O-Ku - Raleigh

4.9

1849 Reviews

$30 and under

Japanese

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 28, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 64 times today

Good for special occasions
Lively
Hot spot

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.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Japanese, Sushi, Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Mon, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Tue 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 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
Executive chef
Cuong Le
Catering
We look forward to planning and customizing off-site events and catering for you.
Private party contact
Cathleen Barrett: (919) 792-3777

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)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

Gift card

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Popular dishes

Miso Soup$5.00
Seaweed Salad$6.00
traditional preparation
Garden Salad^$7.00
mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, soy balsamic
O-Ku Rock Shrimp^$15.00
spicy aioli, fried shallots, greens
- Happy Hour$10.00
Dumplings (6 Pieces)$13.00
crunchy soy garlic
- Happy Hour$9.00
Carpaccio*$17.00
yellowtail, mango, serrano, thai basil oil, ponzu
Usuzukuri* ^$16.00
salmon, pickled wasabi, truffle ponzu, black salt
- Happy Hour$12.00
Tuna Crudo* ^$19.00
akami, avocado mousse, lemon, wasabi soy, crispy shallot
Edamame
- Traditional (Gluten Free)$6.00
- Pink Himalayan Salt & Truffle Oil (Gluten Free)$7.00
- Spiced Chili$7.00
Shishito$10.00
yuzu soy, sea salt
- Happy Hour$7.00
BBQ Pork Buns$16.00
soy braised pork shoulder, asian slaw, hoisin glaze
Lobster Temaki* ^$25.00
poached lobster, asparagus, chives, black salt, cilantro aioli
Toro Spoons* ^ (4)$24.00
o-toro, uni, pickled wasabi, caviar, ponzu
West St Wings$15.00
oku-sweet chili, sesame, oshinko
Spicy Chirashi Bowl$27.00
chef's choice fish, gochujang, cucumber, masago

Robata Yaki

Yakitori^$13.00
chicken, scallions, japanese seven spice
Gyuniku^$18.00
C.A.B hanger, onion chips
Kamo Negi^$18.00
5-spice duck breast, raspberry gastrique, scallions
Japanese Street Corn$8.00
kewpie mayo, parmesan, togarashi

Tobanyaki

Hamachi Kama$32.00
grilled yellowtail cheek, seasonal veg, sesame, miso butter
A5 Japanese Wagyu
highest quality japanese black cattle
- 2 oz Minimum$35.00
Lobster Kinoko$40.00
8 oz lobster, assorted mushroom, yuzu miso butter

Entrees

Donburi Chicken$25.00
chicken thigh, seasonal vegetables, ajitsuke egg, steamed rice, yuzu soy
Curry Noodle$20.00
spicy coconut curry, ramen noodles, cabbage
Pan Seared Salmon^$29.00
miso soy butter, creamy orzo, charred lemon
Hanger^$35.00
pan-seared, medium, crispy nori potatoes, sansho peppercorn demi-glace
Octopus$23.00
gochujang glaze, calabaza puree, smoked paprika

Omakase

Wine & Sake Pairing $50 pp

Omakase
Chef's creative multi-course tasting menu. Inquire about availability
- pp$170.00

Moriawase

Chef's Choice of Fish

8 Pieces Nigiri*$41.00
12 Pieces Sashimi*$54.00
8 Pieces Nigiri & 12 Pieces Sashimi*$72.00

Signature Nigiri

Tuna*$9.50
guacamole, spicy ponzu
Hamachi*$8.50
aburi, uni, truffle chili
Salmon*$8.00
truffle aioli, golden trout roe
Sea Bream*$8.50
yuzu marmalade, shiso, yuzu tobiko
Lobster*$17.00
lemon aioli, black lava salt
O-Toro*
kaluga caviar, chives
- MP
Wagyu A-5*
foie gras, kizami
- MP

Nigiri [1 Piece] & Sashimi [2 Pieces]

Maguro*$9.00
red tuna
O-Toro*
fatty blue fin tuna
- MP
Sake*$7.00
scottish salmon
Japanese Uni* (1 Piece)
sea urchin
- MP
Madai*$8.00
sea bream
Hamachi*$7.00
yellowtail
Kanpachi*$6.50
yellow jack
Shima Aji*$8.00
striped jack
Amaebi* (1 Piece)$8.00
sweet shrimp
Unagi$6.00
fresh water eel
California Uni* (1 Piece)$15.00
sea urchin
Hotate*$6.00
scallop
Tako*$5.00
octopus
Ebi$3.50
poached shrimp
Ikura* (1 Piece)$6.00
salmon roe

