Sushi Love

For those in North Carolina who appreciate the delicate artistry of sushi and the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine, Sushi Love in Durham has carved out a special place. Nestled conveniently on Erwin Road, this restaurant has become a go-to spot for locals seeking a satisfying meal that combines classic favorites with innovative twists. It's a place where fresh ingredients are prioritized, and the culinary offerings aim to please a wide range of palates.

Sushi Love is more than just a sushi bar; it’s an establishment that embraces a fusion of traditional and modern Asian dishes, creating a dining experience that aims to feel both welcoming and exciting. From their highly praised sushi rolls to their diverse selection of kitchen entrees, the restaurant strives to deliver quality and value, making it a compelling option for a casual lunch, a delightful dinner, or a special outing with friends and family in the heart of Durham.

Sushi Love is located at 2812 Erwin Rd #204, Durham, NC 27705, USA. This prime location on Erwin Road positions it conveniently near the Duke University campus and Duke Medical Center, making it easily accessible for students, faculty, medical professionals, and local residents. Erwin Road is a well-known thoroughfare in Durham, ensuring straightforward navigation to the restaurant.

One notable advantage of Sushi Love's location is the availability of ample parking at the back of the building. While the entrance may require a walk up two flights of stairs to reach the restaurant, the convenience of parking is a significant plus in a busy area. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating, which is a desirable option for many diners, particularly during pleasant North Carolina weather. This combination of a prominent location and practical amenities contributes to its appeal as an accessible dining destination in Durham.

Sushi Love offers a broad and diverse menu that caters to various tastes within the realm of Japanese and broader Asian cuisine. Here’s a detailed look at their offerings:

• Extensive Sushi Roll Selection: The restaurant features a wide array of sushi rolls, including classic options like California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Salmon Roll, Philadelphia Roll, Yellowtail Roll, and Avocado Roll. They also boast numerous Chef's Special Rolls such as "Flaming" (noted for its hot Cheetos inclusion), Tiger Roll, Dragon Roll, Las Vegas Roll, Thanksgiving Roll, Caterpillar Roll, Summer Night Roll, Cajun Tuna Roll, Red Dragon Roll, Colorado Roll, Spanish Roll, Pink Lady Roll, Rainbow Roll, and the unique Valentine's Roll and Christmas Roll. Many rolls are available in handroll format as well.

• Nigiri and Sashimi: While specific lists aren't fully detailed, a traditional sushi restaurant like Sushi Love typically offers various nigiri (fish over rice) and sashimi (sliced raw fish).

• Diverse Asian Appetizers: A wide range of appetizers provides excellent starters for any meal. Popular choices include Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Duck Buns (Peking Duck Buns), Edamame, Crab Wontons, Gyoza (Pork and Vegetable Dumplings), Spring Rolls, Summer Rolls, Chicken or Beef Satay, Chicken Yakitori, Fried Tofu, and Bacon Jalapeno Poppers. They also offer a sampler platter called "Asian Progression."

• Kitchen Entrees: Beyond sushi, Sushi Love offers a variety of hot entrees. These include Hibachi options (Beef, Chicken, Shrimp, Salmon, Scallop), Teriyaki dishes, Sesame Chicken (noted for being "not too sweet"), Orange Chicken/Beef, Mongolian Beef, Lemon Grass dishes, and Basil Duck.

• Seafood Specialties: Dedicated seafood entrees such as Bangkok Shrimp/Scallop, Basil Fish (crispy red snapper), Oceans Trio (shrimp, scallops, lobster meat), and Salt and Pepper Shrimp are also available.

• Noodles and Rice Dishes: A selection of satisfying noodle and rice dishes, including Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, Pad See Eew, House Fried Rice, and Pineapple Fried Rice.

• Soups and Salads: Offerings include Miso Soup, Seaweed Salad, and House Salad.

• Desserts: A limited but sweet selection, including Cheesecake Xango, Chocolate Chunk Cake, Chocolate Mousse Cake, Fried Bananas, and Fried Ice Cream.

• Online Ordering and Delivery: Sushi Love provides convenience through online ordering platforms, facilitating both pickup and delivery services within Durham and Chapel Hill areas.

• Outdoor Seating: For those who prefer to dine al fresco, the restaurant offers outdoor seating.

