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 -

Kurama, Absolutely recommend!!! Awesome place to have lunch and dinner without worrying about spending much money. The sushi and noodle soup are ALWAYS simple but fresh and tasty just as I expected, which is the most satisfying for me as a chef. Plus, the sushi chef was one of the most committed ones I’ve ever seen! The service is friendly and polite and the atmosphere is comfortable. All the reasons let myself be craving for and enjoy going back to this place again and again. Always has been and will be the most favorite in Chapel Hill. I am so sad that I can’t go here often anymore because of moving out of Chapel Hill.

- Summer Lee -

Very cool place. Great sushi, got the 3 course lunch special which is only $11.50. Will be back.

- PJ Walker -

The sushi here wasn't great, but the good price/value was definitely there. I'd say it's a small step above grocery store sushi while remaining at grocery store sushi price. Also, you really can't beat their price for nigiri anywhere else, and it was pretty good. I'd come back just to fulfill my need for nigiri. The best roll was the kurama roll. Spicy crunchy roll was okay. I think I enjoyed the Hiro roll. Lava roll was okay. Also, I came for the sushi conveyor but it wasn't running for some reason. Felt a little bait&switched since I would have picked somewhere else with a running conveyor if I had known. Service walking in was a little weird since they expected us to find our own seat, but there was no sign walking in to tell us that. Deciding between 4* or 5* was not easy cause it can really go either way. The food is cheap, so I say give it a chance and decide for yourself.

- Alvina Waseem -

I eat here almost every week, sometimes more frequent if I have the time. It’s fairly priced sushi that is decent quality. I really love the half portion noodle options, half udon/soba + 2 orders of nigiri make the day awesome.

- Minerva Shen -

The plates are cheap but sushi quality is alright. Too much rice in the rolls. The affordability of the two/four/six piece rolls mean you can really mix and match your sushi order. I usually get a half udon or curry soup bowl, and some sushi. Would dine here again.

- Erica Li -