National Shrimp Day is an annual food holiday celebrating the jewel of the sea: SHRIMP ! On Tuesday May 10, 2016, we decided to celebrate at Torii Noodle Bar By Kanki which is upstairs from their sister Habachi Restaurant Kanki located at Crabtree Valley Mall.

On their website they describe themselves as- Kanki’s freshest new concept, the Torii Noodle Bar offers a Japanese dining experience made with love, spirit and harmony. Traditional Japanese fair, as well as to-go sushi to enjoy alongside great sake, and carefully selected wines and beer.
I really agree with their self description. Inside the decor is what I call Japanese chic. Lots of light wood and natural sunlight streams in the intimate dining area. On such a delightful day we opted to eat alfresco on their patio.

The variety of shrimp ,shrimp and more shrimp items on the menu would make Forest Gump proud. We dined on the following:
*Appetizers: Shrimp Tempura ( batter-dipped,lightly seasoned,served with tempura dipping sauce)
Ebi (shrimp sushi), Hot Rockin’ Lava Shrimp (tender large shrimp, fried to a golden brown and tossed in a not too spicy but tasty lava sauce)

*Entrees: Lunch bento box (served with fresh tossed salad with ginger dressing, west coast roll, steamed rice, Tempura shrimp and vegetables with homemade dipping sauce and stir fried shrimp teriyaki style and Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodles. The buckwheat noodles were delicious and I loved the hon tsuyu broth! The lunch was served quickly and reminded me that healthier options can be served fast and for a better quality and value.

My little girl loved the Japanese soda and the more than personable Director of Operations, Gee Dararouksa was happy to show my daughter how to recycle the chopsticks paper into a holder !

They have a great cocktail and sake menu. Their sake flight was amazing and it complemented the cuisine perfectly. Instead of a fast food lunch, you can come here and get REAL food for roughly the same price and in a efficient ,timely manner.

Enjoy these photos from our wonderful dining experience at Torii Noodle Bar!

*Pictured here : Gee Dararouksa, Director of Operations ~ Reuben Rodillas, General Manager ~ Alex Cordova, Corporate Executive Chef

For a sweet ending , try the Japanese Ice Cream known as Mochi Ice Cream. Available in Vanilla, Chocolate, Green Tea, Red Bean, Strawberry, and Mango, my personal favorite !

We enjoyed lunch and had fun dining at Torii Noodle Bar! Its definitely my family’s favorite place for japanese food in Raleigh, NC ! Next time in Crabtree and want a Asian cuisine fix ? Go to Torii Noodle Bar. They will take good care of you and your tastebuds!