M Tempura

Review summary

1. R

   Reinaldo

   Raleigh

   7 reviews

   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Hands down one of the best restaurants in Durham. Consistent creativity and excellence. Unlike and other Japanese restaurant out there.
   

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2. H

   Hunter

   Raleigh

   15 reviews

   1.0

   15 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 2

   My wife and I went for a 8pm seating of a valentines fixed menu Kaiseki Omakase. The kitchen was behind and still serving the 5:30 seatings when we arrived. All 26 of the 8pm seatings waited until 8:45pm to be seated. First dish took maybe 15 minutes to come out. There were only 2 servers and a host taking care of 26 patrons. Did not leave the restaurant until midnight. Some courses we had to ask for food, as tables around us had been served but not us. The food was good, some dishes great, some blah. This was our first experience here. This service felt like a new restaurant but this place has been open for 7+ years. We have enjoyed M Sushi, but I can't say I will be back to M Tempura.
   

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3. D

   David

   VIP

   Raleigh

   7 reviews

   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   One of most unique dining experiences in the Carolinas
   

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4. D

   Daniel

   Raleigh

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   We love M Tempura and have eaten there a number of times Outstanding food (Savanah is the best chef) and service! We recommend eating there early ( 5-6) or late as the noise from other patrons can sometimes be difficult to talk over!
   

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5. D

   Diane

   Raleigh

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Amazing food, cooked to perfection. It never disappoints.
   

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6. S

   Stephen

   VIP

   Charlotte

   18 reviews

   5.0

   18 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We took refuge from truly nasty weather in the refuge of cozy (49 occupancy) and warm M Tempura. This was our third time here and the food was again marvelous. We had the omekase and all of the dishes were delicious and light. Chef Savannah Miller doesn't tinker much with the menu, mostly seafood, but I wouldn't want her to. One novel addition was a dolma with a shiso wrapper and almond dukkah. So nice!
   

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7. T

   Tom

   Raleigh

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on February 6, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Superb and unique cuisine. There are some rules about ordering food that are common in Japan but American customers might be confused or annoyed. I generally like to take my daughter out to eat, but not at this restaurant, because she does not want to order the same food that I want to order. It is expensive, but in my opinion it is equal to or better than some big city restaurants that cost twice as much - exquisite ingredients are expensive! And it is much less costly than traveling to Japan for a similar experience. There is a smaller tempura tasting menu that is quite reasonably priced, and excellent, if you do not want to splurge on the kaiseki menus. M Tempura is one of the very best dining experiences in the Triangle.
   

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8. D

   Dan

   Hawaii

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on January 26, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The chef was so nice and made the experience special. For people that love tempura, it’s a great place to go!
   

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9. A

   Annastasia

   Raleigh

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 25, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This was the best experience I have ever had! I took my boyfriend here for his 23rd birthday last night, and I have to say, I am definitely coming back. The food literally melts in your mouth. I can't even describe the taste, since it was so vibrant, unique, and nothing like I have ever tasted before. Our waitress was so nice and welcoming-- it was awesome! Also... they had boiling butter that you can dip lobster into?? I heard that higher-end restaurants will leave you hungry afterwards, but that's not the case with this place. 10 full courses-- I was so full at the end. 1000/10 recommend. My boyfriend and I had the Kaiseki menu, but we're definitely coming back to try all of the other available menus. :) Thank you all for everything!
   

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10. O

    Or

    VIP

    Charleston

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Unbelievable. Don’t think about it just go. Sit at the counter and order everything. Michelin star food is being prepared in this charming and authentic Durham restaurant.
    

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