Waraji Japanese Restaurant: Raleigh's Premier Spot for Authentic Sushi & Japanese Cuisine

Waraji Japanese Restaurant Introduce

waraji nc

### Introduction / Overview

For those in Raleigh and across North Carolina seeking an authentic and truly memorable Japanese dining experience, Waraji Japanese Restaurant stands as a beloved institution. Tucked away on Duraleigh Road, this local gem has earned a reputation as the "go-to spot for traditional Japanese food," celebrated for its consistently high-quality fish and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that gives it that cherished "cozy local restaurant feel."

Despite its unassuming strip mall setting, Waraji Japanese Restaurant consistently "blows away" expectations, delivering fantastic sushi and a full menu of traditional Japanese entrees. It's a place where you can gather with family and friends, share delicious dishes served "family-style," and enjoy the kind of genuine hospitality that makes you feel right at home. With a legacy spanning decades, Waraji continues to uphold a commitment to authentic flavors and an exceptional dining experience, making it a must-visit for any Japanese food enthusiast in the Triangle area.

### Location and Accessibility

Waraji Japanese Restaurant is conveniently located at 5910-147 Duraleigh Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612, USA. Situated in a strip mall, this location offers easy accessibility for residents throughout Raleigh and the surrounding communities. While the exterior might hint at a casual establishment, the quality within far exceeds expectations. The ample parking available in the strip mall ensures a hassle-free arrival for diners. Being on Duraleigh Road, it’s well-connected to major routes, making it a practical choice whether you’re coming from work, exploring Midtown Raleigh, or making a dedicated trip for a high-quality Japanese meal. Its proximity to areas like Crabtree Valley Mall also adds to its convenience for those looking to combine dining with other activities.

### Services Offered

Waraji Japanese Restaurant provides a comprehensive array of dining services, ensuring a delightful and authentic Japanese culinary experience for all its patrons:

Dine-In Service: Enjoy the warm and inviting atmosphere of the restaurant. They offer both general seating and a dedicated sushi bar area for an intimate dining experience. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday nights, to ensure a spot.
Takeout Service: For those who prefer to enjoy Waraji's delicious food at home, convenient takeout options are available. Orders can be placed by phone.
Online Ordering & Delivery: Waraji Japanese Restaurant facilitates online ordering, and also partners with third-party delivery services like Uber Eats, providing the convenience of having your favorite Japanese dishes delivered right to your doorstep.
Extensive Sushi & Sashimi Menu: As a premier sushi restaurant, Waraji offers a vast selection of fresh sushi, sashimi, and specialty rolls. This includes chef's choice nigiri sets (Regular, Deluxe, Sushi for Two), sashimi platters, and unique rolls like Crazy Tuna Crunch, Spiral Ecstasy, and the iconic Waraji Roll. They are known for sourcing high-quality fish including bluefin tuna, king salmon, and Japanese uni.
Traditional Japanese Kitchen Entrees: Beyond sushi, Waraji boasts a full kitchen menu with authentic Japanese dishes such as:
- Sukiyaki: Thinly-sliced Certified Angus Beef, tofu, vegetables, and clear yam noodles simmered in a savory sukiyaki sauce.
- Teriyaki & Shogayaki: Grilled or sautéed selections (chicken, beef, salmon, tuna) served with stir-fried vegetables.
- Tempura: Lightly battered and fried selections including vegetable, shrimp, and seafood tempura.
- Donburi: Rice bowls with toppings like Katsudon, Oyakodon, and Una-Tama-Don.
- Noodle Soups: Including Tonkotsu Ramen, Tempura Udon/Soba, and Nabeyaki Udon.
- Izakaya & Small Plates: A wide range of appetizers perfect for sharing, such as Nagoya Wings (battered and fried chicken wings in a sweet and spicy Japanese BBQ sauce), Gyoza, Tuna Tataki, Agedashi Tofu, Pork Belly Sliders, and various grilled skewers (Kushiyaki).
Desserts: A selection of desserts including Matcha Creme Brûlée, Chocolate Tiramisu, Yuzu Tiramisu, Mochi Ice Cream, and traditional ice cream flavors.
Full Bar & Sake Selection: They offer a wide array of beverages, including a comprehensive sake menu, various Japanese beers, wine, and cocktails.
Vegetarian & Vegan Options: Waraji strives to cater to diverse dietary preferences, offering a selection of vegan-friendly appetizers and limited vegetarian entrees. Staff are noted for being knowledgeable about these options.

