Kenichi Pacific

We've gone here 2 yrs in a row now and both times we had slow, inconsiderate service. Most recently we waited 30 min to be seated and then after 20 min of no waitstaff coming by, we left and no one even noticed. Last time we waited so long for the food (over one hour) that we nearly left then. Food is good but until management hires more staff and/or improves operations we won't be back. more

Based on all of the rave reviews of Kenichi, I was really anticipating celebrating our wedding anniversary there. Unfortunately, the restaurant didn’t live up to its reputation. Here's the breakdown.\r \r The Restaurant\r The decor was very nice. Looked like a professional designer had a hand in it. But the seat cushions in our booth were stained and had crumbs on them; not cool for a restaurant that charges, on average, $35 for an entree.\r \r Ambiance\r Nice lighting, and conversations didn't travel. But the music consisted of '70s R&B (like Sexual Healing); kind of odd for a Japanese restaurant.\r \r Service\r The first impression that I got from our waiter was that he was the maitre d. He actually greeted us at the front desk, took us to our table, and gave us our menus. Nice guy, but his attitude throughout dinner conveyed that waiting tables was beneath him and that we were an inconvenience. He wasn't very personable at all.\r \r Food\r Unfortunately, the food was just average and extremely overpriced (even for Hawaii). We ordered several dishes to sample. Karaage chicken was overcooked and tasted like the frying oil was old. Lettuce wraps were so-so. The shrimp used in them were overcooked and looked very odd. Dim sum was just average. Our entree of shrimp tempura was greasy and outrageously overpriced. It consisted of three very meager peaces shrimp and a lot of filler vegetables for a whopping $35. I had a lemon drop from the bar which was pretty good. But wanting to cut our losses, we opted to skip the dessert.\r \r To top it off, there wasn't even a ""happy anniversary"" wish from anyone (despite our having mentioned that to the person who took our reservations over the phone).\r Cons: Doesn't live up to the rave more

I have dined at Kenichi's multiple times and I couldn't disagree with the review below more. (And I am confused as to how his Spider Roll was a California roll.) The sushi is outstanding. The daily specials are nothing short of works of art. They are presented beautifully and taste even better. The waitstaff is friendly and helpful (and hot!) My favorite dishes are the Saikyo black cod, carpaccio, lamb (this is DIVINE. You must have this if you are a fan of lamb.) and molten cake from the kitchen. From the sushi bar, the Salmon/Avo sashimi with sweet miso sauce is to die for. The Kenichi Roll and Hawaiian Roll are both perfection, especially when used with the fresh grated wasabi they have. (It is much better than regular wasabi.) I would definitely recommend reservations. They tend to be really busy at night. Pros: Amazing food, Excellent service, Easy to park Cons: In a strip-mall more

Kenichi had a table of ten which was to blame by the waiter for our cold and shabby food. I have been to some of the best sushi restaurants in the Bay Area. I am also a veteren of the service industry. We sought out this restaurant and waited for half an hour to be served minuscule portions, refurbished cucumber salad and cold Yakatori. I was really hungry too! Their spider roll was like a california roll and not the dynamic sprawl of legs and it usually comes with enough slices to fill you up. They were just rolls and very little crab. My cucumber was obviously at least a day old and had, I think, soy in it which made it just plain bad. I think the roll your own sushi place is the place to go. Unless is empty, don't even bother. Jaychong Pros: Talent, Atmosphere, plate ware Cons: food, service more

After many disappointments elsewhere, we were pleasantly surprised by this restaurant and its Japanese cuisine. The seafood and sushi were fresh and delicious, and the prices were much less than other high-end restaurants....probably due somewhat to its location -- a casual setting in the middle of a stripmall. But don't let that stop you....it's worth a visit. more