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BEST RATED DURHAM, NC JAPANESE RESTAURANTS

3 Best Japanese Restaurants in Durham, NC

Expert-recommended Top 3 Japanese Restaurants in Durham, North Carolina. All of our japanese restaurants actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

Dashi - Durham, NC Japanese Restaurants
Dashi - Durham, NC Japanese Restaurants
Dashi - Durham, NC Japanese Restaurants
Best Japanese Restaurants in Durham NC - Dashi video
5+ YEARS IN TBR
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DASHI

(5.0 Score)
415 East Chapel Hill Street,
Durham, NC 27701 Directions

Since 2015

Specialty:

✓ Tonkotsu ✓ Shio ✓ Shoyu ✓ Miso ✓ Mazemen ✓ Vegan ✓ Tan Tan Men ✓ Takoyaki Hushpuppies ✓ K.F.C ✓ Bun of The Day ✓ Tofu Bao Bun ✓ Musubi ✓ Choice of Wings ✓ Pork and Kimchi Dumplings ✓ Vegetable Dumplings ✓ Wagyu Sliders ✓ Choice of Fries ✓ Salmon Chanyaki ✓ Katsu Curry ✓ Katsu Don ✓ Unagi Don ✓ Salmon Don ✓ Vegetable Don ✓ Soy Boiled Peanuts ✓ Black Sesame Nori Popcorn ✓ Grilled Edamame ✓ Seasonal Pickles of The Day ✓ Oysters on The Shell ✓ Japanese Cucumber ✓ Miso Caesar Salad ✓ Housemade Kimchi ✓ Pork Tonkatsu Sandwich ✓ Tomago Sandwich ✓ Chicken Breast ✓ Tofu

"Dashi is a ramen shop with a second-floor izakaya featuring small Japanese plates plus beer, wine and cocktails. The interior conveys the feeling of a Japanese-style izakaya. The menu is nice and neat, and the waitress is spot on with remembering where people are seated. Their online ordering page and pickup window system are perfect. The customers can enjoy a truly reliable ramen experience in Durham. This spot is known for the ramen and has other special items worth taking the trip for. Their Takoyaki Hushpuppies include octopus, yuzu kewpie mayo, house takoyaki sauce, katsuobushi, and nori. Dashi serves great cocktails and offers a variety of vegan dishes.

2026 Update: Rice noodles are available for gluten-intolerant guests at Dashi. For parties, they can accommodate up to 75 guests."

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License #3025593

Price:

Ramen:
Tonkotsu: $18
Shio: $17
Shoyu: $17
Miso: $18
Mazemen: $17
Vegan: $16
Tan Tan Men: $17
Small Plates
Takoyaki Hushpuppies: $12
K.F.C: $11
Bun Of The Day: $14
Tofu Bao Bun: $12
Musubi: $8
Choice Of Wings: $13
Pork And Kimchi Dumplings: $14
Vegetable Dumplings: $12
Wagyu Sliders: $17
Choice Of Fries: $13
Salmon Chanyaki: $24
Donburi
Katsu Curry: $15
Katsu Don: $16
Unagi Don: $15
Salmon Don: $16
Vegetable Don: $14
Snacks
Soy Boiled Peanuts: $7
Black Sesame Nori Popcorn: $6
Grilled Edamame: $7
Seasonal Pickles Of The Day: $7
Chilled
Oysters On The Shell: $17
Japanese Cucumber: $8
Miso Caesar Salad: $9
Housemade Kimchi: $6
Pork Tonkatsu Sandwich: $18
Tomago Sandwich: $14
Yakimono Grilled Skewers
Chicken Breast: $5
Tofu: $4

Contact:

(919) 251-9335

Mon-Sun: 11:30am - 10pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Kanki Japanese House of Steaks & Sushi - Durham, NC Japanese Restaurants
Kanki Japanese House of Steaks & Sushi - Durham, NC Japanese Restaurants
Kanki Japanese House of Steaks & Sushi - Durham, NC Japanese Restaurants
Best Japanese Restaurants in Durham NC - Kanki Japanese House of Steaks & Sushi video
9+ YEARS IN TBR
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KANKI JAPANESE HOUSE OF STEAKS & SUSHI

(4.9 Score)
3504 Mt Moriah Road,
Durham, NC 27707 Directions

Since 1972

Specialty:

✓ California Roll ✓ Tekka Maki ✓ Kappa Maki ✓ Sake Maki ✓ Unagi Maki ✓ Yasai Maki ✓ Spicy Tekka Maki ✓ Philly Roll ✓ Spider Roll ✓ Shrimp Tempura Roll ✓ Seaweed Salad ✓ Tuna Bowl ✓ Sushi Lunch ✓ Deluxe Sushi Dinner ✓ Sashimi Dinner ✓ Sushi and Sashimi Dinner ✓ Tamago ✓ Maguro ✓ Tako ✓ Sake ✓ Shiromi ✓ Ebi ✓ Kanikama ✓ Hamachi ✓ Shiro Maguro ✓ Saba ✓ Unagi ✓ Firecracker K ✓ Deep Sea Roll K ✓ Spiral Ecstasy Roll ✓ Budokan ✓ Krazy Train ✓ Crunchy Roll ✓ South Of The Border K ✓ Cucumber Special Roll ✓ Poseidon Roll K ✓ The Walking Dead ✓ Volcano Roll K ✓ Sweet Dragon ✓ Carolina Twister ✓ Rock N’ Roe ✓ Bamboo Dragon ✓ Dynamite Roll

