Top Sushi Bars and Restaurants in Raleigh

I go out for sushi at least once a week (more, if I can afford it). I’ve visited almost every sushi bar in Raleigh, and unfortunately not all sushi is created equal. Still, I like to experiment with new places because occasionally I’ll find a newer, better place to get my sushi. Each sushi chef has slight nuances and creative license with his own sushi, so you really have to shop around to find a chef you appreciate. Plus, some sushi bars have less than ideal atmospheres, and let’s face it: If you’re going out to spend a bunch of money on sushi, you want it to be a fun time! Lastly, many sushi bars charge way more than is necessary for the quality of sushi they provide. In short, it can be quite an ordeal finding the perfect sushi experience.

Fortunately, I’ve already visited the boring bars, eaten the rubbery sushi, paid the ghastly prices, and done all the hard work for you! I’ve found some wonderful sushi treasures, hiding right here in Raleigh, North Carolina:

Waraji – 5910 Duraleigh Rd., Raleigh, NC 27612
http://warajirestaurant.com/
(919) 783-1883

Waraji is a beautiful, traditionally-decorated sushi bar and restaurant. The sushi is always fresh, never chewy, and the fish is full of flavor. Waraji is a wonderful place to go on a romantic sushi date because of the quiet atmosphere and ethnic feel of the place. They offer delicious sides and other Japanese meals, such as teriyaki or yakisoba, so you can still take along friends who prefer not to try sushi. The sushi prices are moderately high, but not overbearing, and well-worth the service and dining experience.

By far the best thing about Waraji is the style of dining. They have four “personal” rooms that seat four to eight people around a traditional floor-table. You must take off your shoes before entering these rooms, and you sit on comfortable blue floor pillows, as is customary in Japan. Waraji’s unique experience is fun for sushi lovers because it gives you the authentic Japanese-dining experience!

Sushi Blues Cafe – 301 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27603
http://www.sushibluescafe.com/
(919) 664-8061

Sushi Blues Cafe is a wildly popular sushi sensation in downtown Raleigh. This place is impossible to get into on Tuesday and Thursday nights, so arrive early! Why? Because these nights are “Half-Price Sushi” after 10pm! This is definitely the place to go if you want to most sushi for your money. It’s so economical that college students often visit by the dozens, barely leaving room to walk around inside. If you plan on attending for half-price sushi, I definitely suggest arriving around 9pm. It’s worth the wait, and you can munch on appetizers and drink their delicious sake (or whatever else you want from their full bar) until its time for sushi.

Sushi Blues isn’t just a sushi place. It’s a local nightlife scene in Raleigh, so it’s ideal for groups of friends looking for a fun night out! The atmosphere is similar to that of a club or fancy bar: Dress up in your sexy best!

The sushi is surprisingly good, so you get your money’s worth; and they have entertaining, non-traditional names for their rolls, mostly having to do with jazz or the local college NC State. You can get a full, large roll of sushi for about 3 or 4 bucks. It’s a truly excellent deal and exciting time out on the town!

Kanki – Located at Crabtree Valley Mall off Glenwood Rd.
http://www.kanki.com/kanki_home.htm
(919) 782-9708

Kanki is a great place for families to go for dinner and a show! Kanki is first and foremost a hibachi steakhouse. You and nine other people are seated around a table with a grill in the middle. Order your food, and a hibachi chef will come out and cook your food right in front of you – while making jokes, dancing, and juggling eggs and glasses. It’s an interesting diversion while you wait for your dinner.

If you order sushi, you will, of course, not have a chef cook your food in front of you; however, you can still watch as he performs making everybody else’s meal and get the same entertainment value. I, for example, am not really a hibachi fan. I go strictly for the sushi (though the show is fun, too). The sushi at kanki is the best I’ve had in Raleigh. It’s less expensive than Waraji – because Kanki makes of its money from its expensive hibachi dinners – and much more tasty! If you aren’t interested in partying with your friends, super inexpensive sushi, or having a unique and romantic date, but merely want the best tasting sushi you can find then Kanki is your place!

Now you have a very good overview of three unique sushi experiences available to you in Raleigh, North Carolina. I certainly suggest that you try all of these places at some point in time, as each of them do have very good sushi and make excellent activities for romantic dates, hanging out with college buddies, or going out with your family. Eating sushi should be a treat every time, so make sure you’re visiting quality bars and restaurants for your sushi-eating experience. Have fun!