Raleigh is a fun-loving city in North Carolina that boasts good food and good times for all. Most American towns have multiple sushi restaurants and Raleigh is no exception.
However, there are a few who stand out from the pack for their delicious signature rolls, the ambiance inside the restaurant, and customer service.
Sushi rolls and hibachi dishes are crucial in making or breaking a sushi restaurant. The quality of the ingredients is also a crucial point. If you’re a stickler for either of these criteria, I’m with you.
That’s why I’ve tasted and tested food from each of the restaurants below and can guarantee that you’ll find something to love with the best sushi in Raleigh!
Sono Sushi
319 Fayetteville St #101, Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: 919-521-5328
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Sono Sushi is a sushi bar and Japanese restaurant serving the Triangle Area of the city. They offer online ordering and reservations, which makes them a great location to add to a busy schedule.
You can find them in the trendy Hudson condo building on Fayetteville Street downtown! Their menu offers sushi rolls, bento boxes, ramen dishes, and an 8-course Omakase chef’s selection.
Since they are a sushi bar, they also have a wide selection of sake and craft cocktails that taste delicious.
I love their upscale, calming ambiance and signature sushi rolls, like the Dancing Eel and Grand Piano rolls.
City Market Sushi
315 Blake St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: 919-322-1987
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City Market Sushi is an upscale sushi restaurant located on Blake Street in the downtown Raleigh area. Their menu selections include plenty of nigiri, sashimi, and classic rolls, as well as options for specialty rolls.
I like this place for when you want a more upscale night out and want quality sushi rolls with a great vibe.
Their Chirashi box plate features 18 pieces of nigiri, sashimi, and sushi for an affordable price, which makes it my favorite option on the menu!
Don’t be left out; you can make reservations online or over the phone.
Waraji Japanese Restaurant
5910-147 Duraleigh Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612
Phone: 919-783-1883
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At Waraji, you can expect authentic Japanese sushi and sake with an enticing vibe that begs you to stay for one more drink.
Their companion bar Izakaya is a great place to move your party after a few sushi rolls to enjoy a little sake or cocktail. You can find them in the Northwest area of Raleigh off Glenwood Avenue.
Call for reservations or order online if you are in the area! I loved the fresh-tasting nigiri selection on my last visit there, especially the shiromi and maguro.
Regarding their customer appreciation, there is a gluten-free menu available for those with dietary restrictions, making it easy for everyone to dine at Waraji!
O-Ku
411 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: 919-792-3777
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O-Ku is a trendy and welcoming sushi restaurant that belongs to a chain of O-Ku’s throughout the American Southeast.
Their Raleigh location is in Raleigh’s warehouse district, making it an ideal dining spot after a long day in town.
Reservations can be made online or over the phone, and if you would like private or group dining arrangements, they can help you with that!
Their menu includes a few standout chef’s specialties like carpaccio, O-Ku shrimp, usuzukuri, and wagyu tartare among others.
The wagyu tartare is one of my favorites! There are plenty of maki rolls, classic and signature, to choose from as well as a wide array of nigiri and sashimi options.
For those who want something more than a sushi roll or two, there are a couple of hot dishes on the menu sure to satisfy their cravings.
Sushi Blues Cafe
301 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: 919-664-8061
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As the name suggests, Sushi Blues Cafe is a smaller cafe-style establishment. You can find it on Glenwood Avenue, nearby plenty of historical attractions like the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the State Capitol.
They do not take same-day reservations, but reservations made in advance are welcome! Their menu features fresh ingredients that make some of the best sushi in Raleigh!
Try out their sushi rolls, stir-fry dishes, or katsu options on your next visit! I like Sushi Blues because they offer great customer service along with their quality food.
There is also a designated vegetarian menu to keep their vegan options well separated.
Despite being in the middle of America, Raleigh does not lack in the sushi department.
For your next night out on the town, consider dropping by and trying out a few signature sushi rolls or chef’s special dishes at any of these establishments! You won’t be disappointed!
If you’re in Raleigh and you’re craving Greek food, be sure to check out these hotspots around town!
Is your favorite sushi spot not on this list? Leave us a comment, and we’ll be sure to check it out!