Kabuto Japanese Steak House at Lake Norman

We had our rehearsal dinner at Kabuto for my son’s wedding on January 30,2026 - the weekend of the big snow fall in the Carolina’s. Megan, the manager was amazing to work with as well as all the staff. The food was delicious and plentiful, the chefs were fantastic and the service superb. We had the whole back room to ourselves and everyone had a wonderful time. Thank you to all the staff for an amazing experience. I highly recommend Kabuto for any gatherings, big or small.

I gave a three because the chef was so awesome that he at least bumped up the rating. The food was fine. However, the young lady who was our waitress seemed like she was not. She didn’t say hello or even acknowledged us, she looked half asleep, she could have at least combed her hair. I don’t remember it ever being okay to wear sweats and have visibly uncombed/unwashed hair to work, especially working in food service. I get it. People are tired. But really? Is this what service has come too? She also snatched up the tip that we left for the CHEF as soon as it hit the table. So we were also not super happy about that.

This place is a little small inside and a bit dated. The food was not too great. Myy scallops were hard be ause cooked way too long. Food lacked flavor. On a positve note, the cook was very pleasant.

Our experience was very blah this time. We visit here for kids birthdays, they love watching the chef cook. Our chef this time was AMAZING, but everything else was not! He got the 3 star not the other staff! Menu is very hard to understand the prices. And the manger was very rude upon asking about it. The floor was a mess and they only had two chefs rotating through. Not busy enough for that to been the excuse. The chicken was weird tasting and not normal texture. Do not know if it was cheap quality, lab grown, or older than should be. None of my family members ate it or enjoyed it. On top of the extra $5-6 a plate for it. I did not feel like I got $100 worth of food or experience and will not be going back to this location again. Too many other great restaurants in the area for

We waited 30 minutes after our reservation to be sat. Unfortunately after being sat the service was not good. Come to find out it was the chefs first day and he didn't do anything at the table (no tricks, no fire, absolutely nothing) the manager did comp one of my kids meals, even after that I left feeling robbed. It was the 4 of my children's first experience at hibachi. I guess the good news is that it can only be a better experience when I take them to a new hibachi resturant. Disappointed.