Kanpai of Tokyo: Knoxville's Best Japanese...Far And Away!

Knoxville is blessed with many great Japanese restaurants. One, though, stands far above the rest. That one is Kanpai of Tokyo, located in the Downtown West Shopping Center, a block west of WestTown Mall.

A year ago, a few other Japanese restaurants might have been able to compete. Wasabi is pretty good. But the addition of a full Sushi bar at Kanpai makes it THE place for Japanese in Knoxville.

The restaurant is divided into two very specific halves, one being a traditional Japanese dining room with about 20 tables, each sitting 10. Hibachi grills form the center of each table. All tables have regular, bar-style seats. Floor pillows aren't used at all and guests are expected to keep their shoes on. The other half has the same rules as far as shoes are concerned, but it's a much more intimate setting, with most tables having only four chairs. Seats are also available at the bar. While Sushi is served in both areas, most guests ordering Sushi choose to do so in the bar where service is quicker. I love the California rolls here. The restaurant uses thick chunks of avocados and the pickled ginger is excellent. For those more adventurous, you'll find one of Knoxville's most complete Sushi menus.

The chefs in the dining room are true entertainers. All of the cooking, from slicing and dicing right through serving, is done at your table. It's a great treat for kids and often children are asked to participate by trying their hand at spinning an egg. Kanpai is a great place for celebrations just for its entertainment value.

Of course, if you eat Japanese regularly, the entertainment value becomes less important. The quality of the food doesn't and that's why my family, after trying every Japanese restaurant in Knoxville, keeps returning to Kanpai. The sauces are terrific. (Try the hot sauce at least once. Unlike thin Tabasco, this sauce is thick and adds so much flavor.) The vegetables are seasoned just right and all the meats and seafood are great. I do recommend that, regardless of your entrée, you choose fried rice and side vegetables. The cost is so minimal...$1.50 for each. The two really complete your meal.