Unlike the higher prices found at Red Bowl or Simply Thai, two sushi rolls (eight pieces each) with a soup or salad is just $9, or three rolls with a soup or salad is only $13.50 at the Japanese restaurant Harusaki. These prices fit within many college students’ budgets for an authentic meal.
Harusaki is located Alamance Crossing in Burlington, diagonal from Target and next to Sally Beauty Supply.
Though the outside is bland, located in a strip mall with a basic red and green logo, the mood changes once inside the restaurant.
The interior is filled with dragons, Asian landscape paintings, Japanese decorations, a huge fish tank at the entrance and a long sushi bar where patrons can see how the chef prepares the food. The small restaurant is filled with a few tables and booths.
To enjoy authentic sushi or Asian cuisine, Elon University students can walk to Harusaki after a trip to Target for a quick, affordable and appetizing meal. The Elon BioBus also stops at Target for those who do not have a car.
“It is one of the few Japanese restaurants in the area,” said freshman Emiliana Lanz. “It is never really crowded so you can eat fast and cheap.”
Even with low cost and close proximity, the quality of the food from Harusaki is still the complete package — the food is delicious and portions are generous.
“It is a great sushi place,” Lanz said. “It is not very well-known, but it is actually better than the other sushi restaurants where people go all the time.”
For patrons who do not like sushi or sashimi, there are many other authentic Japanese options. Calamari, fried rice, hibachi style chicken, noodles, soups, salads and fish are also available. The menu is long and diverse, so even those who are incredibly picky can find a plate they will enjoy. The restaurant also accepts Phoenix Cash as a form of payment.
“I have never had a problem or questioned the quality of their food and that is definitely important,” said freshman Sara Smith.
According to Smith, the sushi is fresh and it takes fewer than 10 minutes to prepare an order.
Others weren’t as enthused about the service.
“The service is average,” said freshman Sofia Arguello. “It is not great but it is not bad either.”
Harusaki also has delivery options, so students can also enjoy a meal on days when they don’t feel like leaving their beds. A downside of Harusaki’s delivery is that the estimated delivery time is anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes.
Since Harusaki is not part of a big chain, the quality is always reliable.
“I would definitely recommend Harusaki if people are looking for a place to get sushi for a good deal and have a good experience,” Smith said. “It is a place you can’t turn down.”