Yamazushi Japanese Restaurant

4711 Hope Valley Rd #6a, Durham, NC 27707, USA

Address:	4711 Hope Valley Rd #6a, Durham, NC 27707, USA
Phone:	+1 919-493-7748
Site:	yamazushirestaurant.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	Closed 5:30–9PM 5:30–9PM 5:30–9PM 5:30–9PM 5:30–9PM Closed

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 19

lori james

The word I would use to describe my entire dining experience here would be: delightful. I was filled with delight from the minute we walked in. We were met at the door by the very charming hostess, given slippers for a more traditional Japanese homestyle feel, and lead to one of only a few tables. It was quiet, and peaceful, and gentle koto music was playing. If that doesnt put a delighted little smile on your face, your heart is made of stone. We went with the sake pairing menu to accompany our meal, and the hostess was extremely knowledgeable about every bottle; not to mention that each drink was perfectly paired with each dish. The first dish was lightly pickled persimmon served with a light, floral sake that came to life when it mixed with the mirin on my tongue. It was just a gentle sail from one delight to the next. There was a delicious teapot full of soup, some of best sashimi and nigiri Ive ever had, a grilled eggplant that was the first and only eggplant that Ive actually enjoyed eating, a scallop fried in a crust of panko and rice crackers that Ill probably pine for the rest of my natural life, an edible chrysanthemum that tasted like ginger, and a multitude of other delicacies from the sea and the chefs garden built together into a perfect symphony of flavor. Most reviews have mentioned the handmade pottery that the chef creates to serve his dishes, and that was the aspect that pushed this meal into the transformative. I know Im getting flowery here, but some meals deserve that kind of prose, and this was one. If youre looking for a rare opportunity to experience an elaborate and well-crafted kaiseki experience, then stop reading and make your reservation. I can promise you it will be, from start to finish, a delight.

nono namen

4.5 of 5 stars (excellent, fine dining). Allow 2.5 to 3 hours. Cost: $85 per person, not including alcohol or gratuity. One of the most extraordinary meals you will ever have. Small, 26-seat dining room. Eight beautifully crafted, small courses presented on hand-made pottery. One amazing chef (who is also the potter). Kaiseki-style dining consists of a sequence of dishes, each often small and artistically arranged. Here is the order of the dishes we had: amuse bouche appetizer sashimi fried grilled broiled rice dessert We took our own bottle of bubbly ($20 corkage fee), but they have a small, reasonably priced wine list (less than 100% mark-up from retail). I, also, enjoyed a flight of four premium sakes for $28. This is not a place for those in a hurry or those looking for leftovers to take home afterwards. They cannot seat you together if you are a group of five or more. Currently serving a vegetarian menu on Wednesdays. Half star deducted for bathroom: could use some improvements.

A Private User

My husband and I love this restaurant. Their sushi is excellent (and can be made to order if you dont see what youre looking for on the menu, like inari). They also have tasty miso and udon. I feel like the staff is really dedicated to providing a great meal, the service has been impeccable and warm. Also, if youre looking for a cozy Japanese atmosphere, this would be the place to go to.

John Morrison

Expensive? Yes. Is it a highly refined dining experiene? Absolutely. Is the service good? It is professional, unobtrusive, and on the mark. Do not go here if you are in a big hurry. Not the place. But if you want an splendid dining experience, sit down, and enjoy. This is a top-chop place in every way. Order the recommended Sake with your meal.

Elliott Fisher

Kaiseki in North Carolina?!?!?!? Easily my best dining experience in Durham. The service is as friendly and accessible as Ive experienced anywhere on the planet. Note: if youve never had a Kaiseki dinner before, consider planning to stop somewhere after to fill your tummy (many courses, small potions).

A Private User

Weve tried nearly every sushi place in the triangle, and keep coming back to Yamazushi. The owners are friendly and helpful, and the sushis fantastic! Especially the asparagus roll - warm and crunchy and cool and creamy all at once... Sashimi eaters I have taken there have also been happy.

Jonathan Jou

Without question the best Japanese food in the area. Extra points for presentation, service, but Id give it five stars from the cuisine itself. Exquisite dishes, beautiful arrangements, quiet, serene ambience. Its worth a try, and for those who can afford to, worth more than a few trips.

John Lee

Excellent food. If youre looking for trendy sushi rolls then go somewhere else. But if you want elegant authentic tasting food then this is the best Japanese restaurant youll ever go to. You can count on great service and a delicately satisfying meal.

Jennifer Perrey

Went in the evening for a parents night out. Feels like a relaxing spa, except instead of having a massage, they feed you! Very intimate, no one could see us in our booth.

JUNICHIRO SANO

フレンドリーなサービスと、清潔な店内。店主の人間性にも魅了されました。

Charles Waldren

We lived for several years in Japan. Yamazushi is as good as any restaurant we ever ate at in Japan at any price and we ate in a lot. Its an absolute treasure.

A Private User

The food is very good and decently priced. The deserts and wine are a little over priced. The Japanese Vibe is very good, worth checking out...

Kristina Smith

Everything was perfect. Simple, but perfect. Service, food, ambiance. A real once in a lifetime experience.

A Private User

Very, very good sushi. Very authentic, as close to Japan as you can get in NC thats for sure!!!!!

Dianne Christensen

Cant wait to try this place. Thanks for all the reviews. Ill get back with you.

Wray Bowling

Japanese cuisine perfection! I recommend the omakase.

Miesha A.

O.M.G!!! PLEASE STOP DONT EAT THE FOOD!!!