Katsuji Tanabe's RTP restaurant empire takes shape
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Bowls are two scoops rice; one scoop macaroni salad. Tobiko is great for texture in the spicy tuna bowl. Photos: Mary Helen Moore/Axios
The newest addition at Boxyard RTP opened its doors last month, bringing Japanese hand rolls and bowls to the outdoor food hall.
Why it matters: KatSushi comes from chef Katsuji Tanabe, a "Top Chef" alum, and restaurateur Anthony Rapillo, who are betting big on Research Triangle Park.
Catch up quick: The duo plans to have three RTP restaurants open by the end of the year:
- 🌮 La Taqueria by Katsuji, a taco joint that opened in Boxyard in 2025;
- 🍚 The newly opened KatSushi;
- 🐴 And later this year, High Horse, a revival of an acclaimed fusion spot that closed early in the COVID pandemic.
- 🍝 The pair is also behind Flour & Barrel, an Italian restaurant in Raleigh.
Best bites: We came for the hand rolls ($8 each), but were pleasantly surprised by the bowls ($19), thanks to the delightful incorporation of macaroni salad.
- When choosing flavors, you can't go wrong with spicy tuna. It's topped with tobiko, small pops of bright orange roe from flying fish.
- Mochiko chicken, a sweet Hawaiian fried chicken, was another favorite.
The vibe: Order inside and pick up from a window on the second floor of Boxyard.
- Alcohol wasn't available yet when we visited during opening week, but staff told us they'd begin serving drinks this week. We got cocktails downstairs at the taco joint.
If you go: It's open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am-8pm.
- 📍 900 Park Offices Drive, Durham
- Pro tip: It's a great lunch option, but check the Boxyard calendar for evening activities, too. There's typically live music on Thursdays.