Sushi Love possesses several key features and highlights that contribute to its popularity among North Carolina locals:

• Compelling "Buy One, Get One Free" Sushi Special: This is a major draw for many customers, particularly on Thursdays. This consistent promotion offers exceptional value, allowing patrons to enjoy a wider variety of sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi at a significantly reduced cost. It's an ideal deal for groups or individuals with a hearty appetite for sushi.

• Diverse Asian Menu: Beyond just sushi, the restaurant offers a wide array of Japanese, Thai, and other Asian-inspired dishes. This variety, including hot entrees like Sesame Chicken, Hibachi, and specialty appetizers like duck buns and lettuce wraps, means there's something to satisfy nearly every craving, making it suitable for mixed dining parties.

• Quality Sushi Rolls: Despite the "BOGO" deal, many reviewers commend the quality and freshness of the sushi, with specific rolls like the "Flaming" being highlighted for their distinctive and enjoyable elements. The balance of fish to rice in the rolls is also noted positively.

• Ample Parking: The availability of plenty of parking at the back of the building is a practical convenience, especially in a busy area like Erwin Road, making visits more hassle-free for customers arriving by car.

• Outdoor Seating Option: The availability of outdoor seating provides flexibility and an appealing dining environment, particularly during pleasant weather.

• Variety of Appetizers: The appetizer menu is extensive and well-received, with items like the lettuce wraps and duck buns drawing specific praise from customers.

• Convenient Location: Its proximity to Duke University and the medical center makes it a practical and accessible dining choice for a significant portion of the Durham community.

Sushi Love is well-known for its attractive daily specials, which are a significant draw for many patrons:

• All-Day, Everyday BOGO Sushi: Sushi Love offers a compelling "Buy One Get One Free" (BOGO) sushi special on regular and specialty sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi. This promotion is a continuous offer, making it an excellent value for sushi enthusiasts any day of the week. Note that half-priced sushi cannot be combined with this BOGO offer.

• Specific Weekday Specials:

  • Mondays: $5 Drafts
  • Tuesdays: $3 Domestic, $4 Imports, and Half-Priced Sushi (Note: Half-Priced Sushi cannot be combined with BOGO).
  • Wednesdays: Half-Priced Bottle of Wine
  • Thursdays: $7 Martinis and Half-Priced Sushi (as mentioned by customers, making it a popular day for sushi deals).
  • Fridays: Half-Priced Hot Sake
  • Saturdays: Sapporo & Sake Combo for $10
  • Sundays: $6 Glass of Wine

• Lunch Bento Box: Sushi Love offers a Lunch Bento Box option, allowing customers to customize their lunch with a variety of choices. This is typically available Monday-Friday from 11 AM - 4 PM.

It is always recommended to verify the most current promotions and pricing directly with the restaurant, as specials can occasionally change.

For inquiries, reservations, or to place an order, you can contact Sushi Love using the following details:

Address: 2812 Erwin Rd #204, Durham, NC 27705, USA

Phone: (919) 309-2401

For North Carolina locals, particularly those in and around Durham, Sushi Love presents itself as a highly suitable and attractive dining option for several compelling reasons. Its location on Erwin Road offers convenience, with ample parking at the rear of the building, which is a practical consideration for many diners in the area. The availability of outdoor seating further enhances the dining experience, especially during pleasant weather.

The most significant draw for locals is arguably the exceptional value offered by their "Buy One, Get One Free" sushi special, available every day, alongside specific weekday promotions like Half-Priced Sushi on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This pricing model makes high-quality sushi and a wide array of other Asian dishes remarkably affordable, encouraging frequent visits and allowing diners to explore the menu extensively without a hefty bill.

Beyond the value, Sushi Love's diverse menu, spanning popular sushi rolls, savory kitchen entrees like sesame chicken, and flavorful appetizers such as duck buns and lettuce wraps, ensures that there's something to satisfy virtually every preference within a group. This versatility makes it an ideal spot for family dinners, casual outings with friends, or even a quick solo meal. While service efficiency has been noted as an area for potential improvement by some, the overall positive feedback on food quality, particularly the freshness and taste of the sushi, consistently outweighs these observations. For those seeking a delicious, varied, and wallet-friendly Asian dining experience in Durham, Sushi Love firmly positions itself as a local favorite.

Sushi Love

2812 Erwin Rd #204, Durham, NC 27705, USA