### Features / Highlights

Waraji Japanese Restaurant distinguishes itself in the Raleigh dining scene with several key features and highlights that make it a local favorite:

Consistently High-Quality Fish: A paramount highlight is the consistent freshness and quality of their fish, especially for sushi and sashimi. Many customers agree that they have found the "best sushi in Raleigh" here.
Authentic Traditional Japanese Cuisine: Beyond sushi, Waraji is celebrated for its authentic preparation of traditional Japanese dishes like sukiyaki, grilled fish, and a variety of noodle soups and kitchen entrees, offering a comprehensive taste of Japan.
Warm and Welcoming Service: The staff, including waitstaff and hosts, are consistently praised for being "warm and welcoming," "lots of fun," and providing a "cozy local restaurant feel." This attentive service significantly enhances the dining experience.
Extensive Menu Variety: With a "huge" menu that spans traditional hot dishes, an impressive sushi bar, and an Izakaya selection of small plates, there's something for every palate and preference.
Cozy Yet Upscale Atmosphere: Despite being in a strip mall, the interior offers a "perfect mix of upscale and cozy," providing a comfortable and inviting dining environment suitable for various occasions.
Signature Dishes: Specific menu items like Nagoya Wings and various grilled fish options are highly recommended and considered must-tries by regulars. Their "Sushi for Two" platter is also a popular choice.
Renowned Chef Masa's Legacy: The restaurant was originally opened by Chef Masatoshi Tsujimura ("Chef Masa"), who played a significant role in introducing sushi to North Carolina. The current ownership aims to maintain this legacy of quality and authenticity.
Daily Drink Specials: Waraji offers daily drink specials, including discounted draft beer, gin + tonic, hot sake, Orion Japanese beer, canned sake, Mio sparkling sake, and select bottles of wine, adding value to the dining experience.

### Promotions or Special Offers

Waraji Japanese Restaurant provides various opportunities for patrons to enjoy their exceptional offerings, including specific daily drink specials that enhance the dining experience:

Daily Drink Specials:
- Monday: $5 Draft Beer
- Tuesday: $6 Gin + Tonic
- Wednesday: 1/2 off Hot Sake
- Thursday: $8 Orion 22 oz. Japanese Beer
- Friday: $4 off Canned Sake
- Saturday: $10 Mio Sparkling Sake
- Sunday: 1/2 off Select Bottles of Wine
Izakaya Menu & Small Plates: While not a promotion in itself, their extensive Izakaya menu offers a wide variety of small plates and appetizers, perfect for sharing and experiencing multiple dishes without committing to full entrees. This can be a great way to try more of their menu at a reasonable cost.
Online Delivery Promotions: As Waraji partners with major food delivery services (e.g., Uber Eats), customers may find platform-specific promotions such as free delivery for new users or discounts for subscription members.
Digital Gift Cards: Waraji offers digital gift cards, which make for a convenient and appreciated gift, allowing recipients to enjoy their fantastic cuisine.

For the most current information on any seasonal specials or other offers, it's always recommended to visit their official website at www.warajijapaneserestaurant.com or contact them directly. Checking their social media channels might also provide timely updates on new menu items or limited-time deals.

### Contact Information

Planning your visit or placing an order at Waraji Japanese Restaurant is easy with their readily available contact details:

Address: 5910-147 Duraleigh Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612, USA
Phone: (919) 783-1883
Mobile Phone: +1 919-783-1883

For hours of operation, they are generally open for both lunch and dinner:

Monday - Thursday: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

It's always a good idea to call ahead for reservations, especially for weekend evenings, as they are a popular spot.

