This place is great. Get the lunch special, 6 something for a ton of fresh food. We've been twice and will be back again.
(5)
Nancy N.
From the outside, you can't tell this is a restaurant...or even a good one. Came here at 930pm (intended to go to Charros but they close at 9pm) . We both ordered Chirashi ($12.50) with salad, and it was surprisingly ok. Some of my sushi pieces were fresh (although you call tell some of it was refrigeratorated) and some were chewy. The sushi rice was Chinese rice, not sweet Japanese rice like your typically get. Cucumbers were wrapped in the salmon, which was a nice efffort. The most odd part about the meal was that the sushi laid on a bed of iceberg lettuce... that was weird. I'd come back again to try other Chinese dishes, that they are more known for but probably not the sushi.
(3)
Soniya A.
The previous reviews sum it all up. But here are my two cents FOOD: Some really amazing chinese food that I've had in a while. They also serve thai food like green red and yellow curry. But I personally just love their mongolian chicken. That and their hot and sour soup with flat fried noodles is amazing. Their shrimp dumplings are the best that I've had in a while. SERVICE: They are open till 10 pm these days which is great as most other places shut down at 9. Their service is quick and the hosts are courteous. AMBIENCE: The furniture is not too ancient nor too modern but a cross in between. However the subdued red lights actually give it a nice touch. They have a bar and the restaueant is spacioud enough with enough space for large groups to dine at the same time OVERALL: I am definitely going back again.
(5)
Kaitlyn M.
This place is my salvation when I'm working late. These guys are open until 10:30 when everywhere else closes at 10, which for me is a game changer. We used to come here occasionally for eat-in sushi, which is also good, but it has become my go-to takeout Chinese food. It costs a little more than the typical hole-in-the-wall Chinese place, but the food is SOO much better. The portions for the Chinese takeout are huge, and the quality is well above the Tops New China next door. Their dumplings never disappoint, they are always full and juicy and well-cooked. I also strongly recommend the Singapore curry noodles (two meals in one!). They'll even make egg foo yung for you if that's your thing (it's my guilty pleasure) even though it's not on the menu. All the meats and veggies are fresh, the shrimp are always plump, and it's always well-cooked. The inside is a dark and trendy, pretty basic, quiet little Chinese place. It's new, and very clean, and generally empty-to-half full. The take-out counter is a classy clean granite deal, and everything has a well-kept look to it. We love it, because I'm coming to hate noisy, bustling restaurants when I'm trying to relax over dinner. The sushi is pretty good, but it's excellent value with the BOGO. The menu is filled with what I'm coming to find as standard American sushi fare: plenty of tuna, salmon, shrimp, and crab, plenty of tempura offerings, and everything has an avocado variation. Two 8-piece rolls for $8 (with BOGO) on average is a great deal, and filling. I recommend the spicy yellowtail, eel avocado, crunchy shrimp, and salmon avocado. In short, if you live near here it's a godsend. It's a solid Chinese and sushi place and a great place to have a relaxing quiet dinner.
(4)
Leslie S.
This place has never let me down. Excellent sushi with amazing prices, and even their other selections are great (I.e. Fried rice, hibachi)
(5)
BJ T.
We tried a Firecracker roll, Smiley Roll, Spicy Tuna, California, Lion King and a few others that were all amazing. Everything is fresh and tastes like it is right out of the ocean. The service is excellent and the buy one get one specials make Peony one of our favorite places for dinner. Highly recommended if you're into good sushi.
(5)
Mondo W.
Great food great service, it's hidden in the Kroger shopping center but you'll smell the food just follow your nose and try the dumplings there great.
(4)
Mary Elizabeth W.
I came here with my family when I was home over Christmas break. My siblings and I ordered sushi (it was buy one roll, get one roll free) and my dad had lo mein. The sushi was good, but the server took forever to take our order and then later to bring us the check.
(4)
gene s.
The best Asian food experience in the area. Fast and accurate service. Great drinks. Substantial portions. Chinese, and sushi both great here. Very friendly atmosphere.
(5)
Thomas R.
This place is within walking distance from where I live so I get take out from here all the time. I've been going here for years and the food is always consistent. Let me be clear I'm seriously just giving this place 4 stars for their Sushi, which is surprisingly good especially for the price. For the rest of their food I'd say its 3 stars. All your traditional Chinese like General Tso, Sesame Chicken, Mongolian etc is solid, pretty tasty. I'd say the Dragon and Phoenix is the standout, orange chicken with spicy shrimp...so good and a huge portion. But the Thai and Vietnamese, let's just say I wouldn't recommend. Their sushi is great though and they always have BOGO. My favorite is the Lion King roll, but even just their red snapper or tuna roll are super good. I want to emphasize the quality of their sushi is surprising and a steal for the price. I really do like this place and if your just looking for your standard Chinese or sushi you will love it.
(4)
Dale S.
Without question our favorite Asian cusine in Durham area yet. The food is clean, tasty and reasonably priced. Sushi looks devine although I haven't yet tried it. The best General Tso chicken I've had. Love the ambience with the asian music and the staff is friendly and attentive. We will make this our destination for Asian food every time. I see no reason to search for better! We nailed it with this gem of a discovery! Enjoy. We know you will.
(5)
Jessica F.
This is our favorite sushi place in the area; the prices are very very reasonable (BOGO sushi!) and the sushi is usually great. I've never become ill from eating sushi here, which is obviously important to me in a sushi restaurant. My only complaint is that anything with 'spicy tuna' is made with tuna that's been chopped fine and mixed with spicy stuff; it's not that great and I'd much prefer whole tuna. Everything else on the sushi menu is really good though, and again, the prices are so very reasonable. The ambiance is quiet and comfortable. The servers are usually very attentive and polite. We've been coming here for years and hope to continue to do so!
(4)
Tyrenne S.
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! The service and food are outstanding. Everything is fresh and tastes like it was caught in the morning. I always order their Double Shrimp Roll, Mini Steamed Dumplings and their Miso soup. I have tried other dishes which are ALL amazing. They always have their special buy one get one free which allows you to try different rolls without breaking the bank. My favorite Sushi restaurant in the Triangle!
(5)
David B.
Very good General Tso's Chicken. I have eaten here several times and every time it is a good portion size and very high quality, the taste of the General is some of the best I have had since moving to this area. Food presentation and quality are always top notch, you can tell they care about what they serve.
(5)
Michelle S.
Solid sushi and be to boxes for cheaper than other establishments that have higher yelp ratings. Added plus that their specials also apply to takeout. Overall my tuna avocado and salmon avocado roll were very fresh, Wasabi packed a punch and hubbys bent box wasn't anything spectacular but for 11$ and a variety of items it hit the spot for him. Definitely a good find.
(4)
Ayla G.
This place is great! If I was in town longer I would come again. There are so many choices and the food comes out so fresh. The staff are kind and welcoming and the atmosphere is clean and enjoyable.
(5)
Joselyn F.
I love the food! Here it has a delicious taste to it like my mother in law says "Its made with love" and they always have great service. In addition to all that they have B1G1 on all sushi!! GREAT DEAL!!
(5)
David P.
Great for buy one get one free sushi. Good sushi for the price. This place is kind of sad. They have deformed fish in the fish tank and it kind of makes you think, are the fish I'm eating from this tank? Those fish with tumors are kind of gross. I'm not saying they do because believe me it doesn't taste like tumor fish. EAT THIS FOOD!!!!
(5)
N K.
This looks like a small restaurant but has plenty of seating inside. I tried a couple of sushi rolls (smile roll and eel tempura roll). What I know is that I'll be back for more! The rolls were freshly prepared and delicious. They had bogo on the rolls so it was very reasonable. Even without the bogo, it's worth it. Try the eel tempura roll- you'll think positive thoughts about me :-)
(5)
Sung M.
I just moved to Durham from NY and have tried many local Chinese/Japanese/Asian restaurants. My husbnad, son and I ate their lunch special from the Chinese menu. My son had the Chicken and Broccoli, and my husband and I had the Garlic Chicken. It was the most like what I was used to eating in NY. The price is average for the area, but portions are slightly smaller. I didn't particularly like the hot and sour soup which is why I gave it 4 stars. I'll try the egg roll next time. We did not try the Japanese menu. I will definitely return here.
(4)
Pam P.
I was disappointed. Based on a friend's rec and the reviews I was expecting better quality. Great variety and prices, but the maguro sushi was only okay. Appetizers, especially shrimp dumplings,were quite good. Chinese dishes okay but not notable.
(3)
Lisa W.