Classic Maki

Tekka*$10.00
tuna
Negi Hama*$10.00
yellowtail, scallion
Kappa$5.00
cucumber
Sake*$8.00
salmon
Unagi Kyu$11.00
eel, cucumber
Negitoro*$18.00
minced o-toro, scallions

Signature Maki

Upcharge Kani to Lump Crab $9

Salmon & Lemon*$15.00
kani, avocado, cucumber, salmon, lemon aioli, yuzu tobiko
- Happy Hour$9.00
Spicy Tuna Crunch*$14.00
spicy tuna, cucumber, spicy mayo, tempura crunch
- Happy Hour$9.00
Cali Crunch*$13.00
kani, cucumber, avocado, eel sauce, tempura crunch
- Happy Hour$8.00
Rainbow*$16.00
kani, cucumber, avocado, hamachi, salmon, tuna, ebi
- Happy Hour$11.00
Tsunami Roll*$15.00
panko fried, salmon, scallop, avocado, kewpie mayo, eel sauce, scallions
- Happy Hour$9.00
Emperor*$27.00
tempura lobster, avocado, wagyu, spicy aioli, eel sauce, crispy onion
Haru$14.00
greens, cucumber, avocado, inari sesame dressing
Angry Salmon*$17.00
salmon, avocado, spicy tuna, serrano, spicy ponzu, arare
White Spider*$16.00
soft shell crab, spicy salmon, cucumber, masago, mango puree, eel sauce
O-Baby*$18.00
tuna, shrimp tempura, kani, avocado, o-sauce
The Dillon$18.00
tempura shrimp, poached shrimp, kanpyo, cucumber, spicy aioli, sweet soy, chives
Kurama*$17.00
spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, salmon, eel sauce, truffle oil
Ha Ha Maki*$18.00
hamachi, avocado, spicy tuna, cucumber, asparagus, wasabi aioli, red tobiko

Hakozushi

Black Magic$28.00
lobster, squid ink rice, spicy aioli, masago, chives, shallots
Akira*$21.00
maguro, spicy tuna, lemon, serrano yuzu aioli, sweet soy

What 1,849 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.9Service
4.8Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Raleigh
Best Ambiance
Raleigh
Hot spot
Raleigh
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

O-Ku Raleigh offers an exceptional dining experience marked by "amazing service" and "delicious food." Guests rave about the diverse menu featuring standout sushi and flavorful dishes. The ambiance is "stunning," perfect for special occasions, with staff going "above and beyond" to personalize celebrations. A must-visit for sushi lovers!

1,849 Reviews

K
Kevin
New York City
8 reviews
3.0
8 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fish quality was lacking and not as fresh. Otoro spoons the fish was drowning in sauce that there was no flavor to the fish. All of the nigiri the rice was under seasoned with no acidity. This is where we really could tell the fish wasn’t as fresh. Disappointing as the ambiance is really nice, but for the most expensive sushi in the triangle — there are better places to go.
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J
Judith
Philadelphia
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nestled in the heart of downtown Raleigh, O-Ku offers an exceptional dining experience that blends modern sophistication with authentic Japanese flavors. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance sets the tone: warm lighting, sleek décor, and an inviting atmosphere perfect for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. The menu is a standout, with a wide range of dishes that cater to both sushi aficionados and those new to Japanese cuisine. Our favorite go-to appetizer is the O-ku rock shrimp. The hot dish entrees are just as delicious as the sushi. This time around I had the pan seared salmon and my husband enjoyed the hanger steak. The drink menu is equally impressive, with an extensive selection of sake, craft cocktails, and wines. Loved the seasonal cocktail, Sugar & Spice and I also had a cucumber gimlet with gin. Service at O-Ku was impeccable. The staff was knowledgeable about the menu and eager to offer thoughtful recommendations. Zach was spot on with recommending the dumplings! The pacing of the meal was perfect, allowing us to savor each course without feeling rushed. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a refined dining experience, O-Ku Raleigh delivers on all fronts. We're quite pleased with the value of the experience. Thank you, Emily and everyone!
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M
Marie-Paule
VIP
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Wonderful dining experience. Service and meal were 10/10.
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H
Heidi
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great experience! Food was exceptional. Service was stellar! Ambience was lovely! Only outlier is cold draft coming from outside seating area hitting within restaurant.
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m
mitch
VIP
Raleigh
25 reviews
5.0
25 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great location, awesome service, waitstaff was incredible, I’m a vegetarian and was able to around my food needs with our wonderful servicer. Felt like 5 star restaurant.
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R
Regina
VIP
New York City
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
The food and server were excellent however it took FOREVER for our food to arrive. The appetizers came rather quick but the main was was about a 45 min wait. Way too long for sushi.
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R
Rick
VIP
Raleigh
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Christmas Eve at O-Ku was perfect. Austin was the best and all around top service in Raleigh.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
O-Ku offers an unforgettable dining experience! Highlights include the Tuna Crudo, O-Ku Rock Shrimp, and the heavenly Ube Butter Mochi Brownie with Vanilla Gelato. The cozy ambiance is perfect for date nights, and Jerry’s exceptional service made it extra special! Will be back!
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R
Richard
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went for anniversary dinner and was unbelievably fabulous experience ! Recommend O-Ku as a must do in Raleigh
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our first visit to this restaurant and we will be back! We celebrated a birthday and were overwhelmed with the special touches the staff put into our visit without any request from us! Custom menus, birthday Prosecco for the table and a custom card signed by staff - even a custom glass for the birthday girl! It was an incredible evening and we could not have been happier with our restaurant choice! Our friends dining with us were also in awe of the efforts to make the night special. The food was amazing - we tried 4 appetizers and a variety of rolls with the black magic roll as the favorite. Thank you to everyone who made the night special for us - it will never be forgotten for our family and our guests!
O-Ku - RaleighResponded on December 19, 2024
Thank you for the kind words, it was so great celebrating with y'all!
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FAQs