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

Waraji Japanese Restaurant is an outstanding choice and highly suitable for locals in Raleigh and across North Carolina, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for authentic Japanese cuisine. Despite being in a humble strip mall, it consistently surprises and delights patrons with its "fantastic" sushi and traditional dishes, proving that true quality lies within. The consistent high quality of their fish, a crucial element for any top-tier sushi establishment, makes it a reliable choice for discerning diners.

Beyond the food, the warm and welcoming service contributes significantly to its "cozy local restaurant feel," making every visit a pleasant and memorable one. Whether you're sharing a "Sushi for Two" platter, indulging in family-style sukiyaki, or trying their popular Nagoya wings, Waraji offers a diverse menu that caters to various tastes and preferences. The extensive sake selection and daily drink specials further enhance the experience, making it a great spot for both a casual meal and a special night out. With its commitment to authenticity, fresh ingredients, and genuine hospitality, Waraji Japanese Restaurant isn't just a place to eat; it's a cherished community hub where locals can consistently enjoy a taste of Japan right here in Raleigh.

Waraji Japanese Restaurant Menu

Lunch Entrées
Served during lunch hours only. Served with miso soup, house salad, rice and side of white rice.
Yaki-Zakana
Salted and grilled fish fillet served with a side of rice. Mackerel / Salmon
Teriyaki
Selections marinated in teriyaki sauce and grilled on traditional Japanese charcoal grill. Served with a side of rice and stir-fried vegetables. Chicken / Beef
Shogayaki
Selections sautéed with a ginger shoyu based sauce. Served with a side of rice and stir-fried vegetables. Chicken / Beef / Pork
Katsu
Deep-fried panko coated cutlet selections. Served with a side of rice and katsu sauce. Chicken / Pork
Tempura
Selections lightly battered and fried in rice bran oil. Served with a side of rice and tentsuyu tempura sauce. Vegetable / Shrimp + Vegetable
Yasai Itame
Stir-fried vegetables in shoyu mirin sauce. Served with a side of rice.
Sushi Lunch*
Six Pieces of nigiri sushi and one maki sushi (chef's choice).
Sashimi Lunch*
Four types of fresh fish (chef's choice).
Sushi and Sashimi Lunch*
Five pieces of nigiri sushi, one maki sushi and three types of sashimi (chef's choice).
Chirashi Sushi*
A selection of sashimi over sushi rice.

Appetizers
Tempura
Selections lightly-battered and fried. Served with a side of tentsuyu sauce. Vegetable / Shrimp + Vegetable
Gyoza
Dumplings filled with a pork, chicken and vegetable mix. Pan-fried and served with a dipping sauce.
Age Dashi Tofu
Lightly battered and fried tofu served in a sauce.
Yakitori
Two chicken and scallion skewers grilled with a teriyaki sauce.
Negimaki*
Fresh scallions rolled in beef and grilled with teriyaki sauce. Gluten-free without sauce.
Ika Butter
Seasoned squid sautéed and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
Edamame
Lightly salted, boiled soybeans served in the pod. Gluten-free.
Sunomono Tako
Cucumber salad with steamed, chilled octopus in a light vinegar sauce. Gluten-free without dressing.
Sunomono Kani
Cucumber salad with chilled crabstick in a light vinegar dressing.
Sunomono Ebi
Cucumber salad with boiled, chilled shrimp in a light vinegar dressing.
Sunomono Mixed*
Cucumber salad with assorted chilled seafood in a light vinegar dressing.
Gyu-Tataki*
Thinly sliced and lightly seared beef loin served with onions and ponzu sauce. Gluten-free without sauce.
Tuna Tataki*
Thinly sliced and lightly seared tuna served with a ponzu dipping sauce. Gluten-free without sauce.
Ebi Shumai
Shrimp-filled steamed dumpling served with a mustard sauce.
Goma-ae
Steamed and chilled spinach served with a sesame seed dressing.

