I will never turn down a good sushi date, ever. My love of sushi started when I moved to Raleigh in 2009 and began a weekly tradition of sushi therapy with my BFF, ABN. We met at Tasu in Brier Creek to catch up, discuss our random musings, and eat way too much sushi. I still enjoy a good sushi night with girlfriends and I’ve found some delightful spots in Raleigh for some of the best sushi in the city. Here are 6 of the best sushi places in Raleigh in alphabetical order!
The Best Sushi in Raleigh
Ajisai
Ajisai, located in Village District, is such a great spot to grab sushi. It’s got a great sidewalk patio that is heated in the colder months to enjoy sushi, and I really enjoy their variety of rolls. I haven’t gotten a go-to order yet because I really enjoy trying the different rolls on their menu.
City Market
City Market Sushi is the newest sushi place on my list of favorites. City Market is really convenient from our home, and it has such pretty ambiance. The sushi is unique and delicious, and I also really enjoy their starter menu as well. I had their soft shell crab sliders and they were yummy.
Order: Softshell crab sliders, crispy pork belly, Mad Salmon roll (and next time I’ll order the ultimate rainbow roll)
O-Ku
O-Ku Sushi is located in the Warehouse District in Raleigh. Inspired by sister restaurants in Atlanta, Charleston, S.C., Charlotte, N.C. and Washington D.C., O-Ku’s menu provides a fresh and innovative take on traditional Japanese sushi and cuisine. Located in the Warehouse District of downtown Raleigh, the restaurant offers rare and unique dining options with traditional sashimi and specialty rolls, highlighting seafood from the finest fish markets in Tokyo and Hawaii alongside local and seasonal ingredients.
Order: Black Widow Roll & Rainbow Roll
Osha
Okay, so it’s not technically in Raleigh, Osha in Holly Springs is delicious! They are a unicorn with delicious Thai and sushi options. It’s honestly such a gem to have in the area and has a great outdoor seating area. For other restaurants that aren’t technically in Raleigh, check out this post.
Order: Matsu Roll and Rainbow Roll
Sono
Sono was one of the first downtown Raleigh restaurants I dined at when I moved to here after college. The location is great for a pre-concert dinner if you’re seeing something at Red Hat, or want a place where you can have dinner and then check out other events in downtown, like First Friday. They have a great overall menu as well, but their sushi is definitely my favorite part of their menu.
Order: Piano Roll & Spider Roll
Sushi Blues
Sushi Blues is such a staple on Glenwood South. It is such a laid back atmosphere and the blues focus is really fun for the location. I like to meet my girlfriends here for sushi before heading to one of the bars on Glenwood for an after-dinner drink. They do an awesome buy one get one free dine in special!
Order: Marilyn Monroe Roll & Bourbon Street Oyster Roll
Looking for other favorites in Raleigh? Check out these posts below:
Brewery Bhavana | Best Açaí Bowls in Raleigh | Raleigh Oyster Crawl
Hummingbird | 7 Best Burger Places to Try in Raleigh | Two Roosters Ice Cream
Mandolin | Happy + Hale | Other Raleigh Favorites here
This post was originally published in 2018 and has since been updated and recirculated for 2022.
