Kanpai

An elegant, calming spot with some of the best Japanese food to be found in Edinburgh.

The 2018 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £7.95 (+p&p).

Focusing on the simple art of traditional Japanese dining, the calming, minimal décor sets the tone with its orchid blooms, pale-wood furniture and pastel walls. Takoyaki octopus fish cake and grilled aubergine in sweet miso sauce remain some of their most popular dishes, while the teppanyaki is used to glorious effect. There is also light tempura, gyoza and sesame seaweed salads that work well as starters or sharing items. Fresh seafood sits at the centre of the menu, with no corners cut on sourcing quality produce and preparing it with meticulous attention to detail. The soft shell crab roll is a crunchy-soft delight, topped with tiny roe balls and lined with bright avocado slices; the sashimi set makes a slippery, fresh treat for two to pick at; and the gunkan (boat) nigiri with scallops, octopus and asparagus is like a very dainty flavour bomb. Leave space for the creamy, gritty white or black sesame ice-cream and don’t forget to sample one of their excellent sakes - Kanpai is Japanese for ‘cheers’ after all.