Some much to love about this place. Excellent service, laid back atmosphere, decent prices. Our only reason to visit was because they serve Peking duck with pancakes that my mom goes on and on about how she cannot find where she lives. $14.95 half $27.95 whole. We ordered the whole and it easily feeds two people and was delicious. She also ordered some Wonton soup which to me I could care less about but she told me I had to try it. I officially care about Peony's wonton soup. Apparently everyone else has been making it wrong. We also ordered some sushi, which was good. I have had better but still very solid with many rolls to choose from and of course with the BOGO special that seems to be popular here in Durham. I would agree with them in that they are an Asian Bistro, they serve everything from Sushi to Pad Thai and every Chinese dish in between. One other item that stands out in my mind is there Plum wine. They have a type that I have never had before. I have had the red and the white plum wines before but this one is a blush and for $16 a bottle it is hands down my favorite part of the meal. The atmosphere is no "date night" kind of place but it is clean and the staff is very friendly.
(4)
Rebekka B.
My husband and I eat here at least once a week for lunch. Their portion sizes are large enough for us to split a meal and to be satisfied. Not to crazy about their sushi rolls, but I have always been happy with their main entrees. I have never had a bad meal here.
(4)
R. J.
Business trip hotel stay. I was in the mood for Chinese/Asian food. A quick look at Google showed Peony Asian Bistro right around the corner. Great! A 3 minute trip & I'm inside. A real treasure tucked away in a fledgling retail center. You can get sushi/sashimi & 'traditional' Chinese food. I got a mix of both. Not only was the food very good but it was also reasonably priced. Quick service & friendly help. Pretty much the best carry out I've had in eons. I'm really glad that this place is here.
(4)
Jonathan T.
Very good. They are normally quiet and one can go in for lunch or dinner and relax. Very good atmosphere. Food is very good as well. Ive been here several times, trying their Chinese dishes, the Bento box, and their Sushi. I enjoy the quality of food, their good service, and the nice relaxing atmosphere.
(4)
Matt P.
This was the first place I fell in love with sushi, and I honestly have yet to go to another sushi joint in the Triangle that tops Peony in terms of quality and value. Buy 1 Get 1 Free on every roll they have, any time of day, is an excellent deal. Every roll I've tried here has been delicious, even their basic rolls are better than those of most other sushi-serving restaurants. They also offer a great variety of delicious non-sushi alternatives if you're with one of those "ew I don't eat raw fish" types. This is one of the more underrated sushi bars in the area, but that apparently is changing considering they recently changed their seating layout to accommodate more customers. If you like sushi, I'd strongly recommend checking out Peony.
(5)
Jamie L.
This used to be my daughter and my favorite, go to place. The food has always been consistent, the service friendly and impeccable, and they are accommodating to my daughters special request. Unfortunately, since the remodel, the prices are creeping up and the portions are getting smaller. I had a "last straw" moment a couple of weeks ago when we stopped by for dinner and the bill, with tip, was nearly $30...and I didn't even eat!!!
(3)
Maegan R.
This place has the best sushi anywhere near chapel hill!! They always have the BOGO going on. It's the best deal in town. They have such wonderful sushi so the deal is just magnificent. I love this place. If you haven't had sushi before this is the place to try and get hooked.
(5)
Scott K.
Not the typical chinese food. Peony's menu is mostly chinese with Sushi and one Thai dish that I remember seeing. I have not had any sushi here just because I love the chinese dishes that much more. The potstickers are very good. The portions are large enough to ask for a "doggy bag" for the remainder of your meal. I will absolutly be back to eat here. Food A Staff B Location B Decor C Health Inspection Grade 99.0
(4)
Meredith E.
Good atmosphere, attentive servers, and good food. Not to mention good sized portions make it very easy to eat family style.
(5)
Kim G.
Always buy one roll get one roll free. Great deal and the sushi quality is usually pretty fresh. If not into sushi, a host of other items to choose from as well. Typically runs in the same quality but once in awhile not as good, but once in awhile fantastic.
(4)
Al N.
The sushi is amazing. I didn't like sushi until I tried it at Peony, and they make it easy to get into. They have such a large selection of sushi, you can choose how much fish you are willing to try, or have something basic that isn't so intimidating for a beginner. Plus, the sushi is buy one get one free, so you pay about 15 dollars at most for a very filling amount of sushi. Always check the specials board because my favorite rolls have come from that board, namely, the Godzilla roll and the firecracker roll. I highly recommend trying this restaurant.
(5)
Patricia R.
Haven't tried the sushi, but love the Thai chicken red curry, yummy. Always leftovers for the next day. Have eaten in, good customer service, good experience. Also great for take out.
(4)
Heather C.
Great Chinese food and friendly staff. I especially love the bento boxes.
(5)
Tony N.
We have been here twice, and both times we have been pleased with the food and service. As others have said, its primarily chinese food, with a nice sushi selection. There are two things that differentiate from the other asian/sushi restaurants in durham. 1) The bento box, priced at 995, is a fantastic deal, and you are left with a town of food! 2) The special spider roll was delicious...the soft shell crab was nice and lightly deep fried, and it seemed to be a heartier variety than the other restaurants.
Laid back atmosphere, I usually get sushi and the menu/selection is great with rotating featured new roles. Presentation and quality is always great. I always recommend this place as a more 'off the beaten' path place to grab sushi. If you like waiting and waiting to go to a cramped place with average food that's just pop culture overload filled with sorority girls having OMG SUSHI NIGHT WITH THE GIRLS then you'll like Shiki - but if you want a no-nonsense place with great food and service, try Peony.
(5)
Matt E.
Tried this on Sunday evening. Very generous portions and amicable staff. We spent $40 on edamame, tea, kung pao chicken, and a nice (BOGO) sushi roll. That might sound like a lot, but we had more than enough for *3* more meals afterward. I fried up my leftover chicken with some veggies, and my fiancee and I ate that the following evening. She also had the free sushi roll left, so she took that for a work lunch early this week. It was pretty cold inside. Bring a sweater/jacket if you easily get the chills.
(4)
Josh M.
They did have large portions but was not very good. The sushi that my wife had with her Bento box was horrendous. I have had better Sushi from the grocery store or a cheap buffet (I would say gas station, but I have never been that brave). The sesame chicken was not very good and bland. The orange beef was very large and not what I was familiar with. The orange beef was the best of our dinner selection and that was just because I was so hungry. Yet it was still mediocre. For the quality, it seemed a little overpriced. The service was decent, but scattered among several different people. I doubt we will be back, even though very convenient to where we live.
(2)
Lauren R.
Sushi was ok. Service was poor (wasn't crowded). Was looking forward to trying it but it disappointed. Considering the number of similarly priced and fresher sushi offerings in the area, I won't be returning, even though this is the most convenient.
(2)
Minerva T.
My friend and I decided it was about time to sit down and eat at this place that has become our "go-to" when we want stuff "to-go." She told me that they did BOGO sushi so I wanted to give it a try after seeing the really cheap menu. I must say that we had an extremely excellent time and for quite cheap as well! I'd go again for sushi for sure. I got the Yellowtail Cucumber Roll, two orders of Inari, and the Shrimp Tempura Roll. The yellowtail was quite delicious, and the cucumber in the roll gave a nice fresh contrast to the slight tang that yellowtail tends to have. The inari made me realize how much I had missed Inari! I had my friend try it and she thought it was great even though she was a little wary at first, haha. The shrimp tempura was okay but it was probably because the roll was warm that I didn't like it. Otherwise, the sauce drizzled on top was excellent. So when my friend eats sushi, she eats "sushi," as in the vegetarian option; she had the California Roll and the Sweet Potato Tempura Roll (who the heck makes that?). She enjoyed her meal but I didn't try any of it to see what it was like. So I got all of my sushi for a mere $11.24. Isn't that nuts? Also, I took a picture of the receipt because it printed with Chinese. I was so psyched about it, haha. Their take-out menu is pretty good too and the soup portions quite generous for the $1 or so they are.
(4)
Mohamed N.
"Asian cuisine & sushi in a Durham strip mall" Buried back near Home Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond, and a few other big chains is this little place that boasts Chinese, Japanese, and Thai cuisine. The setting was a little small and unusually dark for noontime in a place with huge windows (blinds were closed), but there was a large fishtank with goldfish that look like they were raised in an outdoor pond (since they were huge). They had several two-for-one sushi roll options for good prices (6-8 pieces per roll, cost ranging $5-12 per roll). We liked that the menu was unusually informative, describing exactly what was in each roll and how many pieces each came with rather than assuming we're "not cool enough" if we don't "just know." My daughter and I each got 2 rolls and my wife got standard Chinese fare (sesame chicken with rice, $5.75 from the lunch menu). Immediately after our order, a sushi chef came to the little "bar" area and prepared the sushi rolls while my kids watched. Definitely fresh! I enjoyed the philly roll and a shrimp mango roll. Both were really great- the salmon tasted fresh in the philly roll, and the melding of flavors in the shrimp mango roll was excellent. My daughter also got a salmon cucumber, and again, very tasty. Sesame chicken was pretty standard but acceptable. (I can see why Christina G felt the standard Chinese fare was uninspired.) Service was just OK- prompt, but not especially warm, and never giving us refills on our waters. Good price for what my nonexpert palate found to be a decent quantity of tasty sushi, so I'd give it 3-4 stars (I'll round up)... would happily return.
