Wasabi

Wasabi: A Longtime Sushi and Japanese Favorite in Cary

An Edinburgh South Drive Mainstay

Tucked into a quiet stretch of Edinburgh South Drive in the Waverly and MacGregor corner of Cary, Wasabi has been steadily turning out sushi and Japanese cooking since August 2003. More than two decades on, it remains an independent, unassuming neighborhood restaurant rather than a flashy chain, the sort of place regulars slip into on a weeknight without a second thought. The dining room is comfortable and low-key, with a sushi bar where you can watch the chefs work and a scattering of tables that fill steadily with locals from the surrounding Kildaire Farm neighborhoods. What has kept Wasabi going all these years is consistency: fresh fish, a broad menu and prices that make it easy to come back often.

Sushi, Sashimi and the Raw Bar

At its heart, Wasabi is a sushi restaurant. The raw bar covers all the familiar nigiri and sashimi, from tuna and salmon to eel, yellowtail and shrimp, along with a long list of maki that ranges from simple cucumber and tuna rolls to loaded specialty creations. A standout is the Super Dragon Roll, which layers shrimp tempura, avocado, asparagus and scallions before crowning the whole thing with slices of eel and a drizzle of sweet eel sauce. If you would rather leave the choices to the kitchen, the chefs are happy to put together a mixed sashimi plate or a chef’s selection, and the house rolls are where the kitchen’s playful, innovative side really shows.

Beyond the Roll: Japanese and Thai Plates

Wasabi is not only a sushi bar. The menu reaches well beyond the raw bar into cooked Japanese classics and a generous selection of Thai dishes, which makes it an easy pick for groups where not everyone wants raw fish. Teriyaki, tempura and rice bowls anchor the Japanese side of the menu; the Chicken Teriyaki, grilled and glazed in the house sauce and served with steamed vegetables and rice, is a dependable favorite. From the Thai kitchen come noodle dishes and curries, including a peanut-rich Pad Thai and coconut-milk curries in red and green. Soups, salads and poke bowls round things out, and there is a children’s menu and a value-minded lunch service for midday visits.

Sake, Wine and Spirits

The bar keeps pace with the kitchen. Alongside a selection of sake meant to pair with the sushi, Wasabi pours wine, beer and spirits, and the team takes pride in crafting new drinks to match its evolving menu. The restaurant also makes a point of maintaining relationships with local distributors, a small detail that speaks to how rooted the place is in its community. Whether you want a warm cup of sake with your nigiri or a cocktail to start the evening, there is always something to sip while you settle in.

Planning Your Visit

Wasabi is open for lunch and dinner most days, serving from 11:30am to 9:00pm Monday through Thursday and until 9:30pm on Friday and Saturday, with a dinner-only Sunday from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. Last seating and last takeout orders are taken roughly fifteen to twenty minutes before closing, so plan accordingly if you are arriving late. Reservations are accepted for parties of six or more, and the easiest way to book one is to call the restaurant directly at 919-460-7980; smaller groups are generally seated as walk-ins. Takeout and online ordering are available for nights when you would rather enjoy your sushi at home. You will find Wasabi at 107 Edinburgh South Drive, Suite 135, in Cary, an easy stop whether you are a longtime regular or discovering this neighborhood favorite for the first time.