Soup & Salad (Dinner Menu)
Miso Soup
Soybean-based soup with dashi, tofu, scallions and seaweed.
Suimono Soup
A light seafood-based broth with kamaboko (fish cake) slices, crab meat, scallions, seaweed and Japanese mint leaf.
House Salad
Combination of lettuce, greens and fresh vegetables served with our secret house dressing.
Seaweed Salad
Chilled, seasoned kelp.
Bowl of Rice
Bowl of Sushi Rice

Sushi Combinations (Dinner Menu)
An assortment of sushi served with miso soup and a house salad.
Regular Sushi*
Seven pieces of chef's choice nigiri sushi with a kappa maki (cucumber roll).
Deluxe Sushi*
Nine pieces of chef's choice nigiri sushi with a tekka maki (tuna roll).
Sushi for Two*
An assortment of fourteen pieces of chef's choice nigiri sushi (seven kinds of fish, two pieces each) with a California roll and a Futomaki roll. Served with two miso soups and two house salads.

Sashimi Combinations (Dinner Menu)
An assortment of chef's choice fresh sashimi and a bowl of steamed rice upon request. Served with miso soup and a house salad.
Regular Sashimi*
Four types of fish.
Deluxe Sashimi*
Five types of fish, with an additional piece per fish.
Chirashi Sushi*
An assortment of sashimi over sushi rice. Served with miso soup and a house salad.

Teriyaki (Dinner Menu)
Selections marinated in teriyaki sauce and grilled on a charcoal grill.
Chicken Teriyaki
Gluten-free without sauce.
Certified Angus NY Strip Beef Teriyaki*
Gluten-free without sauce.
Salmon Teriyaki*
Served with sautéed shrimp and scallops. Gluten-free without sauce.
Tuna Teriyaki*
Served with sautéed shrimp and scallops. Gluten-free without sauce.

Shoga-Yaki
Selections sautéed with a ginger/soy-based sauce.
Chicken Shoga-Yaki
Beef Shoga-Yaki

Tempura
Selections lightly battered and fried in rice bran oil.
Vegetable Tempura
Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura
Seafood and Vegetable Tempura

Katsu
Selections coated in Japanese Panko breadcrumbs mixture and fried.
Chicken Katsu
Premium Pork Katsu

Shabu-Shabu
Thinly sliced beef and fresh vegetables cooked in broth at your table side. Japan's answer to fondue!

Chazuke
Japanese rice soup. Traditionally served after the meal.
Sake Ochazuke
Grilled salmon in rice and broth. Served with wasabi and shiso.

Sukiyaki
A delicious combination of thinly sliced beef, Japanese vegetables and clear yam noodles all simmered together in a sweet soy-based sauce.

Dinner Sets
The Miyuki*
Your choice of a kappa maki (cucumber roll), tikka maki (tuna roll) or a California roll, along with chicken teriyaki and a vegetable tempura appetizer. Served with miso soup, rice and a house salad.
The Toshiya*
Your choice of a kappa maki (cucumber roll), tikka maki (tuna roll) or a California roll, along with Certified Angus NY Strip Beef teriyaki and a shrimp tempura appetizer. Served with miso soup, rice and a house salad.
Katsudon*
Panko-coated and fried premium pork loin simmered with egg and vegetables in a sweet, soy-based sauce, placed over a bowl of rice. Served with miso soup and a house salad.
Una-Ju
Grilled eel served over rice. Served with miso soup and a house salad.
Sushi & Sashimi
An assortment of chef's choice fresh sashimi and eight pieces of nigiri sushi with a tekka maki (tuna roll) and a bowl of steamed rice upon request.
The Norikazu*
Eight pieces of chef's choice nigiri sushi, tikka maki (tuna roll) and a shrimp tempura appetizer. Served with a miso soup and a house salad.
Nabe-Yaki Udon
Traditional Japanese noodles, a shrimp tempura, vegetables, chicken and a poached egg in a soup. Served with a house salad.
Tonkotsu Ramen
Ramen noodles served with a pork/chicken-based broth. Topped with sliced roast pork, steamed spinach, seasoned bamboo shoots, hard-boiled egg, green onion and bean sprouts. Served with a house salad.

Desserts
Mochi Ice Cream
Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Green Tea, Mango or Red Bean. Two pieces per order.
Japanese Ice Cream
Green Tea, Red Bean or Mango flavored ice cream. One scoop per order.

