Tokyo Express Introduce
Hey there, North Carolina food lovers! If you're residing in or around Hillsborough and have a craving for truly delicious and fresh Japanese cuisine, then you absolutely must discover Tokyo Express. This beloved local restaurant has earned a stellar reputation for its incredible hibachi dishes, fantastic sushi, and a commitment to serving up generous portions of flavorful food. It's the kind of place where locals become regulars, drawn in by the consistent quality and friendly atmosphere.
Tokyo Express isn't just about satisfying your hunger; it's about providing a genuinely enjoyable dining experience. From the moment you step in, you'll feel the warmth of a community favorite. Whether you're in the mood for a quick, value-packed lunch or a satisfying dinner with family and friends, Tokyo Express delivers on taste, portion size, and overall satisfaction. It's truly a gem in the Hillsborough culinary landscape.
Tokyo Express is conveniently located at 145 Mayo St, Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA. This address places it right in the heart of Hillsborough, making it incredibly accessible for residents and visitors alike. Mayo Street is a well-known part of the local community, ensuring that finding this Japanese eatery is a breeze, whether you're coming from across town or from a neighboring North Carolina community.
The restaurant's central location typically offers easy parking options, adding to the convenience of your visit. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch break during your workday, a relaxed dinner after exploring Hillsborough’s charming downtown, or a convenient pick-up spot for a delicious meal at home. Its accessibility is a major reason why it’s become such a staple for local diners seeking quality Japanese food.
Tokyo Express provides a comprehensive menu of Japanese favorites, primarily focusing on hibachi-style dishes and fresh sushi.
Hibachi Meals: Enjoy a wide selection of hibachi options, including chicken, steak (ribeye and filet mignon), shrimp, and various combinations. All hibachi entrees are typically served with Japanese fried rice, a generous helping of fresh vegetables (including zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli, and onions), and their signature sweet carrots and white sauce.
Teriyaki Dishes: For those who prefer a sweeter, glazed flavor, Tokyo Express also offers a range of teriyaki-style dishes with similar protein options, served with the same delicious sides.
Sushi and Special Rolls: Dive into their sushi menu, featuring classic rolls like California and Philly rolls, as well as unique special rolls. The "Hillsborough Roll" is a particularly popular and highly recommended local creation.
Appetizers: Start your meal with a variety of appetizers such as spring rolls, gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), crab rangoon, and shrimp tempura.
Side Orders: Complement your meal with extra portions of Japanese fried rice, soba noodles, or additional vegetables.
Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in their clean and comfortable dining space, suitable for individuals, couples, or groups.
Takeout and Online Ordering: Tokyo Express offers convenient takeout services, and you can typically order online through various platforms, making it easy to enjoy their food from the comfort of your home.
What truly makes Tokyo Express a standout in the Hillsborough dining scene, and a favorite among North Carolina locals? It's a combination of their culinary excellence and commitment to value.
Best Value Lunch Special: Customers consistently rave about the incredible value of their lunch specials, often priced around $10 for a huge portion of meat, fresh veggies, and fried rice. The Saturday lunch special featuring hibachi chicken and steak is a particular favorite.
Fresh and Abundant Vegetables: Unlike some places that skimp on greens, Tokyo Express is known for providing a very generous helping of fresh-tasting vegetables with their hibachi and teriyaki dishes.
Exceptional Sweet Carrots: The sweet carrots are frequently mentioned as a highlight, being "excellent" and a beloved part of their meal offerings.
Beloved "Hillsborough Roll": This signature sushi roll has garnered a dedicated following, with customers enthusiastically calling it "amazing" and a must-try.
Friendly and Great Staff: Regulars consistently praise the staff for being "great" and friendly, contributing to a welcoming and pleasant dining experience.
Consistently Great Food: Whether it's lunch or dinner, the food maintains a high standard of freshness and flavor, ensuring that patrons are always satisfied.
Generous Portions: You won't leave hungry! Portions for both lunch and dinner are known to be substantial, offering excellent value for the price.
