ThreeBestRated.com
BEST RATED RALEIGH, NC JAPANESE RESTAURANTS

3 Best Japanese Restaurants in Raleigh, NC

Expert-recommended Top 3 Japanese Restaurants in Raleigh, 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!

Waraji Japanese Restaurant - Raleigh, NC Japanese Restaurants - Dish Image
Waraji Japanese Restaurant - Raleigh, NC Japanese Restaurants - Restaurant Exterior Image
Waraji Japanese Restaurant - Raleigh, NC Japanese Restaurants - collage image(highlights)
Best Japanese Restaurants in Raleigh NC - Waraji Japanese Restaurant video
10+ YEARS ON TBR
CALL EMAIL

WARAJI JAPANESE RESTAURANT

(5.0 Score)
5910-147 Duraleigh Road,
Raleigh, NC 27612 Directions

Since 1997

Specialities:

✓Katsudon ✓Oyakodon ✓Una-tama-don ✓Una-ju ✓Gyudon ✓Teriyaki ✓Teriyaki Chicken Bowl ✓Yaki-zakana ✓Shogayaki ✓Yasai Itame ✓Tempura ✓Katsu ✓Spicy Seafood Udon ✓Garlic Butter Chicken Fried Rice ✓Miso-glazed Chilean Seabass ✓Hamachi Kama ✓Sukiyaki ✓Shabu-shabu ✓Edamame ✓Age Dashi Tofu ✓Green Mussels ✓Tuna Tataki ✓Negimaki ✓Gyu-tataki ✓Goma-ae ✓Gyoza ✓Ika Butter ✓Sashimi Appetizer ✓Sushi Appetizer ✓Age Nasu ✓Ebi Shumai ✓Oshinko Platter ✓Vegetable Harumaki

" Waraji Japanese Restaurant is a Japanese-owned restaurant that serves an extensive sake selection, sushi & traditional cooked dishes in a minimalist setting. Their chef, Masa, has over thirty years of sushi experience and invites you to join him and his staff to experience the authentic taste of Japan. He is also closely associated with the North Carolina Japan Club and its educational and promotional programs in Japanese culture. Waraji Japanese Restaurant offers a full menu of tempura, grilled teriyaki items, Nabe yaki udon, and more than 30 appetizers. The restaurant can claim the widest variety of sake in the Carolinas. Waraji Japanese Restaurant offers outdoor seating, has a private dining room, and serves a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes.

2026 Highlights: They won multiple awards in Raleigh's best twice a year, Diner's Choice Awards, Indy best of triangle awards, etc.; they had a professional and experienced chef to feature a plate in an elegant way."

Reviews | Play Video | Write a Review

Menu:

Sake Ochazuke $17
Tonkotsu Ramen $22
Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen $24
Miso Tonkotsu Ramen $24
Tempura Udon Soba $22
Nabeyaki Udon $24
Shabu-Shabu $90
Katsudon (Chicken) $22
Katsudon (Pork) $23
Oyakodon $20
Una-Tama-Don $22
Una-Ju $36
Gyudon $19
Teriyaki Chicken $26
Teriyaki Ny Strip Steak $32
Salmon, Shrimp & Scallops $30
Tuna, Shrimp & Scallops $32
Shrimp & Scallops $35
Teriyaki Chicken Bowl $20
Yaki-Zakana $24
Shogayaki Chicken $26
Shogayaki Beef $32
Shogayaki Pork $28
Yasai Itame $20
Vegetable Tempura $18
Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura $26
Seafood & Vegetable Tempura $30
Chicken Katsu $27
Pork Katsu $28
Spicy Seafood Udon $32
Garlic Butter Chicken Fried Rice $21
Miso-Glazed Chilean Seabass $50
Hamachi Kama $40
Sukiyaki $35 - $66

Contact:

(919) 783-1883 (919) 916-1615

Mon-Thu: 11:30am - 2pm|5pm - 9pm
Fri: 11:30pm - 2pm|5pm - 9:30pm
Sat: 11:30am - 3pm|5pm - 9:30pm
Sun: 12pm - 3pm|5pm - 9pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

O-Ku - Raleigh, NC Japanese Restaurants - Dish Image
O-Ku - Raleigh, NC Japanese Restaurants - Restaurant Exterior Image
O-Ku - Raleigh, NC Japanese Restaurants - collage image(highlights)
Best Japanese Restaurants in Raleigh NC - O-Ku video
CALL EMAIL

O-KU

(4.9 Score)
411 West Hargett Street,
Raleigh, NC 27603 Directions

Since 2018

Specialities:

✓O-ku Lobster ✓O-ku A5 Wagyu ✓O-ku Salmon ✓O-ku Hamachi ✓O-ku Sea Bream ✓O-ku Otoro ✓O-ku Tuna ✓Kanpachi ✓Ebi ✓Madai ✓Shima Aji ✓Amaebi ✓Tuna Crudo ✓Garden Salad ✓Shishito ✓Miso Soup ✓Seaweed Salad ✓West St Wings ✓Octopus ✓Carpaccio ✓Wild Mushroom ✓O-ku Rock Shrimp ✓Gyoza ✓Crispy Rice ✓Hamachi Kama ✓Lobster Kinoko ✓Toriniku ✓Pan Seared Salmon ✓Hanger ✓Curry Noodle ✓A5 Kagoshima Tartare ✓A5 Katsu Sando ✓Salmon and Lemon ✓Spicy Tuna Crunch ✓Cali Crunch

