Kampai in Lawrenceville, Georgia

This past Sunday I wanted to try some place new to dine for dinner. I didn't have a particular taste for anything so I look to my friend Roslyn for a suggestion. She gave me the name of a place located in the Avenues at Webb Ginn that I had never heard of, so we ventured out to see what this place was all about. However, once we reach the location we didn't see the restaurant, but there was another place that caught my eye. The name of the restaurant is Kampai and the building was beautiful. It had a rather large fish located right underneath the name and it was simple yet classic. The side of the building has a red column that seems to welcome you right into the establishment. Kampai specializes in Sushi, Steak and Tapas.

Kampai has a beautifully carved door at the entry and vibrant plants, artwork and a colorful bench to rest. When you walk further in the building there are two sides. Once side is the Hibachi side where you'll see clusters of Hibachi tables. The thing that caught my attention was the beautiful wall of blue lights that looked like a colorful waterfall as it is located right in the middle of the room in front of what looks like rice paper covered windows. The mood is relaxed and friendly and there is a sea of flat screen televisions that surround the room. I dare to say that I have never seen that in a Hibachi style restaurant.

On the other side of the Kampai restaurant you'll find a line of booths that are large and oversized for your comfort and above each is a large round paper lantern that gives off the loveliest glow of light. In the middle of that area are wooden table and chairs that are positioned right in front of the Sushi bar where you get an up close and personal view of the master Sushi chefs at work. Above the bar are move flat screen televisions for your viewing pleasure.

Once I got past Kampai's beautiful décor, I was ready to check out the menu. I must say it was almost overwhelming trying to decide on what to eat. As you know Kampai specializes in Sushi, Steak and Tapas and since that's three of my favorite things to eat, I decided to try out a few different choices. I went for their signature sushi roll called the Scorpion which is made with soft shell crab, avocado, salmon, crunch and sweet sauce. This roll is not only a feast for the eyes, but it taste wonderful! All of the ingredients come together in perfect harmony. My next choice was the Volcano Roll, this is basically a California roll with shrimp that is baked and then topped with sweet sauce and spicy mayo. Again the Kampai chefs knocked it out the park with this roll. The taste was fresh and flavorful and the spice on top simply explodes in your mouth with flavor!

The last item I tried was their Tempura Dinner Special which included jumbo shrimp, scallops and vegetables. As you are aware all Tempura items are lighted breaded and fried. So, if you're not really into fried food, I would suggest that you get the appetizer portion and it will be just right. Again, the flavors were delicious! The shrimp and Vegetables really were perfectly done and it really locked in the flavor, so everything was juicy! Kampai also offers Steak and Tapas dishes such as New York Strip, Filet Mignon, Tuna Tartare and Tuna pizza topped with anchovy aioli. The selections seem endless and I hear that the Tapas and Steak are just as wonderful as the Sushi. As a matter of fact I can't wait to go back and try some of the Tapas as I hear that customers are always raving about them.

Bottom-line: Excellent food, Great location right in the Avenues at Webb Ginn, price point for lunch: $6.00 to $15.00, price point for dinner $13.00 to $60.00. Kampai in Lawrenceville is located at 1250 Scenic Highway, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30045. Give them a call today to book your next reservation at 678-951-1000.