(4)
Nancy Y.
I like my sushi fresh, not fried. The last time I got take-out from here, there were bits of gratuitous fried flakes in every single roll, which made up 1/3 to 1/2 of the bulk. I realize we're in tough economic times, but it's not a very cost-effective business practice to sub fish with fried bits. They're not fooling anyone. I do want to note though that I've been here over a handful of times since they've opened, and I haven't always felt this way about their sushi. I used to really like it here! They're at a convenient location and used to do a good job of filling the middle-market for sushi on days when I didn't want to pay $20+ for a meal, but didn't want to resort to sushi boxes from grocery stores. Who knows? I may still give them a shot to see if they improve. I've had the Chinese food here, and thought it average.
(2)
Tori H.
My husband took me here one night. It's ok inside - nothing fancy, the sushi is ok, the other entrees (specifically chicken ones) are really mediocre. I would much rather hit up Shiki Sushi- which may actually be cheaper and it's a lot nicer inside...
(2)
Nichole K.
Teriyaki steak is delicious. Have never dined in, always ordered carry-out but their service has always been friendly and quick.
(5)
James H.
Peony is our neighborhood Chinese takeout place. Usually it's solid but sometimes just "OK". If there was something convenient & better we probably not frequent as often.
(3)
Leo T.
This place is the definition of average. I've been twice and there is nothing special about. Just an average place, with average Asian dishes. My wife got sushi both times we've been and it's OK. Just basic, no frills. I got the yellow curry shrimp lunch special and you guessed it, just OK. The best part about it, it was inexpensive ($6). I will say I was pleasantly surprised at the pork fried rice, as that was pretty good. However, the service has been slow for lunch, so be prepared to wait.
(3)
Blair B.
Great value here. Dim red lighting, fish tank, 2 for 1 sushi and all your regular offering. Not fancy. Just simple. In a strip mall, but dont judge this book by its cover.
(3)
mimi c.
BOGO sushi is not worth it. I ordered the "special spider roll" and shrimp tempura roll. I'm sorry... how many ways are you going to cut down that shrimp? I could barely see the sucker! The sushi rice was cold, felt a little like I was eating last night's sushi rice? My friend ordered tofu with mixed vegetables... pretty standard. Honestly nothing about this place got me excited.
(2)
Becky M.
Peony and sushi should by synonymous. I heart their New Year roll and Lion King roll, but I've had 6 others and they were beautiful to look at as well as eat. My miso soup was hot and hearty. My hot sake was perfect, with the appropriate insulation around the neck of the bottle. Those in my party loved their cooked sushi, edamame, and authentic Chinese dishes, be they lightly fried or pan-seared/sauteed. Now, the 5th star was lost due to how long my party and I waited to be served, waited to have our drinks refilled, but didn't wait long for them to bring us receipts to sign. If you can move that fast for credit cards, I'll put 'em up in the air just to bring you over for wine and beer refills for my friends, people. I want to try EVERYthing on the menu, and hopefully they stay around long enough for that to happen!
(4)
Grace S.
Buy one get on free sushi rolls are the best deal in the Triangle area. Its also a chill date spot not too fancy but still a semi intimate environment. Oh yea and they have the best carb rangoon in the town. My only small negative is that depending on the time you place your order your wait could be longer than expected
(4)
Stuart S.
First, don't come here for sushi. Although it's cheap (buy one, get one), it's simply not good. Expect a lot of filler like fried flakes. That said, the Chinese food is decent and reasonably priced. I love their hot and sour soup, and have had a number of other dishes on the menu. It's by no means gourmet, but a solid option. I like the vegetable dishes more, like the ma po tofu. Even the pad thai, decidedly out of place, was pretty good. Have only done takeout from here, so I can't comment about the service or the atmosphere.
(3)
Michael S.
Peony has never disappointed. I tend to visit weekly and I am working my way through the menu. The place is always clean, the service good and the price, in a word... in... ex... pen... sive. Most days sushi is buy one get one free. For a weekly haunt, put Peony Asian Bistro on you list.
(4)
Jennifer H.
I think that reading other Yelpers may have steered me wrong today on Peony Asian Bistro. I had eaten there 2 years ago and been pleasantly surprised with the two Chinese dishes I got (shrimp w/honey walnuts & chicken w/broccoli)--it wasn't Chinatown great or California good but it was better than average Chinese for this area. But after reading the reviews on Yelp, I thought I'd avoid the Chinese menu and try the sushi since so many folks thought highly of it AND 2 for 1 always is appealing. However, the sushi I had was, in short, disappointing and in one instance, inedible. I ordered the yellowtail with avocado & the eel with avocado (I was killing time since my dog was getting groomed at Petsmart). The yellowtail was so-so--I've had much better at places like Waraji & even Shiki Sushi. The eel was AWFUL--I ate two rolls, felt a bit ill, and when I tried the third I ended up spitting it out because the fish was chewy/tough and didn't taste right. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the won ton soup--the broth was flavorfull and full bodied (not like a lot of gringo Chinese places where it's watery--again, not as great as Chinatown or California Chinese but good for this area) and the 3 won tons were also tasty (and unlike some places, they did give me 3 won tons instead of a stingy single won ton). The won ton soup saved this review from being a 1-star. I may try Peony Asian Bistro a third time--this time just the Chinese menu--but I will NEVER EAT SUSHI THERE AGAIN. It was so bad that if it weren't BOGO I would have demanded that they take the eel roll off my bill. At this point, someone would have to pay me to eat sushi at this place--actually, no, you couldn't pay me to eat sushi at this place--it's THAT BAD.
(2)
Melissa P.
Eh, just okay. I came for their sushi recommendation, but much prefer Shiki Sushi. Will not return.
(3)
Nicole T.
Peony is our go-to Sushi and Chinese take-out place. The food quality is good and consistent from visit to visit. The sushi is fresh, right priced and served quickly.
(5)
Samantha E.
Randomly came by and got sushi with some friends. Although Shiki is my go-to place in the area, Peony was affordable and delicious. A was quite place and a good alternative if Shiki is too packed.
(3)
Andrew S.
This was my second visit to Peony. The service and quality have been consistently above satisfactory. The interior is very clean, comfortable, and the music is soothing. The menu is a combo of traditional chinese, augmented by a sushi menu. I ordered the hot and sour soup which was quite delicious. The mixed vegetables with bean curd was equally good. My only complaint is that the service was so prompt that I barely had 3 minutes to eat my soup before the entree arrived. I'll probably be back next time I'm in the area. Update - I've since been back multiple times since posting this draft review. The service and food quality has been consistently good.
(4)
R S.
I have been here a few times and find it to be consistently average. The sushi is more affordable than at other nearby sushi restaurants, but also does not taste as fresh. I used to think that the bento boxes were a good deal, but the price on those was recently raised. If you are looking for a restaurant with many different types of sushi rolls for those who do not eat shellfish, this is a good option.
(3)
Andrew F.
Peony is my staple fast Chinese food restaurant. The food is good but nothing super special. I usually get Kung pao chicken and enjoy that. My wife likes their sushi, but recommends a real sushi restaurant. Peony is good to kill the cravings, but nothing extraordinary.
(3)
X X.
I've never upgraded a review before, but Peony has earned it. I stand by my review about the quality of the Chinese menu being sub-par and still detest "pan Asian restaurants." However, I was taken to try the sushi and was pleasantly surprised...to the point where I've been back a few times since then. The fish tastes very fresh and they do have "simple rolls" for purists. The 2 for 1 maki everyday, all-day makes it a pretty good deal. Just remember that they will take off the cheapest rolls from your bill and count those as the free ones. Bottom line: 2 stars for Chinese, 4 stars for sushi = 3 stars.
(3)
Duke C.
Good for average Americanized Chinese and Cheap Sushi. Like all the other places, they have BOGO sushi/sashimi. I've never had issues with the fish there and generally they give generous cuts on the sashimi. The Chinese side of the menu is fairly bland and uninteresting to me.
(3)
Angela B.
Didn't have big expectations but we were pleasantly surprised at how deliciously amazing the sushi is... We tried the spiderman roll, dragon roll, rainbow roll and spicy tuna.... All of them were great!!
(4)
Mike C.
We are new to the area and decided to try Peony while shopping on 15-501. Peony has now become our stand-by restaurant for sushi. Their sushi is always buy-one-get-one-free (which is new to me... but seems to be common in the Triangle) and it is consistently very good quality. The ingredients are always fresh (good salmon and tuna), including the ginger, which is some of the best I've had. I've had sushi all over the US and Peony is in the top tier. The value is excellent. Two of us can eat a sushi dinner (no alcohol or super fancy rolls) for $20 + tip! You can't beat that! Moe's next door is easily $15 for two burritos. The only reason I wouldn't give Peony 5 stars is the ambiance leaves a bit to be desired and it's in a strip mall. The spicy tuna rolls are also not my favorite because of the crunchy filler. But, you're going there for the great value on good sushi! Our favorite sushi here is: crazy tuna, salmon avocado, shrimp tempura, and salmon nigiri.
