Waraji Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar in Raleigh NC

03/02/09

One of few places that consistantly has quality food.

by mparka at Citysearch

I like the fact that everytime I dine at waraji the quality of the food is consistant. I've been dining here for a while and they deserve a high praise for their work. Their menu is nothing out of the ordinary but is traditional and always good. Tuna here is almost always fresh, not frozen, and very tasty. I notice that their rice is also very well seasoned and of good quality. I enjoy nigiri sushi the most, and I notice that the shari is one of the best in town. If you want some funky, fushion sushi there are other places that might better suit you but when it comes to traditional food and sushi, I don't think you can top waraji in this area. Over the years I visited many and almost all sushi restaurants and narrowed my sushi dining to three places. Waraji, sono, and haru. Each places has their unique take and flair. Take it from a guy who's been around. If your looking for good sushi, stop by waraji.

• Pros: Top notch quality food served consistantly
• Cons: Service can have ups and downs

09/07/09

Best Sushi in Raleigh

by KidDinMe at Citysearch

If you want a sushi place that is consistent in delivering fresh sushi, this is the place for you.

Pointing out the obvious, it's very busy on weekends so plan accordingly or expect to wait. It's worth it though.

• Pros: consistently good sushi
• Cons: sushi is slow to be served

08/24/09

This is the best?

by CSMobileUser at Citysearch

I'm guessing most who've given this place rave reviews have never eaten at a quality sushi spot. I was visiting friends from CA and I was unimpressed by the roll selection and quality. I've never seen a sushi place with no rainbow roll. The crab was fake and the rolls were like something I'd get at a supermarket. The sashimi was ok. The service was friendly but our food took forever. Maybe the Japanese dishes are better. Being from L.A. I was hoping for the best since NC isn't known for sushi. I can literally walk to 5 different places that are all better than this. You guys need to get some better places in town if you think this is great.

07/26/09

The Best in Town

by AndrewT at Citysearch

As you see, the wait time could be seen as a CON, but I've been a regular for many years now and the wait time actually gives you the anticipation of a good meal... and time enough to finish that bottle of sake. The service is amazing, if you are a regular you may end up getting freebies like my group did last night. Yun San is especially kind and an exciting member of the staff. Give her 25% minimum. I'm going to be asininely selfish and say stay away from this establishment because you're going to dig into my quality of service and wait time :) All in jest, the best in town, even in big cities a place like this could only be dreamed of... yet another reason to visit Raleigh.

• Pros: Quality of food and service
• Cons: Wait time

07/25/09

Go elsewhere, they have lost their touch...

by mah6n at Citysearch

Used to be so good when it opened - I have been over 20 times and I will never go back...nothing like below average service on more than one occasion to turn me off to a restaurant. The sushi chefs are aloof and focused on preparing the take-out sushi before anything else. The sushi bar is crowded and the chairs are extremely uncomfortable. It is strange in that you wait forever to get served and to get sushi but then the wait staff is focused on bringing you the check before you even finish. They need an infusion of true Japanese hospitality. The magic of Waraji is long past...

• Pros: Raw fish
• Cons: Customer service, wait staff, chairs and atmosphere

07/17/09

The best sushi in Raleigh

by chclcc at Citysearch

When we're hungry for sushi, it's always Waraji that we choose. We've never been disappointed. Make sure you either call first or know they are definitely open. We went twice when the restaurant was closed because the owners were on vacation.

• Pros: Always good!
• Cons: Nothing

05/30/09

Authentic sushi in an intimate setting

by mkathrynp at Citysearch

Don't be put off by its location in a strip mall--It's a Great place for a date. Waitstaff was extremely friendly and informative. On the expensive side, but totally worth it when you taste their sushi. Recommend the Scari Jeri (not sure about the spelling) roll--also great basics like Spicy Tuna, Spider, etc. I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu. Definitely worth trying if you've never been--I'll definitely be going back soon!!

• Pros: Best sushi in the triangle
• Cons: Small dining room--sometimes there's a wait

03/09/09

BEST in the triangle. No contest.

by CSMobileUser5 at Citysearch

I don't know what the last reviewer is talking about. Waraji has THE best quality sushi in the area, hands down. Period. They are busy, but that is a sign of success. Don't listen to anyones reviews, just go and try for yourself. You won't be sorry you did.

03/04/09

Good Sushi

by bdmomma at Citysearch

Good Sushi and service but be prepared to wait for a table! Due to the small size and popularity of this location you may have to wait for a table. Overall very much worth the wait.

02/03/09

Worst Sushi in the Triangle

by Sushigeek at Citysearch

Well Friends,

This was my 3rd attempt at a good meal at Waraji. I was reluctantly persuaded by some friends in a rather large group to visit Waraji again this past Saturday night. As I suspected it had not changed. In fact, it was worse than ever before. Reservations were at 7:00. Arrived 15 minutes early and waited as the others arrived. No place to even get a drink as we waited. That in itself is not the real issue, so here it is.

Ordered drinks at 7:30 Got them at 7:45. Ordered food at 7:50. Finally got the food around 8:30, but had to wait another 10 minutes for the little dish to mix the wasabe and soy. Food was as usual very expensive. Ordered a deluxe sushi platter, the soup was cold, the salad was actually good though. The sushi was however no better than I could get at Kroger in the deli. Also the portions were very small. Most of our group had to order additional rolls to fill up. Most ot the rolls went for arounf $10.00 which is really high. Finally got out of there at 10:15. 3 hours and 15 minutes!!!!

Based on these things: atmosphere, price, quality and service, Waraji is at the bottom of the heap.

For 2 Sushi platters, 2 rolls and 2 beers the cost came to $79.00. Since the decided we were in a group and required an automatic 18% gratuitiy that brought our cost to over $93.00. Could have eaten Kroger 5 times for that amount. Service is the worst anywhere. Can't even get a refill on water without asking for it.

If possible (and it wasn't) I would have tipped $1.00

I've eaten at most every sushi restaurant in the Triangle and Warajis is by far the worst in all categories.

Hope you experiences here have been better