Izakaya Menu
Edamame
Lightly salted, boiled soybeans served in the pod.
Spicy Chili + Garlic Edamame
Age Dashi Tofu
Lightly battered and fried tofu served with tempura sauce.
Green Mussels
Mussels on the half-shell baked with kewpie mayo and masago.
Takoyaki
Fried octopus dumplings served with a vegetable and fruit sauce, bonito flakes, seaweed and ginger.
Vegetable Harumaki
Fried vegetable spring roll served with plum sauce.
Chicken Kara-age
Chicken drumettes coated in a seasoned batter and fried. Served with a creamy mustard sauce.
Ika Geso Kara-age
Squid legs coated in a seasoned batter and fried. Served with a creamy mustard sauce.
Kaki Fry
Oysters lightly breaded and deep-fried, served with katsu sauce.
Ebi Shumai
Shrimp-filled steamed dumplings served with a mustard sauce.
Gyoza
Dumplings filled with a pork, chicken and vegetable mix. Pan-fried and served with ponzu sauce.
Yakitori Skewers
Chicken and scallion skewers grilled with a teriyaki sauce.
Aspara-Bacon Skewers
Lightly seasoned and grilled premium bacon and asparagus skewers.
Pork Belly Skewers
Lightly seasoned and grilled premium pork belly skewers.
Age Nasu
Lightly fried and grilled eggplant served with miso sauce.
Yaki Octopus + Tempura
Grilled octopus and fried soft-shell crab served with spicy eel sauce.
Torodes
Flash-fried Toro (tuna belly) with a sauce made of mayo, sake and soy sauce.
Waraji Squid Salad
Sliced squid and cucumbers tossed with sesame oil and spices. Topped with masago and sesame seeds.
Poke Seaweed Salad
Bed of sprouts tossed with sesame oil, eel sauce and your choice of salmon or tuna. Topped with chopped scallion, masago and sriracha.
Sushi Appetizer
Three pieces of nigiri: tuna, salmon and ebi with half a California roll.
Sashimi Appetizer
Nine pieces (3) tuna, (3) salmon and (3) Yellowtail.

Waraji Japanese Restaurant Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Kerbside pickup
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great tea selection
Great wine list

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Comfort food
Healthy options
Private dining room
Small plates
Spirits
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet

Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Trendy
Upmarket

Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
High chairs

Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking

Waraji Japanese Restaurant Photos

Waraji Japanese Restaurant Location

Waraji Japanese Restaurant

North Carolina Wake County Raleigh Northwest Raleigh Duraleigh Road

5910-147 Duraleigh Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612, USA

Waraji Japanese Restaurant Reviews

My go-to spot for traditional Japanese food! I usually get sukiyaki, Nagoya wings, and grilled fish when I come with family or friends so we can share family-style. The fish quality is consistently good every time I visit. Plus, their warm and welcoming service gives it that cozy local restaurant feel that I love. 🫶🏼
February 21 · mé j.
We have been looking for the best sushi in Raleigh. I believe we found it! Don't let the strip mall setting fool you, this sushi is fantastic. Our waitress and the host were lots of fun. We got the sushi for two, which came with soup and salad. Highly recommend! We visited on a Friday night and was glad we had reservations.
April 12 · Tommy Hullette
Forgot to make a reservation (which I recommend), however they still put in a great effort to sit us as soon as possible. Food has been some of the best Japanese cuisine I have had in years! Everything was great, my only regret was not having more room to eat more in house and try more of their menu, this time. Will make a conscious effort to return every time I'm in the area from now on.
May 20 · Thomas Llewellyn
I have been a few times and the food is amazing. Their cocktails are tasty and a must try. I will definitely be back for more.
May 22 · Krystael Hall
this place is the perfect mix of upscale and cozy without the high price tag. loved the vibe! the servers and host were super friendly, and the food was amazing. the menu is huge—i could’ve easily ordered everything. this might just be my new go-to sushi spot in raleigh. definitely coming back to try more.i’d recommend making a reservation ahead of time and dressing nice casual—nothing too fancy, just a little dressed up.
March 29 · Austin Le