When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Sono Sushi
Why Sono Sushi is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Sono Sushi stands out as a vibrant and stylish destination for sushi lovers and fans of Japanese cuisine. With locations noted in both Raleigh, North Carolina, and Middletown, New Jersey, this restaurant has built a reputation for serving fresh, creative, and authentic sushi alongside traditional Japanese dishes like ramen and izakaya offerings. The Raleigh location, situated in the heart of downtown, impresses with a modern yet inviting atmosphere highlighted by unique decor such as hanging umbrellas, enhancing the dining experience. Sono Sushi is an excellent place to gather with friends due to its lively ambiance, attentive service, and a well-curated menu that caters to a variety of tastes. Guests can enjoy a dynamic dining experience with specials throughout the week, including half-price bottles of wine, discounted sake, and chef’s features on weekends, making it a great spot not just for meals but also social events. Whether sitting at the sushi bar or opting for table seating, patrons find it a pleasant place to relax and indulge in fresh, flavorful Japanese cuisine.
Here's what people think of Sono Sushi
As of recent, Sono Sushi holds a 4.6-star rating based on 1583 reviews.
Reviews of Sono Sushi reflect a generally positive reception from its customers, with an overall rating of 4.6 from over 1,500 reviewers. Many reviewers highlight the freshness and quality of the sushi, noting that the ingredients are consistently top-notch and the presentation creative and flavorful. Positive comments frequently mention the excellent service, with staff described as friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, enhancing the overall dining experience. Customers appreciate the variety on the menu and the lively yet comfortable ambiance, which is conducive to socializing and relaxing with friends or family. Weekly specials and a good sake selection also receive praise for adding value and variety. On the other hand, some critiques focus on the interior decor not being distinctly Japanese, which some may view as a minor downside. Additionally, a few reviews mention wait times being longer during busy periods, likely due to a thriving takeout business. Despite these minor downsides, reviews conclude that Sono Sushi remains a top choice for sushi in its respective locations, recommended for its freshness, creativity, and welcoming atmosphere.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Colleen Bishop
Came here for a birthday lunch and really enjoyed myself. The restaurant is nice and clean, and our server was on point. Our sushi was delicious and tasted fresh. This place never disappoints.
Amber
The fish was fresh and the rolls were delicious- the fry on the crunchy diablo was light and crispy. The service was excellent as well as our server was very attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed (shoutout to Andrew!). Overall, I will definitely be coming again for the crunchy diablo and grand piano rolls especially!
Melissa R
Delicious food! Kimchi was awesome in the pork belly don dish. Yum! It's comfort food type. Enjoyed the appetizer ABURI, and the Sono's choice with a screaming "o" appetizer. If I had the chance to come back I'd try the ramen!
Dom
Had an amazing time Irene was our server. We tried the shrimp poppers as well as the surf and turf sushi and the umi Kazan. Everything was fresh and hot. Will def return
Allen Barnhart
Went for a business dinner tonight. Clay was our server. The food was the best I’ve had in as long as I can remember. We tried a little bit of everything and the food just kept coming, each thing more delicious than the next. Highly recommend.
How to reach Sono Sushi
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Why Sono Sushi may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Sono Sushi with your friends? If you’re looking for a vibrant and welcoming place that offers a perfect blend of delicious cuisine and a lively atmosphere, Sono Sushi stands out as a top choice. With a stellar rating of 4.6 from over 1,500 reviews, Sono Sushi has repeatedly proven to be a favorite spot for people who want to enjoy quality sushi and Japanese dishes while socializing in downtown Raleigh. The ambiance of the restaurant is stylish and contemporary, featuring newly renovated interiors with unique décor like hanging umbrellas, which add a picturesque touch to the setting. This makes it an inviting place to snap some social photos while catching up with friends or family. Besides the mouthwatering sushi and ramen, Sono Sushi boasts a broad selection of sake, cocktails, and wine which complements the food beautifully and adds to the festive feel perfect for group outings. Whether it’s a casual meet-up after work or a bigger celebration, Sono Sushi’s attentive service and lively yet comfortable vibe set the stage for creating memorable moments with your favorite people.
