Kabuto Japanese Steak House at Lake Norman

16516 Northcross Dr, Huntersville NC 28078
$$ Japanese

Reservations

Business Info

  • Address: 16516 Northcross Dr, Huntersville NC 28078
  • Cuisine: Japanese | Steak | Sushi |
  • Cost: | Inexpensive
  • Category: Fine Dining
  • Star Rating:
  • Reservations: Recommended
  • Dress Code: Casual
  • Meals Served: Lunch | Dinner |
  • Parking: Private Lot |
  • Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Discover | Diners Club | Cash | Debit |
  • Corkage Fee: N/A
  • Phone: (704) 655-0077
  • Features: Full Bar, Sunday Brunch, Catering Services, Private Room, Takeout Available, Happy Hours, Chef’s Table,
  • Occasion: Child Friendly, Special Occasion, Vegetarian, Date Night,

Photos

Business Hours

Reservations Available
Monday
Tuesday
Dinner - Restaurant 4:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Wednesday
Dinner - Restaurant 4:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Thursday
Dinner - Restaurant 4:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday
Dinner - Restaurant 4:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday
Dinner - Restaurant 4:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday
Dinner - Restaurant noon - 9 p.m.
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Customer Reviews & Ratings

4.57 out of 5 stars based on 708 votes

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 21, 2024
Blair C.
Had a great time, food was excellent and the cook put on a great show!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 28, 2023
Scott T.
Always a family favorite of ours to celebrate birthdays at Kabuto. Yummy food, professional chefs, clean & calm atmosphere.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 21, 2023
Ro A.
Great service,great show.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 02, 2023
Lucas T.
I only put a 7 for ambience because the restaurant itself was somewhat dated. However. Our hibachi chef Eduardo was amazing and so funny and great. Our server was amazing as well. We all had a great time and so much food.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 04, 2023
tara b.
We had an amazing time. It was for my daughter’s 7th birthday and the chef was so nice to pay special attention to her! He was very entertaining and engaging with everyone. The food was delicious also! Great experience all around.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 11, 2023
Sarah S.
The chef was outstanding!!! He was funny and prepared our meal beyond our satisfaction. He corrected our order that was not written down correctly. Our server came to take our order and after that we saw her once to give us the check. No refills on drinks or follow up. Our order was not written down correctly.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 04, 2022
Pamela C.
Great food!! Great entertainment!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 28, 2022
Kathy B.
We have gone to Kabuto's for years. We have pictures of all our birthdays, graduations etc. Great food and service!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Apr 21, 2022
Hillary W.
The food was delicious and our chef was amazing and so much fun. The guy who took our food and drink orders was great to and checked on us multiple times. Great time each time we have been there!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 27, 2022
Mikkella M.
Best Japanese place ever

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 6/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 17, 2022
John J.
Ambience was off….although we were the first customers of the day we should not have been greeted by a mop bucket and the smell of cleanser in the lobby area. Otherwise, an entertaining and delicious experience!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 13, 2022
Bill Y.
Right on time great food

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 13, 2022
Elizabeth P.
Restaurant opened a few minutes late and it was kind of chaotic at opening time. After that, everything was great!! My son can’t wait to go back.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 07, 2022
Chris C.
Bartenders and servers were excellent during a time when I know the service industry has low staff to serve so many people.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 16, 2022
Josephat M.
Best place for Hibachi in charlotte Hands down..

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 09, 2022
Billy and Patty K.
Everything was great except that we had a 4:30 appointment and they didn't open the doors till almost 4:40.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 30, 2021
Sarah S.
We went to celebrate my daughter’s birthday and we all had a great time!!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 27, 2021
Linda D.
Great Christmas Eve fun!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 25, 2021
Frank P.
First time there and liked it a lot. We will be back soon with family.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 04, 2021
Ashley P.
The assuming owner could be a bit more friendly and inviting but other than that the server and cook were amazing.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 03, 2021
Jared R.
Great time! Great fóod! Great atmosphere!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 27, 2021
Zachary W.
had a great time! me and my boys were freakin out everythime the man flipped his knives and made the big tower of fire with the onions and the food was so bloody good.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 13, 2021
Rick B.
We had a party of 10. We could not have been more pleased. Server and chef were both excellent. The chef entertained our 4 year old greatly. Food was excellent. It was pretty busy too for a Wednesday night with several large parties. We would have no hesitation going back.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 05, 2021
Jenny K.
Very nice experience. Food was delicious and staff very friendly.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 02, 2021
Renee M.
We had a great time as a family and enjoyed our food, Chef, and wait staff. It would e nice to see a few updates with the inside of the building and tables, also the chairs are very wiggly. But we had a great time.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 18, 2021
Chip C.
Kabuto is our favorite restaurant to go to. Last nights experience was wonderful. The food was excellent.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 31, 2021
Tiffanie H.
We loved our guy! He was so nice and fun!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 02, 2021
Ann R.
Great experience!!!!!will definitely return

