Washoku Guide
Cities/Milan/Izakaya/Kanpai
Milan · Izakaya · a la carte

Kanpai

JapaneseIzakayaNo SushiKaraageKakuniBlack CodGyozaSake BarPorta VeneziaVudafieri-Saverino Design

Kanpai is Milan's quintessential no-sushi izakaya — a rare beast in a city where Japanese equals rolls. Head chef Jun (Japanese) declined four starred-kitchen job offers to open this Porta Venezia institution in 2018, and his technique-driven menu of karaage, kakuni braised pork, and signature black cod has kept it packed ever since.

Price
¥¥
Area
Porta Venezia
Since
2018
Chef
Jun (Japanese head chef)
Owner
Hippolyte Vautrin (co-founder)
Kanpai — authentic japanese restaurant in Milan, Porta Venezia
Plate № 22
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About
Designed by the acclaimed studio Vudafieri-Saverino Partners, Kanpai's three rooms span an izakaya bar with a chandelier of vintage bottle strainers and sake bottles, a sala with a Tokyo street-scene mural by artist Gaudio, and a third room draped in 50 Japanese lanterns. The kitchen under chef Jun produces dishes rarely found elsewhere in Milan: slow-braised kakuni pork belly, perfectly fried karaage, beef tataki, and a rotating dessert menu chosen daily on the chef's whim. The sake list is extensive, ranging from dry Kyoto selections to richer, fruitier styles, and the cocktail menu leans into Japanese ingredients. Kanpai opens only for dinner and stays open until 1:00 AM on weekdays — effectively functioning as an after-dinner drink destination as well as a proper restaurant. The €40–45 per head price point makes it exceptional value for the cooking quality.
Neighborhood & visiting

Kanpai sits in Porta Venezia, one of Milan's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused izakaya counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • Chef Jun's black cod and kakuni braised pork belly are among the most technically accomplished Japanese dishes available in Milan outside of fine-dining.
  • The no-sushi, no-all-you-can-eat philosophy is a genuine act of conviction, resulting in an izakaya menu that actually transports you to Tokyo.
  • The late kitchen (open until midnight on weekdays) makes Kanpai perfect for Milanese late dining, and the sake list is one of the city's most knowledgeable.
  • Vudafieri-Saverino's atmospheric triple-room design — lanterns, murals, Tokyo video loops — is one of the best dining room experiences in Porta Venezia.

Reservations strongly recommended, especially Thu–Sat. Kitchen stays open until midnight; bar until 1:00–2:00 AM. Small plates-style service — order 3–4 dishes per person minimum.

Links
Reserve →Website →Map →Tripadvisor →

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Frequently asked

About Kanpai

Is Kanpai an authentic japanese restaurant in Milan?
Yes — Kanpai is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese in Milan: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
Where is Kanpai located?
Kanpai is located at Via Melzo 12, 20129 Milano MI, Milan, Italy in the Porta Venezia neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Kanpai?
Kanpai accepts reservations online. For an authentic izakaya experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
What is the price range at Kanpai?
Kanpai sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in Milan.
Keep exploring
All Japanese restaurants in Milan →Izakaya in Milan →Authentic izakaya worldwide →All cities →