Craving gourmet ramen?  I can't say the thought ever crossed my mind, but after eating at Dashi in Durham I can assure that ramen noodles are in fact crave-worthy.  There's a "Japanese pub" or izakaya upstairs serving elevated munchies like black sesame nori popcorn and okra tempora paired with sake or local craft beer.  Downstairs it's all ramen with your pick from 7 different noodle concoctions, and if you're feeling creative you can start with one and add on items ranging from grilled avocados to catfish or meatballs.  The portions are sized just right to leave you room to head upstairs for snacks and beer afterwards hanging out with friends.  Definitely put Dashi on your list of reasons to head out to Durham for dinner!  See our review of Pizzeria Toro for another great Durham option.

The Shio

The Mazeman

I'd like to take a time out and talk about a great local beer on the menu upstairs: Raleigh Brewing Company's First Squeeze.  A drinkable beer with just a hint of orange but definitely not too sweet?  They nailed it. Of course, since I tried this I haven't found it at any other restaurant and I'm desperately hooked. 

Ok, so technically Pizzeria Toro is in Durham, but it definitely should make your to do list if you're in the Triangle area and love pizza.  Because this pizza is going to definitely exceed expectations -- a decadent combination of rich cheeses and fresh ingredients all on the perfectly crispy on the outside and still soft on the inside wood fired crust.  I love Papa Johns just like the next girl; I even eat frozen pizzas from time to time.  But after the first bite of our spicy lamb meatball and kale pizza, I had the horrifying realization that I had been eating straight trash for most of my life and this is how pizza should truly taste.  Real cheese!  It's good.




Plan Ahead:  This restaurant is very small, so come early or there may be a wait.  The tables are very close to each other, so expect to get friendly even with your neighbors when you are trying to squeeze two pizzas and two beers on your small table.  Also, parking can be a bit of an issue.  The restaurant has a very small section of parking available on the street, but you may have to circle around for a bit or use a parking deck if you don't get lucky enough to grab a curbside spot.  There is a small parking lot behind the restaurant that is free to the public on weekends and after 5 on weekdays that might have a few spots left as well.


The service is very fast; we had both of our pizzas on our table and ready to eat within 20 minutes of sitting down.  And afterwards you may need to walk off some of your food baby with a nearby stroll to Durham's revitalized American Tobacco District or you can catch a Durham Bull's game or a show at DPAC (Book of Mormon is coming back this December by the way!).