Basan Bull City Sushi
| Address: | 359 Blackwell St #220, Durham, NC 27701, USA |
| Phone: | +1 919-797-9728 |
| Site: | basanrestaurant.com |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 11AM–2PM 11AM–2PM 11AM–2PM 11AM–2PM 11AM–2PM 12–11PM 4–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 9
SE
Sean Baek
Overpriced and barely mediocre Japanese cuisine. I expected more from a busy location downtown and such high prices. The decor and the staff were great but the food tastes completely phoned in and cannot justify the prices being asked. The tonkatsu is twice fried to speed up the cooking, leading to a terrible panko breading that falls off and dry pork inside. For $19 I expect much much better. The salad that accompanied it was some iceberg with a horrible bland mayonnaise based dressing. The miso soup was tepid, and too salty. The ramen portion is tiny, and aside from a pinch of bean sprouts and a few pieces of pork belly, it was almost as if I had made an instant package. Again, for the price I expected at least a decent size portion or a much higher quality product. The sushi is okay, if a little overpriced. Honestly Im a bit hyper critical since I have experience with sushi in a restaurant setting. The rice is the most important part and it was woefully subpar for a sushi restaurant, it was not cooled properly or seasoned correctly. It may have been an off night, or poorly trained staff, regardless it was disappointing. The fish is fresh and cut well however. Id recommend sticking with sashimi and bypassing the sushi rice altogether. I would not recommend this place at all. It had lots of potential, but it was a disappointment at every turn. From the price to the quality it leaves alot to be desired.
LA
Lauren Bilski
Walked in an hour before closing. I could tell they were slowing down for the night. No server wanted to greet me as two passed by with no eye contact. The host was also the food runner and he greeted me thanked me for waiting and then the bartender sat me. Should have just gone straight to the bar. Ordered a sake I know pretty well. They were out. Server suggested something saying it was similar. The only thing similar was the price. Two completely different sakes. The server didnt tell me about the specials or anything. Just asked if I wanted sushi or regular food. Ordered the sushi, 8 pieces of nigiri and a roll. Plenty of food. It came out relatively quickly. Happy they put the salmon belly, which I saw on the specials board. Ran out of water. Had to ask for more. Got half way through my meal before the server came by to ask anything about it. Best parts: tomago added to my plate, the salmon belly and the soy sauce served with sushi was good. Worst: service. Makes and breaks it every time for me.
MA
Mandy Spady
Made reservations for this place because of proximity to dPac. Reservations were at 6:30. We arrived early and were setting no problem. However, no server/waiter came by to check on us or even offer water. The table next to us was empty and a couple was seated. They had water and waiter before us. Finally someone greeting us and said there was an issue about who was serving us. Not her problem, but the establishment should do better. After finally placing our order it took our food forever to get there. Mind you, we had reservations, and were heading to a show so time was of the essence. I even mention to the waiter. An hour after sitting down we got our food and had to rush to make the show. The food (we had sushi) was just so-so. I was expecting at least something taken off the order for the timely delay, but nope. This place was recommended to me, but I will not be going back. At least not if I have somewhere else to be.
MA
Mark Andrew Frey
I had one of the top five eating experiences of my life here. I had tickets to a show at DPAC (right next door) and reserved a seat at the sushi bar here. For the first time ever, I decided to do the Chefs Choice (Omakase) which comes for a fixed price. The head chef came over and asked if I had any food preferences and I told him I didnt like anything real spicy but otherwise was open to be surprised and amazed. Well surprise and amaze he did. My whole meal was prepared personally by him and course after course were placed before me--way more than I could eat but I did anyhow--it was so good. He even prepared home made soy sauce and fresh wasabi for me. Next time Ill go with a friend and split the food but boy did I have a good time!
TI
Tiffany Bowles
Basan has the best sushi in the triangle area period! Basan catered an event that my husband and I had at our business and EVERYONE RAVED about the food. We had 300 guests in attendance and people just could not get enough of the cuisine. The presentation and quality of the food was world class. I cant say enough how good the sushi from Basan is. We have all had bad Sushi. The search is over for the best. Give Basan a try and you will be happy that you did. Also, the restaurant is absolutely gorgeous and they have plenty of space to have an event there. We worked with Rachel and she is simply amazing. She coordinated everything and made sure that everyone was happy all the way. You will not be disappointed with Basan!!
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Sam Brunswick
This is a great spot in Durham for sushi. The food is excellent and very unique. We did not have a reservation, but the bar was available and that suites us just fine for dinner. They have nice beer selections for a sushi joint, which can be hard to find. Local staples such as Bad Penny and Hoptimist, and I was very surprised to see that they carry a Great Lakes porter. We shared seaweed salad and 3 rolls, and as I said it was all unique in flavor and very tasty. Do understand though, they do not offer a bogo option of any kind, and the rolls are more of a medium size. Even though youll spend more here than other popular sushi restaurants, Basan is definitely worth the price.
IB
Ibidun Omisade
Love this place, we had a great time. I was surprised how well informed the wait staff was. They accommodated my godchild & her friend. They answered all their questions & even encouraged them to be a bit adventurous. Anytime you can get two teenagers to try new things it is a win. The curry flavored calamari was great. We had an assortment of their sushi over the five times we have been, never disappointed. Oh their ramen noddles are awesome too. Oh make reservations they tend to be busy & it is easier than waiting with children.
CH
Chris Miller
Excellent sushi! The quality of the fish was stunning. Very fresh with a clean scent and finish. The salmon, yellowtail, and tuna was buttery and yummy. If you like a little spice, try the Hamachi Tiradito. It was just spicy enough to be exciting, but not enough to overpower the Yellowtail or the delicious Ponzi sauce. Excellent and flavorful. I had great service. The interior is modern, so I was expecting Americanized dishes drenched with mayonnaise. I was pleasantly surprised with quality ingredients light flavorful sauces.
JA
James Mc
Basan Bull City Sushi won best sushi in Durham for good reason. The Sushi is top notch, each roll is prepared as if it will be on stage presented to the world. The staff continually keeps an eye on you to make sure youve got anything to satisfy your appetite, while also providing quick friendly suggestions on what you should pick if you are unsure. Eating here you cant go wrong if your craving some Sushi.
