Dashi serves good Ramen with an authentic look and feel of Ramen shop in Japan (very small). Lack luster service, appetizers, and parking. Good experience, but likely won’t be back again.
Parking: if you can find parking in the deck across the street, take it! It’s free during nights and weekends. Be mindful it’s usually completely full and there’s limited street sparking.
Dashi look and feel: this is a great place for smaller parties, under 4 people ideally. It’s a tight space and every inch is thoughtfully utilized. The wood features and exposed concrete/brick is a great example of minimalistic, yet functional design and architecture.
Service: we showed up to Dashi 15 mins before our reservation, but the hostess wasn’t there until 5 minutes after our reservation was scheduled for, and didn’t get seated until 15 mins after. The person waiting on our table was a better experience, although we felt they had more tables than what they could comfortably handle. Not a lack of waiting skills, but simply too many tables to effectively tend to.
Food: We ordered the Takoyaki Hushpuppies and Tuna tartare to start, and the Hushpuppies were dry and couldn’t taste the Octopus whatsoever. The tuna didn’t have much fat, and tasted like the regular tuna you could pick up at your local grocery store.
We ordered the Tonkotsu and Mazemen ramen bowls (with broth), which were much better than appetizers. The Tonkotsu broth isn’t as creamy as you’d expect from a pork ramen, but it was very tasty. The serving of pork belly was tiny. The eggs were pickled just right, and they were my favorite piece of the dish. The Mazemen does not come with broth, but the person waiting on us suggested to add broth, which we did and it was really good. The pork meatballs were very small and didn’t have a whole lot of flavor. It tasted like the meatballs were frozen and heated back up in the soup.
The drinks were ok. Nothing spectacular, but not bad either. Priced at around $15-$20 per drink.
Daniel Block
Nov 25, 2022
5
I sampled some of the small plates and appetizers. The katsudon and fried vegetable balls were very good. Miso skewers were kinda mid. Overall I enjoyed it and the ambiance was nice. Prices are good as well. It has the feel of a nice restaurant but entrees are only $15-20.
sparrowmedrama
Oct 6, 2022
3
We visited Dashi for the special omakase dinner. The food was good, but not spectacular. It was good, simple, Japanese food. The Wagyu suriyaki was the best dish of the five courses. The service staff were friendly. The rating is 3 stars because it was good food, but it was not great value for the price— $90 meal per person and only 1/5 dishes was exciting.
Aron Gonzalez
Aug 17, 2022
5
This is a hidden delight of Durham. It's had to find a great place to enjoy noodles, not everyone knows how to get it right. I can say that this place is a top 5 of all the places I've tried in California and N.C., very good choices that complement your order. I ruined my favorite shirt, definitely worth it. 👌
James Kelly
Jun 25, 2022
5
First time having Japanese Ramen and I will say it was a great experience and I'll do it again. Service was friendly, seating is close so you get to talk to your neighbors if you want. The Buns were amazing
Emily Shott
May 26, 2022
5
the host that works Thursday nights is super friendly! I unfortunately don't know their name but they are always so nice! Food is also absolutely delicious, will always recommend
Livv Massey
May 5, 2022
5
This restaurant provides an amazing dining experience. We have been many times for over a year now and it never disappoints. Paul is aways there and is by far above and beyond with his passion and dedication to the job and his knowledge. He took the time to even explain in detail different products and his own Knowledge We will remain loyal customers as long as there is a Dashi !
Emilie B
Mar 27, 2022
5
This review is for the Izakaya portion of the restaurant. Wow...just wow. Such a completely delightful experience is so rare lately that I was utterly blown away. The food, drinks, service, and ambiance were so completely on point that there was literally nothing to complain about. There was a comfortable rhythm to the placement and removal of dishes that I felt like it was a performance of some kind. Clearly every detail of the dining experience was being looked at with a discerning eye by whoever runs this establishment. From the moment we walked in and had our vaccine status checked (which made us feel safe) from the time we left it felt purposeful and perfect. Thank you Dashi for a wonderful experience!
