Kabuki Japanese Restaurant

We wanted to try a new Sushi joint for Happy Hour and I came across Kabuki. It's really difficult these days with all of the Reviews out there on the web from who knows. I read as many reviews as I could, and it seemed someone either Loved it, or Hated it. How does that happen? Because of the negative reviews, I was a bit unsure about visiting, but the positive reviews out there made me think, ""What do I have to lose? I'll try it once, if it sucks, I'll never go back."" I drove up and the parking lot was empty. I wasn't even sure the place was open. I walked in hesitantly, and was immediately greeted by a man that appeared to be the owner. 2 chefs were present. Overall, a nice experience. Our waitress was friendly...and a little attractive as well. :) I noticed her looking over our shoulders every now and then during the meal to make sure we were ok. I like that. Non-invasive, but there if I need something. Sushi was great. Better than expected. Fresh and tasty. Edamame could have been fresher. Avocado was maybe too ripe and mushy, but that's coming from someone who doesn't like the stuff in the first place. When I went to the bathroom, I noticed that the place is actually pretty large. None of the Hibachi grills were up and running, but there was plenty of room. Others filtered in over the hour we were there, and many looked like regulars who knew exactly what they wanted. I overheard a couple of conversations between staff and patrons that showed they were all familiar with each other. To me, that's a good sign. The owner made a point to thank us for coming in, and invited us back next month when they'll be doing Korean food. Great place. A little shabby, but in a good way. This has taught me to always take the online reviews with a grain of salt. Thanks Kabuki! Pros: Service, Quality, Environment Cons: Price more

Gone here for years, Geat place for privite party or just a good time with your loved ones Pros: Food and service Cons: Update over all interior more

again the bf and I were ready to try another japanese restaurant. We had a good feeling about this place since its been around for a while. It wa... more

again the bf and I were ready to try another japanese restaurant. We had a good feeling about this place... more

Kabuki is absolutely one of my favorite places. I've been going there for about 7 years now, and right from the start they treated us like regulars. The staff is always friendly and quickly meet everyone at the door. We usually sit at the sushi bar, usually on one of the corners. My son has loved the place since he was four years old, and they always make him feel as though they are glad to see him, as opposed to other places who assume kids can't behave. Kids are indeed welcome and treated well by the staff here. After just a few visits, they knew us by name when we walked in the door and also knew what our drink orders were without asking, and they always remembered that my son likes green tea ice cream for dessert. The sushi is always delicious. Our favorites are the spider roll and the unagi, and the tuna and yellowtail are always yummy and fresh. Kabuki celebrates its regulars by covering the walls of the sushi bar area with their photos. They also have private tea rooms which are great for birthday dinners and business lunches. They also have great happy hour specials on sushi, appetizers and drinks. Bottom line, this place is a hidden gem. Pros: Super friendly staff, great sushi, great service Cons: A little bit hidden if you've never been there before more

I have no idea how this place stays in business. The positive reviews are written by the owner, STAY AWAY. Better yet, eat there and post a review. Pros: Give me a minute..... Hmmm.... Still thinking..... Nope there are none Cons: Everything that counts more

My wife and I dined at Kabuki with friends recently and it was awful. We ate in one of their tatami rooms and my first impression was that the room hadn't been cleaned in years. The carpet was filthy and there were old, dried food stains on the walls. It was, in short, disgusting. We started with sushi, soup and salad. The salad consisted of a lump of lettuce with an overly sweet, non-Japanese tasting dressing poured on top. At these prices, would it be so hard to serve a proper sunomono? The ""soup"" was chicken stock with mushrooms and some tiny, mushy pieces of cellophane noodle at the bottom of the bowl. I suspect they serve this, rather than misoshiru, because they can let it sit unattended all day long. Inexcusable and awful. Pros: Excellent service Cons: Below average food, filthy restaurant, high prices more

This is simply one of the best Sushi places in the USA folks. I have been going there for over 20 years, and will return until Kal and Herosi retire. When I say it is one of the best in the USA, I can because I travel extensively and always try to find the sushi places all over the US. Yes, I have been to the best places in NYC and Hawaii so don't think I am a looser and look for out of the way places. Keep your eyes open at this place, you may even recognize a famous person or two! The sushi is always good, the portions are great, the Owner and Chefs are great people. The place is not brand new, but that is what gives a place some character. Enough about the old write-ups telling people it is dirty. Myself and friends have NEVER had a problem with eating there ever. Pros: Easy and close parking, friendly staff and Owner works at the place Cons: No windows, same as all Japanese grills - challenge to clear the air sometimes more