(4)
Tera B.
I go to Peony a couple of times a month (over the past two years). It is consistently good. The staff is always very friendly and the sushi is always good. My husband really likes the Chinese food options. I will continue to frequent this place regularly. I am especially a fan of a BOGO sushi---and you can even get it for take out!!!!!!
(4)
Liwei Y.
I ordered peking duck and a noodle dish here before. They told me it'd take 30-45 minutes for the peking duck to be ready so I thought I'd get a nice good peking duck, but instead, I got thin strips of crispy duck meat with pancakes....pretty disappointed. The noodles tasted good but the sauce that came with it was too water. Would have been much better if they thickened the sauce.
(2)
Mike M.
The buy one, get one makes the few mistakes and sometimes shaky service bearable. I'm a huge spider roll fan and theirs has always been great. In addition, the spicy tuna, philly and bagel are also good.
(4)
donya s.
WOW! Buy one get one free sushi rolls. I had the spicy salmon roll and the crispy shrimp roll. I just moved here from Va. Beach and I thought it would be impossible to find good sushi here and I WAS WRONG Its amazing definitely check it out!!!
(5)
YL S.
Been to this joint a few times. The only thing I will get is the sushi, which is buy one get one free. Taste ok not fantastic. Stay away from the Chinese food there cuz they are just that bad...
(2)
Darran S.
Where do I begin? The atmosphere is great. Not too dark, sort of a romantic lighting. The service is quick and flawless. It was busy but I didn't have to wait. The menu is well laid out and easy to read. I started with 2 Sushi rolls, all sushi rolls are buy 1 get 1 free!!! I had the Philly roll and the spicy crab roll, both were delicious and quite filling. I ordered the Dragon and Phoenix dinner. [General Tso's chicken & hot and spicy shrimp] It came as I took the last bite of sushi. It was the best chicken and shrimp combo I have eaten in a long time. So flavorful and appetizing, I couldn't finish even half of my dinner. I will definitely be going back!!!
(4)
N B.
I was very pleasantly surprised by this place! I have extremely low expectations for Chinese food around these parts, so please note that my review is partly clouded by those low expectations. We tried the General Tso's chicken and the pad thai. We also had hot and sour soup. I was very surprised to see that the chicken used in the typical Chinese food dishes was white meat! NOT the typical dark meat/extra parts meat you get from Chinese food restaurants around here. I was also impressed that they offer a choice between brown and white rice. I always appreciate that. The pad thai with shrimp was very tasty and included nice touches like Thai basil and fried tofu. It was as good as, if not better, than the pad thai I've had at Twisted Noodle or Thai Cafe. Overall, the food tasted very fresh and like it had been made with care. The service was quick and courteous. I have also tried the sushi. It was fine but for sushi, I will always stick with Shiki Sushi. I would definitely recommend Peony Asian Bistro for a better Asian food experience than you're probably used to if you live around here.
(4)
Christina G.
Never been brave enough to try the sushi here -- though my friends routinely get it. Used to be extremely convenient to where I lived, but I really don't have a reason to go there now that I've moved further away. It's just typical, uninspired Chinese (and a handful of other not-so-fantastically-impersonated ethnicities) food. The venue is pretty new (about 3 years), so it's modern and clean. And it never gets too crowded, so not much of a wait for service or food.
(3)
Rick D.
Haven't tried the sushi but the Chinese is okay. The lady on the phone was confused when I asked for rice. It had probably been a long day.
(3)
Mo G.
Me & my better half eat here often and the main reason to love this place is the amazing free roll deals! For the price..it can't get any better! I believe they have a lunch special with 3 rolls for abt $10 [peony triple]!? This is our main deal, both of us split the rolls and it works out great. We also get the shrimp lomein and some green tea! THe sushis are perfect (not too much rice) and you get to taste & enjoy the meat :) Love their spicy and crunchy rolls! Service is average, not bad but not the greatest either. The place is kept clean and the ambiance is cozy (with classical Chinese!? + piano music). Overall.. a must visit and recommended!
(4)
Aisha M.
I think this place just opened. They have a 2 for 1 sushi special. I ordered sushi and it didn't taste very fresh as they doused everything with lots of sauce. I could barely taste the fish or the rice. Also my friends commented that the hot and sour soup tasted funny. It has a nice decor but the food left a lot to be desired.
(3)
Jeff B.
The sushi at Peony is pretty good. The rolls are fresh and the price is reasonable. Like many of the fancier sushi restaurants in this area, they run a 2 for 1 roll special, which makes it a steal. I particularly recommend the crispy shrimp roll. It's delicious. I've only tried one non-sushi item, the chicken lo mein, and to be honest it was good but not great. I hear good things about other menu items though, so they may be worth a shot. Overall, the sushi is good, but not as fancy as the other (more expensive) places I've tried in the triangle. I'll go back. Peony is a winner.
(4)
Louise A.
I went here for dinner with my daughter and two young granddaughters. It was pretty busy, but the service was excellent, and they were very accommodating of the two girls. We ordered sushi, and the girls had noodles. The sushi was very good - I live in La Jolla, CA, where the sushi is excellent and the prices are stratospheric. This restaurant definitely gives very good value. I will definitely return.
(4)
Amie K.
I ordered from the 2-for-1 sushi roll deal and my friend had the curry chicken. The food was ok for what you could expect from an affordable establishment. The menu is pretty extensive - making it a jack-of-all-trades type of cuisine. We had take-out, so I can't comment on the table service. It's an average place with good prices.
(3)
Michael H.
Amazing sushi and the BOGO deal is fantastic. This is my new go-to sushi joint for sure.
(5)
Jon B.
I am a vegetarian/pescetarian and my wife is an omnivore. I enjoyed my red curry shrimp while my wife enjoyed her Beef Pad Thai -- easy to find - in the same area as Kohl's and PetSmart - so If you are running errands - stop here to eat. Even if you aren't running errands - stop here to eat.
(5)
Sharon L.
Generally speaking I avoid Asian restaurants that try to combine cuisines...it doesn't usually work out well. And I REALLY avoid Asian restaurants with the word bistro in them. But had heard little rumblings about this place so randomly tried it. This is a tentative 4 star because I didn't try anything too unusual. Just veggie lo mein, avocado roll, and alaska roll. This is going to sound really strange but being a left coaster, I've had trouble finding some standard good lo mein out here. The noodles are always sort of mushy, or the sauce is non existent or sweet. This lo-mein made me pretty darn happy...simple veggie mix of broccoli/snow peas/onions, with primarily noodles in a savory but not overly salty sauce. It's simple and good. The sushi was very decent compared to what I've had in the Chapel Hill area. Haven't made it over to Raleigh so can't compare. The other thing is they have a buy one roll get another free. Which is a pretty good deal all in all. I'll definitely be heading back to try out more things. P.S. Went back and tried beef chow fun. Decent. For any of you left coasters, the food reminds me of Ranch 99...which isn't necessarily a bad thing out here. But it's also twice the price as Ranch 99.
(4)
Ncmike M.
Peony is a very nice change for some Asian Cuisine! I go there regulary for lunch. The Sushi is 'melt in your mouth' good and I've had 6 different lunch plates and all selections are incredibly good!! Always fresh!!!
(4)
Christine O.
I used to live very close to this place and was tempted enough by its convenience to try it twice. I ordered sushi both times. It was far and away the worst sushi I have ever had. "I think she's startin' to turn." When they came out with the 2-for-1 sushi roll promo, I almost had to laugh. Figures they'd have to give it away. I wouldn't eat there again if it was free.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
The popularity of Chinese food in America can be adjudicated by the appearance of China Town in many major cities in the United State of America. The popular trend of ordering or opting for Chinese take away food isn't unknown in America. Chinese take away food comes to rescue when you're too tired from work or too exhausted to cook. No one can resist the temptation of eating spicy noodles, shrimp, chicken, beef or pork cooked in the sweet and spicy sauce. The cooking method of authentic Chinese food is a lot different compared to what is served in America.
Generally, Chinese use dark meat small bones and organs to cook dishes but this changes when you are eating American-Chinese fusion food prepared using white boneless meat cooked with broccoli, carrots and onions. Back in China, the food is less spicy and oily as they favor steaming and braising method for cooking the most popular dishes. So, if you have a taste for authentic Chinese food, then try finding a real Chinese restaurant in the city. You can also try the most popular fusion Chinese food like Pecking Duck, Chicken Feet, Hot Pot, Shrimp Dumpling Soup, Mapo Tofu, Wontons, Chop Suey, Egg Rolls and not to forget Fortune Cookies.
There are not many restaurants in America serving authentic Chinese food. A little research on Restaurant Listings directory can help you locate the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Chinese cuisine is continuously evolving, and you can find a variety of dishes categorized as the food for lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, vegan, vegetarian, and diabetic friendly. So, if you have a group of friends with different taste patterns, save the hassle and visit the nearest Chinese restaurant in your city.