O-Ku - Raleigh offers 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 4.9 stars by 1849 OpenTable diners.

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

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 28, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 64 times today

Order delivery or takeout

411 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27603

Additional information

Cross street
West Hargett Street + South West Street
Neighborhood
Raleigh
Hours of operation
Mon, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Tue 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Japanese, Sushi, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
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)Bus: West Street at Hargett Street - R13 (Located Immediately Adjacent to O-Ku)
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Cuong Le
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

Website
https://www.o-kusushi.com/location/o-ku-raleigh/?y_source=1_ODE4NDQwNjUtODYwLWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=
Phone number
(919) 792-3777
Catering
We look forward to planning and customizing off-site events and catering for you.
Private party contact
Cathleen Barrett: (919) 792-3777

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

O-Ku - Raleigh

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Gift card

O-Ku Rock Shrimp

Ha Ha Maki

Salmon

Small Plates

Miso Soup$5.00

Seaweed Salad$6.00

Garden Salad^$7.00

O-Ku Rock Shrimp^$15.00

Dumplings (6 Pieces)$13.00

Carpaccio*$17.00

Usuzukuri* ^$16.00

Tuna Crudo* ^$19.00

Edamame

Shishito$10.00

BBQ Pork Buns$16.00

Lobster Temaki* ^$25.00

Toro Spoons* ^ (4)$24.00

West St Wings$15.00

Spicy Chirashi Bowl$27.00

Robata Yaki

Yakitori^$13.00

Gyuniku^$18.00

Kamo Negi^$18.00

Japanese Street Corn$8.00

Tobanyaki

Hamachi Kama$32.00

A5 Japanese Wagyu

Lobster Kinoko$40.00

Entrees

Donburi Chicken$25.00

Curry Noodle$20.00

Pan Seared Salmon^$29.00

Hanger^$35.00

Octopus$23.00

Omakase

Omakase

Moriawase

8 Pieces Nigiri*$41.00

12 Pieces Sashimi*$54.00

8 Pieces Nigiri & 12 Pieces Sashimi*$72.00

Signature Nigiri

Tuna*$9.50

Hamachi*$8.50

Salmon*$8.00

Sea Bream*$8.50

Lobster*$17.00

O-Toro*

Wagyu A-5*

Nigiri [1 Piece] & Sashimi [2 Pieces]

Maguro*$9.00

O-Toro*

Sake*$7.00

Japanese Uni* (1 Piece)

Madai*$8.00

Hamachi*$7.00

Kanpachi*$6.50

Shima Aji*$8.00

Amaebi* (1 Piece)$8.00

Unagi$6.00

California Uni* (1 Piece)$15.00

Hotate*$6.00

Tako*$5.00

Ebi$3.50

Ikura* (1 Piece)$6.00

Classic Maki

Tekka*$10.00

Negi Hama*$10.00

Kappa$5.00

Sake*$8.00

Unagi Kyu$11.00

Negitoro*$18.00

Signature Maki

Salmon & Lemon*$15.00

Spicy Tuna Crunch*$14.00