One of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. Upon entry, noticed that the entire place was filthy and run down looking. ceiling tiles, floor, everything is grungy. They sat us at a table that was still in the process of being cleared. The cook dropped an entire egg, shell and all into the fried rice then proceeded to dig the shells out. I'd like to add that he did not remove them all because the rice was quite crunchy. The hibachi chicken was bland as was the vegetables. I thought this would be a 30 dollar dinner for my wife and I until the 55 dollar check arrived. My advice, avoid this cheap, poor knock off of Benihana and go for the real thing. Your paying the same price as you would for Benihana, get the real deal. more

After arriving we were sat right away then we were abruptly moved to another table. The floors through-out the restaurant were filthy. There were food particles everywhere. The filter air ventilation in this restaurant is extremely poor as well. Our order was mistaken after verifying it several times. Our appetizers were giving to another party at our table and we had to get up and ask for our white rice, which was ordered at the beginning. The ceiling tiles are covered with filth and dirt, very disgusting. Take a look above you next time your there. After speaking to manager 2 days later, I was very disappointed when he didnt offer to make it right, Or to see how he could get us to come back. I am always willing to give someone a second chance. more

I have only been to Kabuki on Friday or Saturday nights, when the restaurant was extremely busy. That being said- the service is horrible! I've been there three times, and each time, I have stood waiting by the doorway without any kind of acknowledgement from the staff. However, the sushi is pretty impressive. It has officially surpassed Sakura as my favorite sushi place. The unagi is always good, and I have always felt the fish is as fresh as it can be here in MN. Prices are decent- comparable to every other sushi place I have tried. Overall, despite the horrible, slow services I would recommend this place...in fact, maybe I will try it on a weeknight. Pros: Sushi menu! Cons: service more

I have been going to Kabuki for 6 years now, I am a 3-4 time aweek patron. I think that Kabuki is one of the best experiences that I have had any where in the US, that is why I go back every week. Now let's face it, of couse there is going to be off days for people, we are all living lives that are stressful. I don't think that you can write a review of a restaurant after just one visit. Just like good sushi takes time so should you. Kudos to Kabuki, Hiroshi & Eric are the best sushi chefs around. more

A neighborhood sushi place where the chefs have worked there forever. Constantly experimenting and very friendly with descriptive advice. For example they served raw sabe with a torch-flamed version infused with ginger recently. Monk fish liver is exceptional. more

I drove 20 miles out of my way to go to this restaurant because I read the rave reviews. Let me be right up front with you, in all my dining experiences, Kabuiki has to have been the worst. I mean terrible. They gave me an attitude at the door because they were closing in thirty minutes. But I'm paying customer and if you're not going to follow the schedule, then don't advertise the hours. Secondly, they were obviously put out that they had to cook hibachi style for one person. The food was rushed, still managed to burnt the vegetables. Did need to pay $35 for a single meal with a poor attitude? I get better service at fast food places. Sorry, Kuki is the worst. more

I've been at the restaurant in the sushi bar and had great food and great fun. The lunch boxes A&B are always wonderful. Sushi and tempura for lunch. And the lunch soup, though simple is exactly what the food calls for. The servers treat you like you're a regular even if it's your first visit. I haven't yet had the opportunity to try the dinner tables in back, but that's my next trip. Pros: Fun sunken tables, Sushi etc. wonderful, Great service & price Cons: Not enough parking, hard to get to more

This is what sushi should be. This is what service is all about. This is value with a smile. Fantastic variety! They have FREE parking! Even if you live further away you have time going home to savor the great food. Kabuki shows us that great food and value aren't downtown anymore! Pros: variety/quality, service/parking, service Cons: better chairs more

This cheesy place has lousy sushi -- eat here at your own peril! more

the sushi chefs weren't very nice & their attire was sloppy. the fish was not very fresh either. more

My wife and I went out for our anniversary in September and we decided to go to the Kabuki. Despite being seated with a real snobby party of 6 who had two of them show up late, my wife and I were pleased with the quality of the food and the service from the teppanyaki chef and waitstaff. While the rude people at our table were carping, we were given extra portions from the chef as a reward for our patience. Hailing from Orange County, CA, I try to keep my expectations low about Twin Cities sushi. Fortunately, I was proven wrong! The sushi was of very good quality. One suggestion for improvement that I would give would be if a full party does not show up at their appointed time for teppanyaki, they should not be seated until the whole party arrives. Pros: Food Quality, Inexpensive, Friendly Cons: Enforcing Resv. Times more

...That sushi comparable to reputable places in Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Tsukiji would exist in Eden Prairie, MN? Sushi chefs not only make the rolls in front of you, but also work tirelessly on preparation, menu and fish-vendor choices. With this in mind, the sushi chefs at Kabuki, particularly Hiroshi, are true artists and masters of their craft. The owner/host is, at best, annoying, and at worst, incredibly venal, but the waitstaff and chefs are friendly and engaging. Prices are more than reasonable for the quality. Come for the food. Pros: Good Sushi, Friendly Waitstaff Cons: The Owner, Ambience more