James M.
This place is great. Get the lunch special, 6 something for a ton of fresh food. We've been twice and will be back again.
(5)Nancy N.
From the outside, you can't tell this is a restaurant...or even a good one. Came here at 930pm (intended to go to Charros but they close at 9pm) . We both ordered Chirashi ($12.50) with salad, and it was surprisingly ok. Some of my sushi pieces were fresh (although you call tell some of it was refrigeratorated) and some were chewy. The sushi rice was Chinese rice, not sweet Japanese rice like your typically get. Cucumbers were wrapped in the salmon, which was a nice efffort. The most odd part about the meal was that the sushi laid on a bed of iceberg lettuce... that was weird. I'd come back again to try other Chinese dishes, that they are more known for but probably not the sushi.
(3)Soniya A.
The previous reviews sum it all up. But here are my two cents FOOD: Some really amazing chinese food that I've had in a while. They also serve thai food like green red and yellow curry. But I personally just love their mongolian chicken. That and their hot and sour soup with flat fried noodles is amazing. Their shrimp dumplings are the best that I've had in a while. SERVICE: They are open till 10 pm these days which is great as most other places shut down at 9. Their service is quick and the hosts are courteous. AMBIENCE: The furniture is not too ancient nor too modern but a cross in between. However the subdued red lights actually give it a nice touch. They have a bar and the restaueant is spacioud enough with enough space for large groups to dine at the same time OVERALL: I am definitely going back again.
(5)Kaitlyn M.
This place is my salvation when I'm working late. These guys are open until 10:30 when everywhere else closes at 10, which for me is a game changer. We used to come here occasionally for eat-in sushi, which is also good, but it has become my go-to takeout Chinese food. It costs a little more than the typical hole-in-the-wall Chinese place, but the food is SOO much better. The portions for the Chinese takeout are huge, and the quality is well above the Tops New China next door. Their dumplings never disappoint, they are always full and juicy and well-cooked. I also strongly recommend the Singapore curry noodles (two meals in one!). They'll even make egg foo yung for you if that's your thing (it's my guilty pleasure) even though it's not on the menu. All the meats and veggies are fresh, the shrimp are always plump, and it's always well-cooked. The inside is a dark and trendy, pretty basic, quiet little Chinese place. It's new, and very clean, and generally empty-to-half full. The take-out counter is a classy clean granite deal, and everything has a well-kept look to it. We love it, because I'm coming to hate noisy, bustling restaurants when I'm trying to relax over dinner. The sushi is pretty good, but it's excellent value with the BOGO. The menu is filled with what I'm coming to find as standard American sushi fare: plenty of tuna, salmon, shrimp, and crab, plenty of tempura offerings, and everything has an avocado variation. Two 8-piece rolls for $8 (with BOGO) on average is a great deal, and filling. I recommend the spicy yellowtail, eel avocado, crunchy shrimp, and salmon avocado. In short, if you live near here it's a godsend. It's a solid Chinese and sushi place and a great place to have a relaxing quiet dinner.
(4)Leslie S.
This place has never let me down. Excellent sushi with amazing prices, and even their other selections are great (I.e. Fried rice, hibachi)
(5)BJ T.
We tried a Firecracker roll, Smiley Roll, Spicy Tuna, California, Lion King and a few others that were all amazing. Everything is fresh and tastes like it is right out of the ocean. The service is excellent and the buy one get one specials make Peony one of our favorite places for dinner. Highly recommended if you're into good sushi.
(5)Mondo W.
Great food great service, it's hidden in the Kroger shopping center but you'll smell the food just follow your nose and try the dumplings there great.
(4)Mary Elizabeth W.
I came here with my family when I was home over Christmas break. My siblings and I ordered sushi (it was buy one roll, get one roll free) and my dad had lo mein. The sushi was good, but the server took forever to take our order and then later to bring us the check.
(4)gene s.
The best Asian food experience in the area. Fast and accurate service. Great drinks. Substantial portions. Chinese, and sushi both great here. Very friendly atmosphere.
(5)Thomas R.
This place is within walking distance from where I live so I get take out from here all the time. I've been going here for years and the food is always consistent. Let me be clear I'm seriously just giving this place 4 stars for their Sushi, which is surprisingly good especially for the price. For the rest of their food I'd say its 3 stars. All your traditional Chinese like General Tso, Sesame Chicken, Mongolian etc is solid, pretty tasty. I'd say the Dragon and Phoenix is the standout, orange chicken with spicy shrimp...so good and a huge portion. But the Thai and Vietnamese, let's just say I wouldn't recommend. Their sushi is great though and they always have BOGO. My favorite is the Lion King roll, but even just their red snapper or tuna roll are super good. I want to emphasize the quality of their sushi is surprising and a steal for the price. I really do like this place and if your just looking for your standard Chinese or sushi you will love it.
(4)Dale S.
Without question our favorite Asian cusine in Durham area yet. The food is clean, tasty and reasonably priced. Sushi looks devine although I haven't yet tried it. The best General Tso chicken I've had. Love the ambience with the asian music and the staff is friendly and attentive. We will make this our destination for Asian food every time. I see no reason to search for better! We nailed it with this gem of a discovery! Enjoy. We know you will.
(5)Jessica F.
This is our favorite sushi place in the area; the prices are very very reasonable (BOGO sushi!) and the sushi is usually great. I've never become ill from eating sushi here, which is obviously important to me in a sushi restaurant. My only complaint is that anything with 'spicy tuna' is made with tuna that's been chopped fine and mixed with spicy stuff; it's not that great and I'd much prefer whole tuna. Everything else on the sushi menu is really good though, and again, the prices are so very reasonable. The ambiance is quiet and comfortable. The servers are usually very attentive and polite. We've been coming here for years and hope to continue to do so!
(4)Tyrenne S.
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! The service and food are outstanding. Everything is fresh and tastes like it was caught in the morning. I always order their Double Shrimp Roll, Mini Steamed Dumplings and their Miso soup. I have tried other dishes which are ALL amazing. They always have their special buy one get one free which allows you to try different rolls without breaking the bank. My favorite Sushi restaurant in the Triangle!
(5)David B.
Very good General Tso's Chicken. I have eaten here several times and every time it is a good portion size and very high quality, the taste of the General is some of the best I have had since moving to this area. Food presentation and quality are always top notch, you can tell they care about what they serve.
(5)Michelle S.
Solid sushi and be to boxes for cheaper than other establishments that have higher yelp ratings. Added plus that their specials also apply to takeout. Overall my tuna avocado and salmon avocado roll were very fresh, Wasabi packed a punch and hubbys bent box wasn't anything spectacular but for 11$ and a variety of items it hit the spot for him. Definitely a good find.
(4)Ayla G.
This place is great! If I was in town longer I would come again. There are so many choices and the food comes out so fresh. The staff are kind and welcoming and the atmosphere is clean and enjoyable.
(5)Joselyn F.
I love the food! Here it has a delicious taste to it like my mother in law says "Its made with love" and they always have great service. In addition to all that they have B1G1 on all sushi!! GREAT DEAL!!
(5)David P.
Great for buy one get one free sushi. Good sushi for the price. This place is kind of sad. They have deformed fish in the fish tank and it kind of makes you think, are the fish I'm eating from this tank? Those fish with tumors are kind of gross. I'm not saying they do because believe me it doesn't taste like tumor fish. EAT THIS FOOD!!!!
(5)N K.
This looks like a small restaurant but has plenty of seating inside. I tried a couple of sushi rolls (smile roll and eel tempura roll). What I know is that I'll be back for more! The rolls were freshly prepared and delicious. They had bogo on the rolls so it was very reasonable. Even without the bogo, it's worth it. Try the eel tempura roll- you'll think positive thoughts about me :-)
(5)Sung M.
I just moved to Durham from NY and have tried many local Chinese/Japanese/Asian restaurants. My husbnad, son and I ate their lunch special from the Chinese menu. My son had the Chicken and Broccoli, and my husband and I had the Garlic Chicken. It was the most like what I was used to eating in NY. The price is average for the area, but portions are slightly smaller. I didn't particularly like the hot and sour soup which is why I gave it 4 stars. I'll try the egg roll next time. We did not try the Japanese menu. I will definitely return here.
(4)Pam P.
I was disappointed. Based on a friend's rec and the reviews I was expecting better quality. Great variety and prices, but the maguro sushi was only okay. Appetizers, especially shrimp dumplings,were quite good. Chinese dishes okay but not notable.
(3)Lisa W.
