Kanpai Denver
About This Spot
Stepping into Kanpai Denver, you’re greeted by a warm and inviting space that strikes a thoughtful balance between a contemporary sushi bar and a lively tapas spot. The atmosphere hums with a relaxed yet attentive energy—perfect for savoring an evening with friends or enjoying a quiet moment of indulgence. Soft lighting and clean, modern lines give the room a welcoming glow, while friendly staff move smoothly through the space, making it clear that personal connection is part of the recipe here.
The pace here encourages you to linger, whether you’re diving into artfully crafted sushi rolls or sharing small plates that bridge Japanese and Southern influences. Imagine the satisfying pop of spicy edamame followed by the complex layers of something like Wagyu fried rice or a delicately balanced Carolina roll—flavors that invite you to explore without feeling rushed. While the sushi selections impress with their freshness and creativity, the cocktail offerings and tapas-style bites bring a versatile rhythm that complements the experience, engaging both the casual diner and the food enthusiast.
Kanpai feels like a place where attention to detail is woven into every moment, from the way the menu surprises with unexpected touches—whether it’s bone marrow presented as a distinctive dish or the unexpected sweetness of a waffle ice cream dessert—to the attentive gestures of the staff who make each visit feel personal. The open, clean layout, paired with thoughtful service, crafts an ambiance where comfort and excitement coexist naturally, making it clear why locals find themselves returning.
For those setting out to explore something beyond the typical, Kanpai Denver offers more than just a meal: it’s a genuine invitation to share in a thoughtful culinary journey shaped by atmosphere and human touch.
What’s Available Here
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Delivery
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Fast service
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Great beer selection
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Great cocktails
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Great tea selection
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Live music
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Alcohol
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Beer
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Cocktails
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Healthy options
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Private dining room
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Small plates
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Spirits
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Vegetarian options
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Wine
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Dinner
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Dessert
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Seating
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Table service
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Bar on site
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Toilet
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Casual
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Cosy
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Trendy
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Groups
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Tourists
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Accepts reservations
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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Credit cards
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High chairs
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | Closed | |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM - 02:30 PM , 05:00 PM - 09:30 PM | |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM - 02:30 PM , 05:00 PM - 09:30 PM | |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM - 02:30 PM , 05:00 PM - 09:30 PM | |
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| Friday | 11:30 AM - 09:30 PM | |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM - 09:30 PM | |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 08:00 PM |
J-Kube 07 Jan 2026
Great atmosphere! No Rez! Wait time not very long. Staff was very friendly. Clean bathrooms. Food was exceptional. Loved the spicy edamame. All of the sushi rolls looked amazing. We split 3 of them and they did not disappoint.
Brandon S. 23 Dec 2025
We came here for dinner an hour before closing on a weeknight and had a great experience. We ordered Edamame, Hibachi Chicken, Alaskan Roll, Philly Roll and a side of Filet Mignon. Everything tasted great and came out very timely. It was a little pricier than most similar places, but it was well worth it!
Jade Gurganious 19 Dec 2025
If you are in the mood for stellar service and delicious food, please please consider this establishment! The food was delicious with stellar portion sizes that even the kids loved! We’d highly recommend if you do go to ask for Andrew as your server! Andrew and several other staff members went above and beyond to make sure we were well accommodated and happy!
Megan B 13 Dec 2025
Good food, high prices. Typical sushi in this area runs $12-$15 per roll. Here you can expect to see pricing $19-$45 per roll. We got the Dragon Egg for the app. Good flavor but didn't care for it being fried. We did wish the menu would have said that it was fried so we could have asked for them not to fry it or chosen something else. For our entrees we got the Carolina roll which was great and the Rainbow roll which would have been great if the ginger on top wasn't so strong. It really overpowered the rest of the roll so we chose to take that off of each one before eating the rest. Again, the menu did not list this or we likely would have asked to leave the ginger off. Overall the wait staff was very friendly, food came out fast, and everything was really clean. Would revisit for a special occasion but would not be somewhere we would visit often. Total price for our 2 rolls and app, with tip was $67.
Liz Bending 06 Dec 2025
The food was fantastic! The Dragon Egg appetizer was very tasty, as was the sushi roll, calamari steak and hibachi chicken. Our server was very polite and attentive and checked on us often. We will definitely be back soon!
Jamie Longshore 24 Nov 2025
10/10 recommend. Love that they’re on door dash now. Denver needed a spot like this with high quality sushi without having to drive into Charlotte. Great staff and great food.
S Hamilton 22 Sep 2025
First time at Kanpai! Very friendly staff with nice restaurant layout and atmosphere. Our server was great! Drinks were good minus my husband's martini. Bartender didn't know how to make a proper martini so we had to send it back and order something different. Prices are high but all the food was super delicious. That being said for 3 people with drinks, appetizer, food and tip we paid $300.00. This will be a special occasion place for us but I can definitely say the food was scrumptious and had a wonderful presentation! Highly recommend!
RAM 18 Sep 2025
We had a most delightful experience at Kanpai Denver. Our server Emma was very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. She made our visit enjoyable. We will be back. The entire staff was excellent. We highly recommend Kanpai Denver.