Hayashi Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Raleigh

I'd love to say that my first experience here was great but it was not. Being that I am a foodie, I was excited to try this restaurant for the first time but my experience made me regret that. I called to place my order for pickup using their online menu for guidance and when I got there the pricing was different, I quickly noticed and I notified one of their employees. The employee told me that the pricing online and the pricing for ordering over the phone was different. Their websites and menu do not state that and then she said that the prices have changed. I asked if they could honor the pricing that was on the website being that I was not aware of the pricing being different and they did not do their due diligence by informing their customers that the pricing would not be the same. The lady then went to get another employee that I am assuming is the manager, I explained to her that the price that I am seeing on the receipt and the pricing that is on the website are not consistent and she said that the prices have changed. My thing is, why would you not update your website to match your actual prices and also why should I have to pay for their lack of informing? Either way I asked if they could honor the price again and she said no. I ended up paying what needed to be paid but I was not happy about it and it left a bad taste in my mouth. I feel like I was blind sided. To top it all off, I had got a few items that were on the menu, one of the items being the Hayashi Special Roll, which comes with smoked salmon on top and my sushi had fish bones in it. I hate to say it but my first overall experience at this restaurant was...

Beyond expectations is what I would use to describe this amazing restaurant. The food has been consistently good from the sushi, noodles and even the bentos. I have been to Japan more than once and it’s hard to replicate it stateside. Hayashi does that well by flying In fish from Japan to our plate in Wake forest! The toro is great it’s my favorite to order, you can really taste the quality. Each broth has that umami flavor including the Agadashi and Miso. This place has something for everyone including non sushi people. The katsu pork is delicious with proper breading and a sauce that makes you want more with each bite. The atmosphere is great including the music! I’m always dancing with joy from my food or from the music playing . The staff is beyond helpful including explaining what certain dishes have and even work with people with allergies. They have fresh wasabi for those adventurous to try new things! I even tried nigiri that was called Suzuki and it’s not a car, but a delightful white fish from Japan. They have great lunch specials with portions and combos that leave you full. The owner takes great pride in his work and is often seen behind the sushi bar or walking the tables ensuring everyone is content with their food. Ps: you can buy the ginger dressing...

ambiance felt like we were inside a dungeon, overly dim lighting. regardless, we didnt really care and we wanted to try the food out so we placed our orders but our waiter's attitude made us feel so uncomfortable, we ended up just leaving because of how unwelcome we felt. we both work in the food industry, so we try to be very understanding, but it's clear our waiter was under the impression that we were two teenagers and hence weren't gonna tip well, and he let that reflect in his service. i will say everyone else seemed nice, especially the host who sat us. however, i understand now why it was dead during dinner on a saturday now if service is such a hit or miss. overly dim lighting. regardless, we wanted to try the food out so we placed our orders, but our waiter's attitude made us feel so uncomfortable, we ended up just leaving because of how unwelcome we felt. we both work in the food industry, so we try to be very understanding, but it's clear our waiter was under the impression that we were two teenagers and hence weren't gonna tip well, and he let that reflect in his service. i will say everyone else seemed nice, especially the host who sat us. however, i understand now why it was dead during dinner on a saturday now if service is such a...