Happy Samurai

4.3 ( 681 reviews )
Checking... 12:00 AM - 4:00 PM See Hours
£10–20
4 Butchery Ln, Canterbury CT1 2JR, United Kingdom
+44 1227 472727

Happy Samurai is swiftly becoming a go-to destination for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts in Canterbury. Nestled at 4 Butchery Ln, this quaint restaurant offers a remarkable array of dishes that elevate the typical sushi experience to new heights. Customers rave about the exquisite sushi, commendably crafted with high-quality ingredients, and the delightful presentation that makes each meal a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Reviewers like Frances Cowap highlight the restaurant's affordable prices for the outstanding quality of food. Notably, Waiwaikaka Haha refers to the tonkotsu ramen as “the best in Kent,” emphasizing the richness of flavor in every bowl. Meanwhile, Ilya Smirnoff describes the sushi rolls as “simply amazing,” with special praise for the exceptionally flavorful rice.

Even loyal patrons who have visited in the past, like Just Generic, express satisfaction with the consistent quality of dishes such as unagi and spicy karage. Although the ambiance may not rival that of higher-end establishments, the warm service and delicious food more than compensate. In short, Happy Samurai is a hidden gem, offering authentic Japanese fare that's worthy of a visit time and again.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • No wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Service options
    • Offers delivery
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Has great tea selection
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves healthy options
    • Serves late-night food
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves spirits
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Serves dessert
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
    • Popular with university students
  • Planning
    • Lunch reservations recommended
    • Dinner reservations recommended
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Difficult to find a space

Reviews For Happy Samurai

Frances Cowap
Jun 4,2025
Since yo sushi closed, finding a place in Canterbury to get well made sushi became a mission, the happy samurai takes their food to a whole new level offering not just exquisite sushi but a wide range of tasty, beautifully presented jampanese dishes. The prices are affordable and the food is delightful! Would highly reccomend!
Waiwaikaka Haha
Jun 2,2025
Wow, this is definitely one of the best ramen in Kent. Tonkotsu with char sui pork is the best. Every other dishes were so delicious, and the service was excellent. We will go again. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Ilya Smirnoff
May 26,2025
Absolutely blown away by Happy Samurai! We went in knowing the kitchen was closing soon, but they welcomed us with open arms and didn't rush us at all. And boy, are we glad we went! The sushi rolls were simply amazing. I have to give a special shoutout to the rice, it was some of the most delicious rice I've ever had in sushi. You can really tell they use high quality ingredients, which made all the difference. We also ordered a bunch of sides, and every single one was fantastic. I sadly didn't get to try the ramen (my stomach just couldn't fit any more!), but that just gives me a reason to go back. Honestly, I'm baffled as to why this place wasn't packed! If the food alone was anything to go by, there should have been a line out the door. While the restaurant itself might not have the same glamorous atmosphere as some other high-end Japanese places, and the portions are maybe a tad smaller than I'm used to, the sheer quality and taste of the food more than makes up for it. This place is a hidden gem and I highly recommend it to anyone craving authentic and delicious Japanese cuisine. Don't let the lack of crowds fool you, this place is a must-try
Darius Boteand
Apr 28,2025
You know what? I've probably been to most if not all ramen places around London l, I've never come across a restaurant with such a rich broth flavour. You'd think that only one dish would be rich but all on their list is as impactful as the other! Hidden Gem
Just Generic
Apr 10,2025
Went to Happy Samurai on the 19 September, unlike most I actually went looking for the restaurant. Last time I ate there was 4 years ago when it was in Greenwich, it was really good then. Prices have gone up since but the qualities just as good. I took my wife, we got Unagi (eel with rice 20) a Japanese classic, I think I got the speciality noodle dish (12-15) and Spicy Karage (Fried chicken 8) the prices are going off memory so might be wrong. Usual service charge too, milk tea (3-4) and fizzy pop (2-3). The noodles were really nice, the karage was not too spicy but I have a high tolerance. My wife loved the eel dish she’s from Asia and said it had a real authentic taste, if the sauce was a bit heavy. I liked the noodles. The karage was good. Good environment too not far from the Roman museum and cathedral. For 2 people we ended up spending between 40-50. But if we got 2x noodles etc it could have been more like 20-30. I’ll go again, as the food was good. 5 stars.
Benjamin Hillier
Mar 31,2025
Absolutely recommend this place 100%!! The staff are very friendly and will help you with anything you need. They have a vegan and vegetarian option for most things. They did well with my egg allergy and made it easy for me to chose. The food is very delicious and I would go everyday if I could. It is very good for money. Cheaper than I expected!
Alys Dunn
Mar 29,2025
Food was delicious, with lots of choice. I had beef and onion bao buns and pork tonkotsu ramen. Other tables were having the sushi which looked really good, I will have to go back again to try it! The service was okay, the waitress couldn't answer some questions about the menu but was very friendly and the food came in good time. The atmosphere in the restaurant is amazing, very cozy and themed.
Signs & Imaging southeast Ltd
Mar 13,2025
OMG visited this place today after a recommendation and travelled 45 mins to take our daughter for her birthday - it’s well worth the trip - the staff are brilliant and the food is out of this world. We will definitely be going back for sure. Thank you guys !!!

Add a Review

Quality
Location
Price
Space
Service

Location

Appreciated by Others

Royal Punjab Indian Restaurant
(339 review)
Royal Punjab Indian Restaurant
  • 2106 Harvey Ave #103, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6G8, Canada
restaurant
+1 250-317-3737
Coconut Beach
(533 review)
Coconut Beach
  • 2787 S Floyd St, Louisville, KY 40209, United States
Mexican restaurant
Oyster Cafe
(727 review)
Oyster Cafe
  • 3060 Cobb Pkwy NW #101st, Kennesaw, GA 30152, United States
seafood restaurant
+1 770-529-2196
Lazeeza Grill
(380 review)
Lazeeza Grill
  • 3991 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX 77068, United States
pakistani restaurant
+1 281-580-4887
The Cafe at Llandow Circuit
(259 review)
The Cafe at Llandow Circuit
  • Llandow Circuit, Llandow, Cowbridge CF71 7PB, United Kingdom
cafe
+44 1446 794797
Café Ruiz 1687
(333 review)
Café Ruiz 1687
  • Av. Ruiz 1687, Zona Centro, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Cafe
+52 646 276 2526
Castle View Cafe
(195 review)
Castle View Cafe
  • 43 Robertson St, Hastings TN34 1HL, United Kingdom
Cafe
+44 1424 719193
Dona Naty's Taco
(687 review)
Dona Naty's Taco
  • 1815 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, United States
mexican restaurant
+1 312-243-2209
CAYA Restaurant
(175 review)
CAYA Restaurant
  • 5650 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117, United States
Restaurant
+1 805-964-1288
Locanda Vini & Olii
(751 review)
Locanda Vini & Olii
  • 129 Gates Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, United States
Italian restaurant
+1 718-622-9202