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Watami Sushi And Noodles: Waynesville, NC

Tina Miller • March 8, 2025

A Taste of Japan in Waynesville, NC

Waynesville may not be the first place that comes to mind for top-notch sushi, but Watami Sushi & Noodles has been making waves, earning the title of Best Asian Food in 2023 and Best Japanese in 2024 in Haywood County. With a reputation like that, I walked in with high hopes, but I’m not one to let awards do the talking. The food will have to speak for itself.

Nestled in a prime downtown location, Watami offers easy parking, a welcoming space, and a lively atmosphere where takeout orders fly out the door just as fast as the beautifully plated sushi rolls reach the dining tables. A small but charming sushi bar sits in the back, where you can watch skilled chefs craft rolls right before your eyes. The menu? Promising. The dishes I glimpsed as I walked in? Vibrant and inviting. The decor? More Americanized Asian than traditionally Japanese, but functional and comfortable.

With the energy buzzing around me and the scent of fresh sushi in the air, I was eager to dive in. Would the flavors live up to the hype? Let’s find out.

Restaurant Overview

Name: Watami Sushi And Noodles

Location: Waynesville, NC

Type of Cuisine: Japanese

Vibe & Atmosphere: Casual

Service Experience: Friendly and knowledgable

The Food: What I Ate & How It Tasted

The Appetizer: A Crispy Letdown

I started with the spring rolls ($5.00), expecting a crispy, veggie-packed bite, but these were more shell than filling. While the wonton wrapper had a satisfying crunch, the lack of vegetables inside made them feel hollow...literally. For the price, I’d skip these next time and save room for something more exciting.

Miso Soup: A Classic Comfort

The miso soup ($2.50 or included with an entrée) was a warm, familiar hug in a bowl. A simple yet satisfying mix of miso broth, tofu, and green onions, it delivered that beloved umami depth without being too salty. Nothing groundbreaking, but exactly what you want from a classic miso soup.

The Star: Sushi That Delivers

Sushi lovers, rejoice! Watami’s sushi is where they truly shine. I went for the Rainbow Roll ($13.95), recommended by my friendly and knowledgeable waitress, Lindsay. A beautifully plated roll with crab, cucumber, and avocado inside, topped with a colorful array of tuna, salmon, whitefish, avocado, and tobiko. The presentation was fantastic, a feast for the eyes, and the flavors were just as impressive, fresh, crisp, and well-balanced. Each bite was an explosion of textures and taste, with the buttery salmon standing out as my personal favorite. If you’re here for sushi, you’re in good hands.

The Entrée: Hibachi Heaven

For my main dish, I went with the Hibachi Chicken ($16.95), served with a side of lo mein. A sizzling, steamy plate arrived loaded with mushrooms, broccoli, onions, bean sprouts, zucchini, and carrots, all tossed in a flavorful mix of garlic butter, soy sauce, and white sauce. The chicken was perfectly cooked, tender with just the right amount of char, and the vegetables had that ideal crisp-tender bite. The portion was generous, easily enough for two. Every bite was packed with rich, savory goodness, making this a solid, satisfying entrée.

Fork It or Skip It!

Four silver forks are lined up in a row on a white background.

Watami’s sushi is undoubtedly the highlight, standing out with its freshness, execution, and vibrant presentation. The hibachi entrée was flavorful, well-portioned, and comforting, while the miso soup delivered that classic, simple warmth. The spring rolls were the only real miss, lacking filling and substance, but they didn’t overshadow the overall experience.

Is it worth the hype? Absolutely. Watami has earned its awards, and I’d highly recommend it for sushi lovers, date nights, and even special occasions like anniversaries, engagement parties, or rehearsal dinners. With their spacious layout and lively atmosphere, they have the setup to host memorable celebrations.

Will I be back? Without a doubt but next time, I’ll be diving even deeper into their sushi menu. I’m giving Watami 4 Forks. With a little more creativity in presentation and more substance in the appetizers, they could easily reach perfection. But for a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying dining experience, this spot delivers. Fork it — go try it for yourself!

A Feast for the Eyes: Watami Pictures!

A close up of a menu that says sushi on it

A plate of spring rolls next to a bowl of meso soup

A white plate topped with sushi and soy sauce on a wooden table.

A plate of Hibachi chicken with vegetables on a table.

Frequently Asked Questions About My Food Reviews...

What do you look for when reviewing a restaurant?

A great dining experience is about so much more than just the food. Of course, flavors, presentation, and creativity matter, but so do atmosphere, service, and the overall feeling of a place. I love restaurants that bring something special to the table, whether it’s a signature dish, an unforgettable vibe, or a team that truly loves what they do.

Do you only review fine dining, or do you explore all types of restaurants?

I go wherever my appetite takes me! From high-end culinary experiences to cozy mom-and-pop spots, food trucks, and hidden gems, I believe great food exists at every level. If it’s made with passion and tells a story, I want to try it.

Can restaurants invite you to review their food?

Absolutely! If you're a restaurant owner, chef, or manager, you can invite me to dine by submitting a request [insert link to form]. While I can’t guarantee every invitation will result in a visit, I’m always looking for new and exciting places to try.

Do you always write positive reviews?

I believe in being honest but fair. My goal isn’t to tear down a restaurant, it’s to give real, thoughtful insights that help food lovers find great dining experiences. If something isn’t great, I’ll say so constructively, but I always look for what a restaurant does well.