Kanki - Durham
Phone: (919) 401-6908
Cuisines
- American
- Casual Dining
- Japanese/Sushi/Korean
- Restaurants
Hours
Monday: 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Map
Google Rating
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I’ve been coming to Kanki in Durham for years, and while it’s not quite the same as it used to be, it’s still a restaurant worth checking out. This spot has always been about more than just food—it’s the full hibachi experience, and on that front it still delivers.
The hibachi chef at my table was amazing. He kept the whole group laughing and engaged while showing off the fire tricks and knife skills that make hibachi such a fun night out. That energy is what makes Kanki special, and it hasn’t lost its spark. The sake was smooth and hit the spot, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Most importantly, the food was actually very good. The steak was cooked perfectly, the fried rice had that rich, buttery flavor you can only get on a hibachi grill, and the vegetables were fresh and well seasoned. Everything came out hot and flavorful—no complaints there.
If I had to nitpick, the restaurant itself feels a little more worn compared to years past, and service can be uneven at times. But when the food, the show, and the sake all line up, Kanki still proves why it’s been a Durham favorite for decades. -
Having ignored this place for years, I’ve now been twice in two months for family celebrations. There are many positives: beautiful dining area, entertainment, good drinks, great service. And there are negatives: inconsistent food quality, loud, hard to interact with all members of your party (expected). It’s the inconsistency in food quality that’s killer for me. The rice, vegetables and mushrooms are always terrific. The shrimp appetizer and main proteins vary widely both in their quality and the way they are cooked on the flat top. Two months ago, our steak meal was top notch. Tonight not so much. Tonight the shrimp appetizer was rubber and the salmon protein was mostly inedible because of lack of freshness and the fact that it was way overcooked. If and when I return to Kanki I promise to only order a ribeye. Last time I ordered the filet, but my husband swears the ribeye was just as good as the filet he had two months ago. And not overcooked. Order the steak.
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I celebrated my birthday yesterday at Kanki and WOW-what an experience. My family and I truly had an amazing time. During the week the open a little later-around 4:30. Earlier on weekends-around 11-11:30 is. But we got there right at 4:30 as doors opened and was greated by a nice young lady and promptly seated. Our server was super nice and very thorough. He made sure everyone at the table was comfortable and had everything we need as well as -kept all of our drinks refilled the entire visit. My husband and I got the dinner for two which was about $56 and included lots of veggies, rice and both chicken and steak. Mozart was our cook. He was amazing! Food was delicious! He was very entertaining and kept us laughing the entire time. Crazy enough other people at the other tables were enjoying him just as we were. Establishment was clean and atmosphere relaxing. If I could give them higher than 5 stars I would. So just an amazing time and so happy I decided to go there for my Birthday. Thank you to our host, server and cook for an amazing time. Would recommend 100%.
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It was cool..Atmosphere was great and Love the Livery and Fish Tank in the Floor at this Location..Going to try the Raleigh Location Next to see how it is there
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Today I was so excited to take my daughters boyfriend to experience Kanki. I have been here many times with my business and politicians years ago. I made reservations and was completely respectful. The waiter was pushy about how fast we ordered. We had not even had time to look at the menu (5 minutes - look at the video) but was pressing for our drink and appetizer order. We complied anyway as I looked at the menu before I arrived there at the establishment and just wanted to show my guest a good time. Yet, our appetizer never came and we had to ask for it after the food main course was underway. I also had to ask for every refill of drinks I paid for on a individual basis. The chef was amazing and we shared conversation about my travels in southern Asia. He was Vietnam and I was telling him about my plans to travel there in 2026 (May 14th). It was fun but before we had finished even 1/4th of our meal the server was forcing the check on us. It disturbed me because its not like this is not a $200.00 dinner for three and a place of this perceived caliber this would never happen. Everyone at the table should be able to finish their food before a check comes. What if we wanted soethingelse? I decided to go to main desk, discreetly leaving my guest at the table unaware, and asked for the manager. I prefaced the conversation with I do not want anything other than to share my experience and told her everything. I gave her my card to pay for the meal and went back to the table to finish my food. I ate a few bits and my guest could feel and see that it was a bad experience. We then went back to the front desk and had to wait for the manger to return (5ft ISH Asian lady). After 5-10 minutes she came back and gave me the check and said nothing. I looked at her and said you have nothing to say not even Im sorry. She said nothing and I walked out the front door. My guest were behind me, unbeknownst to her, and when they joined me in the car my guest said that as I was walking out SHE CALLED ME A RACIST. That hurt, as I am not, but am a white male. The only person that I am sorry to is the chef that did not get a tip. He deserved it. I would have gave him cash but it was better I leave. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone as It has changed to a place that the price and service does not align. I WILL NEVER RETURN.
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