Kurama Japanese Seafood

kurama durham, kurama japanese seafood

For decades, residents across North Carolina, particularly those in the bustling city of Durham, have sought out destinations that offer not just a meal, but an experience. Kurama Japanese Seafood, located on Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard, has been a familiar name in the local dining scene for over 26 years, aiming to provide that very experience. As a Japanese restaurant known for both its lively hibachi grill and its dedicated sushi bar, Kurama seeks to blend the excitement of teppanyaki-style cooking with the delicate artistry of fresh sushi.

The restaurant's longevity in the Triangle area speaks to its role as a consistent presence for those craving Japanese cuisine. It positions itself as a place where traditional Japanese sushi chefs and experienced teppanyaki chefs work to ensure a memorable visit. While individual experiences can vary, Kurama Japanese Seafood aims to be a go-to spot for locals looking for a dynamic dining atmosphere, whether they're celebrating a special occasion with a hibachi show or simply enjoying a quiet evening with sushi.

Kurama Japanese Seafood is situated at 3644 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707, USA. This location places it on a well-known and heavily trafficked artery connecting Durham and Chapel Hill, making it easily accessible for residents across both cities and the broader Triangle area. The boulevard is a commercial stretch, generally offering visible signage and straightforward navigation for those driving.

Being on a major thoroughfare usually means that the restaurant has dedicated parking facilities, which is a significant convenience for diners in North Carolina who typically rely on personal vehicles. The accessibility of its location helps cement Kurama as a practical choice for a range of dining occasions, from family outings to business lunches, without the complications of navigating dense urban centers. Its established presence on this key road means many locals are already familiar with its whereabouts.

Kurama Japanese Seafood & Steak House offers a dual dining experience, featuring both a traditional hibachi grill and a dedicated sushi bar, along with a full menu of Japanese and Asian-inspired dishes. Their services include:

• Hibachi Grill Dining: This is a major highlight, where skilled chefs cook meals on a large teppanyaki grill directly in front of the diners. This interactive experience often includes entertaining knife work and culinary theatrics. Hibachi options typically include:

  • Hibachi Steak: Various cuts like Ribeye and Filet Mignon.
  • Hibachi Chicken: White meat chicken, often teriyaki-glazed.
  • Hibachi Seafood: Shrimp, Scallops, and Lobster.
  • Combination Hibachi Meals: Popular combinations like Steak & Shrimp, Chicken & Shrimp, or the "Trio" (Shrimp, Chicken, Steak).
  • Hibachi Vegetables: Fresh vegetables cooked on the grill.
  • Included Sides: Hibachi meals usually come with Japanese Onion Soup, Salad with ginger dressing, and a choice of fried rice, white rice, or noodles.

• Sushi Bar: A comprehensive selection of sushi, nigiri, and sashimi prepared by sushi chefs. Options include:

  • Nigiri (2-Piece): Traditional fish-over-rice, with options like Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, Shrimp, Eel, Crabstick, and more.
  • Sashimi (6-Piece): Sliced raw fish, including Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, Mackerel, and Eel.
  • Classic Sushi Rolls: Popular choices like California Roll, Tuna Roll, Salmon Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Philly Roll, and Vegetable Roll.
  • Specialty Rolls: A wide array of signature rolls such as Kurama Roll, Wizard, Rainbow, UNC, Andy, Hiro, and more, often featuring unique combinations of seafood, vegetables, and sauces.
  • Hand Rolls: Cone-shaped rolls with various fillings.

• Noodles & Rice Dishes: Beyond hibachi sides, Kurama offers distinct noodle and rice dishes, including:

  • Udon: Thick flour noodles served in fish broth or as Curry Udon.
  • Ramen: Thin flour noodles in chicken broth, including Vegetarian Miso Ramen and Miso Ramen.
  • Soba: Thin buckwheat noodles in fish broth.
  • Gyudon (Beef Bowl): Thinly sliced beef over steamed rice.
  • Fried Rice: Various fried rice options beyond just the hibachi side.

• Appetizers: A range of hot and cold appetizers to start the meal, such as Edamame, Shrimp Tempura, Vegetable Springrolls, Shrimp Shumai, Gyoza (beef or vegetable dumplings), and Seaweed Salad.