Some much to love about this place. Excellent service, laid back atmosphere, decent prices. Our only reason to visit was because they serve Peking duck with pancakes that my mom goes on and on about how she cannot find where she lives. $14.95 half $27.95 whole. We ordered the whole and it easily feeds two people and was delicious. She also ordered some Wonton soup which to me I could care less about but she told me I had to try it. I officially care about Peony's wonton soup. Apparently everyone else has been making it wrong. We also ordered some sushi, which was good. I have had better but still very solid with many rolls to choose from and of course with the BOGO special that seems to be popular here in Durham. I would agree with them in that they are an Asian Bistro, they serve everything from Sushi to Pad Thai and every Chinese dish in between. One other item that stands out in my mind is there Plum wine. They have a type that I have never had before. I have had the red and the white plum wines before but this one is a blush and for $16 a bottle it is hands down my favorite part of the meal. The atmosphere is no "date night" kind of place but it is clean and the staff is very friendly.
(4)Rebekka B.
My husband and I eat here at least once a week for lunch. Their portion sizes are large enough for us to split a meal and to be satisfied. Not to crazy about their sushi rolls, but I have always been happy with their main entrees. I have never had a bad meal here.
(4)R. J.
Business trip hotel stay. I was in the mood for Chinese/Asian food. A quick look at Google showed Peony Asian Bistro right around the corner. Great! A 3 minute trip & I'm inside. A real treasure tucked away in a fledgling retail center. You can get sushi/sashimi & 'traditional' Chinese food. I got a mix of both. Not only was the food very good but it was also reasonably priced. Quick service & friendly help. Pretty much the best carry out I've had in eons. I'm really glad that this place is here.
(4)Jonathan T.
Very good. They are normally quiet and one can go in for lunch or dinner and relax. Very good atmosphere. Food is very good as well. Ive been here several times, trying their Chinese dishes, the Bento box, and their Sushi. I enjoy the quality of food, their good service, and the nice relaxing atmosphere.
(4)Matt P.
This was the first place I fell in love with sushi, and I honestly have yet to go to another sushi joint in the Triangle that tops Peony in terms of quality and value. Buy 1 Get 1 Free on every roll they have, any time of day, is an excellent deal. Every roll I've tried here has been delicious, even their basic rolls are better than those of most other sushi-serving restaurants. They also offer a great variety of delicious non-sushi alternatives if you're with one of those "ew I don't eat raw fish" types. This is one of the more underrated sushi bars in the area, but that apparently is changing considering they recently changed their seating layout to accommodate more customers. If you like sushi, I'd strongly recommend checking out Peony.
(5)Jamie L.
This used to be my daughter and my favorite, go to place. The food has always been consistent, the service friendly and impeccable, and they are accommodating to my daughters special request. Unfortunately, since the remodel, the prices are creeping up and the portions are getting smaller. I had a "last straw" moment a couple of weeks ago when we stopped by for dinner and the bill, with tip, was nearly $30...and I didn't even eat!!!
(3)Maegan R.
This place has the best sushi anywhere near chapel hill!! They always have the BOGO going on. It's the best deal in town. They have such wonderful sushi so the deal is just magnificent. I love this place. If you haven't had sushi before this is the place to try and get hooked.
(5)Scott K.
Not the typical chinese food. Peony's menu is mostly chinese with Sushi and one Thai dish that I remember seeing. I have not had any sushi here just because I love the chinese dishes that much more. The potstickers are very good. The portions are large enough to ask for a "doggy bag" for the remainder of your meal. I will absolutly be back to eat here. Food A Staff B Location B Decor C Health Inspection Grade 99.0
(4)Meredith E.
Good atmosphere, attentive servers, and good food. Not to mention good sized portions make it very easy to eat family style.
(5)Kim G.
Always buy one roll get one roll free. Great deal and the sushi quality is usually pretty fresh. If not into sushi, a host of other items to choose from as well. Typically runs in the same quality but once in awhile not as good, but once in awhile fantastic.
(4)Al N.
The sushi is amazing. I didn't like sushi until I tried it at Peony, and they make it easy to get into. They have such a large selection of sushi, you can choose how much fish you are willing to try, or have something basic that isn't so intimidating for a beginner. Plus, the sushi is buy one get one free, so you pay about 15 dollars at most for a very filling amount of sushi. Always check the specials board because my favorite rolls have come from that board, namely, the Godzilla roll and the firecracker roll. I highly recommend trying this restaurant.
(5)Patricia R.
Haven't tried the sushi, but love the Thai chicken red curry, yummy. Always leftovers for the next day. Have eaten in, good customer service, good experience. Also great for take out.
(4)Heather C.
Great Chinese food and friendly staff. I especially love the bento boxes.
(5)Tony N.
We have been here twice, and both times we have been pleased with the food and service. As others have said, its primarily chinese food, with a nice sushi selection. There are two things that differentiate from the other asian/sushi restaurants in durham. 1) The bento box, priced at 995, is a fantastic deal, and you are left with a town of food! 2) The special spider roll was delicious...the soft shell crab was nice and lightly deep fried, and it seemed to be a heartier variety than the other restaurants.
(4)Bruce G.
I found myself in the Patterson Place shopping center recently so I decided to Peony up for a late lunch at Peony Asian Bistro. The place is in a strip mall area and small-ish, but very modern and nicely decorated. I particularly like their large fish tank near the front. I had been there at least once before and ordered the shrimp and broccoli and remembered that being quite good. The lunch sushi special was two rolls + miso soup for around $10. Not a bad deal and it definitely filled me up. I wasn't crazy about the miso soup. I think it was just not one of my favorite kinds of soup. A bit too sour tasting and sea-weed-y for me, I much prefer egg-drop, but I am always willing to try something new. I liked, but didn't love my sushi rolls. One was spicy salmon and the other was crunchy shrimp. Sushi purest might frown upon their sushi as not being authentic, but to me, a non-sushi purest, it wasn't a problem that they had cooked sushi. I tend to like to like my sushi fried and crunchy! My server was very attentive, but then again I was one of only a hand-full of people in the place. Overall I wouldn't say Peony is a sushi destination. That is I wouldn't make a point to go there on the regular just for the sushi. I know there are much better sushi offerings in the area. I think their entrée items are worth checking out though. They have quite the extensive menu. Give Peony a try! I think they need some love. Every time I have been there, it hasn't been too busy.
(4)Clay M.
Laid back atmosphere, I usually get sushi and the menu/selection is great with rotating featured new roles. Presentation and quality is always great. I always recommend this place as a more 'off the beaten' path place to grab sushi. If you like waiting and waiting to go to a cramped place with average food that's just pop culture overload filled with sorority girls having OMG SUSHI NIGHT WITH THE GIRLS then you'll like Shiki - but if you want a no-nonsense place with great food and service, try Peony.
(5)Matt E.
Tried this on Sunday evening. Very generous portions and amicable staff. We spent $40 on edamame, tea, kung pao chicken, and a nice (BOGO) sushi roll. That might sound like a lot, but we had more than enough for *3* more meals afterward. I fried up my leftover chicken with some veggies, and my fiancee and I ate that the following evening. She also had the free sushi roll left, so she took that for a work lunch early this week. It was pretty cold inside. Bring a sweater/jacket if you easily get the chills.
(4)Josh M.
They did have large portions but was not very good. The sushi that my wife had with her Bento box was horrendous. I have had better Sushi from the grocery store or a cheap buffet (I would say gas station, but I have never been that brave). The sesame chicken was not very good and bland. The orange beef was very large and not what I was familiar with. The orange beef was the best of our dinner selection and that was just because I was so hungry. Yet it was still mediocre. For the quality, it seemed a little overpriced. The service was decent, but scattered among several different people. I doubt we will be back, even though very convenient to where we live.
(2)Lauren R.
Sushi was ok. Service was poor (wasn't crowded). Was looking forward to trying it but it disappointed. Considering the number of similarly priced and fresher sushi offerings in the area, I won't be returning, even though this is the most convenient.
(2)Minerva T.
My friend and I decided it was about time to sit down and eat at this place that has become our "go-to" when we want stuff "to-go." She told me that they did BOGO sushi so I wanted to give it a try after seeing the really cheap menu. I must say that we had an extremely excellent time and for quite cheap as well! I'd go again for sushi for sure. I got the Yellowtail Cucumber Roll, two orders of Inari, and the Shrimp Tempura Roll. The yellowtail was quite delicious, and the cucumber in the roll gave a nice fresh contrast to the slight tang that yellowtail tends to have. The inari made me realize how much I had missed Inari! I had my friend try it and she thought it was great even though she was a little wary at first, haha. The shrimp tempura was okay but it was probably because the roll was warm that I didn't like it. Otherwise, the sauce drizzled on top was excellent. So when my friend eats sushi, she eats "sushi," as in the vegetarian option; she had the California Roll and the Sweet Potato Tempura Roll (who the heck makes that?). She enjoyed her meal but I didn't try any of it to see what it was like. So I got all of my sushi for a mere $11.24. Isn't that nuts? Also, I took a picture of the receipt because it printed with Chinese. I was so psyched about it, haha. Their take-out menu is pretty good too and the soup portions quite generous for the $1 or so they are.
(4)Mohamed N.
