Nara Express - Japanese restaurant in Lenoir - 137 Wilkesboro Blvd NE, USA

This was our go to place for Japanese, they use to quick and food was great. Since they reopened, I have heard about the horror stories of an hour long wait in the drive through. So I waited for awhile for everything to settle down. So after 4 months, I decided to go. Not many cars in the drive through, not many people inside. Place my order and then was told to park. We then wait for 45 minutes to get our food. Definitely not coming back until something changes.

Been ages they are back open been a yr!! Thought I’d give it a try ordered a teriyaki salmon it was soggy in sauce don’t think its cooked all the way wasn’t like grilled and some broccoli tucked underneath.. this place isn’t anywhere near as good as the one in Hickory.. just stuck the salmon to the side..🤔😵‍💫

Nara is by far the best Japanese restaurant I have ever been to. The staff is extremely friendly and organized with high volumes of orders and people at all hours. Calling ahead and ordering online is great if you want your food at a specific time! The inside of the restaurant is clean and smells amazing! Also love the modern look on the inside and how you can see into the kitchen! I highly suggest anyone try and be friendly, this place has so much volume all the time so plan ahead and be kind to the staff that work so hard to get your food out to you! Will be back time and time again!

Our first visit since the remodeling & reopening was 12/08/23. Food was still tasty, but prices have increased (as they have in all restaurants recently). Dining area has a fresh look, new tables & decor. Because there are no dividers, front counter yelling of orders & kitchen noise are still very noticeable to patrons in the dining area.

Sat in the drive through for 20 minutes before being able to even order, so went inside to see if it would be quicker and they said it would be 30 more minutes. There was many employees just sort of standing around and not doing anything that could be helpful. I was just wanting teriyaki chicken and it was gonna be 50 minutes. Didn’t get my food and will not be coming back just do to the fact they had many people standing there and not doing anything to help.

I was excited to see this place had reopened after a long while. I didn't mind the long line as I assumed that others felt excited to be there also. The excitement went out the window as soon as I opened the take out box. The meat was so fatty. I saw where someone else had the same experience recently. I was shocked and upset by the response that came back to that patron over their review. They were basically called a liar and told to never come back! Wow, really? Well I'm backing up what they said, the meat in tonight's meal was not the quality that I expected. After this inedible meal and seeing such rude comments, There will be no need in a reply that I should go elsewhere. I will continue to drive to granite falls for my Japanese cravings.

Horrible service since this restaurant reopened. The people are nice but there’s no leadership. I ordered for me and my son, we ate inside, and I got my food 40 min later. My son got his 52 min after we ordered. Not sure how that happened. The food is so so. It used to be alot better. Steak was dry and tough. I know it’s hard to get good help these days but this was a bit ridiculous. I won’t come back again.

Always wonderful! Yes, there is a wait, but it will always be worth it for us!