" O-Ku offers a fresh and modern twist on traditional Japanese sushi and cuisine. The restaurant features rare and unique dishes, including traditional sashimi and specialty rolls is located in the Warehouse District of downtown Raleigh. Their menu highlights top-quality seafood sourced from the best fish markets in Tokyo and Hawaii is paired with local and seasonal ingredients. O-Ku’s menu, all crafted to match the restaurant’s thoughtfully designed space, is inspired by Japanese culture. The drink menu focuses on high-quality ingredients and pays tribute to Japanese traditions. The restaurant has happy hour food and has great cocktails.

2026 Highlights: They provide a menu comprised of signature starters, contemporary Japanese entrées, and seasonal traditional sushi that reflects the uniquely designed space. They offer gift cards to customers, which can be digital or physical."

Reviews | Play Video | Write a Review

Menu:

Makimono
Mamushi $18
Traditional Tuna Roll $9
Negihama $9
Negitoro $19
Unagi $11
Salmon & Lemon $16
Spicy Tuna Crunch $15
Cali Crunch $14
Rainbow $21
Tsunami Roll $17
Emperor $28
Angry Salmon $18
Kurama $19
White Spider $17
O-Baby $19
The Dillon $18
Hot EntréEs
Toriniku $32
Pan-Seared Salmon $29
Curry Noodle $23
Hanger $39
Teppanyaki
Hamachi Kama $32
A5 Japanese Wagyu $35oz
Lobster Kinoko $44
Wagyu Signatures
A5 Kagoshima Tartare $54
A5 Katsu Sando $62
Chef Specialties
Octopus $25
Tuna Crudo $23
Carpaccio $18
Wild Mushroom $17
Robata (Japanese Grill)
Gyuniku $18
Kamo Negi $20
Small Plates
Edamame $6
Gyoza $10
O-Ku Rock Shrimp $16
West St Wings $16
Crispy Rice $21

Contact:

(919) 792-3777

Mon,Tue & Sun: 5pm - 9pm
Wed & Thu: 5pm - 10pm
Fri & Sat: 5pm - 11pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Orchid Japanese Restaurant - Raleigh, NC Japanese Restaurants - Dish Image
Orchid Japanese Restaurant - Raleigh, NC Japanese Restaurants - Restaurant Exterior Image
Orchid Japanese Restaurant - Raleigh, NC Japanese Restaurants - collage image(highlights)
Best Japanese Restaurants in Raleigh NC - Orchid Japanese Restaurant video
6+ YEARS ON TBR

ORCHID JAPANESE RESTAURANT

(4.8 Score)
7432 Creedmoor Road,
Raleigh, NC 27613 Directions

Since 2010

Specialities:

✓Chicken Hibachi ✓Shrimp Hibachi ✓Scallop Hibachi ✓Salmon Hibachi ✓Steak Hibachi ✓Red Snapper Hibachi ✓Pad Thai ✓Singapore Noodles ✓Drunken Noodles ✓Beef Chow Fun ✓Basil Chicken ✓House Udon Noodle Soup ✓Sushi or Sashimi Plate ✓Chicken Stir-fried Udon ✓Shrimp Stir-fried ✓Steak Stir-fried ✓Scallop Stir-fried ✓Chicken Fried Rice ✓Shrimp Fried Rice ✓Vegetable Fried Rice ✓Chicken Bento ✓Shrimp Bento ✓Steak Bento ✓Salmon Bento

" Orchid Japanese Restaurant offers an array of made-to-order, all-you-can-eat fare, from sushi to hibachi. The restaurant has a new and unique twist on dining in the Triangle: a buffet without the buffet bar. The staff here are very kind, and the sushi and hot sake are perfect for unwinding after a long day in the office. They deliver a full-service, made-to-order meal, allowing you to make your selections at your table. Orchid Japanese Restaurant is a modern and exciting addition to dining in the Triangle, offering a special-style buffet. You can call ahead for groups of 5 or more and set up a reservation. The restaurant serves delicious vegetarian dishes and offers high chairs for families with young children.

2026 Highlights: Orchid Japanese Restaurant continues to offer all-you-can-eat Japanese dining, with its current menu featuring sushi, sashimi, speciality rolls, hibachi, and a variety of freshly prepared appetizers and entrees."

