Sushi Gami

I got a mailer about the grand opening, so I decided to try it out. The food is good, I’m not going to say it’s spectacular – I’ve been to really nice, expensive places, so it’s not really fair to compare – but what won me over was the service.
Food: The burgers are okay, nothing spectacular. They had an oyster special that I found almost as delicious as an order of fresh-​from-​the sea oysters I got in France. Sadly, I haven’t seen it offered again (but that may just be my luck). The sushi is good. Comparable to Sushi 9. However, I feel they don’t have as good a variety as some other places. Still, their sushi is solid.
Presentation: They keep the restaurant very nice, tidy, with a comfortable atmosphere. But on the plate, they know how to present their food. Brilliant flowers, enormous ice bowls – they show off their food.
Service: Easily their most outstanding aspect. The food is usually out quickly and they take orders and remove finished plates promptly. My second or third time there, one of their waitresses (ask for Samantha) chatted me up and has recognized me every time since and asked me how things are going. The owner (I think), Stephen, is exceptionally friendly and checks around to make sure everyone is enjoying their food. When he asked me how my cocktail was, he even offered to take it back to add a little extra bourbon so that it would be a little less sweet.
Price: Not much to say here. It’s a tad more expensive than Sushi 9 but I think the service more than adequately compensates for it.
Overall, I would say, all things being equal, I’d come here just for the service. The food is good, and nothing that I’ve tried has disappointed me so far. Of course, being within walking distance of my apartment also improves my outlook. Still, if you want a sushi place and are near Cameron Village, stop here.

Can Inner Raleigh really sustain another run of the mill sushi restaurant? The answer is YES! Although I think Sushi Gami is anything but ordinary.
I’m sure we all have that friend who’s just not that into sushi *switch to jerk voice* «Man! I hate sushi! It’s all cold and raw. Nothing like a good old burger.» Well, how about sushi on your burger? «Man! That doesn’t exist!» Bring this guy to Sushi Gami, and prepare to have his mind blown.
Last night while settling dinner plan, I happened to scan Sushi Gami’s menu… «Let’s see here… appetizer edamame, seaweed salad, California roll, Spicy Tuna Sriracha Kimchi burger… WAIT, WHAT?!» Those crazy New Yorker sushi chefs…
On to sushi rolls.
*Cameron Roll* kani lobster salad, lettuce wrap, mango & miso sauce — very palate teasing!
*Koto Roll* shrimp tempura inside, crab & avocado on top — clean roll with colors
*Flaming Phoenix* spicy fish, seaweed salad, shrimp, pepper tuna on top — this is the knockout punch of the meal
*Out of Control Roll* spicy crab, cream cheese, shrimp, avocado, ell — it’s actually well contained
I ordered calamari, which was pretty decent; wish they had keep the fryer temp high so there can be less grease and more color.
Fried Tempura Ice Cream. Need I explain? I didn’t think so.
I also enjoyed the conversation with our waitress. She’s one funny lady. The big men behind the sushi bar are pretty cool too.
P. S. THERE’S NO BOGO DEAL HERE. Just putting it out there so you don’t need to ask :)