• Beverages: A full bar offering soft drinks, hot and iced teas (with free refills), juices, beers (domestic and imported Japanese brands like Asahi, Kirin Ichiban, Sapporo), wine (including plum wine), and a selection of hot and cold sake. They also offer cocktails.

• Desserts: Sweet endings like Green Tea Ice Cream and Mango Mochi Ice Cream.

• Private Dining/Party Options: Given its hibachi tables, the restaurant is well-suited for group celebrations and special occasions, often accommodating larger parties.

Kurama Japanese Seafood & Steak House offers several distinctive features that make it a notable dining spot in Durham:

• Interactive Hibachi Experience: The live hibachi grill is a major draw, providing entertainment alongside dinner. Chefs cook meals right in front of diners, performing culinary tricks that make for a memorable and engaging meal, especially for families and groups. This "dinner and a show" aspect is a key highlight.

• Dual Menu Offering: The restaurant successfully combines both a full-service hibachi steakhouse and a comprehensive sushi bar. This allows groups with varied preferences to find something they enjoy, from cooked Japanese entrees to fresh raw fish.

• Long-Standing Local Presence: Having served the Triangle area for over 26 years, Kurama has established itself as a seasoned and reliable option for Japanese cuisine. Its longevity suggests a consistent customer base and a history of providing a certain type of dining experience.

• Skilled Chefs: The presence of "traditional Japanese sushi chefs" and "experienced teppanyaki chefs" is highlighted, suggesting a commitment to authentic preparation methods and a high level of culinary skill.

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many hibachi restaurants, including Kurama, are popular with families. The entertaining chefs and the variety of food options, including grilled meats and seafood, appeal to a wide age range.

• Extensive Beverage Selection: Beyond food, the restaurant offers a full bar with a good selection of Japanese beers, sake, wine, and cocktails, complementing the meal options.

While specific rotating daily specials beyond their standard menu are not extensively detailed, Kurama Japanese Seafood does offer special dinner combinations designed for value and shared dining:

• Kurama Dinner For Two: This special typically includes Steak, Shrimp & Teriyaki Chicken. There are options to upgrade to Ribeye Steak (for an additional $3 per person) or Filet Mignon (for an additional $5 per person). This is a set price, for example, around $64.99, offering a comprehensive meal for two.

• Shogun Dinner: A combination of Filet Mignon, Jumbo Shrimp & Teriyaki Chicken, often priced around $40.99.

• Emperor Dinner: A more premium combination featuring Filet Mignon, Lobster & a choice of Scallops or Shrimp, often around $49.99.

• Seafood Dinner: A platter focused on seafood with Lobster, Scallops, and Jumbo Shrimp, priced around $51.99.

These fixed-price dinner combinations serve as ongoing promotions, providing a structured way for diners to enjoy a variety of hibachi meats and seafood at a set cost. It is always advisable to check their official website or call the restaurant directly to confirm current pricing and any additional specials that may be running.

For inquiries, reservations, or to learn more about Kurama Japanese Seafood, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 3644 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707, USA

Phone: (919) 489-2669

For North Carolina residents, particularly those within the Durham and Chapel Hill communities, Kurama Japanese Seafood holds a distinct appeal, making it a suitable and enduring choice for Japanese dining. Its decades-long presence in the area demonstrates a consistent connection with the local community, building a reputation as a reliable spot for both celebratory hibachi experiences and more casual sushi outings.

The dual offering of an engaging hibachi grill, where talented chefs entertain while preparing your meal, and a dedicated sushi bar, ensures that Kurama can cater to a wide range of preferences within a single group or family. This versatility is a major draw for locals, as it means everyone, from those who prefer grilled meats to raw fish aficionados, can find something to enjoy. The interactive nature of the hibachi makes it especially suitable for family gatherings, birthdays, or any occasion calling for a bit of culinary flair.

Despite occasional feedback regarding specific dish consistency or ambiance details, the overall sentiment points to Kurama as a go-to for its classic Japanese steakhouse experience and its long-standing history in the community. Its convenient location on Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard with presumably ample parking further enhances its accessibility for patrons. For locals seeking a traditional Japanese steakhouse ambiance combined with sushi options, where the meal is as much about the entertainment as the food, Kurama Japanese Seafood remains a familiar and viable option in the Triangle's diverse culinary landscape.

Kurama Japanese Seafood

3644 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707, USA