Reviews | Play Video | Write a Review
License #1158689

Menu:

Lunch:
Adult: $21.75
Age 7-10: $14.00
Age 4-6: $9.50
Age 3 and Under: $4.00
Dinner:
Adult: $32.25
Age 7-10: $17.95
Age 4-6: $12.95
Age 3 and Under: $5.50
Appetizers
Garden Salad $4.25
Miso Soup $4.25
Spring Rolls $7.00
Seaweed Salad $7.00
Crispy Calamari $8.00
Edamame $6.50
Gyoza $8.75
Crab & Cheese Wontons $9.50
Shumai $9.00
Vegetable Tempura $8.00
Shrimp Tempura with Vegetable $11.25
Spicy Shrimp $9.50
Coconut Shrimp $9.50
Spicy Wings $9.50
Sashimi Nigiri
Crabstick $4.75
Eel $6.25
Mackerel $5.75
Red Snapper $5.25
Salmon $6.50
Shrimp $5.50
Smelt Roe (Masago) $5.50
Spicy Crab $5.00
Spicy Scallop $7.25
Squid $6.25
Surf Clam $6.25
Sweet Tofu $4.75
Tuna $6.25
White Tuna $6.25
Yellowtail $6.50

Contact:

(919) 890-5345

Mon: Closed
Tue-Sat: 11am - 2:30pm|4:30pm - 9:30pm
Sun: 12pm - 9:30pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Video

Write a Review for Orchid Japanese Restaurant

Our Review Process:

  • All reviews matter:We publish both positive and negative reviews to provide a balanced perspective.
  • No censorship: Businesses cannot pay to remove or modify negative reviews.
  • Verification process: All reviews are checked for authenticity and compliance with our community guidelines before publication.
  • Fair representation: We display reviews of all ratings (1–5 stars) to help users make informed decisions.
  • Independence: We are not affiliated with the businesses we review and receive no compensation for favorable ratings.

Your honest opinion helps others make better choices. Whether your experience was excellent, average, or disappointing, we want to hear from you. For more details, check Community Review Guidelines.

Contact Business

WARAJI JAPANESE RESTAURANT REVIEWS

My go-to spot for traditional Japanese food! I usually get sukiyaki, Nagoya wings, and grilled fish when I come with family or friends so we can share family-style. The fish quality is consistently good every time I visit. Plus, their warm and welcoming service gives it that cozy local restaurant feel that I love.

this place is the perfect mix of upscale and cozy without the high price tag. loved the vibe! the servers and host were super friendly, and the food was amazing. the menu is huge—i could’ve easily ordered everything. this might just be my new go-to sushi spot in raleigh. definitely coming back to try more.

Waraji, one of the finest sushi restaurants in the Triangle, offers an exceptional dining experience. The quality of the fish is simply outstanding, and the service is impeccable. While it may be a bit pricey, the exceptional food makes it a worthwhile investment.

These reviews are provided for information purposes and to help you make informed decisions.

To share your experience, click here or send it to reviews@threebestrated.com.

We will display both positive and negative reviews. All submitted reviews are published after verification for authenticity and compliance with our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Community Review Guidelines.

O-KU REVIEWS

I don’t even know where to begin. Hands down the best dining experience I’ve had in Raleigh. From the food, to the drinks, to the ambiance and service, everything was 10/10. Paul is one of the managers and made me feel like the Queen that I am! And Zach, my waiter, was just delightful, attentive and personable. The food was delicious, and the drinks were great. I was not planning to even eat dessert but it was a delicious surprise! I had the best night because of Paul and Zach and will forever cherish this evening. Thank you Oku for an amazing Valentine’s Day!.

We came for my brother's birthday. They treated us so well! The service was really fast and so nice. We ordered a bunch of different things all at different times and the waitress stayed on top of everything like a champion. We also brought an ice cream cake and the cake service went perfectly. They even printed special menus for our little party. I highly recommend for any special celebration!.

O-Ku offers an unforgettable dining experience! Highlights include the Tuna Crudo, O-Ku Rock Shrimp, and the heavenly Ube Butter Mochi Brownie with Vanilla Gelato. The cozy ambiance is perfect for date nights, and Jerry’s exceptional service made it extra special! Will be back!.

ORCHID JAPANESE RESTAURANT REVIEWS

Orchid is a sushi lover’s paradise. They offer an all-you-can-eat menu featuring a diverse array of rolls, sushi, and other delectable dishes. What sets Orchid apart is their on-demand preparation, ensuring that each dish is freshly made to perfection. The service is impeccable, adding to the overall dining experience.

A buffet with a twist. You order and eat and then if you are still hungry, you get some more. We ordered about three rounds of sushi and three rounds of appetizers. We got ice cream for dessert. Highly recommend trying this place if you like sushi.

Great place for all you can eat sushi! Everything is very high quality. I like that you can order sashimi and nigiri as part of all you can eat. The sushi rolls are also very good and there is an option to create your own roll with your preference. Will definitely be back!.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

WARAJI JAPANESE RESTAURANT Total Inspection Points: 119/120
Contact Info: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Business Hours: 10
Complete Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Followers Ratio: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Pricing: 10
Social Media: 10
Video: 10
Table Reservation: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

O-KU Total Inspection Points: 117/120
Complete Info: 9
Experience: 9
Followers Ratio: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Business Hours: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Social Media: 10
Video: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

ORCHID JAPANESE RESTAURANT Total Inspection Points: 116/120
Business Hours: 9
Contact Info: 9
Experience: 9
Followers Ratio: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Complete Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Pricing: 10
Reviews Accuracy of 2.2K: 10
Variety of Menu: 10
Video: 10