"Kanki Japanese House of Steaks & Sushi is a tableside hibachi and sushi plus a diverse drinks list in a casual, festive atmosphere. Their friendly staff is seated at a large table surrounding one of their teppanyaki grills or one of their bar area bistro tables. The chef does an excellent job entertaining and cooking as well. They take pride in providing a unique and unforgettable dining experience. They offer gift cards for all occasions. Their children's menu includes hibachi shrimp, kids' tempura shrimp, and kids' chicken tenders. You can try their specialties: emperor's delight, kanki special, tokyo–dinner for two, land 'n sea & hibachi choice of two. Kanki Japanese House of Steaks & Sushi serves happy-hour food, offers great cocktails, and has a selection of vegetarian dishes.

2026 Update: Kanki Japanese House of Steaks & Sushi has a private dining room, parking spaces and takeout options."

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License #0600592

Price:

Classic Rolls
California Roll: $9.99
Tekka Maki: $7.99
Kappa Maki: $5.99
Sake Maki: $7.99
Unagi Maki: $7.99
Yasai Maki: $6.99
Spicy Tekka Maki: $9.99
Philly Roll: $10.99
Spider Roll: $12.99
Shrimp Tempura Roll: $10.99
Sunomono
Seaweed Salad: $7.50
Tuna Bowl: $15.99
Chef’S Choice
Sushi Lunch: $17.99
Deluxe Sushi Dinner: $27.99
Sashimi Dinner: $28.99
Sushi And Sashimi Dinner: $30.99
à La Carte Nigiri Sashimi
Tamago: $4.50
Maguro: $7.50
Tako: $6.50
Sake: $6.50
Shiromi: $5.50
Ebi: $5.50
Kanikama: $4.50
Hamachi: $7.50
Shiro Maguro: $6.50
Saba: $5.50
Unagi: $7.50
Special Rolls
Firecracker K: $8.99
Deep Sea Roll K: $9.99
Spiral Ecstasy Roll: $9.49
Budokan: $8.99
Krazy Train: $6.99
Crunchy Roll: $7.49
South Of The Border K: $6.99

Contact:

(919) 401-6908

LUNCH:
Fri: 11:30am - 2pm
Sat: 11:30am - 3pm
Sun: 12pm - 3pm
DINNER:
Mon-Thu: 4:30pm - 9pm
Fri: 4:30pm - 9:30pm
Sat: 3pm - 9:30pm
Sun: 3pm - 9pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Kurama Japanese Seafood - Durham, NC Japanese Restaurants
Kurama Japanese Seafood - Durham, NC Japanese Restaurants
Kurama Japanese Seafood - Durham, NC Japanese Restaurants
Best Japanese Restaurants in Durham NC - Kurama Japanese Seafood video
5+ YEARS IN TBR
CALL EMAIL

KURAMA JAPANESE SEAFOOD

(4.9 Score)
3644 Chapel Hill Boulevard,
Durham, NC 27707 Directions

Since 1999

Specialty:

✓ Scallop ✓ Squid Ika ✓ Octopus Tako ✓ Tuna Maguro ✓ Yellowtail Hamachi ✓ Salmon Sake ✓ Smoke Salmon ✓ White Fish Shiromi ✓ Mackerel Saba ✓ Shrimp Ebi ✓ Smelt Roes Masago ✓ Wasabi Tobiko ✓ Salmon Roes Ikura ✓ Raw Shrimp Ama-Ebi ✓ Eel Unagi ✓ Omelet Tamago ✓ Crab Stick Kani ✓ Surf Clam Hokkigai ✓ Whelk Clam Tsubugai ✓ Avocado Roll ✓ Cucumber Roll ✓ Vegetable Roll ✓ California Roll ✓ Tuna Roll ✓ Tuna Belly ✓ Crab Stick ✓ Spicy Tuna ✓ Spicy Scallop Roll ✓ Kurama Roll ✓ Soft Shell Crab Roll ✓ Futo Maki ✓ Salmon Roll ✓ Boston ✓ Philly Roll ✓ Salmon Skin ✓ Yellow Tail Scallion Roll ✓ Eel Avocado or Cucumber ✓ Crunchy Shrimp Roll ✓ Fermented Soybean ✓ Shrimp Tempura Roll ✓ Tuna Avocado Roll

"Kurama Japanese Seafood serves hibachi-style steaks at teppanyaki tables and specialties from a sushi bar in a casual setting. The restaurant has been proudly serving the area for over twenty-six years. Over the years, they have stayed consistent in providing the best quality and quantity of food for the price. They make the whole show in front of you, fire, juggling utensils, and jokes for the family. The food is the best, and they always accommodate your different allergy requests. Kurama Japanese Seafood features happy-hour food, serves excellent cocktails, and provides a diverse selection of vegetarian dishes. Their Sushi Sashimi Combination includes assorted seven-piece sushi, nine pieces of sashimi & California roll.