What activities does Sono Sushi offer that make it perfect for a group meetup? First and foremost, sharing great food is always a compelling reason to gather, and Sono Sushi’s menu is designed with communal dining in mind. The restaurant offers an extensive variety of sushi rolls—over 30 types of maki—plus other Japanese favorites such as teriyaki, tempura, and udon noodles. These options cater to diverse tastes, ensuring everyone in your group finds something they love. The freshness and quality of the seafood are consistently praised, making each dish a standout. Moreover, Sono Sushi often hosts specials that encourage socializing, such as BOGO hot sake and half-priced appetizers on Mondays, half off bottles of wine on Tuesdays, and 50% off sake every Wednesday. These deals not only make dining out more affordable but also give groups a reason to return regularly and explore different tastes. The monthly sake social event is another fantastic way to engage with friends over the art of sake tasting, enriching your dining experience. Furthermore, the restaurant’s layout with sushi bars and tables offers flexibility for both casual and more intimate gatherings. Friendly and attentive staff add to the convenience, making group ordering and customized requests smooth and enjoyable.
Why is Sono Sushi ideal for hosting celebrations or special occasions? Sono Sushi balances a sophisticated ambiance with a fun, relaxed atmosphere, creating an ideal setting for birthdays, anniversaries, or even office parties. The modern and stylish décor, including unique hanging umbrellas in the interior, provides an elegant yet approachable environment that feels both festive and intimate. The customizable menu and the chef’s feature dishes on Fridays and Saturdays add a special touch that makes celebrations unique and memorable. For groups that appreciate expertly crafted cocktails and an impressive sake selection, Sono Sushi offers half-price cocktails on Thursdays and an extensive sake menu to pair perfectly with your meal. The attentive service is often highlighted by patrons as exceptional, ensuring guests feel pampered during their celebrations. The restaurant’s central location on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh also makes it easily accessible, allowing guests to conveniently arrive and enjoy the evening without stress.
What is the experience like when dining at Sono Sushi with friends or family? From lunch through dinner, Sono Sushi maintains a warm and inviting atmosphere with an upbeat vibe. The staff’s friendliness and efficiency make it easy for groups, whether large or small, to feel well taken care of. This is especially important when hosting meetups, where smooth service can enhance enjoyment and eliminate common frustrations around waiting or complicated orders. The diversity of offerings means that groups with varied preferences—vegetarian, seafood lovers, ramen enthusiasts—can all dine together harmoniously. The newly renovated space is not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable, encouraging guests to linger, savor their meal, and enjoy catching up without feeling rushed. Whether you decide to sit at the sushi bar for an interactive experience watching chefs in action or choose a table for more private conversations, Sono Sushi adapts well to different group dynamics. Recurring events like sake socials provide added value for those seeking a more experiential outing.
How does Sono Sushi cater to different dietary tastes and preferences for a group? Sono Sushi offers a menu that embraces variety and freshness, which is essential when dining with a group that may have different dietary needs or preferences. Their sushi and Japanese dishes include vegetarian options and many fresh seafood choices, so non-meat eaters and pescatarians alike will find satisfying selections. Their homemade sauces and carefully prepared entrees emphasize quality ingredients and flavorful combinations, appealing to those who care about both taste and health. Guests with specific dietary questions are encouraged to communicate them, as staff are responsive and willing to accommodate requests. This flexibility makes Sono Sushi not only a great place for sushi lovers but also for mixed groups with varying tastes.
What amenities and features make Sono Sushi a convenient and enjoyable meeting place? Located centrally in downtown Raleigh, Sono Sushi benefits from easy accessibility by public transportation and proximity to other city attractions, allowing groups to combine dining with other social activities. The restaurant’s hours, spanning lunch and dinner throughout the week including weekends, provide ample opportunities to meet at times that work best for everyone. Walk-in guests are welcome, simplifying spontaneous meetups, while reservations help accommodate larger groups. The option for takeout also lets groups enjoy Sono Sushi’s quality cuisine in more casual or outdoor settings if preferred. The aesthetically appealing interior and attention to detail in design contribute not only to comfort but also make Sono Sushi a memorable location for group photos and shared social media moments. Additionally, regular specials and events designed to encourage social drinking and dining enhance the overall experience for groups looking to make the most of their time together.
In summary, Sono Sushi offers more than just a meal—it creates a vibrant and memorable environment that perfectly suits group meetups and celebrations. From its fresh and diverse menu, welcoming atmosphere, attentive service to enticing specials and drink selections, it is an excellent choice for friends or families looking to connect over fantastic Japanese cuisine in downtown Raleigh. The stylish setting, flexibility in seating, and well-rounded experience make Sono Sushi a reliable favorite when deciding where to rally and enjoy time with loved ones.