O-Ku - Raleigh

4.8

1230 Reviews

$30 and under

Japanese

Top Tags:

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. Reminiscent of traditional Japanese culture, O-Ku's menu is comprised of signature starters, contemporary Japanese entrees and seasonal traditional sushi that reflect the uniquely designed space. The beverage program is built around quality ingredients that celebrate Japanese culture.

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Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 24, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 34 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(919) 792-3777

Other options

Private dining

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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Japanese, Sushi, Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(919) 792-3777
Website
https://www.o-kusushi.com/location/o-ku-raleigh/?y_source=1_ODE4NDQwNjUtODYwLWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Catering
We look forward to planning and customizing off-site events and catering for you.
Private party facilities
Private dining is available. Please contact the restaurant for full details and availability.
Private party contact
Cathleen Barrett: (844) 527-4718

Location
411 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Neighborhood
Raleigh
Cross street
West Hargett Street + South West Street
Parking details
The best parking option would be the Dillion Parking Deck. The parking deck entrances are location either on West Street or Harrington. Also, there are public lots around the vicinity of Oku.
Public transit
Train: Raleigh Union Station (500 Ft South of O-Ku)<br />Bus: West Street at Hargett Street - R13 (Located Immediately Adjacent to O-Ku)
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Popular dishes

Miso Soup$4.00
Seaweed Salad$6.00
Garden Salad$8.00
mixed greens, tomatoes, carrot, red onion, carrot ginger dressing
O-Ku Rock Shrimp$15.00
spicy aioli, fried shallots, greens
- HH$9.00
Dillon Wings (6pc)$12.00
sweet chili sauce, sesame seeds, chives
- HH$8.00
Carpaccio*$15.00
yellowtail, cilantro, serrano, mango, ponzu
- HH$11.00
White Fish Crudo*$15.00
featured fish, basil pesto, pink salt, lime, evoo, fried onion
Blue Fin Tuna Tataki*$16.00
seared 7-spice akami, orange supreme, daikon, chives, spicy ponzu
Edamame
- Traditional$5.00
- Pink Himalayan Salt & Truffle Oil$7.00
- Spiced Chili$6.00
Usuzukuri*$15.00
salmon, pickled wasabi, truffle ponzu, black salt, scallions
BBQ Pork Buns$16.00
braised pork, crispy bao buns, cucumber, pickled red onion, cilantro, hoisin sauce
Lobster Temaki*$18.00
poached lobster, asparagus, chives, black salt, cilantro aioli
Otoro Spoons* (4)$21.00
O-toro, uni, pickled wasabi, caviar, ponzu, micro greens
Wagyu Tartare*$16.00
pickled wasabi, shallots, cilantro aioli, quail egg

Omakase

Creative Multi-Course Tasting*
- pp$100.00
- Wine & Sake Pairing$45.00

Nigiri* & Sashimi*

Nigiri(1pc.) & Sashimi(2pc.)

Maguro$4.50
red tuna
O-Toro
fatty blue fin tuna
- MP
Sake$3.50
scottish salmon
Ora King$5.00
new Zealand salmon
Madai$4.00
sea bream
Hirame$3.50
fluke
Hamachi$4.00
yellowtail
Kanpachi$4.50
yellow jack
Shima Aji$4.50
striped jack
A5 Wagyu (1 Pc)
premium japanese beef
- MP
Uni (1 Pc)$13.00
sea urchin
Zuwai Gani$6.50
snow crab
Hotate$4.00
scallop
Shima-Saba$3.00
marinated mackerel
Unagi$3.50
fresh water eel
Tako$3.00
octopus
Amaebi$5.50
sweet shrimp
Ikura (1 Pc)$4.00
salmon roe
Nigiri / Sashimi Combo$35.00
assorted (Please allow additional time)

O-Ku Nigiri* (1 Pc.)