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 23, 2020
Randy M.
The food is always great!! Been going there for years.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 21, 2020
Samantha Y.
Some of the chicken wasn’t quite done

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 17, 2020
Ashley R.
Food was excellent, definitely will be back.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 11, 2020
Daunica C.
Everything was surprisingly amazing

Overall: 10/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: 6/10
Value: 7/10
Sep 13, 2020
Norvell B.
Curb appeal needs some work. Customer service was nice but you could tell people didn’t want to be at work.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 7/10
Aug 23, 2020
Tereasa S.
We had a great time. Our food was delicious and our cook was so entertaining.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 2/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 0/10
Aug 16, 2020
Ian L.
They were out of chicken, then after we ordered, quite a while later, we were told they were out of filet. The tables were peeling and broken. We had to wait a long time even though we had reservations. The only redeeming quality was our chef for the evening.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Jul 01, 2020
Reggie H.
I love the food in the friendly staff.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Jan 09, 2024
Martha H.
Service was extremely slow. Sat at our table for almost an hour before our chef came. Building appeared under construction. You MUST have a reservation. Chef was excellent and food was tasty. They have removed lobster from the menu.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Nov 30, 2023
Randy N.
The chief was great. Could use some improvements on surroundings and in experience of the service. But overall everyone tried.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 05, 2023
Nico U.
Front desk hostess was great; our chef was incredible and the additional staff was also great! Really was sad that you took away the little things like the peeing boy, the fake mustard squirt, throwing the shrimp ( other restaurants still do that) , the fire at the end, the cleansing sorbet and of course, we were super sad to see that you took away the birthday cake. ( which we paid for but was always fun) The steaks prices are WAY too high for the small amount that we get . I wish you would lower those prices even by half. They took a significant jump in price. That was always what we get but I’m not paying $27.00 for such a small cut. Also, the salads were ridiculously small. Please bring back normal size. I understand inflation but you cut the portions AND STILL almost doubled our costs. That is a very steep charge. Unfortunately, we can’t come back until the prices drop a bit or at least the portions increase to a normal size. Aside from that, the staff was great and super friendly

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Jul 16, 2022
Tereasa S.
Very long wait for a cook

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Jul 04, 2021
Susan W.
Very good as we approach the end of pandemic. Kabuto, just like other restaurants still needs to get their kinks out as we head back to “normalcy” , but overall it was a very good experience.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 7/10
Feb 22, 2021
Michele F.
Food was amazing although portions were quite smaller than previous visits. There was a shortage of waitstaff and we had long waits for refills (until they were empty). Our cook was amazing though!

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Dec 28, 2020
Holly S.
The chef was very fun and food was delicious.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Dec 27, 2020
Brooke s.
Went there with a party of 7 for Christmas eve at 530. 4 of us wanted filet mignon but we were told you had run out of filet which was very disappointing. The vegetables were a little burnt, but everything else was delicious. Server was very nice and friendly.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Jun 16, 2020
Lori M.
Our party of 7 had a great experience at Kabuto. The food was very good and the service was even better. The server was attentive and made sure that we had refills on our drinks. The chef we had was very personable and entertaining. We will definitely recommend this Kabuto's to others.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Nov 12, 2023
Gloria M.
Enjoyable ,but nothing out of the ordinary.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 5/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 6/10
Value: 6/10
Jan 29, 2023
Laura K.
My little boy likes the “show” otherwise food is mediocre and expensive

Overall: 8/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 1/10
Nov 18, 2022
rich a.
Prices have gone up too much. Unlikely to dine there again unless prices drop or we have a coupon.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Apr 06, 2022
Kelsey C.
Out of the wine that I was so looking forward too. The portions (rice, noodles) seemed oddly smaller than my previous visit. Overall good experience and great food.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Jan 30, 2022
Shawn C.
The was delicious . I definitely would recommend eating here.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 4/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Jan 08, 2022
Todd M.
Overall we enjoyed our visit with the only drawback being the service. We were never offered refills but always had to stop a server and ask if we could have more tea. One of our orders had teriyaki sauce added and that steak was very overcooked.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Aug 01, 2021
Karen D.
Nice

Overall: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 8/10
May 25, 2021
Bill H.
After we left, a member of our party complained that their mixed drink didn't appear to contain any alcohol.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 7/10
May 17, 2021
Kiana F.
The food wasn’t seasoned much, the chef forgot to give me son his chicken and had to make more, we never received napkins after asking for them. The place needs a make over looks dark and old

