Kurama Sushi & Noodle Express

I was surprised to find such a wonderful Japanese restaurant in this North Carolina town. While there are many Japanese restaurants in US,very few are actually run by Japanese people. I came to this restaurant because I suspected the owner was Japanese, and the food was truly authentic and wonderful. The warm dipping sauce for the shrimp tempura showed thoughtful attention to detail, a touch I associate with Japan. The udon broth was also excellent. The beef bowl could have used a little more meat, but the flavor was outstanding! I was also surprised by the quality of the mackerel and salmon roe at this price. Everything on the menu was less than half the usual price, so I was skeptical, but I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious it was. I think the owner could easily charge more. I'm giving it 4 stars because the curry had too many large pieces of ingredients and not enough sauce, but perhaps this style is more impactful for US customers?

- Y -

Been coming here when nearby for years and pleasantly surprised they’re always still here—because this is a “college town sushi bar” that’s refreshingly affordable and reminds me a lot of little sushi spots or simple izakayas in Japan. Good call getting a half order noodle dish and sushi/sashimi. The smaller size soup and rolls of different sizes (4 or 8 pieces) permit keeping the cost down and makes diverse snacking easy even for college kids on dates. Not fancy but cool. Their sushi conveyor belt may not be working now but I hope it comes back.

- randy johnson -

A sushi and noodle shop that's been a downtown Chapel Hill staple for over 20 years, weathering the pandemic and maintaining student and family-friendly menu options all the way. Many of the staff are familiar faces to locals visiting year after year, making fresh and tasty eats for new and returning customers. Sushi, noodles, bowls, salads, and dessert options are available with beer, wine, and sake to pair. Their menu also has options marked for gluten-free and vegetarian diners. It is a great place to try your first bite of sushi if you've yet to do so, and a nice stop for quick menu or conveyor belt orders if you're spending time downtown. I have enjoyed many of their offerings; today's lunch special was lovely.

- J G -