I ate at Rockin’ Rolls Sushi Express at the newer North Raleigh location, for lunch on Thurs., Feb 17. The Raleigh location is located at 9650 Strickland Road, Suite 101. However, the original location in Durham at 3405 Hillsborough Road, Suite E, is also a convenient drive from Meredith.
The unique environment is a fun twist on a typical restaurant scene. My first impression was excitement for all the types of food I would get to try. The staff was kind as I paid upon entry, but after that, as it is a self-serve buffet, there is not much interaction with the staff. The restaurant appeared clean throughout, though the whole process could allow for the spreading of germs depending on how people grab their food. Each person sits in front of a conveyor belt which is guarded by a plastic covering. Across from each seat is a small door that can be opened to grab the desired food options as they come by. Because it is not a charge per plate, I was able to try many different types of sushi that I otherwise may not have branched out to taste. I tried a unique fried banana sushi roll that I surprisingly loved and would eat again. The food all tasted delicious to me, and I enjoyed a wide variety of sushi and other Asian specialties such as beef gyoza, spring rolls, and miso soup.
Taylor Whitley, ‘19, also visited the North Raleigh location but for the dinner buffet and stated, “When I walked in, it was like being in a different dimension with all the sushi, hibachi, appetizers and sauces you could ever want. Luckily, I went super hungry.” Her statement sums up the restaurant’s excellent taste and unique atmosphere. If you like Asian food, specifically sushi, head on over to Durham or Raleigh and give Rockin’ Rolls Sushi Express a try.
The Raleigh location serves lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, but is open until 10:00 pm on FridaySunday. On Saturdays and Sundays, they serve their dinner menu all day from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (The dinner menu includes endless hibachi, while lunch does not.) Lunch is $10.99 a person and dinner is $14.99 to account for the extra hibachi.
By Ashleigh Murr, Staff Writer