Tuna$6.00
tuna, umeboshi, shiso
Hamachi$6.00
hamachi, basil pesto, serrano pepper
King Salmon$6.00
truffle ponzu, pickled wasabi, togarashi, ikura black lava salt
Snow Crab$8.00
garlic miso butter, caviar, chives
Oooh Toro
sturgeon caviar, pickled wasabi
- MP
Sea Bream Marmalade$6.00
yuzu kosho, yuzu marmalade, yuzu tobiko, pink himalayan salt
Wagyu A-5
black truffle, pickled wasabi
- MP

Robata Yaki

Hanger$16.00
wagyu hanger steak, onion chips, fresh wasabi
Yakitori$9.00
chicken, scallions, japanese seven spice
Pork Belly$12.00
sweet chili glaze, micro greens
Citrus Scallop$13.00
truffle butter, yuzu
Hamachi Kama$15.00
yellowtail cheek, ponzu
Shishito Peppers$8.00
japanese 7 spice, miso butter

Hot Dish

Traditional Teriyaki
seasonal vegetables, steamed rice
- With Chicken$18.00
- With Salmon$23.00
Curry Noodle$16.00
spicy coconut curry, ramen noodles, scallions, chili pepper
Cauliflower Karaage$15.00
tempura cauliflower, dillon sauce, green onion, peanuts
O-Ku Fried Rice$14.00
braised pork belly, carrot, onion, edamame, garlic, egg

Classic Maki*

Tekka$8.00
tuna
Negi Hama$8.00
yellowtail, scallion
Kappa$5.00
cucumber
Sake$7.00
salmon
Unagi Kyu$10.00
eel, cucumber
Negitoro$15.00
minced O-toro, scallions

Signature Maki*

Salmon & Lemon$13.00
crab, avocado, cucumber, salmon, lemon aioli, yuzu tobiko
- HH$8.00
Spicy Tuna Crunch$11.00
spicy tuna, cucumber, eel sauce, tempura crunch
- HH$7.00
Cali Crunch$10.00
crab, cucumber, avocado, sesame, masago, eel sauce, tempura crunch
- HH$6.00
Rainbow$15.00
crab, cucumber, avocado, hamachi, salmon, tuna, masago
- HH$8.00
Tsunami Roll$12.00
panko fried roll, salmon, scallop, avocado, kewpie mayo, eel sauce, scallions
- HH$7.00
Katana$16.00
tempura shrimp, avocado, wagyu, spicy aioli, eel sauce, crispy onion
Yasai$12.00
shiitake, cucumber, asparagus, japanese pickle, avocado, mango salsa
Tuna Wrap$14.00
spicy tuna, english cucumber, big eye tuna, spicy aioli, eel sauce
Spider Roll$15.00
softshell crab, cucumber, avocado, seared salmon, spicy mayo, eel sauce, masago, scallions
Red Dragon$19.00
tempura lobster, cilantro, avocado, tuna, eel, serrano, sesame seeds, eel sauce

Hokozushi

Black Magic$21.00
lobster, shrimp, squid ink rice, spicy aioli, masago, chives, shallots
Ha-Ha Machi*$16.00
spicy tuna, asparagus, seared hamachi, cilantro aioli, wasabi tobiko, rice puffs

What 1,230 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill
Best Ambiance
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill
Hot spot
Raleigh
Best Ambiance
Raleigh
Hot spot