Tokyo Express is already famous among locals for its outstanding daily lunch specials, which are highlighted as providing the "best value" in Hillsborough. The Saturday lunch special, featuring hibachi chicken and steak, is particularly popular and a must-try for weekend diners. While dinner prices are higher, customers consistently state that the freshness and taste of the food still make it "worth it." To stay informed about any other specific, limited-time promotions, it’s always a good idea for North Carolina residents to:
Check their official website or social media pages (if available) for seasonal offers.
Call them directly at (919) 245-0809 to inquire about any current deals or daily specials beyond their regular lunch offerings.
Their consistent "lunch special" value is a strong ongoing promotion in itself, making it a highly attractive option for the community.
Ready to experience the fresh and flavorful Japanese cuisine at Tokyo Express? Here's how you can connect with them:
Address: 145 Mayo St, Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA
Phone: (919) 245-0809
Their operating hours are generally consistent, making it easy to plan your visit:
Monday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
It's always a good idea to confirm hours on holidays or for any specific inquiries.
For anyone in Hillsborough, North Carolina, looking for a consistently delicious, fresh, and value-driven Japanese dining experience, Tokyo Express is an undeniable top choice. This local business has cultivated a loyal following, and for good reason. The outstanding value of their lunch specials, particularly the Saturday hibachi chicken and steak, makes it an incredibly attractive option for a satisfying mid-day meal that won't break the bank. You truly get a "huge portion" of fresh ingredients, including an abundance of those lauded sweet carrots and crisp vegetables, which speaks volumes about their commitment to quality.
Beyond the incredible value, the consistent freshness and tasty preparation of all their dishes, from hibachi to the highly-praised "Hillsborough Roll" sushi, ensure that every visit is a culinary delight. The friendly and attentive staff further enhances the experience, making it a welcoming place for everyone. Whether you're a couple looking for your favorite regular spot or a family seeking a hearty and flavorful meal, Tokyo Express offers that perfect blend of quality, quantity, and community spirit that makes it ideal for North Carolina locals. It's more than just a Japanese restaurant; it's a beloved part of Hillsborough's vibrant food scene.
Tokyo Express Photos










Tokyo Express Location
Tokyo Express
145 Mayo St, Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA
Tokyo Express Reviews
My wife and I eat here all the time. The Hillsborough roll is our favorite! Amazing!We also love the staff. They are all great!
May 02, 2025 · Brad HollowayTokyo Express has the best value lunch special in Hillsborough, hands down. For $10, you can get a huge portion of whatever the meat the special for the day is along with a generous helping of veggies and fried rice. Their sweet carrots are excellent. The veggies are very fresh tasting, and this is NOT a place that gives you two pieces of broccoli and calls it good. The Saturday lunch special is hibachi chicken and steak, and that is our favorite! Coming for dinner is the same great food, the prices are just a good bit higher. It's still worth it because their food is so fresh and tasty, but the lunch special is just such a steal that I would recommend it to anyone. Great local business!
Mar 27, 2025 · Grace ShouThe owners of this place are all about money. They don't care about pleasing the customers. I stopped leaving tips because one of the workers told me that the owners don't give the tips to the employees. They keep the tips as part of their profit. I'm not sure if this is true. If you seat at the restaurant you can have as much ginger and mayo sauce as you want, but if it is to go, you can only have one and they charge $1 for an extra one. The food is not good either. It does not have any flavor. The Hibachi in Mebane is a lot better. I don't recommend this place to anyone. It's awful.
Apr 09, 2025 · libertad villalbaI ordered the chicken and steak habachi and there was flavor with each bite…the rice was even cooked to perfection and the meat was tender. Definitely, the best food I’ve tasted in a long time.
Nov 16, 2024 · kiwanda williamsThe food was phenomenal! The portions were HUGE which was great!The overall atmosphere of the restaurant was quiet and very plain though.The prices were very high compared to what we typically pay. We paid 48 dollars for 2 plates and 2 drinks but the fact that the food was great and plentiful made up for the high prices in my opinion.
Jul 17, 2024 · Haley Nunn
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