Waraji Japanese Restaurant

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

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