Sono Raleigh

The food is excellent but the service leaves a little to be desired. Had to wait about 25 minutes to be seated, all the while an empty table that just needed to be re-set was there (and the staff just stood around and made small talk with each other).

By brauneis 04/09/09

Fantastic food, but less than stellar service on this visit. First time there, and it was New Year’s Eve - but we went early and the restaurant was not crowded during the time of our meal. We were very happy that we ordered appetizers, because our main entrees did not arrive for over an hour…. The seaweed salad was different than I am used to (they use mustard as well in their sauce) but was extremely good. Once our entrees arrived there were no more troubles. Like I said in the beginning - the food is exquisite. I had a 4-5 different rolls and all were excellent. I didn’t notice too much sauce on the rolls, but I may have stuck to those that didn’t have any extra sauces added.

By {screen_name} 01/26/09

Had my 40th birthday party dinner at Sono a few weeks ago….20 plus in my party.  The staff didn’t miss a beat!  The drinks flowed and the sushi came in waves…the sushi was excellent and the other entrees were excellent as well.  Many of my friend’s are from the Northeast…Boston, NY, NYC, etc…and have eaten in some of the best sushi spots on the Eastcoast….I personally have been to some of the sushi resurants in NYC and in Cali and I have to say Sono is on par with them.

By {screen_name} 08/21/08

Very good sushi and rolls.  The entrees are not really traditional but good.  I do agree with the bottom comment about the rolls being heavy on the sauce..but they do offer lots of rolls that are not.  What I do is I just ask them to go easy on the sauce or I just get sauce on the side.  I haven’t had a attitude or problem doing this so far.  As for quality and variety of fish…I must disagree.  I’ve dined at EVERY sushi joints in the are and no one comes close as far as quality or variety..not even the great waraji(even though I enjoy them as well).  I love their japanese red snapper, kanpachi, and giant clam the most.  I found it hard to get them at other places on a consistant basis.  And their blue fin tuna and fresh toro.  If they have it..it’s very fresh and delicious.  They have lots of specials so ask and take advantage of them.  As far as the prices are concerned..they are not the cheapest sushi bar in town.  But I found them to be equal if not lower then the other sushi joints that I visit(Waraji, Mura, etc).  Yes there are cheaper sushi restaurants around but you get what you pay for.  I consider Sono, Waraji, Hayashi, Mura to be the best in town(in order).  I enjoy all of them and visit regularly to all the places but I must say Sono has been most consistant about quality and the variety.  I say try all this places out and pick what you like…in the end..it’s all about your personal preference.

By {screen_name} 08/20/08

Everything is drenched in heavy sauces and the prices are very high.  There are plenty of sushi places around that offer better quality fish and serve it in more authentic forms while preserving the flavors of their ingredients.

By David 07/22/08

One of the best Japanese restaurants in the area.  Their sushi selection was amazing…probably has the most variety in the triangle…and the freshness was awesome.  Nice to finally have a good sushi restaurant pop up.  Also try their screaming o roll and the risotto…out of this world.  Can’t wait to go back.

By {screen_name} 07/14/08

This place is run by the same successful duo who own Mura in North Hills.  Very nice interior with stylish bar in front, booths, tables and sushi bar in back.

Got off to a rocky start when I ordered my usual Gibson and the waiter returned from the bar saying they had no cocktail onions.  Choose a bottle of sake instead.

The menu presents some items I doubt are on most Japanese menus you’ve seen before: sautéed foie gras with sweet ginger glaze and butter poached lobster tail with saffron tofu cream sauce—-to name just two.

Seaweed salad with frisée, cucumber and mustard vinaigrette is large and very satisfying.

I had one of the sushi bar’s special maki (roll), Tuna Ecstasy: crab salad and tempura shrimp topped with a salad of spicy tuna and cherry tomatoes.  Very good.

Pan seared sea bass with truffle soy reduction was cooked perfectly with a wonderful buttery crunch on one side.  But, the overall dish was way too sweet and a turn-off for me.  Served with a very good risotto (and plenty of it!) plus some asparagus.

Although dinner was okay, I really think I want to return to Sono for lunch.  The sandwich menu looks great: kobe beef burgers, pork tenderloin burgers, Korean bulgogi Philly cheese steak, panko white fish filet with wasabi tartar sauce—- all served with sweet potato french fries.

Total bill: $100 for two, before tip, booze included, no dessert.

Next time I’m in the neighborhood for dinner, I’ll go to Fins instead!

By Chevalier 07/07/08

Good sushi, great downtown location. Had excellent service. Rolls are large enough to share. House salad with homemade dressing was very good. Ordered 4 rolls for 3 people and had more than enough. Will definitely go back to try more.

By mb6210 07/02/08