The founder of Waraji Japanese Restaurant shares where he goes for quick bites, special nights, a well-made beverage and more.
by Ayn-Monique Klahre | photography by Forrest Mason

Here in Raleigh, we have a good problem: With so many great spots to choose from, how do you decide where to go for something to eat or drink? We think the best way to ask someone is to get a recommendation from a person who knows their stuff. 

For our 2026 Guide to Where to Eat and Drink in Raleigh, we tapped 10 local foodies and hospitality folks to share their favorite spots based on years of experience and excellent palates. Their selections include a broad range of tastes — from fine-dining experiences to quick-serve comfort food — that consistently deliver. 

One of them was Matatoshi Tsujimura, the founder of Waraji Japanese Restaurant. Born in Shimonoseki, a fishing village in western Japan, Tsujimura started his sushi career in America in 1982 in central and southern Florida and moved to North Carolina in 1984 to open the sushi bar at Kanki Japanese House of Steaks in Raleigh. In 1997, he left Kanki to open his own restaurant, Waraji Japanese Restaurant. In 2021, he sold the restaurant to Reuben Rodillas, but continues to train sushi chefs and consult with local businesses. 

Where do you go for a special-occasion meal? 

When I go out to eat, I tend to like Korean or Thai restaurants. They tend to be very flavorful and refreshing, but not expensive. I like Seoul Garden, it’s more of a family-style Korean restaurant. I especially like to eat there with my daughter because it’s near where she lives in Wake Forest. I like Pho Far East. I like this Tex-Mex restaurant Fiesta Grill on 54, it’s very affordable but very consistent. My wife loves Mexican food.

What’s your go-to restaurant? 

I pretty much cook at home, but when I go out, I like Ashten’s in Southern Pines. You can tell they use very good material and the service is great. 

What’s your favorite spot that doesn’t get enough cred? 

There is another place close to us that I like, Casa Santa Ana. They have great shrimp and their salads are really good, the service is really good.

Where do you go to eat lunch? 

Soo Cafe, they have the best Korean fried chicken. 

What’s your go-to coffee spot?

I pretty much drink coffee at home, I have a French press. I think most of those bigger chains are a waste of money and the specialty drinks are way too sweet. I do like to have coffee for a drive, though, and I think Sheetz coffee is good. They make it fresh all the time.

Where do you get a sweet treat?

I recently met the guy who runs Tepuy Donuts, he was eating at Waraji and introduced himself to me when he found out I was there. Their donuts are really good, they’re almost like cake, and you can buy a half dozen and eat them for days, they don’t get hard or dry up. I also used to go to Bakers Dozen Doughnuts all the time.

What are you excited about in the hospitality scene?

I’m fond of chef William D’Auvray, I used to go to Fins a lot and whatever he makes is really good. I have not been to his new restaurant downtown, East End Bistrot, but I’d like to try it.

This article was originally published on December 29, 2025 on waltermagazine.com