Wasabi

Wasabi is an unassuming Japanese and Thai restaurant on Edinburgh South Drive in Cary, open since August 2003. Sushi and sashimi anchor the menu, with sake, wine, and spirits behind the bar, and the kitchen keeps challenging itself to put out new dishes and drinks.

Over 23 years the restaurant has sat in the middle of a lot of people’s occasions, from birthdays and graduations to weddings, and the owners say that is the privilege of the job. It serves Cary, Raleigh, and Apex, and the red curry is the signature favorite.

What to know

• Gluten free choices are clearly labeled throughout the menu.
• The curries are naturally vegan unless meat is added.
• No fish sauce goes into those curry dishes.
• The menu carries no separate vegetarian or vegan labels.