After visiting Japan for the first time in April of 2025, I’ve been on the prowl for great Japanese food in the NC Triangle! One group of restaurants that caught my attention was Shinmai Kumo in Raleigh and Shinmai Shokudo in Cary. Both of these Japanese concepts were small, personal, and offered great food in a casual setting.
While the original Shinmai Shokudo focused on ramen, udon, and rice bowls, Shinmai Kumo pushed things a bit further. If you’re not familiar with Itameshi cuisine, think Italian food with a Japanese flavor profile and ingredients. Sukiyaki linguine, chicken parm tagliatelle, and more. It quickly became one of my favorite dining spots for a casual, flavor-packed lunch. And over the course of multiple visits, I got to know the owners of the Shinmai restaurant group: Jayden, Stacia, and Ming, originally from Oakland, CA.
Eventually Jayden, looped me in on some exciting news: Shinmai was working on their newest concept for Raleigh: Shinmai Moku! Located in a new section of the Quail Corners shopping area, it will focus on charcoal-grilled dishes (binchotan charcoal) and small plates, essentially an izakaya.
Given my love for what they are dishing out, we decided to partner together and tell the story of Shinmai Moku, moving forward. The build-out continues, and I’ll add more information and photos as construction continues. But get excited, it’s coming soon!
Classic Southern Sandwiches and BLTs at Merritt’s Grill in Chapel Hill, NC