Best Sushi in Raleigh (2025)
Waraji Japanese Restaurant
Sushi restaurant · Raleigh
A Raleigh mainstay since 1997 with meticulous nigiri, comforting donburi, and a notably deep sake list. Consistently spotlighted by Eater Carolinas and named Best Sushi in Wake County by Indy Week readers in 2025.
Sono Sushi
Sushi restaurant · Fayetteville Street
Downtown’s sleek standard-bearer since 2008, refreshed menus and moody ambiance included. Recognized in Raleigh Magazine’s Best Restaurants 2024 and 2025; go for refined nigiri, sashimi flights, and signature rolls.
Sushi Mon
Sushi restaurant · Raleigh
Chef Chris Lee’s office‑park hideaway delivers pristine fish, a standout truffle tuna roll, and a soulful miso with fish and cabbage. Regularly featured by Eater Carolinas and praised by local editors and readers.
City Market Sushi
Sushi restaurant · Fayetteville Street
An intimate counter in the brick-lined market district, known for disciplined technique and specialty rolls. Lauded by The News & Observer and recognized by Indy Week readers; reservations recommended on weekends.
Sushi O Bistro & Sushi Bar
Sushi restaurant · Glenwood South
A Glenwood South fixture for pre‑show sushi and late dinners, with a vast roll list alongside traditional cuts. Cited by the Herald‑Sun/News & Observer as a reliable Raleigh go‑to.
Omakase by Kai
Sushi restaurant · Blount Street
A refined, reservation‑worthy counter at Seaboard Station led by chef James Chung. Announced by Axios and now serving tight, seasonal omakase that highlights pristine sourcing and thoughtful pacing.
DAIJOBU
Japanese restaurant · Fayetteville Street
From the City Market Sushi team, this compact hand‑roll and ramen bar quickly drew lines. Celebrated by Walter Magazine for crisp temaki, quality fish, and a fun, casual rhythm.
Ajisai
Japanese restaurant · Turners Alley
Village District favorite with family roots and an off‑menu, name‑your‑price omakase. Highlighted by Raleigh Magazine; expect showy sashimi platters, solid nigiri, and a lively neighborhood feel.
Kai Sushi & Sake Bar
Sushi restaurant · Raleigh
North Raleigh’s neighborhood standout in Greystone Village, appreciated for precise cuts, value omakase‑style sets, and welcoming service. Included among Raleigh favorites by The News & Observer.
Best Sushi in Raleigh (2025)
A Raleigh mainstay since 1997 with meticulous nigiri, comforting donburi, and a notably deep sake list. Consistently spotlighted by Eater Carolinas and named Best Sushi in Wake County by Indy Week readers in 2025.
Downtown’s sleek standard-bearer since 2008, refreshed menus and moody ambiance included. Recognized in Raleigh Magazine’s Best Restaurants 2024 and 2025; go for refined nigiri, sashimi flights, and signature rolls.
Chef Chris Lee’s office‑park hideaway delivers pristine fish, a standout truffle tuna roll, and a soulful miso with fish and cabbage. Regularly featured by Eater Carolinas and praised by local editors and readers.
An intimate counter in the brick-lined market district, known for disciplined technique and specialty rolls. Lauded by The News & Observer and recognized by Indy Week readers; reservations recommended on weekends.
A Glenwood South fixture for pre‑show sushi and late dinners, with a vast roll list alongside traditional cuts. Cited by the Herald‑Sun/News & Observer as a reliable Raleigh go‑to.
A refined, reservation‑worthy counter at Seaboard Station led by chef James Chung. Announced by Axios and now serving tight, seasonal omakase that highlights pristine sourcing and thoughtful pacing.
From the City Market Sushi team, this compact hand‑roll and ramen bar quickly drew lines. Celebrated by Walter Magazine for crisp temaki, quality fish, and a fun, casual rhythm.
Village District favorite with family roots and an off‑menu, name‑your‑price omakase. Highlighted by Raleigh Magazine; expect showy sashimi platters, solid nigiri, and a lively neighborhood feel.
North Raleigh’s neighborhood standout in Greystone Village, appreciated for precise cuts, value omakase‑style sets, and welcoming service. Included among Raleigh favorites by The News & Observer.
Waraji Japanese Restaurant
Sushi restaurant · Raleigh
A Raleigh mainstay since 1997 with meticulous nigiri, comforting donburi, and a notably deep sake list. Consistently spotlighted by Eater Carolinas and named Best Sushi in Wake County by Indy Week readers in 2025.
Sono Sushi
Sushi restaurant · Fayetteville Street
Downtown’s sleek standard-bearer since 2008, refreshed menus and moody ambiance included. Recognized in Raleigh Magazine’s Best Restaurants 2024 and 2025; go for refined nigiri, sashimi flights, and signature rolls.
Sushi Mon
Sushi restaurant · Raleigh
Chef Chris Lee’s office‑park hideaway delivers pristine fish, a standout truffle tuna roll, and a soulful miso with fish and cabbage. Regularly featured by Eater Carolinas and praised by local editors and readers.
City Market Sushi
Sushi restaurant · Fayetteville Street
An intimate counter in the brick-lined market district, known for disciplined technique and specialty rolls. Lauded by The News & Observer and recognized by Indy Week readers; reservations recommended on weekends.
Sushi O Bistro & Sushi Bar
Sushi restaurant · Glenwood South
A Glenwood South fixture for pre‑show sushi and late dinners, with a vast roll list alongside traditional cuts. Cited by the Herald‑Sun/News & Observer as a reliable Raleigh go‑to.
Omakase by Kai
Sushi restaurant · Blount Street
A refined, reservation‑worthy counter at Seaboard Station led by chef James Chung. Announced by Axios and now serving tight, seasonal omakase that highlights pristine sourcing and thoughtful pacing.
DAIJOBU
Japanese restaurant · Fayetteville Street
From the City Market Sushi team, this compact hand‑roll and ramen bar quickly drew lines. Celebrated by Walter Magazine for crisp temaki, quality fish, and a fun, casual rhythm.
Ajisai
Japanese restaurant · Turners Alley
Village District favorite with family roots and an off‑menu, name‑your‑price omakase. Highlighted by Raleigh Magazine; expect showy sashimi platters, solid nigiri, and a lively neighborhood feel.
Kai Sushi & Sake Bar
Sushi restaurant · Raleigh
North Raleigh’s neighborhood standout in Greystone Village, appreciated for precise cuts, value omakase‑style sets, and welcoming service. Included among Raleigh favorites by The News & Observer.