The Best Japanese Food in Durham, NC

When it comes to Japanese cuisine, Durham, North Carolina, may not be the first place that comes to mind. However, the city is home to some truly exceptional Japanese restaurants that offer high-quality dishes that rival those in larger cities. From sushi to ramen to traditional Japanese dishes, Durham’s Japanese food scene has a lot to offer. In this article, we will explore the best Japanese food in Durham, NC, and what makes each restaurant stand out.

Why Durham, NC is a Great Place for Japanese Food

Durham is a city that is known for its diverse culinary scene. The city is home to a variety of cuisines, from Southern comfort food to international fare. Japanese cuisine has become increasingly popular in the city over the past few years, with several restaurants opening up that specialize in Japanese cuisine. These restaurants offer a diverse range of dishes, from traditional sushi and sashimi to ramen and udon noodles. Durham’s Japanese food scene is also relatively affordable, making it a great option for those looking for high-quality Japanese food without breaking the bank.

The Best Japanese Restaurants in Durham, NC

1. Dashi

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Dashi is a Japanese restaurant located in downtown Durham that is known for its exceptional ramen and izakaya-style dishes. The restaurant’s ramen is made with a rich, flavorful broth that is cooked for over 18 hours. The menu also includes a variety of small plates, such as crispy chicken karaage and pork belly bao buns.

2. M Kokko

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M Kokko is a Japanese-style fried chicken restaurant that is located in Durham’s Brightleaf Square. The restaurant serves a variety of delicious fried chicken dishes, including traditional Japanese-style karaage and Korean-style fried chicken. The restaurant is also known for its selection of craft beers and sake.

3. Sushi Love

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Sushi Love is a family-owned Japanese restaurant located in Durham’s Brightleaf Square. The restaurant is known for its fresh and high-quality sushi, which is made to order. The menu also includes a variety of other Japanese dishes, such as teriyaki chicken and udon noodles.

4. M Sushi

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M Sushi is a high-end Japanese restaurant that is located in downtown Durham. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of traditional Japanese dishes, such as sashimi and nigiri sushi, as well as creative dishes that are unique to the restaurant. The restaurant also has an extensive selection of sake and Japanese whisky.

5. Torii Noodle Bar

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Torii Noodle Bar is a Japanese restaurant located in Durham’s Ninth Street shopping district. The restaurant specializes in ramen and udon noodles, which are made fresh daily. The menu also includes a variety of small plates, such as gyoza and tempura shrimp.

Best Japanese Food in Durham, NC FAQ

1. What is the best Japanese restaurant in Durham, NC?

The best Japanese restaurant in Durham, NC depends on your personal preferences. If you’re looking for exceptional ramen, we recommend Dashi. If you’re in the mood for sushi, Sushi Love is a great option. If you’re looking for high-end Japanese cuisine, M Sushi is the way to go.

2. Which Japanese restaurant in Durham, NC is the most affordable?

Most Japanese restaurants in Durham, NC are relatively affordable. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, we recommend M Kokko. The restaurant’s Japanese-style fried chicken dishes are both delicious and affordable.

3. What is the most popular dish at Dashi?

The most popular dish at Dashi is the restaurant’s tonkotsu ramen. The ramen is made with a rich, flavorful broth that is cooked for over 18 hours.

4. Does Sushi Love offer takeout?

Yes, Sushi Love offers takeout and delivery options for its menu items.

5. What is the atmosphere like at M Sushi?

M Sushi is a high-end Japanese restaurant with a sleek and modern atmosphere. The restaurant has a small dining room that is perfect for intimate dinners.

6. What is the best time to visit Torii Noodle Bar?

Torii Noodle Bar is a popular restaurant, so we recommend visiting during off-peak hours to avoid long wait times. The restaurant is usually less busy during weekday lunches and early dinners.

7. Does M Kokko have vegetarian options?

Yes, M Kokko offers several vegetarian options on its menu, including a vegetable udon noodle dish and a vegetarian bibimbap bowl.

8. What is the most unique dish at Sushi Love?

The most unique dish at Sushi Love is the restaurant’s sushi burrito. The burrito is made with sushi rice, seaweed, and a variety of fillings, such as tuna, salmon, and avocado.

9. Does Dashi have outdoor seating?

Yes, Dashi has a small outdoor seating area that is perfect for enjoying ramen on a sunny day.

10. What is the best sake to order at M Sushi?

M Sushi has an extensive selection of sake, so it depends on your personal preferences. However, we recommend trying the restaurant’s house sake, which is made exclusively for M Sushi.

11. Does Torii Noodle Bar have gluten-free options?

Yes, Torii Noodle Bar offers several gluten-free options on its menu, including a gluten-free ramen noodle dish.

12. What is the most popular dish at M Kokko?

The most popular dish at M Kokko is the restaurant’s Korean-style fried chicken. The chicken is crispy and flavorful, and it comes with a variety of dipping sauces.

13. What is the best time to visit Sushi Love?

Sushi Love is a popular restaurant, so we recommend visiting during off-peak hours to avoid long wait times. The restaurant is usually less busy during weekday lunches and early dinners.

Conclusion

If you’re in Durham, NC, and you’re looking for high-quality Japanese food, you can’t go wrong with any of the restaurants on this list. From exceptional ramen to fresh sushi, Durham’s Japanese food scene has something for everyone. So, the next time you’re in Durham, be sure to check out one of these amazing Japanese restaurants.

And if you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family. Together, we can support the amazing Japanese restaurants in Durham, NC, and help them continue to thrive.

Disclaimer

The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication. However, restaurant menus, hours, and pricing are subject to change. Please check with the individual restaurants for the most up-to-date information.