When Leon Du decided to open Kappo Adelaide, he was inspired by a unique restaurant concept he discovered in Osaka.
Eager to bring that special experience to South Australia, Leon has opened a place where food isn’t just about eating but about creating and enjoying the process.
Since opening in March, Kappo Adelaide has quickly become a favourite destination for locals looking for a fun, interactive dining experience that puts a twist on traditional Japanese cuisine.
Leon has spent 25 years in the restaurant industry, including 13 years as a Japanese chef, and his passion for cooking is evident in everything Kappo offers.
“Adelaide’s food scene is amazing—so much more relaxed and friendly than Melbourne, where I first moved when coming to Australia,” he shares.
“Adelaide is a great place to bring this interactive Japanese dining concept to life.”
And one of the highlights of the Kappo experience is the restaurant’s version of the traditional Japanese pancake, Okonomiyaki.
What makes Okonomiyaki so unique? It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience where you can have fun making it yourself
At Kappo, each table is equipped with its own teppanyaki grill, allowing guests to cook their own Okonomiyaki pancakes right at their table.
The pancakes themselves are made from a batter Leon spent a lot of time perfecting.
“We tried many different recipes, about four or five, to get the batter just right,” Leon says.
“It was all about getting the perfect texture—crispy on the outside, soft inside.”
Fresh ingredients are used every day to ensure every pancake is as good as the last.
“No soggy pancakes here!” he laughs.
The fun doesn’t stop with the cooking. Leon has enjoyed watching guests get creative with their pancakes, making everything from heart shapes to cute animals.
“It’s amazing to see what people come up with,” he says.
“We’ve even had people make little cat-shaped pancakes! It really adds to the whole experience.”
For those who prefer not to cook, the staff at Kappo are happy to step in and do the cooking.
Kappo’s atmosphere is as relaxed and welcoming as Adelaide itself. The restaurant is perfect for all types of occasions, whether you’re enjoying a family meal, a date night, or just hanging out with friends.
“We’ve had so many young people come in with groups of friends, and they absolutely love the interactive nature of the dining,” Leon says.
“It’s great to see everyone enjoying themselves and getting artistic.”
In addition to the pancakes, Kappo offers a great selection of authentic Japanese dishes, along with a list of sake to complement the meal, rounding out the experience.
Since opening, the restaurant Leon has received a lot of positive feedback.
“It’s really rewarding to hear people talk about how much they love the pancakes,” says Leon.
“That’s exactly what we wanted—to create something fun, interactive, and most importantly, delicious.”
Kappo Adelaide is open seven days a week, making it the perfect place for a casual lunch, a fun dinner, or a unique night out.
Whether you’re cooking your own Okonomiyaki or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere, Kappo promises an unforgettable dining experience for everyone.
Kappo Adelaide
Where: 33 Wright Court, Adelaide
When: 7 Days 9am-9pm
For more information, click here.
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