Kappo En

The best sushi in Charlotte hands down. I will throw money at this place every chance I get, and it's not cheap. I wish I took pictures but I'm an idiot and was too eager to just gobble everything up as soon as it was placed in front of me.If you're looking for a high quality omakase experience, congratulations because you just stumbled into the best Charlotte has to offer

Took my lady for an early Valentine's dinner celebration. Had spoken with the general manager earlier in the late fall of 2023 and they shared with us that they were looking to open up a Japanese style omakase speakeasy in the back of Menya Daruma. They began operations around late November of 2023 but with all the holiday stuff going on I wasn't able to go until late January 2024. At the time of writing they have two seatings during dinner service on weekends, both approximately 2 hours in duration. Ours was at the 8:30PM seating and they wait until all diners have arrived before beginning dinner service. Upon entry to the ramen focused Menya Daruma, walk straight to the back by the restrooms and you'll be taken through a hidden door to the sushi speakeasy. Decorations in the back are Japanese understated elegance in its design and layout from the chef's table up to the wood planked ceilings down to the plank wood flooring with the occasional painted koi just below the lacquered finish. Only 10 seats in this intimate setting where we had 2 chefs as well as 2 waitstaff. Service was very attentive and prompt. Menu will change based upon the fresh seafood that the team is able to procure and I was stunned not only by the freshness but also at the breadth of the worldwide seafood / ingredient sources. Alaska, Hawaii, Spain and of course Japan's world famous Toyosu fish market (formerly Tsukiji) , and Kyoto among many other regional ingredients are air shipped from Japan. Chef team made sure that each dish was beautifully assembled with traditional Japanese meticulous attention to detail, even going so far as using traditional Japanese binchoton (charcoal briquettes) sourced by ocean freight from Japan (binchoton is NOT easy to secure in the US so the fact that they go to that length of effort to utilize specialized Japanese charcoal is tribute to the attention to detail to make it as authentically Japanese as possible). During conversation with one of the Japanese sushi chefs we learned that they had over 26 years of culinary experience that ultimately forged them to be able to bring this elevated form of fine dining. Drink menu was very impressive with the wide range of sake as well as specialized Japanese sourced drinks including some rare green tea that was nowhere near as bitter as the regular green tea that I typically drink. Even their rice was a 70/30 blend sourced from two different Japanese prefectures. Not something you'd find at your local Asian grocery store. This is a place for the ultimate foodie / special occasion and the team here works incredibly hard to try to bring good food and service here to Charlotte. Wouldn't surprise me in the least if they were on the Charlotte short list consideration for a Michelin star at some point in the future.

This was a really nice spot, fantastic service and very high quality sushi. I will be back, the spicy tuna was my favorite dish by far. Great job !

Unless you've been to New York, LA, San Francisco, or any of the other "major cities," an authentic omakase is very difficult to find. Often times the food will be Americanized and I have always left feeling a little sad. Not this place! One of the most important aspects of Japanese cooking is allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients come to life. The Americanized versions will over flavor the dishes with sauces. I appreciate Kappo En's more traditional Japanese way of cooking. The menu changes often, so what you see in my pictures may not be available for when you go. There are 18 dishes throughout the night. The experience took about two hours. Make sure you book in advance on their website. They also have a sake pairing with the dishes if you choose to do so. Price: $185/person for 16-18 dishesThe restaurant is actually tucked away in my favorite Ramen place in Charlotte -- Menya Daruma. When you enter Menya Daruma, keep walking straight as if you are walking towards the bathroom. You will see someone dressed in all black with the guest list in hand. They will open a secret door in the back and lead you to an intimate opening where there are 10 seats surrounding the counter. The service is wonderful as one would expect at any Omakase restaurant. But to reiterate, what makes this restaurant special is the actual food. My husband and I loved it so much that we booked another reservation for the end of the month. If you are someone who is looking for authentic Japanese food (not just Americanized sushi), this is a place you have to try in Charlotte!! Of note, they will try to accommodate for certain dietary restrictions, however, they are not available to accommodate for a full vegetarian course as this would change the authentic Japanese experience altogether (see their FAQs for a more detailed outline). If you're someone who truly appreciates Japanese cuisine, this is the best omakase you will find in the Charlotte area.

This place is insane.... Been to several omakase experiences in Charlotte and Charleston and we hardly enjoyed them after being spoiled at Kappo En. Will be back ASAP!

Dinner was outstanding. Each dish the perfect bite. The craftsmanship of the chefs is clear and the modesty and gracious presentation adds to the experience. The quiet intimate hidden space is perfect for the show. The pacing was perfect. We aren't Sake drinkers but our group tried all the white wines which were excellent with the dishes. We will return after we save up again.

The best meal I had in 2024! An incredible experience from start to finish. Both chefs were incredibly skilled and even took time to check in with guests throughout the meal. Each course was creative, fresh, and delicious. The service was some of the best I've experienced, as well. Staff was intuitive and took great measures to make sure the needs of everyone present were met. I honestly can't wait to go back!

Stellar in every way. Food, service, ambiance ... all super premium. IYKYK ... this is Charlotte's best sushi. Truly special.

This restaurant is the best Japanese restaurant I have ever experienced in the US based on its value, i.e. quality, taste, presentation, service, and price. I am Japanese who have been to many high quality and famous authentic Japanese restaurants in the US. Also, I recently had a lunch at Michelin two-star sushi restaurant in Tokyo. Even if I compare to this Michelin starred sushi restaurant, Kappo En's value is excellent and comparable to these renown Japanese restaurants.