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AC
AshC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The server (I wish I could remember his name but longer dark slicked back hair in a bun?) was absolutely incredible and the food was unreal. I went on a double date and all four of us were floored and can't wait to return. This is THE BEST sushi place in the area, hands down. The atmosphere is great and the staff is absolutely wonderful. There is not a single bad thing I could say about our experience, I can't wait to come back!!
J
Julia
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server Clint was amazing. Food and drinks were delicious. The spider roll is too good. I would go back 1000%.
NB
NatashaB
Orlando
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything we tried was outstanding! Sugar and Spice cocktail had the perfect amount of heat and sweet for a delicious drink. The apps, sushi and desserts were all incredible as well. Definitely our new favorite sushi spot in Raleigh!!
s
shaneo
Raleigh
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We went for my wife's birthday and O-Ku did not disappoint! We had the rock shrimp and dumplings appetizers (both excellent) and split three rolls for dinner. The Angry Salmon roll may be the best roll I've ever had.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nothing about this meal was not awesome. The waiter was great and informative and fun to talk to. The appetizers were amazing. The Sake flight was great and the waiter talked us through it. The main courses were amazing. Food quality was the best.
PG
PatrickG
Raleigh
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
Food is always good. Drink service is painfully slow. First round of drinks come out halfway through the meal! I like to have my first drink before food comes out.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on March 10, 2023
overall2food3service1ambience5
Food was decent; service was abysmal. We were seated at our table and then waited 20 minutes before we had to ask the hostess for some water, another few minutes went by until our server came by. Server continued this trend of leaving us alone for far too long between checking in on us whereas it seemed every other table was being tended to pretty routinely.
FD
FranD
Raleigh
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always excellent! We appreciate both the consistently high-quality food and high-quality service.
KC
KCLJAR
Raleigh
55 reviews
vip
5.0
55 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first visit to O-Ku, we decided to try it out based on reviews I saw here. We arrived just as they opened and were seated right and drink order taken right away. The interior was vibrant and modern with upbeat music playing. Erica was our waitress and we told her this was our first time here so she took the time to explain the menu with us and answered questions that we had. She gave us time to decide what we wanted. Everything looked good, so we decided to try two different things. My wife got the Oh-Boy sushi roll while I got the Curry Noodles with shrimp. We also ordered the Rock Shrimp and Edamame. The Rock Shrimp and Edamame came out together. The shrimp was soooo good. Kind of like Bang Bang shrimp, but not breaded, but the extra touch they added was the fried shallots. So glad we ordered it. Our entrees came out there was no surprise with the sushi, it was very good. The curry noodles came out in a H U G E bowl, with lots of broth. Erica said it was spicy, but I asked for additional spice because most places that claim their food is spicy, really aren't. I did not need to add any spice, it made my nose run just a tad which was good. My wife was able to finish all of her meal, I might have finished about 1/2 of mine. They brought us a dessert menu and the molten cake looked good, but we were just too full. Check O-Ku out for yourself, you'll be glad you did
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 7, 2023
overall3food5service2ambience3
The food was good but the service was miserable. Could not get my water refilled. Waited 40 min for the last order of rolls to come out. Had to beg to get a second glass of sake. Disappointing.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The server was absolutely Fantastic and the recommendations that she made were on point!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on March 3, 2023
overall1food5service2ambience5
Front desk wasn’t very nice and said we didn’t attend resy when we did.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 28, 2023
overall3food5service5ambience1
I want to start by saying that I come here every 3 weeks or so. We love this place! With that being said, this experience wasn't great. Service and food was awesome, but the fire alarm went off for 90 minutes straight. The flashing lights and alarm kept going. I understand that some things are out of the restaurant's control, but you would think that items would be removed from the bill or extra appetizers would be brought to the table, but nothing. I don't think this unreasonable either because this has happened twice for us in Raleigh with two different restaurants in the last 6 months. Thankfully the food and service was great, but it did lower the vibe for the birthday event we were celebrating.
RG
RonG
New York Area
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on February 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Vibrant atmosphere with excellent food and efficient and friendly service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was one of the very best meals I've had in a long time. Our server, Daniella, made the most amazing recommendations. Perfect place to share small plates and try a variety of food. Highly recommend this location.
YL
YogaLove
Raleigh
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely loved the food and our service. We had the curry w/shrimp, Mexican street corn, emperor’s roll, cali roll, octopus, dumplings, and the donuts for dessert. Everything was incredible! Note it is loud.
S
Steve
Raleigh
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dinner was good