"Asian cuisine & sushi in a Durham strip mall" Buried back near Home Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond, and a few other big chains is this little place that boasts Chinese, Japanese, and Thai cuisine. The setting was a little small and unusually dark for noontime in a place with huge windows (blinds were closed), but there was a large fishtank with goldfish that look like they were raised in an outdoor pond (since they were huge). They had several two-for-one sushi roll options for good prices (6-8 pieces per roll, cost ranging $5-12 per roll). We liked that the menu was unusually informative, describing exactly what was in each roll and how many pieces each came with rather than assuming we're "not cool enough" if we don't "just know." My daughter and I each got 2 rolls and my wife got standard Chinese fare (sesame chicken with rice, $5.75 from the lunch menu). Immediately after our order, a sushi chef came to the little "bar" area and prepared the sushi rolls while my kids watched. Definitely fresh! I enjoyed the philly roll and a shrimp mango roll. Both were really great- the salmon tasted fresh in the philly roll, and the melding of flavors in the shrimp mango roll was excellent. My daughter also got a salmon cucumber, and again, very tasty. Sesame chicken was pretty standard but acceptable. (I can see why Christina G felt the standard Chinese fare was uninspired.) Service was just OK- prompt, but not especially warm, and never giving us refills on our waters. Good price for what my nonexpert palate found to be a decent quantity of tasty sushi, so I'd give it 3-4 stars (I'll round up)... would happily return.
(4)Nancy Y.
I like my sushi fresh, not fried. The last time I got take-out from here, there were bits of gratuitous fried flakes in every single roll, which made up 1/3 to 1/2 of the bulk. I realize we're in tough economic times, but it's not a very cost-effective business practice to sub fish with fried bits. They're not fooling anyone. I do want to note though that I've been here over a handful of times since they've opened, and I haven't always felt this way about their sushi. I used to really like it here! They're at a convenient location and used to do a good job of filling the middle-market for sushi on days when I didn't want to pay $20+ for a meal, but didn't want to resort to sushi boxes from grocery stores. Who knows? I may still give them a shot to see if they improve. I've had the Chinese food here, and thought it average.
(2)Tori H.
My husband took me here one night. It's ok inside - nothing fancy, the sushi is ok, the other entrees (specifically chicken ones) are really mediocre. I would much rather hit up Shiki Sushi- which may actually be cheaper and it's a lot nicer inside...
(2)Nichole K.
Teriyaki steak is delicious. Have never dined in, always ordered carry-out but their service has always been friendly and quick.
(5)James H.
Peony is our neighborhood Chinese takeout place. Usually it's solid but sometimes just "OK". If there was something convenient & better we probably not frequent as often.
(3)Leo T.
This place is the definition of average. I've been twice and there is nothing special about. Just an average place, with average Asian dishes. My wife got sushi both times we've been and it's OK. Just basic, no frills. I got the yellow curry shrimp lunch special and you guessed it, just OK. The best part about it, it was inexpensive ($6). I will say I was pleasantly surprised at the pork fried rice, as that was pretty good. However, the service has been slow for lunch, so be prepared to wait.
(3)Blair B.
Great value here. Dim red lighting, fish tank, 2 for 1 sushi and all your regular offering. Not fancy. Just simple. In a strip mall, but dont judge this book by its cover.
(3)mimi c.
BOGO sushi is not worth it. I ordered the "special spider roll" and shrimp tempura roll. I'm sorry... how many ways are you going to cut down that shrimp? I could barely see the sucker! The sushi rice was cold, felt a little like I was eating last night's sushi rice? My friend ordered tofu with mixed vegetables... pretty standard. Honestly nothing about this place got me excited.
(2)Becky M.
Peony and sushi should by synonymous. I heart their New Year roll and Lion King roll, but I've had 6 others and they were beautiful to look at as well as eat. My miso soup was hot and hearty. My hot sake was perfect, with the appropriate insulation around the neck of the bottle. Those in my party loved their cooked sushi, edamame, and authentic Chinese dishes, be they lightly fried or pan-seared/sauteed. Now, the 5th star was lost due to how long my party and I waited to be served, waited to have our drinks refilled, but didn't wait long for them to bring us receipts to sign. If you can move that fast for credit cards, I'll put 'em up in the air just to bring you over for wine and beer refills for my friends, people. I want to try EVERYthing on the menu, and hopefully they stay around long enough for that to happen!
(4)Grace S.
Buy one get on free sushi rolls are the best deal in the Triangle area. Its also a chill date spot not too fancy but still a semi intimate environment. Oh yea and they have the best carb rangoon in the town. My only small negative is that depending on the time you place your order your wait could be longer than expected
(4)Stuart S.
First, don't come here for sushi. Although it's cheap (buy one, get one), it's simply not good. Expect a lot of filler like fried flakes. That said, the Chinese food is decent and reasonably priced. I love their hot and sour soup, and have had a number of other dishes on the menu. It's by no means gourmet, but a solid option. I like the vegetable dishes more, like the ma po tofu. Even the pad thai, decidedly out of place, was pretty good. Have only done takeout from here, so I can't comment about the service or the atmosphere.
(3)Michael S.
Peony has never disappointed. I tend to visit weekly and I am working my way through the menu. The place is always clean, the service good and the price, in a word... in... ex... pen... sive. Most days sushi is buy one get one free. For a weekly haunt, put Peony Asian Bistro on you list.
(4)Jennifer H.
I think that reading other Yelpers may have steered me wrong today on Peony Asian Bistro. I had eaten there 2 years ago and been pleasantly surprised with the two Chinese dishes I got (shrimp w/honey walnuts & chicken w/broccoli)--it wasn't Chinatown great or California good but it was better than average Chinese for this area. But after reading the reviews on Yelp, I thought I'd avoid the Chinese menu and try the sushi since so many folks thought highly of it AND 2 for 1 always is appealing. However, the sushi I had was, in short, disappointing and in one instance, inedible. I ordered the yellowtail with avocado & the eel with avocado (I was killing time since my dog was getting groomed at Petsmart). The yellowtail was so-so--I've had much better at places like Waraji & even Shiki Sushi. The eel was AWFUL--I ate two rolls, felt a bit ill, and when I tried the third I ended up spitting it out because the fish was chewy/tough and didn't taste right. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the won ton soup--the broth was flavorfull and full bodied (not like a lot of gringo Chinese places where it's watery--again, not as great as Chinatown or California Chinese but good for this area) and the 3 won tons were also tasty (and unlike some places, they did give me 3 won tons instead of a stingy single won ton). The won ton soup saved this review from being a 1-star. I may try Peony Asian Bistro a third time--this time just the Chinese menu--but I will NEVER EAT SUSHI THERE AGAIN. It was so bad that if it weren't BOGO I would have demanded that they take the eel roll off my bill. At this point, someone would have to pay me to eat sushi at this place--actually, no, you couldn't pay me to eat sushi at this place--it's THAT BAD.
(2)Melissa P.
Eh, just okay. I came for their sushi recommendation, but much prefer Shiki Sushi. Will not return.
(3)Nicole T.
Peony is our go-to Sushi and Chinese take-out place. The food quality is good and consistent from visit to visit. The sushi is fresh, right priced and served quickly.
(5)Samantha E.
Randomly came by and got sushi with some friends. Although Shiki is my go-to place in the area, Peony was affordable and delicious. A was quite place and a good alternative if Shiki is too packed.
(3)Andrew S.
This was my second visit to Peony. The service and quality have been consistently above satisfactory. The interior is very clean, comfortable, and the music is soothing. The menu is a combo of traditional chinese, augmented by a sushi menu. I ordered the hot and sour soup which was quite delicious. The mixed vegetables with bean curd was equally good. My only complaint is that the service was so prompt that I barely had 3 minutes to eat my soup before the entree arrived. I'll probably be back next time I'm in the area. Update - I've since been back multiple times since posting this draft review. The service and food quality has been consistently good.
(4)R S.
I have been here a few times and find it to be consistently average. The sushi is more affordable than at other nearby sushi restaurants, but also does not taste as fresh. I used to think that the bento boxes were a good deal, but the price on those was recently raised. If you are looking for a restaurant with many different types of sushi rolls for those who do not eat shellfish, this is a good option.
(3)Andrew F.
Peony is my staple fast Chinese food restaurant. The food is good but nothing super special. I usually get Kung pao chicken and enjoy that. My wife likes their sushi, but recommends a real sushi restaurant. Peony is good to kill the cravings, but nothing extraordinary.
(3)X X.
I've never upgraded a review before, but Peony has earned it. I stand by my review about the quality of the Chinese menu being sub-par and still detest "pan Asian restaurants." However, I was taken to try the sushi and was pleasantly surprised...to the point where I've been back a few times since then. The fish tastes very fresh and they do have "simple rolls" for purists. The 2 for 1 maki everyday, all-day makes it a pretty good deal. Just remember that they will take off the cheapest rolls from your bill and count those as the free ones. Bottom line: 2 stars for Chinese, 4 stars for sushi = 3 stars.
