Best Sushi in Raleigh – From Diners Who Know
Customer Picks for the Best Sushi in Raleigh, NC
Sushi is the most popular Japanese dish on earth. And, plenty of restaurants prepare it in a variety of ways, using anywhere from subpar to superior quality of ingredients.
But the question is: Who does it best? What restaurant prepares the best sushi in Raleigh?
Well, you are in luck, because I’ve got five recommendations for the best sushi in Raleigh that should help you to narrow down your search. Or, send you on your way to compiling your own “top Sushi” list. I narrowed my list by comparing it with other customer favorites for the all-around five best.
1. Sushi Mon
Sushi Mon has some of the area’s most excellent seafood and boasts of a range of highly talented chefs, which is evident in the taste and presentation. The environment is comfortable, and they show very great attention to detail with their handcrafted North Carolina porcelain. The service is down-to-earth and friendly, and the sushi is just amazing. Sushi Mon is uniquely placed at 105 Friendly Dr, Raleigh, NC.
In case you’re skeptical, here is what one of their customers has to say:
“Love, Love, Love this restaurant. The Sushi is extraordinary. If you go here, you won’t visit any place else for Sushi. It is, without a doubt, the best in town.”
Pricing: 2-pc Sashimi runs between $6 and $15 (more toward the $6 range); 8-pc Special Rolls are $12 to $15
Sushi Mon
105 Friendly Drive #101, Raleigh, NC 27607 919-322-0002
Lunch Hours: Monday-Saturday 11:30 am to 2 pm
Dinner Hours: Monday-Thursday & Sunday 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm; Friday-Saturday 5:30 pm to 10 pm
Reservations: Open Table
2. Ajisai Japanese Fusion
At 427 Woodburn Rd, Raleigh, NC, sits one of the best sushi joints in Raleigh that you could visit. The aura and ambiance of Ajisai Japanese Fusion are on another level. The sushi is mind-blowing, and it’s not an experience you will forget easily. After a fantastic meal at the restaurant, this is what a customer had to say:
“It’s been over a week, and I can’t still get over this sushi joint!”
Once you visit Ajisai Japanese Fusion, you will be hooked!
Pricing: Sushi and Sashimi a la carte ranges from $2.25 to $4.75; Rolls and Hand Rolls run $4.25 to $10.95; Teriyaki, Tempura, and Noodle Dishes are also available for any non-sushi eaters or to provide additional small plates for a better variety.
Ajisai Japanese Fusion
427 Woodburn Road (in Cameron Village), Raleigh, NC 27605 919-831-9907
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 am to 10 pm; Friday 11 am to 11 pm; Saturday 11:30 am to 11 pm; Sunday 12 pm to 10 pm
Website: Ajisai Japanese Fusion
3. O-Ku Sushi
Weird name, right? Well, it draws attention to how unique this restaurant is. O-Ku Sushi offers authentic Asian delicacy with a southern approach. Unlike most sushi restaurants, they have a unique set of ingredients. Located at 411W Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC in The Dillon, O-Ku Sushi is the place to be.
“Not a sushi fan but I came away a changed man, O-Ku is not just a restaurant, it’s an escape, an experience into a world where perfection is the goal.”
O-Ku Sushi is a 2018 Open Table Diners’ Choice Award Winner with a prime location in the downtown warehouse district
Pricing: Chef Specialties range from $13 to $23; 2-pc Sashimi selections are $3 to $5.50; O-Ku Sushi also has a Gluten Free Menu
O-Ku Sushi
411 W Hargett Street (warehouse district), Raleigh, NC 27603 919-792-3377
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5 pm to 10 pm; Friday-Saturday 5 pm to 11 pm
Reservations: Open Table
4. Wajari Japanese Restaurant
Wajari Japanese Restaurant is one restaurant that has earned its place on the top five sushi list in Raleigh, even though it offers much more. The beautiful venue sits at 5910 Duraleigh Rd (at Pleasant Valley Rd). Head chef, Chef Masa, has over 30 years of sushi experience and offers the best.
Here is what one customer had to say about the sushi:
“Sushi is amazing!!! Nice place and the chefs take the time to really get to know you. Also, try the nigiri”.
If you want amazing sushi and great customer service, then get to Wajari. There’s plenty for everyone, even the non-sushi eaters, as Wajari offers Teriyaki
Pricing: Rolls range from $7 to $17.95; Maki Sushi (4-6 pcs) ranges from $5.05 to $7.35
The Wajari Japanese Restaurant
5910 Duraleigh Road, Raleigh, NC 27612 919-783-1883
Lunch Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11:30 am to 2 pm
Dinner Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm; Friday-Saturday 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm; Sunday 5 pm to 9 pm
Reservations: Wajari Japanese Restaurant
5. Sushi Nine
Sushi Nine isn’t just about the food; it’s an experience. Rising from the ashes after the fire they suffered in 2015, Sushi Nine keeps melting the hearts of its customers with its amazing sushi and superior customer service. It is located at 3812 Western Blvd (at Whitmore Dr), Raleigh, NC. What’s so special about Sushi Nine you might ask, here is what a customer has to say:
“My girlfriend and I have been going to Sushi Nine for up to six months now. It is the best place ever. Hands down. The service is great. They are so polite. The food is spectacular. And the price is so affordable.”
While Sushi Nine is known for its tasty sushi, the prices are just as appealing.
If you want to veer off from sushi, Sushi Nine has “make your own” Poke Bowls for $12. You start by selecting from rice or mixed greens. Then, you’ll pick from Salmon, Albacore, Kani, Yellowtail, or Tuna, as well as from a list of toppings and sauces.
Pricing: Special rolls run from $11 to $16. Sushi Nine also offers Hibachi, Thai, Chinese, as well as lunches that are served until 4 pm daily.
Sushi Nine
3812 Western Boulevard, Raleigh, NC 27606 919-615-3100
Lunch Hours: Daily from 11 am to 4 pm
Full Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 11 am to 10 pm; Thursday-Saturday 11 am to 10:30 pm
Reservations: Call for reservations (not accepted for 6 pm to 9 pm Friday and Saturday)
Website: Sushi Nine
Great Food and Free Entertainment?
So there you go. Those are your top five sushi joint picks in Raleigh, North Carolina. Now you can narrow down your quest with some customer recommendations to get you started.
We hope you return to the OTL City Guides often as we love updating food recommendations.
Also, did you know that OTL started as a seat fillers club? Raleigh members pay less than the cost of a large coffee each month for free pairs of tickets that pop up out of the blue. Check out the club when you get a chance. It’s the most entertaining one you’ll find!