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food was wonderful, and the service outstanding! Our server, Myrna, was the best of the best! We’ll definitely be back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were there for our anniversary. Food was great. Austin, our server, was even better. It was a great night and we hope to get back there soon!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
Great Meal and atmosphere, although the service caused us to leave with a bad taste in our mouths. I paid with cash, and the waitress asked if we were all set (did not ask if I needed change) then when I responded yes, she quickly said have a good night and disappeared. Because of this, I had no opportunity to get change and the tip was way larger than intended. Good experience otherwise.
G
Georgie
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great atmosphere and delicious sushi. This is our second time here, this time we sat at the bar.. I’m a little concerned the sanitation eating was 90 considering raw fish is being handled, but it could be for something simple. Would like to return again when rating is higher.
A
Adam
Raleigh
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best sushi in Raleigh by a long shot. Cocktail list is awesome, service is tremendous.
MS
MarkS
Western NC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Excellent sushi!
B
Beverly
Raleigh
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious! The o-toro spoons and the usuzukuri especially were really special. We went for Valentine's Day and the service was excellent even though they were very busy. Perfect for a date!
JW
JadeW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nicole was absolutely amazing! Stellar service, and the food was fantastic as well!
s
sevial
Raleigh
13 reviews
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Everyone was very friendly. Food was delicious. Service was a little spotty.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was amazing! I can be a picky eater, but the food here was amazing. I would definitely return.
JA
JAMallard
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such fresh food and the staff including food runners were so kind. We will be back!
K
Keith
Orlando
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dinner was great. Overall definitely pricey. Especially the beer and other mixed drinks. Food was great and so was service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Cleveland
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Wonderful! A little loud for intimate conversation. But, overall a fantastic experience.
C
Chinton
Atlanta Metro
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience. Delicious food and impeccable service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 7, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Amazing like always.
K
Kdavis1015
Raleigh
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waitress was EVERYTHING!!! She made our experience worth going back!
WF
WorldwideFoodie
Raleigh
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cannot rave about this restaurant and location enough. The employees are incredible and worked with us and my in-laws (calling from another country!) to arrange gift cards and special birthday surprises for our son. Emily, our waiter, was beyond phenomenal, sending extra appetizers to the table. EVERYONE knew our son's name and wished him a happy birthday when they came to the table. They delivered a signed birthday card to him and birthday desserts complete with a candle. On top of all of this, the food is delicious and the atmosphere wonderful. Thank you to Emily, Chandelier and the entire staff for making our little boy's 6th birthday so memorable! We will be back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The server Adam was amazing to us, I was able to have an actual conversation and he was able to help me and partner with understanding certain ingredients for both the food and drinks (since it was our first time going there. I love how the place glow at night, it let romantic and down to earth kind of feeling. The only flaw would be the chair but that’s because I’m not use to sitting that low, so if you’re with someone tall then I would recommend picking the hightop or bar. Patio wasn’t available at the time we went, which was fine (it was really cold anyway). I love the food, I have the gyuniku (I hope I spelled it right), Japanese street corn, and Donburi chicken (which was honestly my favorite). The drinks I would recommend too, but one would be enough if you’re a light weight. Also recommend the octopus, from what’s my partner said, they give it two thumbs up.
SK
StephanieK
Atlanta Metro
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious. Server friendly and knowledgeable. Great experience.
RD
Raleigh2D
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 3, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
Had a nice lowkey date night. Service was good, if anything they checked in with us too frequently (presumably to turn the table). Food was good - I recommend the wings for sure.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place is one of my favorites. You feel the hospitality once you enter the door. The white staff is very personable and knowledgeable and make great suggestions.
S
Sarah
Greensboro
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went with some friends for the first time and we all had a great time! Would definitely go again!
JR
JonathanR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect setting and experience, couldn’t see anyone having a bad time here. Made a reservation and had to wait a couple minutes which is understandable, they can only predict when people leave but the hosts gave us a drink and apologized for the wait and the food was amazing, will definitely be back!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

O-Ku - Raleigh does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now. O-Ku - Raleigh also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (919) 792-3777.

O-Ku - Raleigh is rated 4.8 stars by 1230 OpenTable diners.

O-Ku - Raleigh does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.