(3)Duke C.
Good for average Americanized Chinese and Cheap Sushi. Like all the other places, they have BOGO sushi/sashimi. I've never had issues with the fish there and generally they give generous cuts on the sashimi. The Chinese side of the menu is fairly bland and uninteresting to me.
(3)Angela B.
Didn't have big expectations but we were pleasantly surprised at how deliciously amazing the sushi is... We tried the spiderman roll, dragon roll, rainbow roll and spicy tuna.... All of them were great!!
(4)Mike C.
We are new to the area and decided to try Peony while shopping on 15-501. Peony has now become our stand-by restaurant for sushi. Their sushi is always buy-one-get-one-free (which is new to me... but seems to be common in the Triangle) and it is consistently very good quality. The ingredients are always fresh (good salmon and tuna), including the ginger, which is some of the best I've had. I've had sushi all over the US and Peony is in the top tier. The value is excellent. Two of us can eat a sushi dinner (no alcohol or super fancy rolls) for $20 + tip! You can't beat that! Moe's next door is easily $15 for two burritos. The only reason I wouldn't give Peony 5 stars is the ambiance leaves a bit to be desired and it's in a strip mall. The spicy tuna rolls are also not my favorite because of the crunchy filler. But, you're going there for the great value on good sushi! Our favorite sushi here is: crazy tuna, salmon avocado, shrimp tempura, and salmon nigiri.
(4)Tera B.
I go to Peony a couple of times a month (over the past two years). It is consistently good. The staff is always very friendly and the sushi is always good. My husband really likes the Chinese food options. I will continue to frequent this place regularly. I am especially a fan of a BOGO sushi---and you can even get it for take out!!!!!!
(4)Liwei Y.
I ordered peking duck and a noodle dish here before. They told me it'd take 30-45 minutes for the peking duck to be ready so I thought I'd get a nice good peking duck, but instead, I got thin strips of crispy duck meat with pancakes....pretty disappointed. The noodles tasted good but the sauce that came with it was too water. Would have been much better if they thickened the sauce.
(2)Mike M.
The buy one, get one makes the few mistakes and sometimes shaky service bearable. I'm a huge spider roll fan and theirs has always been great. In addition, the spicy tuna, philly and bagel are also good.
(4)donya s.
WOW! Buy one get one free sushi rolls. I had the spicy salmon roll and the crispy shrimp roll. I just moved here from Va. Beach and I thought it would be impossible to find good sushi here and I WAS WRONG Its amazing definitely check it out!!!
(5)YL S.
Been to this joint a few times. The only thing I will get is the sushi, which is buy one get one free. Taste ok not fantastic. Stay away from the Chinese food there cuz they are just that bad...
(2)Darran S.
Where do I begin? The atmosphere is great. Not too dark, sort of a romantic lighting. The service is quick and flawless. It was busy but I didn't have to wait. The menu is well laid out and easy to read. I started with 2 Sushi rolls, all sushi rolls are buy 1 get 1 free!!! I had the Philly roll and the spicy crab roll, both were delicious and quite filling. I ordered the Dragon and Phoenix dinner. [General Tso's chicken & hot and spicy shrimp] It came as I took the last bite of sushi. It was the best chicken and shrimp combo I have eaten in a long time. So flavorful and appetizing, I couldn't finish even half of my dinner. I will definitely be going back!!!
(4)N B.
I was very pleasantly surprised by this place! I have extremely low expectations for Chinese food around these parts, so please note that my review is partly clouded by those low expectations. We tried the General Tso's chicken and the pad thai. We also had hot and sour soup. I was very surprised to see that the chicken used in the typical Chinese food dishes was white meat! NOT the typical dark meat/extra parts meat you get from Chinese food restaurants around here. I was also impressed that they offer a choice between brown and white rice. I always appreciate that. The pad thai with shrimp was very tasty and included nice touches like Thai basil and fried tofu. It was as good as, if not better, than the pad thai I've had at Twisted Noodle or Thai Cafe. Overall, the food tasted very fresh and like it had been made with care. The service was quick and courteous. I have also tried the sushi. It was fine but for sushi, I will always stick with Shiki Sushi. I would definitely recommend Peony Asian Bistro for a better Asian food experience than you're probably used to if you live around here.
(4)Christina G.
Never been brave enough to try the sushi here -- though my friends routinely get it. Used to be extremely convenient to where I lived, but I really don't have a reason to go there now that I've moved further away. It's just typical, uninspired Chinese (and a handful of other not-so-fantastically-impersonated ethnicities) food. The venue is pretty new (about 3 years), so it's modern and clean. And it never gets too crowded, so not much of a wait for service or food.
(3)Rick D.
Haven't tried the sushi but the Chinese is okay. The lady on the phone was confused when I asked for rice. It had probably been a long day.
(3)Mo G.
Me & my better half eat here often and the main reason to love this place is the amazing free roll deals! For the price..it can't get any better! I believe they have a lunch special with 3 rolls for abt $10 [peony triple]!? This is our main deal, both of us split the rolls and it works out great. We also get the shrimp lomein and some green tea! THe sushis are perfect (not too much rice) and you get to taste & enjoy the meat :) Love their spicy and crunchy rolls! Service is average, not bad but not the greatest either. The place is kept clean and the ambiance is cozy (with classical Chinese!? + piano music). Overall.. a must visit and recommended!
(4)Aisha M.
I think this place just opened. They have a 2 for 1 sushi special. I ordered sushi and it didn't taste very fresh as they doused everything with lots of sauce. I could barely taste the fish or the rice. Also my friends commented that the hot and sour soup tasted funny. It has a nice decor but the food left a lot to be desired.
(3)Jeff B.
The sushi at Peony is pretty good. The rolls are fresh and the price is reasonable. Like many of the fancier sushi restaurants in this area, they run a 2 for 1 roll special, which makes it a steal. I particularly recommend the crispy shrimp roll. It's delicious. I've only tried one non-sushi item, the chicken lo mein, and to be honest it was good but not great. I hear good things about other menu items though, so they may be worth a shot. Overall, the sushi is good, but not as fancy as the other (more expensive) places I've tried in the triangle. I'll go back. Peony is a winner.
(4)Louise A.
I went here for dinner with my daughter and two young granddaughters. It was pretty busy, but the service was excellent, and they were very accommodating of the two girls. We ordered sushi, and the girls had noodles. The sushi was very good - I live in La Jolla, CA, where the sushi is excellent and the prices are stratospheric. This restaurant definitely gives very good value. I will definitely return.
(4)Amie K.
I ordered from the 2-for-1 sushi roll deal and my friend had the curry chicken. The food was ok for what you could expect from an affordable establishment. The menu is pretty extensive - making it a jack-of-all-trades type of cuisine. We had take-out, so I can't comment on the table service. It's an average place with good prices.
(3)Michael H.
Amazing sushi and the BOGO deal is fantastic. This is my new go-to sushi joint for sure.
(5)Jon B.
I am a vegetarian/pescetarian and my wife is an omnivore. I enjoyed my red curry shrimp while my wife enjoyed her Beef Pad Thai -- easy to find - in the same area as Kohl's and PetSmart - so If you are running errands - stop here to eat. Even if you aren't running errands - stop here to eat.
(5)Sharon L.
Generally speaking I avoid Asian restaurants that try to combine cuisines...it doesn't usually work out well. And I REALLY avoid Asian restaurants with the word bistro in them. But had heard little rumblings about this place so randomly tried it. This is a tentative 4 star because I didn't try anything too unusual. Just veggie lo mein, avocado roll, and alaska roll. This is going to sound really strange but being a left coaster, I've had trouble finding some standard good lo mein out here. The noodles are always sort of mushy, or the sauce is non existent or sweet. This lo-mein made me pretty darn happy...simple veggie mix of broccoli/snow peas/onions, with primarily noodles in a savory but not overly salty sauce. It's simple and good. The sushi was very decent compared to what I've had in the Chapel Hill area. Haven't made it over to Raleigh so can't compare. The other thing is they have a buy one roll get another free. Which is a pretty good deal all in all. I'll definitely be heading back to try out more things. P.S. Went back and tried beef chow fun. Decent. For any of you left coasters, the food reminds me of Ranch 99...which isn't necessarily a bad thing out here. But it's also twice the price as Ranch 99.
(4)Ncmike M.
Peony is a very nice change for some Asian Cuisine! I go there regulary for lunch. The Sushi is 'melt in your mouth' good and I've had 6 different lunch plates and all selections are incredibly good!! Always fresh!!!
(4)Christine O.
I used to live very close to this place and was tempted enough by its convenience to try it twice. I ordered sushi both times. It was far and away the worst sushi I have ever had. "I think she's startin' to turn." When they came out with the 2-for-1 sushi roll promo, I almost had to laugh. Figures they'd have to give it away. I wouldn't eat there again if it was free.
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