Overall: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 7/10
Jan 24, 2021
Tracy R.
Food was good. Quick and friendly service. Huge portions. Hibachi chef was very skilled, just not that entertaining. Other places I’ve been involved the customer in the experience by explaining or asking questions. Some have been quite funny. We still enjoyed the meal.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Oct 11, 2020
Robb B.
Food was tasty and well prepared. But I expect more of a show when going to a teppanyaki restaurant. Our chef did very little flair, and not very engaging. He seemed very robotic in his actions.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Sep 24, 2020
Morgan G.
The food was great but it took 45 minutes before we even started dinner. Our waiter was quite slow with drinks and appetizers as well but we were in no hurry so we both had a great time.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 14, 2020
Lynn R.
Love eating here. Food and service is always top quality. My only complaint is the carpet and tables. The carpet is in dire need of replacing. It was if I was walking on bubblegum. Very sticky. The tables looked as though the protective stain was coming off. Maybe a good scrubbing will remove that and prevent anyone else being “stuck” to the table.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 5/10
Jul 29, 2020
Connie B.
The food is way overpriced for mostly getting noodles, rice and vegetables. The cook was good and entertaining.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 5/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 21, 2024
Danielle J.
Service was lacking. Had reservations for 6pm took our orders at 6:45pm . Food was excellent. The bathrooms were dirty, toilet was overflowing, from 630pm till we left. The need more help.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 6/10
Service: 6/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 6/10
Jul 30, 2023
Carl C.
Great food except the salad. Maybe just leave it out. Drinks took a while to get to us. Overall a fun experience.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 6/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 5/10
Value: 6/10
Aug 24, 2022
Sharika S.
Server was awesome!! Food was mediocre. Accidental fire at the table across from us was a bit dramatic. Fish tank needs to be cleaned it stinks.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 6/10
Service: 6/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Feb 15, 2022
Haleigh W.
Food wasn’t as good as it used to be. My husband asked 3 different waiters for another beer and we never got one. The cook was really good.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 3/10
Ambience: 6/10
Value: 6/10
Aug 27, 2021
Christine T.
Will definitely be back, but the service was less than stellar. Understandable during these Covid times: perhaps the restaurant was shorthanded. I had a reservation for six at 6:30 and arrived promptly. We were seated quickly, unfortunately we waited wow two separate parties were ushered to our area. The first party left and a new group joined us. The waiter quickly took our drink order but the drinks did not arrive for sometime. We were dining with our teenage granddaughter who is nonverbal and is diagnosed with autism. She did amazing through the dinner but I would have been happier had we not had to wait so long before being attended to. Are super arrived and soon the chef came to cook. He was amazing and entertained both young and old with his skills. He looked over at us and said “where are your plates?“ I explained that I was not sure. He called to the hostess and she brought plates. He then asked if we had our salad and I explained that we did order salad but it had not yet arrived. The chef finished cooking and we ate our dinner which was delicious. We were never offered a refill on our drinks until our last few bites of dinner. Glasses were empty for sometime. I do hope the restaurant uses the reservation system to help ensure there are staff available for the times that are showing up as available to dine.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 5/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 5/10
Aug 11, 2021
Mandy E.
Large party for 18th birthday. Food was good, staff very nice and accommodating. Some of the girls were disappointed that there was no “interaction “ or “show” as usual. Chef was definitely competent, nice, and food was great, just no extra which is expected (part of what you pay for is the experience). Staff worked hard but my husband was out of a drink for most of his meal:/ Overall everyone had fun but just surprised as their was no “fun stuff”. Ie knives, flames, interaction with chef/guests. We missed that part of the experience of dining at the restaurant. Overall a nice night, expensive but we all enjoyed:)

Overall: 7/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Jan 15, 2021
Susan T.
I indicated in my reservations that it was a birthday dinner. I thought Kabuto did something special for birthdays but I guess they do not because nothing was done.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 6/10
Nov 27, 2020
Lee P.
For the price the portions were too small

Overall: 7/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 7/10
Sep 08, 2020
Nadyne B.
Food was great as always. Cook was not as entertaining as others when we've been there. Splattered food and soy sauce everywhere. Dropped eggs and spatula when trying to be entertaining and gave wrong food to several people. We still didn't let it ruin our evening and had a good time.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 5/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 27, 2020
dawn g.
the chef and wait staff was awesome!! The really need better Ambiance. They need some type of back round music just to get rid of the awkwardness.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Jun 22, 2020
Chris V.
Overall the experience was just average. Kinda disappointed with price for what we got. Pricey food without the flavor.