Waba Restaurant

2502 1/2 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA

Address:	2502 1/2 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
Phone:	+1 919-833-1710
Rating:	4.3

Location

Photos 27

Reviews 23

Payod Panda

I feel like saying its "tucked away in the corner", but its really not. Located on Hillsborough Street right next to Shanghai Express, the restaurant is situated on the first floor and hence is easily missed. I tried it for the first time yesterday around 3pm, and the place was completely empty but for one other customer. The person whom I assumed to be the owner greeted my, smiling, and took my order. I ordered the pork bulgogi. I sat by the window, and admired the walls and decor. That sounds like it is very upscale, but its not. Really basic, with a karaoke system that was playing, and peoples scribbles and doodles on the wall. Interesting painting on the wall too. The order came fast enough. The food was nice. Bulgogi had a nice flavor to it. Was not dry, appropriately moist / juicy. The rice was different from the usual sticky rice you get. I dont know enough about East Asian food to know if thats a good thing or bad, but I give Waba the benefit of the doubt. Overall it was good and Ill likely return to try the other dishes.

Maximo Larkin

This is my second time coming to Waba, and both times have been excellent. The first time I got the ramen noodles and this time I got the "hot" spicy noodle. I shouldve known what I was in for when he asked if I wanted "spicy" or "hot spicy". The spicy noodle is incredible, even if it is quite hot. The noodles are thick and very well textured/cooked. The owner came over after I ordered them and brought me a cold soup to help with the pain caused by the noodles. The food, service, and setting are incredible and the food is reasonably priced. An NCSU gem, and a better alternative to anything nearby at a similar price point (Im looking at you chipotle).

Dev Dee

RUDE!!! very unfriendly. felt very unwelcome. Cashier was expressionless and had a negative attitude, especially when accepting payment. FOOD HAS GONE DOWN HILL!!! What happened to the Asian rice? now its plain uncle bens? unfortunately not much beef in my beef bulgogi. Seems that theyve switched to some imitation variety :-( I used to love this place. not sure what happened.

A Private User

Great way to get lunch. Great to get in and out without having to wait on a waiter to show up. Very fresh vegetables. Good spices. I had a huge bowl of udon soup with vegetables and rice on the side. The mandu was tasty. And of course bulgoggi! This restaraunt has changed everything for the better.

Wray Bowling

I kept trying to give everything on the menu a chance, and didnt like most of it. Everyone ordered the fired rice over and over. I said "broaden your horizons!" One day I tried the kim chee fried rice though. Damn. Yeah. Forget everything else on the menu.

A Private User

I really enjoyed this place, quiet and good atmosphere compared to most of the other restaurants on hilsborough. The food is REALLY good too, its different from your run of the mill. Be sure to try something spicy. YUM!! Just ate there!! Nom Nom Nom

A Private User

Amazing food. they are very flexible on making custom vegetarian dishes. Their ramen is out of the world. Although the sea food smell hits strong initially, the place is surprisingly nice for the non descript entrance.

Jordan Bowman

Sweet man runs the place. Good food. He may try to upsell you but everything Ive tried so far is amazing as the prices are relatively cheap. Spicy means SPICY! Looks like they have karaoke

Charles Craichy

I could hardly understand the guy behind the counter. But he was very kind. He recommended the number 4. Boy, was it amazing. Packed with flavor. And heat. Will be back.

A Private User

So much goes into the presentation! The vegetables were so good (bibimbap) and I love the chewy noodles with the spicy sauce! I especially enjoy the feel of the place.

Jason Chen

Mediocre Korean food. Price is high for lunch compare to other restaurants on Hillsborough Street.

Benjamin Denton

The pork bul-go-gi is the best ever! I come here all the time and its my favorite restaurant

Stephen Downhower

Food and service was great! I would highly recommend the beef or pork bulgogi!

Edward Gilliam

Good food and atmosphere. Generally very quiet, short wait.

DrewCesTV

Its cool that you can write on the walls!!

Chandler Mason

Good ramen, great value for the portion.