Michelin-starred Japanese concept to make UK debut in Soho
Kanpai Classic, which has served Japanese yakiniku across China and Taiwan for nearly two decades, is set to make its UK fine dining debut in Soho.
The 86-cover restaurant – which is set to soft-launch in mid-July – will span 4,317 sq ft across two floors.
Yakiniku is a culinary method which involves cooking bite-size meat over a charcoal flame. The Kanpai Group – which operates nine restaurants across China and Taiwan – launched its yakiniku concept in Taipei in 2005. In 2016, the group’s Shanghai Bund Store restaurant became the first Japanese yakiniku restaurant to win a Michelin star.
The restaurant will be headed up by executive chef Nicolo Bolognesi, formerly of Nobu Hotel Portman Square, whilst the drinks list will be spearheaded by the award-winning Masuizumi Brewery.
Nick Weir, joint managing partner at Shelley Sandzer, which acted on behalf of Kanpai, said: “Kanpai will be a fantastic addition to Wardour Street, bringing an exciting and distinctive offer to Soho’s bustling community of tourists, locals, and office workers. A tried and tested concept that has experienced huge success across Taiwan and China, and we are proud to have assisted Kanpai in its European debut, the latest in a long list of London debuts by leading international operators we have helped facilitate.”