Dashi, a Japanese ramen shop and pub, will make all your ramen dreams come true. Don’t forget to ask for their pages-long menu of options for whiskey lovers. The izakaya space upstairs is cozy and comforting, serving small plates and the full ramen menu around a full bar. For a special occasion, book one of the monthly omakase dinner events with seasonally rotating ingredients and themes.
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Hours:
Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Me and my husband stopped in for dinner and it was amazing. The food had so many flavors and we had so much food. It was our first time there. We will most definitely be back. The server was amazing.
swale eats
Sep 2, 2024
5
Out of towner review !
This place was great! What shocked me the most is they have Blantons! Which is crazy. A lot of places don’t carry that. You can’t even get that in the store haha. The food was great and the service was even better. I will be returning.
Bill Hier (Sells Harley-Davidsons)
Aug 11, 2024
5
Everything was very good and fresh definitely spent a lot of time preparing this food. Make sure you come and see Ruby and have her prepare you a cocktail.
Rob Mihelic
Jun 30, 2024
4
Dashi is great! Wonderful atmosphere and great food! Very clean, good selection, good drinks too! The only reason it's not 5 stars is because they have raised the prices and lowered the quality (but it's still some of the best ramen you'll find in NC).
I like sitting upstairs more than downstairs. The liquor selection is wonderful. The apps are great!
Kaylee A
Jun 29, 2024
3
We were so excited to try Dashi but were extremely underwhelmed. We were shocked based on reading such great reviews - not sure if there was a different chef or it was just a bad day. We got the mazeman and the tonkotsu ramen. The mazeman looked amazing, spicy and flavorful, but it really lacked any flavor. The tonkotsu had slightly better flavor but still lacking, and the pork pieces were nearly all fat. We ended up adding a large amount of the spices on the table to our meals but were still not impressed. The inside of the restaurant is very cute, and we had no complaints about service. We received our food very fast. I’d like to give Dashi another chance but don’t want to spend another $45 for two underwhelming entrees. I think we would go back to try the bar based on other reviews, but likely not the restaurant.
Bianca Mims
Jan 15, 2024
3
I recently visited here and tried the Tonkotsu ramen. The ramen broth did lack flavor and the pork was tough to eat. We did have great customer service while we were here. Our server check in on us and it didn’t take long to receive our food. He even recommended a good sake for us to try. There is plenty of parking in this area. There is a deck right across the street.
Jessica Booker
Dec 7, 2023
4
I really enjoyed the environment here. It was a nice, calm setting. This was my 1st time trying ramen in a restaurant. Reminds me of pho, which I love, just a different flavor. I got the vegetable ramen, which was good. The hot chili was not hot to me, but I would give them another shot. Parking in the parking deck across the street is insane, so don't be in a hurry or come early and hope there is street parking
James J
Nov 29, 2023
5
Really awesome place. Been for ramen which is a must and went for a special Japanese whiskey flight plus dinner. Service was phenomenal both times. Must see spot if you’re visiting.
Justin Trosclair, D.C.
Nov 22, 2023
5
Ambiance is relaxing with eclectic tunes. Service was friendly and fast. Egg was cooked to perfection. Quite enjoyed the texture of the noodles and the beef broth had plenty of elements while sipping.
David C
Nov 18, 2023
4
Very good Tonkotsu (it's like an alternate take - pretty tasty), nice ambience.
It's an excellent spot if you're planning a downtown date night. It's walking distance to the hippo and other bars for an after, and hosts a slew of drinks to choose from as a well. I also love the manga inspired walls downstairs.
Callie Williams
Nov 13, 2023
5
So glad we went here! I would absolutely recommend Dashi. We arrived at 6 on a Monday and were sat promptly, and by 7 there was a line out the door! The miso ramen is stellar - crisp veggies, perfectly cooked egg, smoky chicken, and a well balanced, rich broth. I added the chili garlic butter and it melted into everything so nicely! We also got the bun of the day and the yuzu olive oil cake, both of which were 10/10. Cute little interior too (idk about the second floor, but the main floor was cozy and clean)
Daniel Perry
Nov 1, 2023
5
There's nothing like a nice, hot bowl of Dashi ramen on a cold Durham night. I love the upstairs Izakaya because it is dark and cozy. The rice-washed Negroni is also the best Negroni in town.
Julian Foster
Oct 25, 2023
5
Ah, Dashi in Durham, a culinary haven for the discerning ramen enthusiast and a delightful gem in the world of Japanese cuisine. As a well-traveled ramen aficionado, I had the pleasure of indulging in this establishment with a party of six, and I must say, our experience was nothing short of spectacular. To kick off our gastronomic adventure, we decided to explore Dashi's appetizer offerings. The hot house cucumbers were a refreshing start, crisp and perfectly marinated in a delicate blend of flavors that danced on the palate. The bun of the day and tofu bun, though deconstructed, were an explosion of taste. Each component of these buns was a culinary masterpiece, with unique fillings and sauces that played harmoniously in your mouth. And the kimchi, oh, the kimchi! It packed a punch of tangy, spicy goodness that left us craving for more. But the star of the appetizers was the popcorn, subtly elevated with the ground seaweed, providing a umami-rich twist to a seemingly simple snack. Now, onto the main event - the ramen. Multiple members of our group opted for the Vegetarian Ramen, and it was a revelation. The robust and flavorful broth was a symphony of umami, rich and comforting. Packed with an assortment of fresh, crisp vegetables, it was a bowl that celebrated the bounty of the earth. Each bite was a journey through a vegetable garden, and it left a lasting impression. I, on the other hand, decided to explore the Tonkotsu with chicken instead of pork. While it provided a solid base, I found it in need of a touch of spiciness and salt to truly sing. However, it was still a serviceable dish and had its own merits, especially when personalized to taste. One of our companions embarked on the Miso journey, and it was a revelation. The smoked chicken brought an intriguing smokiness to the rich, savory miso broth. The mushrooms added depth and complexity to the dish, creating a truly delightful umami-rich experience. The ambiance of Dashi was a cozy, dark, and wood-filled wonderland, giving it a distinctive lounge-like vibe. With two floors to explore, it provided a sense of intimacy and authenticity that contributed to the overall experience. I must also commend the exceptional service we received from the two servers. Despite a busy evening, they were attentive and seemed to be everywhere, ensuring that our dining experience was flawless. Their dedication to the craft and genuine passion for the cuisine made our evening truly memorable. In conclusion, Dashi in Durham is a ramen haven that should not be missed. From delectable appetizers to diverse ramen choices and impeccable service, it delivers an authentic and memorable culinary journey. I left with a contented belly and a newfound appreciation for the artistry of ramen. Dashi, you've earned your place in my heart and my list of must-visit ramen destinations.
