

Sushi Selection: The sushi platter included Tuna, Salmon, and Sea Urchin. Each piece was fresh, highlighting the high-quality seafood that Izakaya Sanpei prides itself on.

Service and Ambiance: The service at Izakaya Sanpei was attentive and efficient. The staff were knowledgeable, offering recommendations and insights into the menu items. The ambiance of the restaurant, with its traditional Japanese decor, provided a peaceful and genuine dining experience.

Final Thoughts: For anyone looking to explore Japanese cuisine beyond sushi, Izakaya Sanpei offers a diverse menu that caters to all tastes. The combination of delicious food, welcoming service, and a charming atmosphere makes this restaurant a standout choice for a memorable...

Summary: food is ok; free parking; service is not too impressive; make sure you verify the price of the “daily special” before you order; charge 18% tip on the entire bill without your agreement; wait staff is not knowledgeable about how their food is prepared.

My wife and I had dinner in this restaurant. It was quite busy when we stepped in. And we were greeted and seated momentarily. One of the entries we ordered is the “duck hot pot”. I also ordered sake and sashimi with the recommendation of the wait staff.

Overall impression: 1. The food and drink were ok but the service was truly substandard. Wait staff appear impatient and indifferent to us. They are all seem to be quite busy, with no attention on what we need. 2. They recommend pricy sashimi to us without informing us the price. 3. They charge 18% tip on our entire bill, including sake wine, appetizer, main entry “the hot pot”, side dish etc. When I ask them if they charge this tip on every tables, they said only on the “hot pot” customers and it’s their “policy”. Correct me if I am wrong, this is the first and only restaurant in US that ever charges tip for two-people dinning!! I typically pay 20% tip for all my dine-in but this is the first time I was ever charged tip without my agreement. It’s truly terrible experience!!! 4. The wait staff failed to describe how the food was prepared, probably they just want to stay away from us during dining and come back to collect...