2026 Update: Kurama Japanese Seafood offers a private dining room and plenty of parking options."

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License #1147600

Price:

SUSHI OR SASHIMI:
Scallop: $8.95
Squid (Ika): $6.95
Octopus (Tako): $7.50
Tuna (Maguro): $8.25
Yellowtail (Hamachi): $8.75
Salmon (Sake): $6.95
Smoke Salmon: $7.50
White Fish (Shiromi): $7.50
Mackerel (Saba): $6.95
Shrimp (Ebi): $6.95
Smelt Roes (Masago): $6.95
Wasabi Tobiko: $7.25
Salmon Roes (Ikura): $8.95
Raw Shrimp (Ama-Ebi): $12.95
Eel (Unagi): $7.95
Omelet (Tamago): $6.25
Crab Stick (Kani): $6.25
Surf Clam (Hokkigai): $6.50
Whelk Clam (Tsubugai): $6.95
REGULAR ROLL:
Avocado Roll: $6.95
Cucumber Roll: $6.95
Vegetable Roll: $6.95
California Roll: $6.95
Tuna Roll: $8.95
Tuna Belly: $13.95
Crab Stick: $6.95
Spicy Tuna: $8.95
Spicy Scallop Roll: $10.95
Kurama Roll: $10.95
Soft Shell Crab Roll: $8.95
Futo Maki: $9.95
Salmon Roll: $7.95
Boston: $7.95

Contact:

(919) 489-2669

Mon-Thu: 11:30am - 2pm|5pm - 9:30pm
Fri & Sat: 11:30am - 2pm|4:30pm - 10pm
Sun: 11:30am - 9pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

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DASHI REVIEWS

A Durham must! The ramen is so good and well priced! There is only one vegetarian option and it’s good. The appetizers and house-made drinks were delicious, as well! Seating can be a bit limited but when we went on a weekday night there was no wait although a large group might have a harder time. Overall, a fantastic experience.

nice place serving both ramen and appetizers. both locations have both menus so it doesn't matter where you sit. but we sat at the ramen side downstairs which had a nice open seating. several unique twists here are tasty like the bacon mochi and hush puppies takoyaki we did a reservation of their website.

Fantastic ramen, gluten free noodles were yummy. Cauliflower is next level! Musubi was nostalgic, used to live in Hawaii and it took me back. Love the vibe! Everything we had was yummy!

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KANKI JAPANESE HOUSE OF STEAKS & SUSHI REVIEWS

We had a great experience! The manager, Paul, greeted us individually and checked in on us multiple times. He was very nice and genuinely interested in us having a good experience. The new decor really brightens up the restaurant - a great time all around! Thanks for the hospitality and the great food.

Family went for a celebration dinner, daughter picked this place since we were celebrating her! Service was great. We were seated, orders taken and chef was out in about a total of 15 minutes. The chef was very engaging. Fo9d was good. Highly recommend.

Great place to get a fun lunch/dinner. The show is always fun and the food is great quality. I’m also impressed with the portion sizes!

KURAMA JAPANESE SEAFOOD REVIEWS

I would have to say my first experience was beyond the best! Thank you Chef Joseph for providing great customer service, live entertainment and cooking my family such an awesome dinner! We really enjoyed every moment! Thank you for helping to make my mom birthday celebration wonderful! Thanks to the waitress and host! Everything was perfect.

The staff was friendly, as well as the hibachi chef. It has a great atmosphere, just know it is fairly dim inside in case you need to prepare for that. The lunch portion was definitely quantified for two meals. Overall a great place to grab food.

The best Japanese I've ever had and I've ate a lot of Japanese food! I've been coming here my whole life and it will forever be my favorite! They also have gluten free soy sauce which is amazing! Wonderful cooks and Rodney is the best at the bar!

TBR® Inspection Score Report

DASHI Total Inspection Points: 119/120
Reviews Accuracy of 2.9K: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Pricing: 10
Extensive Menu: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

KANKI JAPANESE HOUSE OF STEAKS & SUSHI Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Pricing: 9
Reviews Accuracy of 4.5K: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Extensive Menu: 10
Table Reservation: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

KURAMA JAPANESE SEAFOOD Total Inspection Points: 117/120
Complete Info: 9
Legitimate Ratings: 9
Reviews Accuracy of 2.9K: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Pricing: 10
Extensive Menu: 10