Nakato Express

### Introduction / Overview

For those living in or visiting Cary, North Carolina, and seeking an authentic and high-quality Japanese meal without breaking the bank, Nakato Express is a truly delightful find. This local restaurant has quickly earned a reputation as an "absolute gem of Japanese cuisine," offering a surprising blend of excellent food, inviting ambiance, and remarkable value. It’s the kind of place you might stumble upon by chance, perhaps while running errands or even playing Pokémon GO, and leave feeling thoroughly impressed and eager to return.

Nakato Express isn't just about serving delicious Japanese dishes; it's about providing a complete and pleasant dining experience. Many patrons are "blown away by the decor," finding it "adorable" and "super Instagram worthy." Operated by a dedicated husband and wife team, this establishment ensures that every dish is made fresh, every vegetable is crunchy, and every piece of meat is cooked just right. It’s a testament to how quality and care can elevate even a casual dining spot into a local favorite.

### Location and Accessibility

Nakato Express is conveniently located at 1262 NW Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27513, USA. This accessible spot on Northwest Maynard Road makes it easily reachable for residents across Cary and the wider Triangle area. The plaza where it resides offers ample parking, ensuring that your visit is stress-free from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch during your workday, grabbing a convenient dinner on your way home, or making a special trip, Nakato Express’s location simplifies your dining plans. Its presence in a bustling area also means it's often a convenient stop amidst other errands or activities in the neighborhood.

### Services Offered

Nakato Express provides a range of services designed to make enjoying their delicious Japanese cuisine as easy and enjoyable as possible for the local community:

• Dine-In Service: Customers can enjoy their meals in the restaurant's charming and clean dining area. Despite being a smaller establishment, the decor creates an inviting and immersive atmosphere.
• Takeout/Pickup: For those on the go or preferring to eat at home, Nakato Express offers a convenient takeout service. You can call ahead to place your order and pick it up at your leisure.
• Online Delivery: Nakato Express partners with popular delivery services like Grubhub and DoorDash, allowing customers in Cary to enjoy their favorite Japanese dishes delivered right to their doorstep. This is particularly convenient for busy evenings.
• Hibachi Lunch and Dinner: Specializing in hibachi-style dishes prepared in the kitchen (not a hibachi show), they offer various options like steak, chicken, shrimp, and vegetable hibachi, often served with fried rice and fresh, crunchy vegetables.
• Yaki Soba Noodles: A popular offering includes various Yaki Soba noodle dishes with choices of chicken, steak, shrimp, or combinations thereof, providing a flavorful alternative to rice-based entrees.
• Appetizers and Sides: The menu includes a selection of appetizers such as steamed dumplings, King Crab Rangoon, spring rolls, miso soup, and various salads (like seaweed salad), perfect for starting your meal or as lighter options.
• Freshly Prepared Meals: A key highlight is that meals are cooked fresh to order, ensuring quality and taste, from piping hot miso soup to perfectly cooked meats and crisp vegetables.

### Features / Highlights

Nakato Express has several standout features that make it a beloved Japanese restaurant in the Cary community:

• High Quality on a Budget: Customers consistently rave about the "high-quality Japanese food on a budget." The generous portion sizes combined with affordable pricing make it an unbeatable value, as highlighted by a $14 hibachi lunch that provides leftovers.
• Delicious and Fresh Food: The food is frequently described as "absolutely delicious," "fresh," and "not too greasy." Specific praises include "crunchy veggies," "steak cooked just right," "perfectly marinated steak," "phenomenal shrimp," and well-cooked, seasoned chicken that isn't dry.
• Adorable and Instagram-Worthy Decor: The dining area is a significant highlight, described as "clean, organized, and looked amazing." The thoughtful Japanese decorations, including plants, statues, and even a torii gate, create a pleasant and immersive atmosphere that is "super Instagram worthy."
• Family-Run Business: Operating as a "husband and wife shop," Nakato Express offers a personal touch and a sense of dedication to quality and service that resonates with local patrons.
• Attentive and Pleasant Service: Customers are pleasantly surprised by the level of service, noting instances like food being brought directly to their table, exceeding expectations for an "express" establishment.
• Generous Portion Sizes: Many diners appreciate the "large enough" portion sizes, often finding they have "leftovers for the next day," adding to the value.
• Flavorful Dumplings: The steamed dumplings are particularly praised for being "amazing" and served with a side sauce that "had a kick to it" yet was still "great" even for those not fond of spicy food.

### Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, rotating promotions might not be explicitly listed publicly, Nakato Express is known for offering excellent value, particularly with its lunch specials. For example, their hibachi steak lunch at around $14, providing a fresh, generous meal with potential leftovers, acts as a de facto daily special. They are also available on popular food delivery platforms like Grubhub and DoorDash, which occasionally offer their own promotions such as free delivery for new users or members (e.g., Grubhub+). For the most up-to-date information on any current discounts or special offers, it's always best for local patrons to directly check their online ordering platforms or call Nakato Express at (919) 463-7677. This ensures you're getting the best possible deal for their high-quality Japanese cuisine.

### Contact Information

Connecting with Nakato Express for your next delicious Japanese meal is simple and convenient:

• Address: 1262 NW Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27513, USA
• Phone: (919) 463-7677
• Mobile Phone: +1 919-463-7677

Whether you want to place a takeout order, inquire about their menu, or confirm their hours, these contact details provide direct access to this local Japanese gem.

### Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Cary, North Carolina, and the surrounding communities, Nakato Express stands out as an incredibly suitable and highly recommended Japanese dining option. It encapsulates what locals often look for in a neighborhood eatery: a combination of high-quality food, excellent value, and a welcoming atmosphere. The fact that it’s a "husband and wife shop" adds a personal touch, implying a dedication and passion that shines through in their service and culinary execution.

Diners consistently highlight the freshness and deliciousness of the food, from perfectly cooked hibachi and flavorful soba to delightful dumplings, all at prices that are considered a "steal" for the portion sizes received. The "adorable" and "Instagram-worthy" decor, with its authentic Japanese elements, makes dining in a pleasant and visually appealing experience, going beyond what one might expect from an "express" establishment. Whether you're in search of a satisfying and affordable lunch, a quick yet delicious dinner, or simply craving well-prepared Japanese staples, Nakato Express delivers. It’s a local gem that promises not just a meal, but a genuinely pleasant and high-value dining experience, making it a must-visit for anyone in the North Carolina area seeking authentic Japanese flavors close to home.

Nakato Express

1262 NW Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27513, USA